Wall Safe Ranking Factors: Security, Storage Capacity, Reliability, Price
Overview
Wall safes are a fantastic option when looking to hide and protect your valuables. Their hidden nature creates an extra step for a burglar to solve in a hurry and considering they are bolted to the side studs, it becomes a nightmare to rip out the entire safe. Unfortunately, companies like Stack-On and Mesa have created wall safes that can be opened with a coffee stirrer, screwdriver or simply a piece of tape. Keep reading for my list of the best wall safes you can trust with your valuables. As of 2019 some new models have come out and while most have been the same chinese imports continually flooding the markets, a few have stood out as deserving to be on this list. Thus, I’ve reranked my favorite wall safes as of 2019 below.
#3 – AMSEC WS1214 Burglary Wall Safe
#1 Best Wall Safe – AMSEC WFS149 & WFS149E5
You may immediately notice that there is only one manufacturer in the top 3 wall safes and the main reason is because American Security Products, AMSEC, has been the top manufacturer of wall safes for the last 80 years. They have incorporated the perfect combination of features within their wall safes and the quality is immediately apparent. Ranking in #1 overall is the AMSEC WFS149E5, the only fire rated wall safe available. This was an extremely difficult accomplishment, yet actually a simple design. AMSEC merely put a flange and bolt holes into their standard FS149 fire safe. This allows for a 1 hour fire rating with an inside temperature of less than 350 degrees. In terms of security, this fire resistant wall safe has one live locking bolt and two solid steel deadbolts on the hinge side for protection during a pry attack. The recessed 1/2″ thick, composite fire door adds another element of pry security. This recessed nature also conveniently allows the lock and handle to reside flush with the wall enabling a picture frame to easily be placed over it concealing the safe underneath.
The AMSEC WFS149E5 has an interior cubic ft. of .74 as the fire rating decreases the internal capacity. You’ll still be able to fit plenty of paperwork, passports and other small valuables. Please note this wall safe has an extra deep interior and does not fit into most standard walls. You need to make sure you have the depth available to install this safe before cutting the hole out of your wall.
AMSEC used to have issues with this ESL5 lock which as you can imagine on a wall safe would be a nightmare. This issue has been resolved and working great since the beginning of 2016. To alleviate any fear of using an electronic lock, they provide a version with a dial combination lock that I would recommend.
This safe by far and large offers the best security, fire rating and storage capacity for the price.
#2 Best Wall Safe – Stealth WSHD1414
The AMSEC WS1214 Wall Safe has been my favorite burglary rated wall safe for years with it’s ¾” steel door, that safe is a beast but it’s also over $800 and at some point you have to start looking for other options. Stealth stepped in with the WSHD1414, essentially the same safe as the AMSEC WS1214 but it has a ½” steel door and is slightly bigger measuring 14” H x 14” W. It has all of the same standard features like a hardplate, relocker, external hinges, internal steel dead bar, 12 gauge steel body and 10” depth.
What I love most about the new Stealth wall safe is that it’s Made in USA, AMSEC (American Security) has moved nearly all of their wall safe and floor safe production to China and while I don’t have anything against high quality Chinese safes, I always prefer to buy American.
Another major difference between the two is the lock they use, the AMSEC ESL5 does not have the best reputation out there and I’ve heard nothing but good things about the LP Locks. The electronics are manufactured in Italy, all of the parts are assembled in California and they’ve been proven extremely reliable.
The final and most important difference is the price. With the Stealth WSHD1414 being $250 less for a slightly bigger safe that has a ¼” thick steel door, it really became a no-brainer moving this safe into the #2 spot. This wall safe is clearly the best overall value for the price and is an absolute beast in a burglary situation.
#3 Best Wall Safe – AMSEC WS1214
When it comes to burglary protection, the AMSEC WS1214 is the BEST safe. With a ¾” thick solid steel door, yes you read that right, ¾” thick, there is no way in hell someone could pry this open. Add in the fact that the door is recessed and three 1 inch chrome locking bolts, this is truly the best burglary wall safe on the market. Contrasting from the WFS149, this safe does not have a fire rating and is rated for burglary protection only. It’s actually also CA DOJ compliant for handgun storage and has a hardplate and relocker. If you’re looking for the best option in hidden security, nothing compares to this wall safe.
With an extra deep interior, this wall safe has the second largest storage capacity in this category at .5 cubic ft. Considering it’s 13.5” Internal width, it’s actually possible to install a 5” deep storage folder system for important paperwork. You can also store several handguns, cash, a camera and other small valuables.
The same set up as the WFS149, the AMSEC WS1214 has the ability to have either a combination dial lock or AMSEC’s standard ESL5 Electronic Lock. With the recessed door, it still sits flat up against the wall and always with wall safes and floor safes, I recommend the combination dial lock option, every time.
Where this safe is a stretch is the price, but when only the best burglary protection will do, this safe is well worth the price. No other wall safe even has a ½” thick door, so you truly are getting what you pay for with the ¾” thick steel door.
Comparison Chart
| Security | Storage Capacity |
Reliability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMSEC WFS149E5 | #3 | #2 | #1 | #1 |
| Stealth WSHD1414 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #2 |
| AMSEC WS1214 | #2 | #3 | #3 | #3 |
