These are the best key safes for those who can sometimes be forgetful with their keys, or for those renting out their home to guests through Airbnb in order to provide remote access to a property. Providing a safe haven for your house keys, gate keys, or even your car keys, these boxes have an array of features to help you keep things locked up when they need to be.
For when leaving a key with a neighbor or under a nearby rock just won't cut it, these boxes can step in to save the day. With these top-rated picks, there are a number of ways to keep your keys locked up, including electronic, dial, and combination unlocking systems.
If you're managing your property as an Airbnb, then there are also lockboxes within this roundup that you can take control of remotely, and make use of temporary access codes for when new guests arrive. Once they have completed their stay and returned the keys, then you can be reassured that you have full control again by changing the access code.
Owning a trusty key safe will work hand-in-hand with the other best home security buys that you probably own. Not only that, but it makes for an easy life: you'll never get locked out of your house again.
The best key safes
The Supra 500, is the market-leading key safe, and it’s easy to see why.
Attack-resistant design
Its box is made from an attack-resistant zinc alloy that’s guaranteed to frustrate any would-be burglars with its anti-forced entry construction.
Police-approved
Not only that, it’s one of the few key safes approved by the police through the Secured by Design initiative, so it’s certified secure, a great bonus for buyers concerned about leaving their keys outside.
Easy to use
The mechanical buttons are easy to operate and the code is easy to set, meaning you're unlikely to be left locked outside your own home. A pretty good all-rounder that's suitable for pretty much any user, we think it's the best outdoor key safe you can buy.
For top-notch security in the palm of your hand, this Master Lock Bluetooth lockbox key safe, available at Amazon, is another of our top-rated models.
Control from your smartphone
Designed to work alongside an app – which you can download to your iOS or Android device – this model will inform you every time someone opens the safe, or attempts to open the safe.
Create temporary passcodes
Plus, you can share guest access from your smartphone, meaning you can give one-off guests a temporary pin without having to worry that they'll return, uninvited, at a later date.
View activity reports
Thanks to its smart capacity, this model also offers a full activity report, delivered straight to your phone. This lets you know who last accessed the key safe, so you're always in the know when it comes to home security.
Next up on our list is a key safe designed to maximize the safety of your home. And, it's clear to see that the Burton Police Preferred Specification Keyguard XL outdoor key safe, available at Amazon has some impressive credentials.
Police-accredited
With a secured by design certification – which means it's approved by the police – this model is perfect for those looking for something with credible claims.
Low light option
Designed with a high-vis keypad and dials, this model is best suited to those who anticipate coming home in the dark or want those they let into their home to be able to find a key safe, without assistance. It's also a great option for those with a visual impairment.
Two-step security
The combination of a keypad and turn-lock is perfect for those who are concerned about break-ins and like the idea of two-step security. That said, it's worth bearing in mind that this system may not suit those with limited mobility.
It would also be a smart idea to invest in one of the best porch lights to help you see when typing in the combination of your key safe at night, or in the winter months.
Perfect for those seeking a key safe with a large capacity, the Sentinel key safe is another option worth considering if you're looking to provide safe and secure access to your home. Available to buy on its own, or buy in multiples of 2, 4, 12, or 20 to save some money.
Large capacity
Capable of holding up to 10 Yale-type keys, this Sentinel key safe has the highest capacity of any option on our list, making it great for large households with lots of doors, cars, bikes, and other lockable possessions between them.
Robust design
That large capacity sits inside a safe that’s made weather-resistant with special paint, and it has a reassuringly robust feel to it, as well as being easy to mount.
Worth considering
Our only complaint is that while you can set your own combination for this, the key safe will unlock no matter what order you put your chosen numbers in, so it's best that you have a long code to ensure it can't be cracked.
The Rhino Lock secure combination safe, available at Amazon great combination key safe in terms of robustness, this model feels pretty strong.
Combination wheels
Designed with a window that drops down over the combination wheels – to keep them completely apart from the elements – this model is sure to stand the test of time. Plus, it makes a great alternative for those who don't like combination keypads.
Durable design
Thanks to its durable, weatherproof design, as well as its large interior, Rhino Lock says this Secure Key safe is ideal for housing more delicate emergency items like cash and credit cards as well as house and car keys.
If you prefer a combination key lock, to those with keypads, this Masterlock wall mount combination key lockbox model is another option worth considering.
Long keypad code
If you have an inkling that wannabe intruders are scoping out your house, you might be left edgy by the prospect of a short keypad code that can easily be guessed from over your shoulder.
A combination lockbox is a lot harder to get an eye on from afar, and this one lets you set your own combination. So you won’t be left red-faced and calling the locksmith because you forgot the default.
Easy to install
Ideal for those who want a key safe, but want to avoid the hassle of installing a key-safe, reviewers suggested that this model was particularly easy to implement.
Large capacity
Perfect for those looking to store more than one set of keys, this model has an impressively large capacity, particularly given its outward appearance.
If you live on a main road or a busy street, this Masterlock key safe might be the best option for you thanks to its robust design.
Durable design
Made from metal, this durable key safe is designed to withstand attempted break-ins. Plus, it comes with a protective cover which not only protects the combination dials from the weather but disguises them from potential burglars.
Large capacity
Perfect for those looking to store more than one set of keys or other items, this model has a large enough capacity to fit multiple items, comfortably, and without compromising security.
Simple installation
If we're honest, no one really wants to have to go to the hassle of installing a complex key safe, which is where this simple design and easy installation comes up trumps.
Best for those on a budget, this HOME HUT® outdoor wall lockable combination key safe, available at Amazon, provides impressive value for money.
Handy four-digit combination code
Ideal for holding a spare house key or two, this outdoor wall mount allows you to lock the box with a four-digit combination code of your choosing.
Durable design
Plus, its strong zinc alloy construction makes it tough to crack. It also has a window that comes up over the lock so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb to passers-by.
Easy installation
Designed with pre-drilled holes, for quick installation, you won't need to worry about a long and complicated installation process.
What to consider when buying a key safe?
When it comes to buying the best key safe to suit your requirements, there are few factors worth bearing in mind. These include:
Buttons
We've featured a combination of push buttons and rotation wheels, with some allowing you to set your own memorable number. It's worth considering which will best suit your needs.
Capacity
While it may seem obvious, many people fail to consider what size key safe they actually require, until it's too late. Take time to consider how many sets of keys you intend on storing at a time, and make a choice accordingly.
Design
Key safes with covers are less obvious. Plus, you may wish to consider how your key safe will affect the appearance of the entrance to your home. Something big and bulky will – obviously – have more of an effect than something more slimline. Conversely, there are added security benefits in picking something a little more heavy-duty.
Easy to see
For those with weaker eyes, a high-vis option is certainly preferable. Plus, it goes without saying that if you're likely to return home in darker light you'll want something with clear numbering.
Smart or simple?
In today's day and age, there's rarely a product you can't connect to a smartphone. And the key safe is no exception. Choosing a digital option that pairs with iOS or Android devices offers neat extras, like the option to drop guests a one-time code or updates every time an individual opens – or tries to open – the safe. Of course, for some, this might be a little intense and overcomplicated. For those who like to keep things basic, a heavy-duty, mechanical operation design is a more sensical choice.
Do you want to replace your lock entirely?
Even more secure than installing a key safe is switching your regular locks for smart locks. This will not only make keys entirely redundant but allow you to control who accesses your home with even greater precision.
Are key lockboxes safe?
While each key box on our list is verified secure by happy reviewers, our top pick all round, the Supra C500 (opens in new tab), is one of the best selling lockable key boxes on the market, and the first one to be approved by the police as part of the Secured by Design initiative.
Are key safes a good idea?
For those who often misplace their door keys, key safes really are a savior. Plus, if you have lots of people coming in and out of your home at different times, needing different keys, then they are a very efficient way to manage that.
Does a key safe affect house insurance?
Nowadays, many insurance providers have grown wise to the benefits of key safes, and a fair number of insurers will not void your insurance for using one. That said, because it can allow someone other than the homeowner to enter your house, it is viewed less favorably by some companies. Better safe than sorry, we would always recommend giving your provider a call to check their policy.
Which key safes are police-approved?
Of the police-approved options out there, we recommend the Burton Police Preferred Specification Keyguard XL Outdoor Key Safe (opens in new tab) and the Supra C500 (opens in new tab) – both uber-secure options.
How we chose the best key safes
We haven't had the opportunity to test out these key safes just yet, but we have carefully chosen these particular products based on a range of criteria. That includes looking at police-approved options for that extra element of safety, considering the capacity, build and materials of each and including safes within a range of budgets, to make this roundup accessible to all.
