Safes for College Dorm Rooms (Updated 2021)

There is not one brand, type, or style that has been deemed the best college dorm room security safe because the opinion of the college dorm safe depends on the specific preferences of the user, which tend to vary.

There are several advantages and disadvantages for every type of dorm security safe; therefore, it is important for the user to assess which features are most important given their lifestyle.

The user can educate themselves on all features available and identify which matter the most prior to purchasing a college dorm safe. The safe user should consider purpose, size, and preferred method of securing and locking the safe to ensure they purchase the best college dorm safe to fit their needs.

All safes below are chosen as some of the best available for 2021.

1. Viking Security VS-14BL Top Opening Biometric Safe

Viking seem to have thought of everything when they were designing this top opening safe. It has quite a number of very cool features such as a modern biometric fingerprint reader, digital keypad, mounting options, an LED screen, interior lighting, emergency override keys and more.

This is a tough and very well-made Viking safe that has a thicker door and casing compared to other top opening models on the market. The door thickness is a good 5 mm and the body is 3 mm.

It weighs around 23 pounds empty so with items inside it could end up being quite heavy which is a good thing if you want to make sure no one will pick it up and walk away with it. In fact, as an extra measure it may be a good idea to purchase a steel lock cable to secure the vault to a bed or desk.

This biometric fingerprint safe has a top of the line locking system with an upgraded 500 DPI optical fingerprint reader that works efficiently for quick scans. The scanner/memory accepts multiple fingerprints – up to 32; all shapes and sizes.

To add a fingerprint all you have to do is press the red button and then scan the front, top, bottom, sides of your finger. By doing that, anytime you need to access the safe quickly, the scanner will recognize your print no matter what position it is in.

The locking mechanism has a motorized deadbolt system. There are two 20mm thick bolts which are much bigger than the average 16mm thick bolts usually found on other safes in this category.

It is pry-resistant to prevent any forced entry and even has a time out security mode which shuts off the safe if 5 incorrect PINs or 10 incorrect fingerprints are inputted.

If you are worried about being locked out for any reason you have 2 override emergency keys that you can use to manually let yourself in. The keys have a four-prong design making it difficult for anyone to try to duplicate therm.

As for the size, the external dimensions are H 5″ (130 mm) x W 11″ (280 mm) x L 15” (380 mm) and the internal dimensions are H 4.5” (115 mm) x W 10.5″ (270 mm) x L 14.5” (370 mm). Generally, not a bad size but would mainly be used for storing smaller items.

Yes, this is a bit pricier compared to other top opening safes, however it does offer a lot of more very useful features and most importantly it is one of the tougher, most sturdy of the drawer safes available. When you consider that it will protect your valuables from theft, the price really doesn’t seem all that high at all.

FEATURES

Fingerprint sensor: This Viking safe has an upgraded 500DPI optical sensor for more accurate readings.

Door locking bolts: There are 2 solid steel, 20mm thick motorized deadbolts that are part of the locking mechanism.

Strong construction: The exterior casing is made from 3mm thick steel and the door has 5 mm of thick steel.

Scan memory: The memory can hold up to 32 fingerprints and will retain all inputted information even after the batteries are removed.

Easy PIN keypad: You can save a 4-8 programmable digit PIN code as another option to enter the safe.

Tough hinges: Anti-pry concealed door hinges for better protection.

Time out mode: This small safe will time out after 5 incorrect PINs or 10 incorrect fingerprints attempts.

Easy mounting: There are 4 pre-drilled holes for mounting to a floor or wall. The anchor bolts are included.

Emergency access: You get two backup keys that have a four-prong design to make duplication more difficult.

Interior: Has a good quality carpeted interior as well as a nice built in LED light.

Guarantee: Has a 1-year warranty.

PROS AT A GLANCE

• Well made with a 5mm thick door and 3mm thick steel walls.
• The safe is extremely well designed and built.
• Has a long-lasting battery life.
• Feels heavy and very durable.
• Will fit perfectly in a drawer or other tight space.
• The fingerprint reader cam memorize up to 32 prints.
• The fingerprint scanner works quickly and accurately.
• LED light inside makes access in the dark easy.
• Information is retained even if batteries are removed.
• The locking mechanism is tough and secure.
• Has 2 backup override keys in case of an emergency.
• You can create a PIN code with up to 8 digits.
• The keypad is easy to set up and operate.
• It has pre-drilled holes and bolts included for mounting.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• Cannot disable the beeping when it isn’t locked.

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2. Barska AX12622 Top Opening Keypad Security Drawer Safe

There seems to be a demand for top opening safes these days. I think people like the idea of having a fairly flat small safe rather than a bulky square shaped safe. This is especially relevant now because laptops are becoming more popular; you need somewhere to store it and a flat safe is perfect for that!

This is a Barska top opening safe which means that it is of the best quality. The company have been around for many years and know how to manufacturer good quality safes/vaults that do exactly what they are supposed to.

This AX12622 is one of Barska’s newer models and so far there hasn’t been many complaints from customers.

Like most lock boxes of this kind, they are not really designed for high security…meaning an expert thief could probably get into it without much hassle. If heavy duty is what you are looking for then you will need to look for something a tad more sophisticated and expensive.

The metal casing for this is 12-gauge steel which is adequate for a safe in this price range. Its outer dimensions are 12″ x 9.5″ x 4.5″ and the inner dimensions are 11.75″ x 9″ x 3.5″. Not a big safe but a perfect size for storing smaller items. Remember, this has to be small enough to be hidden in a drawer…which I think is one of its big features.

Yes, it only weighs around 10.5 pounds but if it is hidden away somewhere then there is less chance of someone walking away with it. There are pre-drilled holes in the back if you wanted to bolt it down to the floor, however I think for a dorm room your only option may be to secure it with a strong, thick lock cable.

Generally, it has pretty good security with 2 built-in pry-resistant steel deadbolts that keep the door locked tight. It has a digital keypad locking mechanism which needs a PIN code to get in. No major outstanding features…it is just a good all-round top opening drawer safe that students can store in their room.

FEATURES

Strong construction: The solid construction is made of 12-gauge steel thickness.

Door locking bolts: There are 2 solid steel locking bolts in the side of the door.

Tough hinges: Anti-pry concealed door hinges will deter anyone from trying to crowbar the door open.

Easy keypad: Has an easy to operate keypad that uses a PIN code for entry.

Emergency access: You get two backup keys that can be used to manually gain entry if you forget your pass code.Interior: Has an good quality floor mat to protect your valuables from any scratch damage.

PROS AT A GLANCE

• Well made with 12-gauge steel.
• The locking mechanism is very secure for a small safe.
• Is a good size for concealing in a drawer or other tight spaces.
• Has 2 backup override keys in case of an emergency.
• You can create a PIN code with up to 8 digits.
• The keypad is easy to set up and operate.
• Is a perfect design and shape for storing small to medium items.
• It has pre-drilled holes and bolts included for mounting.
• You have the option to turn off the beeping sound on the keypad for quiet entry.
• The AX12622 is excellent value for money.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• The plastic rotational lever feels a little flimsy.
• Batteries are a little frustrating to install.
• The safe is a bit on the light side.

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3. Honeywell 5705 digital Curved Top Safe

Everyone has heard of Honeywell safes as they are one of the leading brands, however this does not mean that you will be paying silly money for something that is just “average”. On the contrary, Honeywell have a long-lasting reputation for manufacturing quality safes and this 5705 digital version is no exception.

The first thing you will notice is how small and light it is. The exterior dimensions are 7.4 in H x 17.3 in W x 14.6 in D. The interior dimensions are 7.1 in H x 16.9 in W x 10.6 in D.  It only weighs around 20 pounds! Not very heavy at all which means it has a potential risk of being taken away by an opportunist thief.

Due to its light weight, if you want this thing to stay where it is then you will need to tie it down. You do have the option to bolt it down because it has pre-drilled holes and mounting bolts included.

However, for a student living in temporary dorm digs the best thing to do is get a quality steel cable lock and secure it to a bed or any other heavy permanent object.

All that aside, this is perfect for storing smaller items such as your passport, money, wallet, jewelry, USB stick, loose cash, etc.

It has an electronic keypad which allows you to save a 3-8-digit pass code. This is pretty standard for a small safe. It does have a large latching lock bar for added security plus the door is equipped with concealed hinges and a recess to prevent prying attacks.

It does come with two emergency override keys which can be used if you ever get locked out of the safe because you forgot your pass code.

FEATURES

Personalized entry code: The electronic digital lock allows you to program 3-8 digit pass codes for quick entry.

Door bolt: This safe features a large latching lock bar in the door for added security.

Hinges: The door is recessed and the hinges are concealed to prevent anyone from being able to pry the door open.

Interior: Has a carpeted floor on the inside to protect your valuables.

PROS AT A GLANCE

• The door is recessed with concealed hinges.
• Has a large latching lock bar for added security!
• Has backup override keys in case of an emergency.
• The keypad is easy to operate.
• Is a perfect design and shape for storing small items.
• Pre-drilled holes on for mounting.
• Has a 7-year limited warranty.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• Some may find it too light.

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4. Gardall GH5-G-E Digital Laptop Dorm Safe

Gardall safes are known for their strong construction and are specifically designed to protect your valuable items from being burgled. It is more of a high-end dorm safe that not only has ample room for storage but it super tough too.

Due to its shape it is perfect for laptop storage. A laptop is a pretty expensive piece of equipment to be left lying around a dorm room. Remember, the confidential information you have stored in your laptop needs to be protected.

Unlike your cell phone, it is hard to take your laptop with you everywhere you go. If you want peace of mind when you are away from your room you will need to lock it up and keep it secure.  This Gardall safe is not just for laptops though. You can store pretty much anything you want inside…as long as it fits of course.

It is a good size with exterior dimensions of 9.63″ H x 16.50″ W x 15.00″ D and interior dimensions of 7.00″ H x 14.00″ W x 14.00″ D. So, you may not be able to get a large laptop to fit flat inside but certainly a medium sized one would fit perfectly.

The construction is made with 15-16-gauge solid steel and the door is approximately 10 gauge.

This laptop safe features an electronic lock and opens with a 3-6-digit combination. Alternatively, you can use the swipe system with a magnetized credit card. If either of those opening options have an error or if you forget your combination, you can use the override key to get into the safe.

This safe has pre-drilled holes in the back and bottom of the safe for easy installation. If you cannot mount it to the floor or wall then you can get yourself a thick cable lock to secure it to a bed or desk. Yes, this costs more than the usual dorm safes on offer, however it also offers a lot more security for your valuables.

FEATURES

Two ways to enter the safe: You can type in a 3 to 6-digit user code or you can swipe a card.

Special security mode: If 3 incorrect codes are typed then the safe goes into lock-out mode.

Strong construction: The walls are made from 15-16-gauge solid steel.

Easy keypad: Has an easy to operate keypad and LCD screen.

Override system: You get a special emergency key that will override the system and manually open the door if things go wrong.

PROS AT A GLANCE

• Well made with thick gauge steel.
• Option of entering a personal code or using a credit card to access the safe.
• Is pretty heavy for a small safe.
• Has a backup override key in case of an emergency.
• The keypad is easy to operate.
• Is a perfect design and shape for storing small to medium sized laptops.
• Pre-drilled holes on back for mounting to a wall.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• Costs more than your average small safe.
• You only get one emergency key included.

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5 . Mesa Safe Company MHRC916E Electronic Burglary Safe

Here is a small safe that can used in the home, in a hotel and in a dorm room. It pretty much does what it is supposed to without the bells and whistles. Well, it has a few of those but they are not revolutionary ideas for a security vault/box.

A lot of the time people just want a product that is easy to set up and can get working immediately. That is exactly what this Mesa burglary safe does.

It has a solid, heavy safe feel to it and is designed to keep your valuables out of the hands of amateur thieves. If you want better peace of mind, I would also secure it using the included mounting bolts or purchase a lock cable.

Most students would use the cable lock option because you can secure the safe to a dorm bed frame or heavy desk.

One of the cool features is the electronic locking mechanism which will unlock the door by either punching in the pass code or by swiping a magnetic strip card – (such as a credit card). So, there are two ways of entering the safe. Also, if there is a problem getting in you can use the emergency override key to manually unlock the door.

The interior dimensions are: 8 7⁄8″ X 17 3⁄4″ X 12 5⁄8″ Inches, however if you need this for storing a laptop, I would recommend a bigger safe if your laptop is 17 inches or more. It is perfectly adequate for a small laptop because it can then fit it straight rather than at an angle. So, if you are looking for a safe which can hold a smaller laptop you might want to give this one a try.

FEATURES

Electronic lock: This has a battery-operated electronic lock.

Two ways to enter the safe: You can type in your pass code or you can swipe a card.

Hinges: The pry-resistant door has concealed steel hinges within the recessed door to help deter pry attacks.

Easy mounting: Has pre-drilled anchor holes with the bolts provided.

Keypad display: There is a large illuminated LED display to help when typing the code in the dark.

Override system: You get a special emergency key that will override the system and manually open the door if things go wrong.

PROS AT A GLANCE

• Well made with thick gauge steel for a safe of this size.
• Option of entering a personal code or using a credit card to access the safe.
• Battery powered main operation is smooth.
• Is pretty heavy for a small safe.
• Can be hidden under a bed or in a closet.
• Has a backup override key in case of an emergency.
• The keypad light is a nice addition.
• Easy to lock and unlock.
• Convenient size to fit on a shelf.
• Pre-drilled holes on the bottom and back for mounting to floor or wall.
• Easy instructions how to set the safe.
• Very good price for what you get.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• The included mounting bolts are not the best quality.
• Makes a sound when the keypad buttons are being pressed.
• Has a plastic keypad/card reader unit.

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ALTERNATIVE SAFES:

6. SentrySafe H060ES Digital Lock Safe

SentrySafe have been manufacturing digital lock safes for a number of years now so their products are quality. Their small safes are built using solid steel and they tend to have a minimum of two locking bolts on their doors.

That is exactly the case with this compact security safe. Only the features are kept to a minimum because it is small, however the few features it does have are very useful.

So, it has two steel live-locking bolts, interior carpeting, interior lighting and concealed hinges to deter break-ins but I think the one thing that stands out the most is the card swipe reader.

In a nutshell, this safe can be opened and closed with either a four-digit code OR a magnetic strip card…such as a debit card. Having the ability to use any magnetic strip card is a handy option and could certainly come into play if something goes wrong and you can’t get to your stored items.

This works just like a hotel room safe. You use any card with a magnetic strip to lock or open it without worrying about any pre-programming.

Bear in mind this is not fire or waterproof but it is a very durable, spacious, sturdy, strong and reliable safe for the price. It won’t stop a determined thief who has the right tools but it will prevent opportunistic theft and at least slow down a professional burglar.

Also, you have to take into consideration its size, at 7.3 x 14.8 x 6.5 inches and weighing in at 21.9 pounds anyone can walk of with it. With this in mind, especially if you are purchasing this for a dorm room, I would invest in a really good security cable.

If you have this for your home then you can just bolt it down to the floor but for college students buying a cable would be your best option. This digital lock safe is small enough to be hidden away and large enough to keep your valuables stored safely.

FEATURES

Card Swipe Reader: This has a digital keypad that allows card swipe access. No personal information or credit card numbers are used in this operation.

Re-programmable keypad lock: If you are not using the card swipe option you can enter a pre-programmed code to open and close your safe.

Security: The pry-resistant door has concealed hinges and has been equipped with two motorized live-locking bolts. The outer casing itself has a solid steel build for improved strength.

Nice interior: Has a nice piece of carpet on the bottom part of the safe and also an interior light to help illuminate the area.

Added extras: This security safe comes with a remote battery pack, two override keys and a bolt down kit.

PROS AT A GLANCE

• The access code is quick and works flawlessly.
• The card reader works just fine with a driver’s license and any magnetic strip card.
• It is large enough to fit a standard sized iPad.
• Can be hidden under a bed or in a closet.
• Has two backup keys in case of an emergency.
• The interior light is a nice addition.
• Easy to lock and unlock.
• Convenient size to fit on a shelf.
• Pre-drilled holes on the bottom and back for mounting to floor or wall.
• Very good price for what you get.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• The included mounting bolts are not the best quality.

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7. SentrySafe X125 Digital Keypad Security Safe

This is a classic bestselling SentrySafe that sold so many units that they decided to manufacture six different versions. So, pretty much the same safe but in 6 different sizes.

Even with the larger 1.2 cubic feet size this safe is still considered “small” which means it will be light and will have just enough storage space for your smaller items. Perfect for dorm room and home use.

It is not a fire or waterproof safe but is constructed with a sturdy solid steel. I would consider this safe a “peace of mind” purchase…in other words I wouldn’t put my priciest jewels or most valuable items in it. It is perfect for keeping moderately valuable stuff protected from casual thieves, maids and of course sneaky roommates.

Due to its light construction it wouldn’t keep out a determined thief with tools for long, however the great thing about small safes it that you can hide them almost anywhere. All versions of this X125 are no exception with the added bonus of being able to bolt it to the floor or wall through the pre-drilled holes.

If you are in a dorm then bolting this to the floor may not be an option but you can use a strong security cable to tie it down somewhere. This could actually be advisable because thieves can walk off with these smaller, lighter safes. Just loop a cable around a strong part of your bed, or desk, and attach it, through the back of the safe.

I am not a fan of battery-operated safes, but these days most digital keypads run off of batteries and so it is unavoidable. The Sentry takes 4 AA batteries, which is not that many considering some safes require double that amount to power the electronics.

The keypad allows you to set your own pass code from 2-8 digits and you also get two emergency keys just in case you forget your pin code or cannot open the door for some reason.

All six versions of this X125 SentrySafe are pretty roomy depending on the size you purchase. Even the 1.0 Cubic ft size can fit a 13″ Mac Book so the larger 1.2 cubic ft will be able to accommodate a much larger laptop or even multiple laptops if you remove the shelf.

With the shelf inside you can store phones, iPads, prescriptions, keys, cash, documents and much more while at the same time keeping everything organized. This digital safe works well for easy, quick access while providing a level of protection from access by a nosy roommate.

FEATURES

Good size: There are six versions of this safe. The sizes are: 0.1 cubic feet, 0.4 cu ft, 0.5 cu ft, 0.7 cu ft, 0.9 cu ft and 1.2 cubic feet.

Locking mechanism: Features two live-locking bolts and comes with 2 keys.

Good construction: Made from solid steel, has concealed hinges with pre-drilled holes for bolting to the floor or wall.

Digital keypad: Easy to use, quick access keypad with battery compartment.

Nice interior: Has a nice piece of carpet on the bottom part of the safe and also removable shelving. Also has power cord access for security while charging your devices.

Good capacity for a small safe: Dimensions of 12 x 2.8 x 8.9 inches and weighs 6 pounds.

You can download the SentrySafe X125 user manual here!

PROS AT A GLANCE

• Great construction with a nice lock release.
• Easy to install your personal code.
• Can be hidden in most small spaces including under a bed or in a closet.
• Has two backup keys in case of an emergency.
• Key hole has a cover to keep it hidden from sight.
• Roomy enough to hold documents and laptops.
• Buttons are easy to push.
• Has shelving and carpeting inside.
• Clear instructions on how to reset the key codes.
• Pre-drilled holes on the bottom and back for mounting to floor or wall.
• Very good price for what you get.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• Loud beeping sound when using the keypad.
• The included mounting bolts are not the best quality.
• Installing the batteries can be a bit fiddly.

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There are five other sizes available:

8. Winner International Personal Vault Security Lock Box

What we have here is a very versatile small safe. If you read the customer reviews you will notice that many people have used it to secure their small guns. I am not sure that is what it was designed for but there are also many owners of this mini vault who use it for their dorm rooms.

I mean, look how compact and sturdy looking it is! It is ideal for a student dorm to store a number of small items like external hard drives, keys, phones, watches, cash and other valuables.

It is only a small safe/lock box but is roomy enough to store quite a few things. A student can easily secure it to a bed frame and slide it under the bed. You could also attach it to a desk frame and maybe tuck it around the back so no one could see it.

The tough cable is certainly long enough to wrap around things and the best part is that it is removable.

Due to its compact size you could even consider it to be portable. Since it is portable, it can be used to protect items in hotels, dorm rooms, and at home. If you travel around you can carry it in your luggage and secure your items when in hostels and air bnbs.

The build is pretty tough for a lock box but bear in mind it is not a heavy duty safe, so it will not stop a serious burglar from cutting the cable and running off with it. However, strong tools will be needed to cut the cable or even to break into the box.

As a mini security box, it has none of the bells and whistles that heavy duty safes have, so the locking mechanism is just a tough key lock. Due to this it would be a good idea to buy a secret decoy stash container to keep the keys in.

There are two versions of this personal vault. The small version has dimensions of 8.9 x 6.5 x 3 inches and weighs 3.25 pounds. The large lock box has dimensions of 12 x 2.8 x 8.9 inches and weighs 6 pounds.

FEATURES

Good size: Both versions of this safe are considered “small” and due to this they can be hidden almost anywhere. You can put them in drawers, closets, shelves and even put them in a suitcase for traveling.

Locking mechanism: A simple but effective key lock system. Comes with 2 keys.

Removable cable: Has a long and tough detachable cable for fast removal.Good capacity for a small safe: Dimensions of 12 x 2.8 x 8.9 inches and weighs 6 pounds.

PROS AT A GLANCE

• It fits snuggly under a bed and in many other tight spots.
• The cable can be attached and you can tie it down anywhere.
• Great construction with a nice lock release.
• The cable is removable.
• Very good price for what you get.
• Very sturdy and relatively easy to operate.
• Comes with two keys.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• Key lock mechanism sticks sometimes when trying to unlock.

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Variations of this storage chest are also available:

9. Electronic Digital Security Safe Box

Take note, this is more of a lock box rather than a safe. If high security is what you are looking for then this probably isn’t the right product for you – (plus you would have to spend a lot more).

This digital safe is built from 2mm thick powder-coated solid steel, so it is at the top end of lock box toughness. The door is a pretty tough 4mm thick solid steel and is fitted with 3 enhanced 20mm thick live-door bolts. Most similar safes in this category have just 2 locking bolts so this is one step above the rest.

As well as a tough door the hinges are concealed and pry-resistant making for even better security. You have the option to program two sets of codes – Personal Code and Master Code which allows you to give the personal code to a guest while maintaining the master code.

If something goes wrong and you cannot get into the safe using the codes you can use one of the two override keys for manual access.

You can’t expect high security from a safe that sells at such a low price, however this Slypnos digital safe box does a pretty good job…especially if you compare it to other safes in the same price range.

This type of design is what you would typically find in a hotel safe or a college dorm safe; it will keep your valuables secure, under normal circumstances. Most students want a cheap safe that is secure enough to keep the prying eyes of roomies at bay, and for that purpose it is perfect. You can always add to the security by bolting it to the floor or wall or simply by tying it down using a tough security cable designed for safes.

FEATURES

Robust build: All walls are made from 2mm thick powder-coated solid steel. The door is 4mm thick solid steel.

Door bolts: There are 3 enhanced 20mm thick live-door bolts in the door. The hinges are concealed and pry-resistant.

Electronic keypad system: Digital keypad with water-resistant film and 3 indicator warning lights.

Two override keys: Use either of the 2 override keys to get into the safe if you encounter any problems opening the door.

Good capacity for a small safe: Interior dimensions: 13.5 in W x 9.5 in D x 7.5 in H (34.5 cm W x 24.5 cm D x 19.5 cm H). Safe Capacity: 0.8 cu. ft.

PROS AT A GLANCE

• It easy to use, and very roomy.
• It’s a compact safe that can be stored under a bed or in a closet.
• The pass code set up is extremely easy.
• Small enough to hide yet large enough to hold important valuables.
• Very good price for what you get.
• The keypad responds really quick to provide quick access to your items.
• The two emergency override keys are very useful.
• The 3 solid steel door bolts are a huge plus regarding security.
• Can be bolted to the floor for added security.
• Has a nice carpet to prevent damage to your valuables.
• Opens and closes effortlessly.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• It is really light…someone could walk off with it if not tied down.
• A 12-inch laptop won’t fit inside the smaller 0.5 cu. ft. version of this safe.
• It is not fireproof or waterproof.

CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW FOR DETAILED PRODUCT INFO AND SPECS

Variations of this storage chest are also available:

10. Yale Security Digital Small Safe

This is what you would expect from a company that has been manufacturing safes for many years. This has been designed to be just like the kind of safe you would find in a dorm room or hotel.

It is a fairly small unit with internal dimensions of 9. 45″ x 13. 39″ x 7. 87″ / Volume 16, 3L. It seems to be just right for dorm use, ideal for storing small items, documents, phones, SD cards, cash and other general items.

As far as build goes, it is very solid. The overall construction of the body is heavy duty. Thick walls, thick door and thick hinge plates. The door is 3/8″ steel while the body of the safe is made from 1/16″ steel. Some may think this is not very thick but compared to similar safes in this category it is one of the quality builds.

It looks and feels expensive, although it is not as heavy as it could have been. For some this may be a blessing but a lighter safe means thieves can walk off with it.

It has a visually appealing design with smooth edges and the keyhole has been hidden behind the yale logo which is a nifty idea. There are two thick locking pins that keep the door shut and are made out of strong metal to prevent easy breakage via a prying tool such as a crowbar.

The electronic keypad is easy to use and inside the safe door you will find the small “set/reset” button to enter programming mode and set or reset your personalized lock code. Very useful for changing things up when you have used the same pin code for a long time.

To open the safe all you do is enter your 3 to 8-digit code via keypad or you can use the backup key.

There are three versions of this small safe. One is specifically designed for laptops because it is flatter and longer: External dimensions 7. 87″ x 16. 93″ x 13. 78″ / Internal dimensions 7. 48″ x 16. 54″ x 11. 81″ / Volume 24L.

Then there is a medium: External dimensions 9. 84″ x 13. 78″ x 9. 84″ / Internal dimensions 9. 45″ x 13. 39″ x 7. 87″ / Volume 16, 3L.

For those who just want a really small safe there is the smallest of the range: External dimensions 7. 87″ x 12. 20″ x 7. 87 / Internal dimensions 7. 48″ x 11. 81″ x 5. 91″ / Volume 8. 6L. All of the safes in the range have the same workings, all that is different is their exterior and interior sizes.

FEATURES

Strong build: Made of high quality durable thick steel material.

Tamper proof alarm: A loud alarm is triggered if the safe is tampered with or after 3 incorrect code attempts.

Electronic locking system: The digital keypad offers thousands of potential combinations. Your pin code can be numbers or letters.

Door bolts: There are two locking bolts in the door.

Two override keys: You can use either of the 2 emergency override keys to get into the safe if you have problems opening the door.

Good capacity for a small safe: There are three different Yale safe styles in this range, so the sizes depend on the particular safe design. All three are classed as small safes.

LED Indicators: Two LED light indicators light up for various reasons. The green light indicates an unlocked door and the red light is either for an error or low battery.

Below is a list of what real owners’ thought were the Pros and Cons of this safe.

PROS AT A GLANCE

• Fantastic safe for small items and important documents.
• The safe is very sturdy and durable for its size.
• Has a loud tamper alarm which is handy to deter thieves.
• Small enough to hide yet large enough to hold important valuables.
• Very good price for what you get.
• Has enough space to fit a couple personal protection devices.
• Can be bolted to the floor for added security.
• Opens and closes effortlessly.
• The lock is solid, the walls are thick enough.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• Mounting instructions could be improved.
• It is lightweight so if not bolted/secured, someone could walk away with it.
• The handle feels a bit flimsy but moves the double bolt lock well.
• It is not fireproof or waterproof.

CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW FOR DETAILED PRODUCT INFO AND SPECS

Variations of this storage chest are also available:

Why Do Students NEED A Dorm Safe?

Crime is a sad reality of modern life. It does not matter where you are, you need to take care of your belongings and secure them to prevent theft. This is sometimes easier said than done. Security has become a major issue for students living in college dorm rooms. Simply locking the door is no longer enough to keep your valuables protected.

Part of the reason is that the average college student these days has so many electronic devices, phones, cameras, iPads and digital media, not to mention your college work. You might also have jewelry and other important papers and documents that need to be secured. You simply can not leave this stuff lying around, it will not be safe for very long. The other thing with the college lifestyle is people constantly come and go, many of them strangers. The life of the college student is also very busy and often rushed.

The loss of personal belongings can be massive. The financial implications can be huge as well as the inconvenience and hassle it causes when things have to be replaced. Some things have sentimental value and can never be replaced…college work and memories saved on an electronic device that you can never get back. What is the solution, how do they keep all their possessions away from would be thieves?

The most effective and best way to do this correctly is to purchase a dorm safe. Sounds pretty simple at first but once you start looking around, you will realize that there are quite a few factors to consider. Selecting a poor safe will give you a false sense of security and not protect your valuables sufficiently.  The wrong safe could also be a major inconvenience and cause you unnecessary headaches. To make the task of purchasing a college dormitory safe, we will guide you through all of the important considerations. When you have to make a selection, you will be able to make an informed decision and get the one that is just right for your needs.

Important Factors To Consider When Purchasing A College Dorm Safe

Purpose

One of the most important considerations is the purpose for purchasing the safe. If you are looking for dorm jewelry safe then it may be helpful to purchase a safe that has organizational compartments. If you are looking for a dorm security safe to hold any type of self-defense item you may lean towards a safe that has LED lighting available for easy nighttime access.

Document safes are another phenomenal option for the student that needs a method to protect their personal identification information such as passport, birth certificate, and social security card.

The purpose for purchasing the safe should be understood prior to considering the size and other feature options available.

Size & Style

Given dorm rooms typically have limited space the best college dorm safes are often smaller safes that are still large enough to hold all of your valuable items. Dorm room safes can fit in a desk, under a bed, in a closet, or be in plain sight depending on the user’s preference.

It is helpful, but not always necessary, to identify which storage location is ideal so the general size is understood prior to purchasing the college dorm safe.

You are obviously restricted in terms of size as college dorm rooms are not massive. You can not go and get a giant safe that is difficult to get in and takes up half of the space. Having said that, one of the most common mistakes people make is buying a safe that is too small for their needs.

There are two aspects to the size you need to consider, the exterior dimensions and the internal space or capacity of your safe. So, will it fit where you wish to put it and will it be big enough to store everything you need to use the safe for?

To answer the first one, work out exactly where you wish to place the safe and measure the available space. Inside a cupboard or somewhere out of the way that is not immediately visible is always best. Ensure you have the height, width, and depth and make sure doors will not be obstructed and the safe is able to open where you wish to position it. Measure the available space and have these measurements with you when shopping for your safe.

In terms of capacity, you have to be aware that the exterior dimensions and interior could vary considerably depending on the amount of insulation and the thickness of the metal.

Measure your biggest item and think about what other things you wish to also include. There might also be additional items you want to store in the safe in the future. Add at least 25% to the capacity you think you need, possibly more if you can.

Strength

Do not for a second think that a safe is a safe and they will all protect your valuables equally. Some are a lot stronger and more secure than others. Buying a cheap safe is a waste of time as it will offer little to no protections. Consider the value of the items you wish to protect when evaluating the various options available. Look at the thickness of the metal, the mounting bracket and the lock mechanism. There are a number of strength ratings, just make sure you are comparing apples with apples.

Method of Securing and Locking

Dorm safes with cables are the ideal type of college dorm safes for students that plan on moving or changing housing every year. If the student intends on staying in the same living space then it may be best to purchase a safe that physically mounts or bolts to a hard surface.

It is also important to consider which locking method is preferred by the user. Traditional key, number or letter keypad, or biometric fingerprint are all readily available options. Also, every dorm room safe will have an extra lock key or an override lock key for use if the user forgets the keypad code or loses the original key.

There are mini dorm room safes available in every budget range; therefore, pricing can be considered once the type of safe and size is determined. Typically, the best college dorm safes are small, portable, and easy to use. However, it is important to assess all of the criteria in order to find a college dorm safe that will fit your needs and most importantly properly protect and store your valuables.

Locking Mechanism

There are a number of options when it comes to locking the safe. You certainly do not want an old fashioned safe that uses a key as it is a big responsibility and risk. Keys are also bulky and make opening the safe time-consuming. Digital safes are much more convenient and biometric safes even better as they offer extra protection and ensure that only you or a pre-authorized person will be able to open the safe.

A biometric safe works with your fingerprint or hand-print and is a very secure way to operate a safe. They are slightly more expensive than a normal digital safe or an old fashioned combination safe but they are a lot more secure and extremely convenient.

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