11 Best Car Gun Safes On The Market (2024 Update)

If you own a gun, chances are that you occasionally travel with it in your car or check it into your luggage when you fly. But are you keeping your gun safe and secure?

Cars in particular provide a number of security challenges - not only can windows be broken and glove compartments easily pried open, they also put you in a very difficult and vulnerable position if you ever need to defend yourself from inside a vehicle.

That's where car gun safes come in. Not sure where to start? That's why we've compiled this list of some of the best car gun safes on the market, featuring a detailed breakdown of features and what needs they best fulfill for a driver looking to purchase their first car gun safe.

Why You Need A Car Gun Safe

Simply put, you need a car gun safe because keeping your guns safe is part of being a responsible gun owner. Maybe you're coming back from the range and realize you need to stop at the grocery store but don't have your holster. Maybe you are concealed carrying but forgot you had to stop by the post office.

In situations like this, you might think it's ok to stick your gun in the glove box for a few minutes, but you'd be wrong.

Theft is the number one way that criminals get their hands on firearms, and you don't want to come back to your car to find an open glove compartment and then find out later that someone was injured or killed because you didn't properly secure your gun.

Even a simple mechanical lock and a security cable are a vast improvement, and a reliable gun safe can be had at a very reasonable price. So now that we've established why you need one, let's look at some of the best options for a vehicle gun safe based on your needs and budget.

1. Fort Knox Pb1

With a 10-gauge steel body and tamper proof hinges that are located underneath the safe's door to prevent access by would-be thieves, the Fort Knox Pb1's updated 2021 design makes it a top choice for anyone who prioritizes security and peace of mind when storing guns in their vehicle.

The pushbutton locking mechanism may not be cutting edge technology, but it does allow for over 1,081 unique combination possibilities, which means nobody is going to be guessing your code any time soon.

The Fort Knox pistol safe comes with four pre drilled holes for mounting hardware that allow it to be bolted to any flat surface - while this is a great security feature, it does lead us to the only downside of using this as a car gun safe: because it opens from the top, bolting it under a car seat makes the safe inaccessible, which means the only real options are mounting it inside the trunk or to the center of the floorboard, neither of which are ideal.

If quick access isn't a priority and you just need a secure place to store your guns when you're going places that don't allow you to carry, the Fort Knox pistol safe is certainly hard to beat. Put simply, it would take some very dedicated thieves with some serious power tools to break into this safe when it's properly mounted.

As an added bonus, this safe is quite spacious - unless you've got some truly large-frame pistols, the Pb1 can easily accommodate two handguns without enough room left for spare magazines, and many users have managed to fit 3 compact or subcompacts in it.

2. Snapsafe

If you want a sleek, simple, and portable car gun safe, the Snapsafe lock box is a great option at a very affordable price point. The body boasts a 16 gauge solid steel construction, and the three-digit combination lock is TSA approved, which is good news for anyone who routinely travels with their guns. It's also approved for use by the California Department of Justice, for those who live in states with more stringent laws about gun storage.

The Snapsafe case also comes with a steel security cable rated up to 1,500 pounds - just strap the case to a sturdy object and rest easy knowing that you won't have to worry about a smash and grab or an easy crime of opportunity.

These gun safes are designed to comfortably hold two pistols while still being portable enough to fit in a suitcase or under the driver's seat, making them a solid all-around pick for people who want a balance of security, reliability, and accessibility even on a budget.

3. GunVault NanoVault 200

If you're a traveler or a concealed carry permit holder looking for a discreet, portable gun safe for a compact or sub-compact handgun, the NanoVault 200 may be right for you. Not only does it meet TSA firearm storage guideline requirements, it's also compact enough to fit in luggage, inside a desk, or under a car seat without drawing attention.

Like its cousin the MicroVault pistol gun safe, the gun vault pistol safe features both a biometric lock and a traditional key lock system, so you'll have easy access to your firearm in an emergency if necessary. If you're transporting only one gun and need the option for quick access, the NanoVault is definitely a gun safe worth considering.

As with many other portable gun safes, this one also comes equipped with a security cable rated for 1,500 pounds.

4. VAULTEK VT20i

The Vaultek VT20 series biometric safes offers a number of added safety features and a durable construction - 16 gauge steel, to be exact.

The build quality on this safe is excellent, and the fingerprint scanner can store up to 20 unique fingerprints, making it a top pick if your entire family has been properly trained for self defense situations.

The VT20i has enough room hold a full sized handgun, spare magazine, and any important documents you might have, such as passports or cash, and the interior foam padding ensures that your valuables won't get scuffed up.

If you're looking for high-tech security features that address real-life defensive scenarios, this is a very solid pick. In addition to the biometric lock, it also features a keyed lock with proximity lighting that will illuminate when your hand brushes the keys, making it easy to enter the code even in pitch darkness.

It also has additional quick access technology in the form of a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone link, though this feature can also easily be disabled without affecting the rest of the safe's functionality.

The portable safe comes with a rechargeable battery with a 4-6 month average battery life, and a battery power charger is included with the portable safe.

5. SentrySafe PP1K

Another great option for secure storage and reliable simplicity on the go, the SentrySafe PP1K lock box features a heavy duty steel construction and a barrel keyed lock that is both TSA and California Department of Justice approved.

Unlike many other portable security systems, the PP1K also comes with an integrated carrying handle, which is a thoughtful feature I wish more safe manufacturers would adopt.

These safes come in both a 1-gun and 2-gun capacity, and both options also allow for security cables to be attached.

Another nice quality of life feature is the spare key - there's no worse feeling than misplacing the only key to a safe that has your valuables inside of it.

6. Titan Gun Safe Pistol Vault

The Titan Pistol Vault features 14 gauge steel construction, a reliable mechanical locking mechanism, and all the components you would expect from a good car gun safe.

What sets the Titan apart is the quick access design - it features an "elevator holster" design that lifts the butt of the pistol and a spare magazine upwards when the safe is opened, allowing gun owners to quickly and easily grab and deploy their firearm.

In fact, after a bit of practice, I'm confident in saying the Titan is the fastest, most accessible car gun safe I've encountered.

The only downside to this pistol safe design is that it leaves the safe itself visible through your car window, as it is meant to be mounted on the side of the center console or car seat. Many gun owners don't like leaving anything that looks remotely out of place or potentially valuable out in the open, and while the safe itself is fairly discreet at a glance, I do understand that point of view.

That said, it's a very impressive safe if you are looking for fast access in emergency situations. It's made of high quality materials, feels very secure, and includes pre drilled mounting holes and two mounting brackets so it can be mounted in your car and home and easily swapped between the two locations.

7. First Alert 5100K

The First Alert 5100K boasts 18 gauge steel construction and a TSA compliant mechanical lock, as well as a steel cable to secure the safe to fixtures at home or when traveling. The safe is also available with a biometric locking system, though it considerably more expensive.

Like many compact lock boxes, it's lightweight, very portable, and reasonably tough - though keep in mind that these smaller safes are not nearly as rugged at their larger, heavy duty cousins, and most of them could be defeated by a dedicated thief with hand tools and enough time.

Still, for what it is, the 5100K is a solid choice if you need an affordable, secure vehicle gun safe that can also easily be transported while keeping the gun inside safe from wear and tear. There's enough space for most pistols and a few small accessories, and the soft foam keeps everything secure even if it gets tossed around in your luggage. It may not be Fort Knox, but for a little over $50, it's a reliable car gun safe at a great price point.

8. Liberty HD-90

The Liberty HD-90 car gun safe is another compact option that would be equally at home under a seat, in a desk drawer, or even in a rucksack if you're out camping in an area with predatory wildlife.

It's a simple, slim, no-frills lock and key gun safe at a great price point, and one of the nice things about it is that it doesn't scream "gun safe" like some of the other options on this list do.

It's a very professional-looking safe that can just as easily pull double duty holding important documents or other valuables, so if you're looking for an all-in-one safe that you can still use even when you're not transporting your gun, this is a strong contender.

9. Hornady Rapid Vehicle Safe

Hornady's Rapid line of car gun safes offers a unique RFID-activated system for fast access like hornady lockbox. The safe comes with an RFID bracelet, a pair of RFID stickers, two key fobs, and a key for the mechanical lock, just in case.

While the bracelet feels a little gimmicky for my tastes, other gun owners swear by them - personally, I think the key fob is the best option, since it stands to reason that if I'm using a car gun safe, I'll probably have my car keys with me. If not, there's probably bigger problems to deal with.

The Hornady Rapid safe comes with a power adapter included, but it can also operate on AA batteries should the need arise.

It's a great, compact gun safe that also doubles as a handy room safe when you travel and stay in a hotel. And of course, it can also be secured with a security cable for that extra level of protection.

10. RPNB RP311f Mounted Handgun Car Safe

The RPNB mounted car gun safe offers a surprising amount of versatility: not only does it have a keypad and biometric scanner for fast access, it also comes with backup override keys in case those options ever fail. When it comes to security, I'm a big fan of built-in redundancies - as the saying goes, "two is one, and one is none."

This gun safe has a slim vertical design that sets it apart from many other safes, and it has multiple mounting brackets that allow it to be mounted from the right, left, or top side depending on user preferences.

Unlike most other car gun safes, it also opens at a canted angle, making it easier to grab and ready the pistol quickly in an emergency.

While it won't be completely out of sight, it can be mounted in a way that makes it significantly more discreet than other car gun safes designed for ease of access, making it a reasonable compromise between the two main car gun safe philosophies.

11. Console Vault

Unlike most car gun safes, the Console Vault takes a very unique approach by installing the safe directly into the car's center console without making any permanent modifications to the vehicle itself. Not every car can accommodate this installation process, but an impressively long list of makes and models can have one installed without any issues.

These safes are custom-made for each car on the compatibility list, and as you'd probably expect, the overall size and storage capacity of the safe can differ greatly depending on how much room you have in your console. Still, even the smallest console should have no trouble holding most pistols, and once the safe has been closed and the console rest replaced, it's impossible to tell that there's a safe there at all.

These safes come in several locking system options, all of which are drill-resistant and offer advanced protection in the form of twelve-gauge steel and a protective foam interior, making it one of the best car gun safe options for those who have the budget and a compatible car for it.

Buying Guide

Most Secure

If you are looking for the best car gun safe in terms of maximum security, it's hard to beat the Console Vault. Not every vehicle will be able to have one installed, but if you're lucky enough to be able to use one, it's hard to imagine a more secure location for a vehicle gun safe.

Not only is it impossible to run off with the safe unless the thief steals your entire car, it's also invisible until the console is opened, which drastically reduces the odds that anyone would see your vehicle as a prime target for a break-in.

For those who can't install a Console Vault, my runner-up choice is probably the Fort Knox Pb1. It's a simple, elegant design done right, with a lot of thought and care put into making sure it doesn't have any glaring weak points that can be exploited.

Most Accessible

If accessibility is your main concern, the best car gun safe for you is almost undoubtedly going to be the Titan Pistol Vault. While leaving the safe exposed is an unfortunate necessity, there is simply no other safe that allows you such quick access and fast deployment as the Titan.

With a bit of practice, you can have the combination lock opened and your pistol ready to fire in under two seconds, which is truly impressive.

For those who want to have rapid, ready access to their firearm in case of an emergency, the Titan simply pulls ahead of the competition.

Most Portable

The GunVault NanoVault 200 tops our car gun safe list when it comes to portability. Like most car safes, it's small, sleek, and can be used with a steel cable to secure it almost anywhere.

But few other compact and subcompact lock box designs are quite as discreet as the NanoVault, and the TSA / California DOJ compliance ensure that you'll have no troubles traveling with it, which gives it a slight edge over its competitors.

Don't expect to store a bunch of accessories inside of it, but if you just need simple, safe storage for your gun in the smallest and most portable package, the NanoVault is the safe for you.

Most Discreet

Whether it's in your car, your home, a hotel, or pretty much anywhere else, it's generally a good idea not to advertise the presence of a firearm. While portable safes can be stowed out of sight, the more complex and heavily-secured gun safes are a little bit trickier to hide.

When it comes to the most discreet gun safes, our pick is a toss-up between the Liberty HD-90 and the Snapsafe. Both of these car gun safes look quite professional on the outside, and don't overly advertise themselves as gun safes.

Granted, it may still look like there's something valuable inside, but anyone specifically looking for a weapon might look elsewhere.

These two car gun safes are also great for air travel, where you probably don't want to draw any more eyes than you need to when checking in a firearm.

Most Affordable

The Snapsafe pistol safe leads the pack for best car gun safes when it comes to quality protection at a budget-friendly price.

While there are cheaper gun safes on the market, the Snapsafe is the cheapest one I'd actually trust to keep my gun or my valuables secure, without the worry of combo lock failures, faulty components, or flimsy construction.

It may not be a feature rich gun safe, but it does everything you need it to at a price that can't be beat, making it our choice for the best car gun safe on a budget.

You can also check out Hunting Mark article on the 'Best Gun Safes Under 500.'

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Car Gun Safes

What Features Do You Need?

Most car gun safe features are pretty standard across different makes and models, but there are a few big ones to consider when shopping for a safe.

Do you want simple mechanical locks that is fairly fool-proof at the expense of being slower to open, or do you want something fancier like an electronic backlit keypad lock or a fingerprint scanner that allows for faster access at the risk of providing more potential points of failure?

Do you want a safe that bolts directly to the floor or trunk for maximum security and concealment, or you prefer a more portable case that is tethered with a steel security cable so that it can be quickly and easily moved from point A to point B?

Keep in mind that the more features you start adding, the more your price tag will increase, and remember that the ultimate goal is to discourage a thief by making your gun a difficult or frustrating target - ultimately it is impossible to stop a thief who has the proper tools, know-how, and enough stubbornness, but you can eliminate the risk of falling victim to the most common kinds of opportunistic thefts.

What Do You Plan On Using It For?

The best car gun safe will also depend on how you intend to use it - if you carry concealed and just need a temporary safe spot to stash a gun when entering a no-gun zone or maybe to use it for long guns, a simple lock box is more than adequate. If you plan to store a gun in your vehicle long-term, or keep a duty gun in the car, a more robust pistol safe is heavily recommended.

FAQs 

What is the best gun safe for a car? 

For easy transport, look for a safe that bolts securely to the floor, such as the Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe, which comes with four pre-drilled holes to secure it easily. If you want a safe close by so you can quickly draw your weapon if required, then look at the Titan Pistol Vault, which mounts next to the seat. 

What is the best portable gun safe? 

Portable gun safes should be sturdily constructed with a carrying handle, a steel tethering cable, a strong lock, and a foam interior to protect your weapons while traveling. A safe that has all these characteristics is the Vaultek LifePod XT Series.  

Can you put a gun safe in your car?

Yes, it is crucial to have a safe in the car. Some safes come with four pre-drilled holes for mounting in the trunk, or for a weapon that must be to hand, look for a safe you can mount next to the seat so you can get to your pistol quickly. Remember to secure the nuts so no one can undo them from the outside.

Is it smart to keep a gun safe in the garage?

There are many ways to store a firearm at home. A gun safe in the garage is the only answer for many homes with limited space. If you have no choice, then:

• Choose a safe that you can bolt to both the floor and the wall. 

• Store all flammable items in a separate shed to minimize the risk of fire

• Place desiccant inside the safe to reduce humidity.  

Parting Shots

Whether you are looking for a portable travel gun safe that you can take with you on flights or stash in a hotel room, or if you want a serious car gun safe that will keep you prepared for any eventuality, this list of gun safes represents some of the best car gun safes for every budget.

A good gun safe is something that every responsible gun owner should invest in if they plan on having a gun in the car for even short periods of time.

There is no one best car gun safe, but we made the effort to cover the most important features and niches for each gun safe on our list.

Did we miss one of your favorites? Do you have any experience with one of the safes on our list? If so, sound off in the comments and let us know what you think! We love to hear from our readers, and your valuable input helps us decide what to cover next.

If you want to check out more of our articles on gun safe options, head over to our list of the Top 10 Best Handgun Safes!