The main types of safes are gun safes, fire resistant (often sold as “fireproof”) safes, burglary rated safes, jewelry safes, depository or drop safes, wall safes, floor safes, small handgun and under bed safes, and document or data safes. Each is built around a different threat: fire, burglars, curious kids or cash handling staff. Pick the threat first, then the type. Below, the types side by side, with links to our detailed guides.
Types of safes compared
The lock column shows what is typical, not a rule.
| Type | Main protection | Typical lock | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gun safe | Theft, unauthorized access, some fire resistance | Electronic keypad or dial, often with backup key | Gun owners storing long guns and handguns |
| Fire resistant safe | Heat during a house fire | Keypad with backup key | Anyone protecting papers, cash and keepsakes |
| Burglary rated safe | Tested tool attacks (UL RSC, TL-15, TL-30) | Dial or high security electronic | High value collections, insured valuables, businesses |
| Jewelry safe | Theft plus organized, padded storage | Keypad or biometric | Jewelry and watch owners |
| Depository or drop safe | Robbery and internal theft | Electronic with multiple user codes, dial or dual key | Retail, restaurants and any cash business |
| Wall safe | Concealment and quick grab theft | Electronic or key | Homeowners who want small items hidden |
| Floor safe | Concealment and removal (set in concrete) | Dial or electronic | Homes and shops with a concrete slab |
| Handgun or under bed safe | Quick access, keeping guns from kids | Biometric, keypad or key | Nightstand, closet or vehicle storage |
| Document or data safe | Heat (and humidity for media) | Keypad or key | Home offices, records, backup drives |
Fireproof vs burglary safe: the two ratings that matter
Fire and burglary ratings are tested separately; a safe can have one, both or neither.
Burglary ratings
According to Dean Safe’s ratings explainer, a “B” rate safe has at least a 1/4 inch body and a 1/2 inch door and faces no testing. A UL RSC (Residential Security Container) safe must withstand five minutes of prying, drilling, punching and chiseling attacks. TL-15 and TL-30 safes have passed standardized tests under UL Standard 687 for 15 or 30 minutes of net working time. The Safe and Vault Store’s burglary ratings page notes that B rate is “a catch-all safe industry rating,” and recommends asking your insurance broker what rating your coverage expects.
Fire ratings
No safe is truly fireproof; the useful question is how hot the inside gets and for how long. A UL Class 350 label means the interior stayed under 350°F during a lab test, which is aimed at paper. A product page that says “1,400°F for 30 minutes” is a manufacturer claim about the fire the safe was exposed to, not the same thing as a UL classification. We cover the details in our fireproof safe ratings guide, so we keep it short here.
None of the safes in our current listings state a UL RSC, TL or UL fire classification. Their fire claims are manufacturer figures, and you should read them that way.
Home safe types
Gun safes
Gun safes are tall cabinets with racks for long guns plus shelving. Our 36 Gun Safe ($1,852.99) measures 25 x 30 x 55 inches, uses a digital keypad with a backup override key, and lists a 1,400 degree fire rating for 30 minutes plus an intumescent door gasket. Mounting hardware is included. The larger 40 Gun Safe ($2,336.99) measures 24 x 40 x 59 inches with slotted gun racks and the same listed 1,400 degree, 30 minute claim. For humidity control, see our gun safe dehumidifier guide.
Fire resistant safes
These prioritize insulation over thick steel. They suit passports, deeds and photos. The 8.47 Cubic Ft Tall Fireproof Safe Vault ($1,920.99) is 18 x 20 x 59 inches with an electronic keypad and backup key, and its listing claims fire resistance at 1,400°F for 30 minutes.
Jewelry safes
A jewelry safe adds lined drawers and lighting. The 1.01 Cubic Ft White Jewelry Safe ($1,802.99) is 14 x 18 x 17.5 inches with a suede lined drawer, a removable shelf and a motion sensor LED light; its listing claims fire resistance up to 1,200°F for 30 minutes. If you need more room, the 1.91 Cubic Ft Keypad Fireproof Jewelry Safe ($2,458.99) is 19.5 x 21.5 x 19.5 inches and adds a keypad lockout mode. Our jewelry safe buying guide covers sizing and insurance.
Wall safes
Wall safes fit between studs and hide behind a picture, mirror or cabinet. The Mesa Safe MAWS2113E wall safe ($260.26) holds 0.7 cubic feet, measures 15 inches wide, 22 1/8 inches high and 6 inches deep, and needs a 14 x 21 1/8 inch wall cut out. It has an electronic lock, two bolts and a 1/4 inch door plate. Check for wiring and plumbing before you cut.
Floor safes
A floor safe is set into concrete so only the lid shows. Dean Safe’s floor safe installation instructions describe cutting a hole 12 inches longer and wider than the safe, surrounding it with concrete, and letting it cure for 24 hours before use, and they suggest consulting a contractor first. Floor safes suit slabs, garages and new builds.
Handgun and under bed safes
Handgun and under bed safes focus on fast access and keeping firearms from children, not on fire or heavy burglary resistance. We do not currently list dedicated handgun safes; call us if that is your main need.
Business and specialty safes
Depository and drop safes
A depository safe lets staff drop cash through a slot without being able to open the main compartment. Mesa describes its MFL series as built for protection against robbery and internal theft. The Mesa MFL2014E ($591.45) holds 0.8 cubic feet, weighs 86 lb, supports 1 manager and up to 5 user codes, and its listing says “Not Rated Fire Rating.” For a two compartment layout, the Digital Keypad Two Lock Depository Safe ($1,588.99) is 20 x 20 x 30 inches, has 3 deadbolts on each door, and adds a separate lower compartment for long term storage. Our depository safe guide compares the full Mesa lineup, and you can browse every model on our Mesa Safe brand page.
Document and data safes
A document safe is a fire resistant safe sized for files. Data or media safes are a stricter category: Dean Safe explains that UL Class 150 keeps the interior below 150°F and Class 125 below 125°F, because media fails at far lower temperatures than paper. If you store backup drives, look for one of those classes or keep a second copy offsite.
Which safe do I need?
- Papers and keepsakes at home: a fire resistant safe, ideally with a UL fire classification.
- Rifles and shotguns: a full size gun safe, bolted down, with a dehumidifier.
- Jewelry and watches: a jewelry safe with lined drawers, plus a burglary rating if your insurer asks for one.
- Daily cash in a business: a depository safe, emptied to the bank regularly.
- High value collections: a UL RSC or TL rated safe, chosen with your insurance agent.
Whatever the type, anchoring keeps it from being carried off. Our guide on how to bolt down a safe covers concrete, wood floors and walls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of safes?
Gun safes, fire resistant safes, burglary rated safes, jewelry safes, depository safes, wall safes, floor safes, handgun or under bed safes, and document or data safes.
What is the difference between a fireproof vs burglary safe?
A fire safe uses insulation to keep the interior cool for a set time. A burglary safe uses thicker steel, hard plates and relockers to resist tools. Ratings are separate, so check both if you need both.
Which home safe types work for documents?
A fire resistant safe rated for paper, such as UL Class 350. For digital media, look for Class 150 or 125. See our fireproof safe ratings guide.
Are depository safes fire resistant?
Usually not. Our Mesa MFL2014E listing says “Not Rated Fire Rating,” so use a separate fire safe for records.
Not sure which type fits? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship with free freight; orders below that ship for a $200 flat rate. For return questions, see our return and refund policy.
