7 of the best key safes to keep a spare set handy — from £9.95

It's settled: these are the best key safes to make losing access to your home a thing of the past

A selection of the best key safes as chosen by Real Homes team on a blue graphic background
(Image credit: Future / Masterlock / Defender)
Best Key Safe: Quick list

Let's get straight to it: the best key safe or 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? Or are you an Airbnb entrepreneur who is earning a little extra by renting out your apartment? Whatever the situation — there's no need to rush home anymore.

Saying that, it's more than worth investing in something safe and secure for peace of mind and 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, and from under £10. That way, all you need to do to give your nearest and dearest access is set a secure combination, pop the keys inside, and let them know the code.

Find my favorite top-rated key boxes just below. Here I've listed the price, design, plus how many lock-openers it can hold. There are also some pros and cons to each, plus a little summary of other particulars you might find interesting. For example: Many designs are attack-resistant, and one of them has police approval!

7 of the best key safes to buy in 2024

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 safes


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.

Where to buy a key safe

Most of our product listings above have links to the cheapest places to buy them. However, if you want to broaden your search, consider the following retailers

Key safe FAQs

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.

How we test 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.


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.

Christina Chrysostomou
Acting head ecommerce editor

Hi, I'm the acting head ecommerce editor at Real Homes. Prior to working for the Future plc family, I've worked on a number of consumer events including the Ideal Home Show, Grand Designs Live, and Good Homes Magazine. With a first class degree from Keele University, and a plethora of experience in digital marketing, editorial, and social media, I have an eye for what should be in your shopping basket. I'm the in-house appliances expert and have gone through the internal customer advisor accreditation process.

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