7 of the best key lock boxes to keep a spare set handy

The best key lock boxes we've come across, including traditional combination safes and a smart, Bluetooth-enabled pick

A trio of the best key lock boxes on a pastel blue background
(Image credit: Future / Master Lock / Supra)

Having the best key lock box you can afford installed at home can be so handy, especially if you've ever been locked out, or had to rush home to let someone in because you forgot to give them the keys.

Whilst even the best key lock boxes aren't necessarily glamorous, they are however designed to provide you (family, friends, and workpeople) with access to your home when you can't. 

It's worth investing in something effective, safe, and secure, for peace of mind and protection against potential break-ins whatever your budget. We've researched the best key lock boxes for your porch, doorstep, and more, and with space for multiple key in mind where possible, too. 

Our guide for the best key lock boxes include traditional ones, those with passcodes and even smartphone-enabled options to let you keep a keen on the access history, and check how many times the lock has been opened.

Our favorite top-rated key boxes, start from under $12. If you're working with a tiny amount of space outside and are lost for inspiration, delve into our small porch ideas for looks you can easily replicate.

Best key lock box: Quick Menu

1. Best key lock boxes
2. Our favorite: Master Lock 5400EC
3.
Best for safety: Kidde AccessPoint 001014
4.
Best budget: Kingsley Guard-a-Key Realtor's Lockbox
5.
Basic design: EUWBSSR Key Lock Box
6.
Wi-Fi enabled: Master Lock Electronic Key Safe
7.
Best high-visibility: Burton Keyguard XL Outdoor
2. How we chose
3. Things to consider
4. Where to buy

7 of the best key lock boxes to buy

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The best key lock boxes

Our favorite key lock box

Image of Master Locks lock box with combination dial

(Image credit: Master Locks)

1. Master Lock 5400EC

The best key lock box — for renters, for families, for taking on vacation...

Specifications

Material: Metal
Capacity : 5 keys
Lock type: Combination

Reasons to buy

+
Sizable capacity 
+
Weatherproof shutter door 
+
Portable design

Reasons to avoid

-
The portable lock handle could potentially be cut through
Buy it if:

💕 You're looking to hold around five keys: This safe can hold multiple door openers if you need to store backyard keys or access to a window.
💕 You need something that you can travel with: It's particularly useful if you rent out a property on Airbnb.

💕 You're worried about a rusting key lock box: There's no need to shield it from the elements.

Dont buy it if:

You're going to put it somewhere open and obvious: The lock can be cut through, so you'd want to keep this item in a concealed area, ideally. 

The Master Lock 5400EC Lock Box is a great large capacity, combination lock box that also benefits from being portable, so that you can attach it over a door knob. This means you won't have to get your drill out, nor will you have to ask your landlord if you've got one. You can store five keys at one time within this lockbox, which is great if there are various areas of your home that tradespeople or visitors need access to, like your garage or backyard gate. It has a removable shackle for installation on doors within the house and on the exterior of your property. The protective weather covering also means that rain or shine, you'll have a lock box that you can depend on. We say to put it somewhere discreet and out of the way so people who are passing by won't be able to see it. 

Best key lock box for safety

Image of Kidde key lock box

(Image credit: Kidde)

2. Kidde AccessPoint 001014

The best key lock box for safety

Specifications

Material: Plastic, Metal
Capacity : 5 keys
Lock type: Combination

Reasons to buy

+
Wall-mounted, permanent design
+
Dial combination to protect against break-ins
+
Over 10,000 combinations to choose from

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most aesthetically pleasing box 
Buy it if:

💕 You're a long-term renter or have bought a property: This wall-mounted durable design is built to last.

💕 You want peace of mind when you leave your home: With over 10,000 code combinations, this key lock box with be tough (and time-consuming) to crack.

Don't buy it if:

You're after something slick: It's not the prettiest-looking thing, but it does its primary job well.

With 10,000 different combinations to choose from, you'll feel assured when you're away from home. The wall-mounted design makes it perfect if you're using your property as an Airbnb rental so that guests can easily retrieve their keys and enjoy their stay. The dial design of this box goes a long way to help with adding safety, as it is extremely tough to crack if someone were to try and break into your home. But let's not avoid the fact it's a bit of an eyesore.

Image of black Kingsley lock box

(Image credit: Kingsley)

Best affordable key lock box

3. Kingsley Guard-a-Key Realtor's Lockbox

The best affordable key lock box

Specifications

Material: Metal
Capacity : 5 keys +
Lock type: Combination

Reasons to buy

+
Plenty of storage 
+
Easy to use 
+
Subtle design to prevent attention being drawn
+
Weather-resistant finish
+
10,000 possible codes

Reasons to avoid

-
It might be possible to cut through the loop 
Buy it if:

💕 You want a discreet design: This subtle style is smart enough to go unnoticed by the wrong people
💕 You need something quick and easy to install: This item can be shackled onto most outdoor fixtures
💕 You want something familiar: Family members, carers, and dog walkers can all use this 4-digit device.

Don't buy if:

You have the budget to invest in a sturdier design: Amazon customers have complained that this can be cut through or broken using a small pry bar or hacksaw. 

This surprisingly spacious key lock box is nice and subtle, in fact, it looks like any regular padlock you'd use for your bicycle — except it has space inside to hold five keys. Made from metal, this box is a nifty purchase for those who want an inconspicuous place to keep their keys in an emergency. The black design of this lock box means it's more likely to blend in than others, and what's more, it can be hooked over a gate, railing, or even a pipe.

Best basic key lock box

EUWBSSR Key Lock Box with Code

(Image credit: EUWBSSR)

4. EUWBSSR Key Lock Box

The best basic key lock box

Specifications

Material: Aluminum Alloy + Zinc Alloy + Plastic Panel
Capacity : Not listed
Lock type : Combination

Reasons to buy

+
Wall mounted for security 
+
Cover to protect against elements
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
A little basic looking
Buy it if:

💕 You're after key security on a budget: This item is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 and is under $12 at Walmart.
💕 You want a design that covers the combination lock: Anyone who has tried to unscramble a wet or frozen lock will know how difficult it can be!

Don't buy it if:

You want to store car keys in this: The box is too small to store a chunky fob.

If you can't afford to invest lots of money in your lock box, this pick from Walmart will get the job done without the added expense. The aluminum and zinc alloy construction of this box should stand strong against rust and breakage, as well as keep your keys safe. Allow contractors and tradespeople to come and go with ease thanks to this excellent value box, which is easy to set up with a combination element allowing for thousands of different combinations. We would perhaps suggest keeping this one inside a cupboard or hidden out of the way, only because it might attract attention.

Best key lock box with Wi-Fi

Image of electronic Master Locks box with electronic keypad

(Image credit: Master Locks)

5. Master Lock Electronic Wall Mount Key Safe

The best key lock box with Wi-Fi

Specifications

Material: Zinc
Capacity : 5+
Lock type: Electronic

Reasons to buy

+
Share temporary access with guests
+
Large capacity 
+
Monitor activity and history 

Reasons to avoid

-
Batteries need to be replaced over time
-
High price
Buy it if:

💕 You need to provide day-by-day access to a property: Unique passcodes can be created for laborers to enter your home — and deactivated once the work has been done. The same goes for AirBnb customers leasing your home for specified dates.

💕 You find traditional combination locks too fiddly: Whether you have poor eyesight or finger dexterity, use your smartphone to open and manage your lock.

💕 You're worried about key cloning: There's no need to worry about changing your locks with key-free entry.

 

Don't buy it if

You're looking for a cheap key lock box: This is the most expensive option in our guide.
You don't want the hassle of an app: We get it — applications take up phone storage space!
A battery-operated key lock box isn't for you: Why invest in replacing batteries when all of the aforementioned options work without one?

Manage your property the smart way with this excellent electronic option from Master Lock, which has the ability to provide permanent or temporary access to guests. You can control it via an app, and you can enable guests to enter your property from afar, as well as generate temporary codes for an added element of safety. If you're managing multiple properties at one time you can still keep on top of things with this lock box, which has a history of usage, guests, and low battery alerts within the app. Clever.

Best high-visibility key lock box

Burton Police Preferred Specification Keyguard XL Outdoor Key Safe

(Image credit: Burton)

6. Burton Keyguard XL Outdoor Key Safe

The best high visibility key safe

Specifications

Material: Steel
Capacity: 6
Lock type: Push combination

Reasons to buy

+
2-step security
+
Police-approved
+
Great if you have poor vision
+
Weather-resistant rubber cover
+
Rubber cover doubles as a drilling template
+
Interior hook
+
Single locking bolt on the top edge
+
5-year standard warranty
+
Over 4,000 possible combinations

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
Buy it if:

💕 You want a key safe that gets a thumbs-up from the authorities: It's certified to LPS1175 Issue 8 A5 by LPCB (a police-preferred specification).
💕 You need it to store car keys: It is large enough to accomodate.

Don't buy it if:

You haven't got much money to spare: The last time we checked, it was almost $135 on Amazon.

Designed to maximize the safety of your home, this police-approved key safe has some impressive features. 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. 

Master Lock Certified Key Safe [Reinforced Security] [CNPP Certification] [Weatherproof - Outdoor] [Wall Mounted] - 5415EURD - Key Lock Box, Medium

(Image credit: Master Lock)

7. Master Lock 5415EURD

The best key safe for busy roads

Specifications

Material: Solid die-cast zinc body
Capacity: 2
Lock type: Combination

Reasons to buy

+
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
+
Water resistant
+
Protective cover
+
Can store cards too
+
Mounting kit included

Reasons to avoid

-
-No interior hook
Buy it if:

💕 You live on a main road: This all-metal design is less noticeable than other designs.
💕 You want to install it outside: The protective cover protects combination dials from weather, dirt, and grime.

Don't buy it if:

You want to organize your keys: This doesn't have an internal hook. But, this shouldn't be a dealbreaker given it only holds two keys.

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 burglars. Plus, it's easy to install and anything but complex, whilst never compromising on quality.


How we chose these key lock boxes

Though we haven't had a chance to test these lock boxes, they have been picked depending on their suitability to different situations, alongside important specifications. Every key lock box featured has positive customer reviews, and we've been sure to include subtle-looking boxes, to prevent attracting unwanted attention. There's something for everyone.

Things to consider when buying a key lock box

A key lock box should make your life easier, but can only do so if you pick the right box for your requirements. Before you click checkout on your favorite one, make sure to factor in capacity, so that all of your keys to various areas of your house are covered, as well as the type of lock you want. A combination lock is the most common, but a keypad or a dial lock are also great options to pose more of a challenge to potential troublemakers. You should also think about choosing a box that looks inconspicuous, to prevent it from becoming the target of a potential break-in.

Do speak to your home insurance provider when installing a key lock box, as it might invalidate your cover if, in the unfortunate event your property is burgled without any forced entry (i.e.: by recovering the keys in your lock box).

Where to buy a key lock box

Not found the key lock box that you were looking for? Here's where to shop for alternative models online...

Christina Chrysostomou
Former acting head ecommerce editor

Hi, I'm the former 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 and have gone through the internal customer advisor accreditation process.