Let's get straight to it: a key lock box isn't supposed to be glamorous, it's merely supposed to provide you (or your family and friends) with access to your home when you can't. Out for brunch with the girls but your mum needs to pop by and grab something? Still at the gym but your boyfriend is waiting outside? There's no need to rush home anymore.
Saying that, it's more than worth investing in something that's safe and secure for peace of mind and for protection against potential break-ins. Whatever your budget and however many keys you have to hold, I've done the oh-so-fun job of researching the best key lock boxes for your porch, doorstep, and more. So you can find one online, order it for quick delivery, and then fit it yourself — in less than an hour. That way, all you need to do to give your nearest and dearest access is set a secure combination is pop the keys inside and let them know the code.
Find my favourite top-rated key boxes just below. If you're working with a tiny amount of space outside and are lost for inspiration, then see our small porch ideas guide for looks you can easily replicate.
7 of the best key safes to buy in 2023
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best key safe
Design: Alloy Steel
Keys: 6+
+ Heavy-duty design
+ Spacious
+ Easy to use
+ Internal hook
- Not the best looking
This Defender wall-mounted safe is the easiest to use and sturdiest option on the market plus it's a great all-rounder for anyone, and after testing it, we are certain that it will do a great job in your home. Its box is made from attack-resistant alloy steel that’s guaranteed to frustrate any would-be burglars. 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.
Real Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The best compact key safe
Design: Alloy Steel
Keys: 5
+ Easy-to-use
+ Window to cover lock
+ Affordable
- No interior hook
For top-notch security in the palm of your hand, this Defender Wall Mounted key safe is excellent and for less than £20, you can secure a reliable spot for your keys when you're not home. After testing, we discovered that it's easy to use and very sturdy. It's built to prevent attacks from hammering, sawing, or prying. We love the slide-up compartment to keep it protected from the weather.
Real Homes rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
The best small key safe
Design: Aluminium
Keys: 3
+ Compact size
+ Easy to mount
+ Window to cover lock
+ Great for elderly
- Fiddly to unlock
- No interior hook
We've tested this key safe from Master Lock, and we think it's a great pick if you are searching for something for an older person's home. Whether that's for safe keeping one key for emergencies, or for carers to let themselves in. It's straightforward and intuitively designed so that anyone can easily work out the opening if they have the code. If you have a mortice lock or larger keys to store, you might be best to go for something larger.
Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The best high visibility key safe
Design: Steel
Keys: 6
+ 2-step security
+ Police-approved
+ Great if you have poor vision
+ Interior hook
- Expensive
Designed to maximize the safety of your home, this police-approved key safe has some impressive features. Designed with a high-vis keypad and dials, this model is best suited to those who anticipate coming home in the dark or for those with a visual impairment. The combination of a keypad and turn-lock is great if you're 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.
The best key safe for capacity
Design: Steel
Keys: 10
+ Large capacity
+ Can buy in bulk
+ Can buy in multiples
- Need to use a long combination
- No interior hook
This large capacity key safe from Sentinel can hold up to 10 Yale-type keys, so whether you've got kids or lots of sets of keys for different family members, it should be large enough to help with any job. Its sturdy design is robust and easy to mount, plus it has a push digit combination. Just bear in mind that you'll want to use a lengthy combination as it's not about the order it's about the numbers. You can also buy this key safe in multiples, so landlords will rejoice.
The best subtle key safe
Design: Aluminium alloy
Keys: 2
+ Protective cover
+ Can store cards too
+ Mounting kit included
- No interior hook
If you live on a main road or a busy street, this Masterlock key safe might be the best option for you, mostly because of its subtle design but also because it's made to withstand attempted break-ins. It comes with a protective cover that not only protects the combination dials from the weather but disguises them from potential burglars. Plus, it's easy to install and anything but complex, whilst never comprising on quality.
The best cheap key safe
Design: Aluminium alloy
Keys: 2
+ Window to cover lock
+ Super affordable
+ Quick and easy installation
- No interior hook
- Small capacity
Best for those on a budget, this HOME HUT key safe, available at Amazon, provides impressive value for money. It's ideal for holding a spare house key or two and allows you to lock the box with a four-digit combination code of your choosing. 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. It's even designed with pre-drilled holes for quick installation.
5 things 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:
1. Which type of key safe do you want?
We've featured a mix of push buttons and combination key safes, with some allowing you to set your own memorable number. It's worth considering which will best suit your needs.
2. How many keys can it hold?
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.
3. What does it look like?
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.
4. Is it 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.
5. 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 offer 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.
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.
Real Homes review process — how we tested these key safes
We haven't had the opportunity to test out all of these key safes just yet, but we have tested the three first in this guide. Otherwise, we carefully chose the rest of these 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. For those we have tested, we've awarded a star rating.
