Best picks

9 Best Medium Size Home Safes (November 2026)

Updated on · By the Home Vault Lab team

The best medium size home safes include the FOWORE [16.54" Tall] Safe Box for adjustable household storage, the SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safe for hanging file folders, and the Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe Box for compact valuables.

On this page (6 sections)
  1. Which medium size home safe fits each storage need?
  2. How do you choose a medium home safe size?
  3. When is a larger safe a better fit?
  4. Should a medium safe have shelves?
  5. What should you check before installation?
  6. Which medium size home safe should you choose?

The best medium size safe for home use should fit your biggest planned items and the space where you'll install it. The FOWORE offers the most capacity in this group at 2.8 cu ft, while the SentrySafe document box and shorter Amazon Basics safe suit more specific storage needs.

“Medium” is not a standard size. A safe with less capacity can still feel bulky if it is tall or deep, and a larger cabinet may not fit where you planned to put it.

Compare the exterior footprint, door clearance and interior shape before choosing by cubic feet alone. For options near that capacity, see three cubic foot safes.

Our picks cover compact lockboxes, fire-resistant document storage and mid-size cabinets with shelves. For a closer look at why safe interiors can feel smaller than expected, read why safe exterior dimensions differ so much from usable interior space.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 FOWORE [16.54" Tall] Safe Box
    Best for adjustable household storage

    FOWORE [16.54" Tall] Safe Box

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safe
    Best for hanging file folders

    SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safe

    9.5/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe Box
    Best for compact valuables

    Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe Box

    9.5/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4AIRMuch Biometric Gun Safe for HandgunsCheck it
  2. 5Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe and Lock

    Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe and Lock

    Best for a low, wide shelf layout
    Check it
  3. 6Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe Box

    Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe Box

    Best for taller organized storage
    Check it
  4. 7SentrySafe 1-Hour Fireproof Safe

    SentrySafe 1-Hour Fireproof Safe

    Best for fire-rated household storage
    Check it
  5. 8Locksworth Safe for Home

    Locksworth Safe for Home

    Best for bedside storage with a shelf
    Check it
  6. 9Voncabay Money Safe Box for Home

    Voncabay Money Safe Box for Home

    Best for a small lockbox with a light
    Check it

Which medium size home safe fits each storage need?

The FOWORE is the best match for a broad mix of household storage, while the other picks trade capacity for document handling, compact placement or specialized use. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

ProductBest forCapacityExterior sizeAccessOur score
FOWORE [16.54" Tall] Safe Boxadjustable household storage2.8 cu ft13.78 x 12.20 x 16.54 inProgrammable keypad and spare keys9.7
SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safehanging file folders0.65 cu ft15.5 x 13.5 x 14.3 inKey lock9.5
Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe Boxcompact valuables0.23 cu ft9.05 x 6.69 x 6.69 inDigital keypad or key9.5
AIRMuch Biometric Gun Safe for Handgunshandgun access260 cubic in10.83 x 8.66 x 2.76 inFingerprint, PIN or key9.5
Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe and Locka low, wide shelf layout1.2 cu ft16.93 x 14.57 x 10.63 inElectronic lock and override keys9.4
Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe Boxtaller organized storage1.8 cu ft13.8 x 13 x 19.7 inElectronic keypad and backup key9.4
SentrySafe 1-Hour Fireproof Safefire-rated household storage1.23 cu ft16.3 x 19.3 x 17.8 inDigital combination and key9.3
Locksworth Safe for Homebedside storage with a shelf0.77 cu ft13.78 x 9.85 x 9.85 inElectronic combination and keys9.3
Voncabay Money Safe Box for Homea small lockbox with a light0.23 cu ft9 x 6.6 x 6.5 inNumeric keypad or key9.1
1

FOWORE [16.54" Tall] Safe Box: Best for adjustable household storage

FOWORE [16.54" Tall] Safe Box, medium size home safes
9.7/10Our score
  • 2.8 cu ft capacity
  • 16.54 in tall
  • Removable shelf
  • Keypad and 2 spare keys

A removable shelf lets you change the storage layout, and the 2.8 cu ft capacity offers room for a mix of household items. It is a strong fit when you have space for a taller, mountable safe.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Removable shelf and LED light
  • Keypad, spare keys and external battery compartment
  • Wall and floor mounting holes

Cons

  • Measure the 16.54 in height and door swing area
  • Its 2.8 cu ft capacity may be more than a small storage need

The FOWORE is the most spacious pick here, with a 2.8 cu ft capacity and a 16.54 in exterior height. Its removable shelf lets you adjust the interior around documents, keys, medications or other valuables.

The keypad can be programmed, and 2 spare keys provide another way to open it. It also has an external battery compartment, an LED light and pre-drilled holes on the back and bottom for wall or floor mounting.

FOWORE includes a fireproof and waterproof document bag. The safe itself is not water resistant, so the bag is a separate layer for contents rather than a reason to place the safe where it could get wet.

Choose it when you want a mid-size cabinet with flexible storage and have room to anchor it. Measure the intended space, including the door opening, before settling on its 13.78 x 12.20 x 16.54 in exterior.

FOWORE [16.54" Tall] Safe BoxCheck it on Amazon
2

SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safe: Best for hanging file folders

SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safe, medium size home safes
9.5/10Our score
  • 0.65 cu ft capacity
  • Fits hanging file folders
  • Key lock with 2 keys
  • UL Classified fire protection up to 30 minutes

This document box is built around paper storage, with space for hanging file folders and a key lock. Its 0.65 cu ft capacity is modest, so compare your paperwork stack with the interior before choosing it.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Interior fits hanging file folders
  • Fire protection is UL Classified for up to 30 minutes
  • ETL Verified for water exposure

Cons

  • Key lock rather than a keypad
  • 38.8 lb weight makes it less convenient to move

The SentrySafe HD4100 works best for paperwork that needs to stay organized, with an interior designed to fit hanging file folders. Its 0.65 cu ft capacity is smaller than most cabinet safes in this roundup, but the document-first layout can be more useful than extra empty space.

SentrySafe says the box is UL Classified to withstand high temperatures for up to 30 minutes and ETL Verified for protection during water exposure. A key lock keeps the lid closed, and 2 keys are included.

Its 15.5 x 13.5 x 14.3 in exterior is compact enough for a closet, office or under-desk spot, but the safe weighs 38.8 lb. Check whether you need to move it often and whether your files fit the interior.

Choose this model for organized household records rather than bulky valuables. The key lock is simple, though buyers who prefer keypad access should choose another pick.

SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof SafeCheck it on Amazon
3

Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe Box: Best for compact valuables

Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe Box, medium size home safes
9.5/10Our score
  • 0.23 cu ft capacity
  • Keypad and 2 emergency keys
  • Pre-drilled wall or floor mounting holes
  • 5.8 lb weight

This small safe suits a limited set of valuables where a medium-height cabinet would take too much space. Its 0.23 cu ft capacity makes it a compact option within a broader size comparison.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Small exterior dimensions
  • Keypad and emergency keys
  • Mounting holes and hardware included

Cons

  • Interior is too small for bulky household storage
  • Dimensions should be checked carefully before buying

The Yuanshikj is a compact lockbox for a small set of valuables, with only 0.23 cu ft of capacity. Its exterior measures 9.05 x 6.69 x 6.69 in, so it can fit where a cabinet safe would take too much room.

It uses a digital keypad and includes 2 emergency keys. Pre-drilled holes and mounting bolts allow wall or floor installation, and the safe weighs 5.8 lb.

This size works for a limited set of cash, jewelry or personal items. It is not a substitute for a medium cabinet if you need to store folders, larger devices or several categories of household valuables.

Choose it when a small lockbox is enough and placement space is tight. Measure your contents first, since the interior is smaller than the exterior suggests.

Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe BoxCheck it on Amazon
4

AIRMuch Biometric Gun Safe for Handguns: Best for handgun access

AIRMuch Biometric Gun Safe for Handguns, medium size home safes
9.5/10Our score
  • Fits 2–3 handguns
  • Fingerprint, PIN and key access
  • LED light and stealth mode
  • Security cable

This low-profile lock box is designed for handgun storage and quick access, not general household capacity. Its compact shape and security cable make it a specialized option for buyers comparing safe uses.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Fingerprint, PIN and key access
  • Interior LED light and muted keypad option
  • Security cable included

Cons

  • Specialized handgun storage rather than general household storage
  • Not water resistant

The AIRMuch is a specialized handgun safe, designed to hold 2–3 handguns rather than serve as a general home storage cabinet. Its 10.83 x 8.66 x 2.76 in exterior is low-profile, and the lock supports fingerprint, PIN and key access.

An LED light helps with visibility inside, while stealth mode can mute the keypad. A steel security cable is included for anchoring to a fixed object.

This pick belongs in a medium-safe comparison because shoppers may be comparing uses as well as dimensions. Its 260 cubic inches of capacity and shallow shape make it a very different choice from a shelf-equipped cabinet.

Choose it for handgun storage when its size and access options suit your setup. Store firearms securely and follow applicable laws and the safe's instructions.

AIRMuch Biometric Gun Safe for HandgunsCheck it on Amazon
5

Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe and Lock: Best for a low, wide shelf layout

Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe and Lock, medium size home safes
9.4/10Our score
  • 1.2 cu ft capacity
  • Removable shelf
  • Digital keypad and 2 override keys
  • Mounting bolts included

A low cabinet can fit where a taller safe would not, while the removable shelf helps separate items. Its 1.2 cu ft capacity falls between compact boxes and larger home safes.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Removable interior shelf
  • Digital access with 2 override keys
  • Bolts included for mounting

Cons

  • Low height limits the size of upright items
  • Requires 4 AA batteries, not included

The Amazon Basics 1.2 cu ft safe suits buyers who want a low cabinet with a removable shelf. At 10.63 in tall, it can fit below some desks or shelves where taller models cannot.

It has an electronic lock, 2 emergency override keys and a carpeted floor. Four bolts are included to mount it to a wall, floor or shelf.

The 16.93 x 14.57 in footprint is wider than some compact safes, so measure the full installation area. Its interior dimensions are 16.77 x 11.93 x 10.47 in, which can help you check whether a device or document stack will fit.

Choose this safe when you need a medium capacity in a short profile. The 4 AA batteries are not included, so plan for those separately.

Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe and LockCheck it on Amazon
6

Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe Box: Best for taller organized storage

Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe Box, medium size home safes
9.4/10Our score
  • 1.8 cu ft capacity
  • Interior shelf
  • Electronic keypad and backup key
  • Pre-drilled mounting holes

At 19.7 in tall, this safe offers more vertical room than a low cabinet while keeping a 13.8 x 13 in footprint. An interior shelf helps organize documents and valuables.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 1.8 cu ft capacity
  • Interior shelf for organization
  • Floor or wall mounting hardware included

Cons

  • Check height and door clearance before placing it
  • Requires AA batteries, not included

This Amazon Basics model offers 1.8 cu ft of capacity in a taller cabinet that measures 19.7 in high. For vertically oriented models with a stated fire rating, compare tall fireproof safes.

Its 13.8 x 13 in footprint is fairly compact for a safe with an interior shelf.

The electronic keypad and backup key give you two access methods. Pre-drilled mounting holes and hardware support floor or wall installation.

Its interior measures 13.62 x 10.35 x 19.53 in, which can suit upright items or stacked belongings. Compare the height with your planned location and make sure the door has room to open.

Choose it when you want more vertical storage than a low safe offers. If separate levels matter, see our best home safes with shelves.

Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe BoxCheck it on Amazon
7

SentrySafe 1-Hour Fireproof Safe: Best for fire-rated household storage

SentrySafe 1-Hour Fireproof Safe, medium size home safes
9.3/10Our score
  • 1.23 cu ft capacity
  • UL Classified for 1 hour at 1700 F
  • ETL Verified for 24 hours in water up to 8 in deep
  • Digital keypad and secondary key

This safe pairs mid-range capacity with stated fire and water protection ratings. Its 86.69 lb weight and 14.75 in door clearance requirement make placement planning important.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • UL Classified for 1 hour at 1700 F
  • ETL Verified for water protection
  • Interior light and locking drawer

Cons

  • Heavy at 86.69 lb
  • Needs 14.75 in of door clearance

The SentrySafe 1-Hour Fireproof Safe is a fit for buyers who want mid-size capacity with stated fire and water protection ratings. It holds 1.23 cu ft and is UL Classified for 1 hour at 1700 F.

SentrySafe also says it is ETL Verified for 24 hours in water up to 8 in deep. The safe has a digital keypad, a secondary key, an interior light and a locking drawer.

Placement needs care: the safe weighs 86.69 lb, and the door requires 14.75 in of clearance to open fully. Its exterior measures 16.3 x 19.3 x 17.8 in, so check both floor space and access around it.

Choose it when the protection ratings match your needs and the heavy cabinet can stay in its planned location. Don't assume the rating covers every kind of fire or water event; check the manufacturer’s details for the conditions.

SentrySafe 1-Hour Fireproof SafeCheck it on Amazon
8

Locksworth Safe for Home: Best for bedside storage with a shelf

Locksworth Safe for Home, medium size home safes
9.3/10Our score
  • 0.77 cu ft capacity
  • Snap-in shelf
  • Keypad and 2 override keys
  • Floor, wall or cabinet mounting

A snap-in shelf divides the interior for smaller items, while the compact dimensions suit bedside, closet or cabinet placement. Consider it when organization matters more than maximum capacity.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Snap-in shelf divides the interior
  • Keypad and 2 override keys
  • Multiple mounting options

Cons

  • 0.77 cu ft may be limited for larger household storage
  • Check the usable interior against your largest item

The Locksworth Safe for Home is a compact shelf-equipped cabinet for a bedside, closet or cabinet location. It has 0.77 cu ft of capacity and exterior dimensions of 13.78 x 9.85 x 9.85 in.

A snap-in shelf divides the interior, and the lock supports a personal code or 2 override keys. The safe has pre-drilled anchor points and can be mounted to a floor, wall or cabinet.

This is a useful middle ground when a small lockbox feels too limited but a taller safe will not fit. Check the dimensions of your largest stored item because the stated capacity does not guarantee a particular shape will fit.

Choose it for compact, organized storage near where you need access. For more vertical space, compare our best tall safes for home.

Locksworth Safe for HomeCheck it on Amazon
9

Voncabay Money Safe Box for Home: Best for a small lockbox with a light

Voncabay Money Safe Box for Home, medium size home safes
9.1/10Our score
  • 0.23 cu ft capacity
  • Keypad and emergency keys
  • Interior sensor light
  • Fireproof and waterproof document bag included

The small lockbox includes an interior light and a document bag, making it a compact choice for a few papers or valuables. Its capacity is far below a full household safe.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Sensor light turns on after keypad access
  • Keypad and emergency keys
  • Document bag included

Cons

  • Only 0.23 cu ft capacity
  • Compact interior limits item size

The Voncabay is a small lockbox with an interior sensor light and a document bag. Its 0.23 cu ft capacity is suited to a few small valuables rather than a household file collection.

You can open it with a numeric keypad or emergency key. The box measures 9 x 6.6 x 6.5 in outside, and the light turns on for about 30 seconds when opened with the keypad.

Voncabay describes the included document bag as fireproof and waterproof. The safe itself is a compact storage box, so think of the bag as an added layer for selected contents rather than a substitute for a larger rated safe.

Choose this option when a small footprint matters more than capacity. If your plans include larger items or several document folders, compare a bigger cabinet before deciding.

Voncabay Money Safe Box for HomeCheck it on Amazon

How do you choose a medium home safe size?

Start with the largest object you plan to store, then compare its dimensions with the safe’s usable interior. Add room for the other items you expect to keep there, rather than relying on capacity alone.

Exterior dimensions determine whether the safe fits its spot, while interior dimensions show what can actually go inside. Door thickness, shelves and the shape of the cabinet can reduce usable space, so review why exterior dimensions differ from usable interior space.

A safe around 1 to 3 cu ft often fits the medium-size range, but there is no fixed standard. The 1.2 cu ft Amazon Basics model offers a low profile, while the 2.8 cu ft FOWORE takes more room and offers more capacity.

When is a larger safe a better fit?

A larger safe makes sense if you need room for several document folders, bulky valuables or items that do not stack neatly. Choose a larger model only after checking the floor area, door swing and route through the home.

If you expect to store more than a medium cabinet can hold, compare our best large home safes. A larger capacity is useful only if the safe fits the intended room and the contents fit its interior shape.

Should a medium safe have shelves?

A shelf helps when you store small objects alongside documents or larger items. It can keep items visible and separate, though a fixed shelf may limit the height of what fits underneath.

The FOWORE and both Amazon Basics cabinet safes offer shelves, while the Locksworth uses a snap-in shelf. Check whether a shelf is removable or adjustable if your storage needs may change.

What should you check before installation?

Check the safe’s exterior size, door clearance, weight and mounting options before you move it into place. For a bolted safe, follow its instructions and make sure the mounting surface is suitable.

A 19.7 in tall cabinet may fit a closet but still need extra room for its door. A heavy fire-rated safe can be difficult to reposition, so plan its final location before loading it.

Which medium size home safe should you choose?

Choose the FOWORE if you want the most capacity and an adjustable shelf, the SentrySafe HD4100 for hanging files, or the Amazon Basics 1.2 cu ft safe for a lower cabinet. For a specialized handgun box or a compact lockbox, choose by use and interior measurements instead of the medium-size label.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 FOWORE [16.54" Tall] Safe Box
    Best for adjustable household storage

    FOWORE [16.54" Tall] Safe Box

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safe
    Best for hanging file folders

    SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safe

    9.5/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe Box
    Best for compact valuables

    Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe Box

    9.5/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What size safe is medium for a home?

A medium home safe often falls around 1 to 3 cu ft, though the label varies by brand and safe shape. Compare the usable interior dimensions with your largest item, then check the outside dimensions against the room and installation spot.

A cabinet's height and depth can matter as much as its stated capacity.

Is a 1.2 cu ft safe big enough for home use?

A 1.2 cu ft safe can suit documents, jewelry, cash and other compact valuables, especially when it has a shelf to separate items. Measure folders, devices and keepsakes you plan to store because interior shape affects what fits.

For bulkier items or a wider collection, compare larger capacities.

Should I choose a taller or wider home safe?

Choose by the shape of your stored items and the space where the safe will sit. A taller cabinet can make room for upright items, while a low, wide safe may fit under a desk or shelf.

Check door clearance and usable interior measurements before deciding.

Do medium home safes need to be bolted down?

Mounting can make a safe harder to carry away, but the right method depends on the safe and the surface. Several picks here include pre-drilled holes or mounting hardware.

Follow the safe's instructions and confirm that the wall or floor can support the installation.