Amazon Basics Safe Review: Affordable Security Verdict
Digging into hundreds of user reports, the Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Electronic Safe with Programmable Keypad Lock emerges as a product that balances affordability with basic security. Scoring a 7.8/10, it wins praise for ease of use, solid construction, and convenience, but is held back by recurring issues with electronic reliability, setup difficulties, and limited resistance to determined theft.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — best for casual home security, not high-threat environments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy keypad setup with backup keys | Electronics can fail over time |
| Sturdy steel build for price | Instructions unclear for some users |
| Spacious interior with shelf | Lightweight — must be bolted down |
| Affordable compared to similar safes | Not resistant to professional burglary tools |
| Flexible mounting options | Battery compartment issues reported |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing material highlights “heavy-duty steel construction” and “tamper-resistant design” with 8-gauge steel doors and 14-gauge steel bodies. While many users confirm the safe feels solid, others stress it’s “more of a lockbox than a safe.” Reddit user feedback notes that while the hinges are concealed and bolts are sturdy, “it may not be as impervious to dedicated burglary attempts as higher-end models.”
Another claim is “easy programmable keypad lock with backup key.” On paper, this sounds straightforward, but Amazon buyers frequently mention unclear manuals. One reviewer shared, “the manual is terrible with super small print… it took four or five hours until I finally got it to work.” Conversely, others report smooth setup in minutes, suggesting the experience depends heavily on user comfort with electronics.
Finally, Amazon promotes “mounting hardware included for security.” This is accurate, and users appreciate the pre-drilled holes, though some note missing bolts or awkward placement that interferes with door fitment.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Trustpilot, the keypad’s convenience is a recurring highlight. A verified Amazon buyer noted, “I bought this safe 4.5 years ago… just now changed the batteries for the first time, even with daily use.” This long battery life is a plus for frequent access users, such as firearm owners who retrieve items multiple times a day.
The interior shelf is another favorite. It allows organized storage of documents, jewelry, and cash. Reddit users storing mixed valuables say the shelf “makes the interior not just secure, but also well-organized.”
Mounting flexibility is valued by apartment dwellers and homeowners alike. One Twitter review stated, “easy to bolt to wall or solid flat surface… does the job,” with others confirming that securing the safe reduces risk of theft due to its moderate weight.
Common Complaints
Electronics failure is the most consistent pain point. Multiple Amazon buyers report the keypad “stopped working after a few months,” sometimes leaving them reliant on backup keys — which themselves occasionally fail or are missing. One customer lamented, “the safes electronics stopped working and neither of the two backup keys are working.”
Battery compartment durability is another issue. Reports describe compartments breaking or detaching, forcing manual reconnection. A Trustpilot review warned, “the battery compartment came broken… falls out every time you open/close.”
Weight is a double-edged sword. While manageable for installation, it makes the safe portable enough for a burglar to carry unless bolted down. Reddit users advise anchoring it immediately.
Divisive Features
Setup difficulty splits opinion. Some say programming a passcode is “extremely easy… got an 8-digit code in literally 2 minutes,” while others, especially older users, complain of “tiny, inscrutable pictures” in the manual.
The safe’s role as theft deterrent versus true security is debated. Many agree it’s adequate for keeping “kids and casual visitors out,” but ineffective against tools like angle grinders. A Reddit comment summed it up: “This safe won’t stop the lockpicking lawyer… but I wasn’t interested in paying a premium for Fort Knox.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Amazon show no signs of scam activity, but durability concerns are real. Long-term owners report mixed reliability: one user’s unit functioned flawlessly for 4.5 years, another’s keypad failed in under a year. This variance suggests quality control inconsistencies.
Battery longevity impresses in some cases, with multi-year life spans, but others experience early failure without low battery warnings. The backup key system provides security redundancy, yet occasional key fitment or loss issues can render both access methods unusable.
Alternatives
Several users compare it to Sentry Safe models, noting Amazon Basics offers “better internal organization and value” but less fire resistance. For those needing higher security or fireproofing, community members advise stepping up to more expensive models, especially for jewelry or cash storage.
Price & Value
At around $96–$113 USD, the safe is considered a solid budget buy. eBay resale prices hover near $100 for open-box units, suggesting decent value retention. Buyers recommend waiting for sales — “wait until they’re on sale though. No complaints,” said one Amazon reviewer.
The combination of low cost, practical features, and basic protection makes it appealing for home offices, closets, and dorm rooms. However, it’s not a substitute for commercial-grade safes.
FAQ
Q: How do I replace a lost key?
A: Contact Amazon customer service with proof of purchase and ownership. Store your backup key in a secure location away from the safe to avoid lockout.
Q: Can I reset the code if I forget it?
A: No, for security reasons you must use the override key provided at purchase. The code cannot be reset without access.
Q: Is this safe fireproof?
A: No, it is not fire-resistant. Some users store documents in fireproof bags inside the safe for added protection.
Q: How long do the batteries last?
A: Reports vary from several months to over four years. Using quality AA batteries appears to extend lifespan.
Q: Can it be wall-mounted?
A: Yes, it includes pre-drilled holes and bolts for wall or floor mounting. Many users recommend securing it due to its moderate weight.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re seeking an affordable, easy-to-use safe for documents, small electronics, or to keep children out of restricted items. Avoid if you need high-level theft resistance or fire protection. Community pro tip: “Bolt it down the day you get it — and keep the backup key somewhere you won’t forget.”
