Investing in a key safe is always a smart choice. Essential for homeowners looking to temporarily rent their pad out on Airbnb, a key safe is also a must-have for forgetful families – teenagers always seem to lose their keys. Perhaps you rely on childcare or pet care and need a method of letting the carers in? Or, you might be having work done on your house, in which case, the builders will need access while you're out.
Offering a roster of products that ensure the utmost security and safety needed for the exchange of keys, our selection has something for everyone. Covering everything from manual to digital, our pick features models with mechanical button and rotation combinations, as well as push digit combinations that connect to your smartphone. Dependent on how it's being used, you might prefer a more high-tech option, or alternatively, a simpler, classic choice.
To learn more about some of our chart-toppers, continue reading. If you find that you're still a little unsure on which model is ideal for you, don't sweat it. Simply check out the section at the end for some handy buying advice. Oh, and while you're at it, why not complete your home security set-up? Our expert's guide on the best home security systems is a good place to start.
The best key safes
This 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 key safe 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 pass codes
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 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 in our list is a key safe designed to maximise the safety of your home. And it 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.
Perfect for those seeking a key safe with a large capacity, this is another option worth considering if you're looking to provide safe and secure access to your home.
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 or cars 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.
A 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 say 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 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 lock box is a lot harder to get an eye on from afar, and as this one lets you set your own combination, 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 give its outward appearance.
If you live on a main road or a busy street, this 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 it 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 got 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 key safe 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.
How to buy the best key safe
Where to buy the best key safes
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.
Are key safes a good idea?
For those who often misplace their door keys, key safes really are a saviour. 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.
Is it actually safe?
While each key box on our list is verified secure by happy reviewers, our top pick all round, the Supra C500, 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.
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.
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 favourably 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 and the Supra C500 – both uber-secure options.
