Best keysafes, tried and tested by YourHomeStyle

If you need a secure way to share keys with trusted contacts when you're not at home, whether it’s the dog walker or a visiting family member, a key safe can be a good solution.

Keysafe boxes tend to operate with a combination of numbers, accessed using either push buttons or dials, so it’s worth doing your research before you buy, especially if it’s to be used by anyone with limited mobility in their hands.

Make sure that the internal size is suitable for the number of keys you need to store, whether it’s easy to set up and change the combination, and look out for designs with a weather-resistant cover. It’s always best to install a key safe box in a discreet location if possible.

How we tested keysafes:

We looked at aspects including size, ease of use and protection for keys, awarding up to 10 points for the following criteria:

Easy to use

• Is it easy to attach to the wall?
• Is the code or combination simple to set up?
• Easy it easy to unlock or fiddly?

3 points

Features

• Does it have buttons or a combination dial?
• Is there a cover for the lock?
• Is there an internal hook and is it easy to access keys?
• Is it spacious enough for larger keys?
• What is it made of? Does it resist rust or attack?

5 points

Value for money

• Does it offer good value in terms of price, quality and warranty?

2 points

Category winners:

Best overall keysafe: Supra C500 Pro key safe

Best for elderly users: Master Lock water-resistant reinforced key safe

Best for several keys: Master Lock light up dial select access key lock box

Best keysafes, tried and tested

Master Lock light up dial select access key lock box

How easy to use is the Master Lock light up dial select access key lock box?

With a mounting kit included in the box, this key safe contains everything you need to fix it to the wall without any hassle. It’s simple to set a combination with a small lever inside, and is easy to unlock with well-spaced dials and push button, although some users may find the dials a little fiddly.

2 points

What features does the Master Lock light up dial select access key lock box offer?

This model features dials which turn to set or unlock your chosen code, along with a large push button to open the door. As an added bonus, the dials also light up, making it ideal for use in the dark without the need for any additional light source. It requires a CR2032 battery. It has a cover to help protect against the weather. It terms of space inside, there’s no hook but plenty of space for multiple keys or access cards. The keysafe body is made from an aluminium alloy, helping to resist corrosion.

3 points

Does the Master Lock light up dial select access key lock box offer good value for money?

With Master Lock’s Lifetime Limited Warranty, we felt this key lock box did offer good quality for the price, although the metal casing could have been a little thicker.

2 points

Total: 7/10 points

Draper Tools combination lock wall-mounted key box

How easy to use is the Draper Tools combination lock wall-mounted key box?

It comes with basic instructions which explain how to use the keysafe box, including installation with the screws and wall plugs provided. Setting a combination is easy with an internal reset switch. It’s easy to unlock by entering the combination and flicking a small lever, although the small dials could prove tricky for those with limited hand mobility.

2 points

What features does the Draper Tools combination lock wall-mounted key box offer?

The four-digit combination is set with dials which can be covered with a sliding shutter when not in use. This helps to keep the mechanism free from dust and dirt. The inside is reasonably spacious with enough room for larger keys, but it doesn’t have a hook. The casing is made from durable, weather-resistant aluminium.

3 points

Does the Draper Tools combination lock wall-mounted key box offer good value for money?

At under £35, this was one of the more affordable models we tested, and also comes with a one-year warranty. It did the job but seemed a little flimsy compared to some of the more pricey options on our list.

1 point

Total: 6/10 points

Supra C500 Pro key safe

How easy to use is the Supra C500 Pro key safe?

This lock box is straightforward to attach to the wall, with a mounting template and fixing kit included in the box, along with full instructions. Also inside is a code change tool, which you’ll need to set a new combination and makes the process very simple. Unlocking is easy, just enter the combination and turn the ‘open’ dial.

3 points

What features does the Supra C500 Pro key safe offer?

The push button code system would be easy for most people to use, and the inside features a hook along with enough space for around five keys. It has a very solid construction, made from anti-rust zinc alloy, and a plastic weather-resistant cover. It’s the only keysafe on our list which is certified attack-resistant, and also meets the ‘Secured by Design’ UK Police Preferred specification.

5 points

Does the Supra C500 Pro key safe offer good value for money?

This model scored full marks in our testing. At just under £60 it’s not the cheapest, but we feel it’s money worth spending, with the added peace of mind of a one-year warranty and the ‘Secured by Design’ UK Police Preferred specification.

2 points

Total: 10/10 points

Master Lock water-resistant reinforced key safe

How easy to use is the Master Lock water-resistant reinforced key safe?

Complete with screws and a metal mounting plate, the key box proved very simple to fit on a brick wall. The comprehensive instructions explain clearly how to set a new code using a small reset lever tucked away inside. The large dials are easy to rotate, and the door release catches on either side also work well.

3 points

What features does the Master Lock water-resistant reinforced key safe offer?

The four-digit combination is set using a dial rather than buttons, and, although not certified as anti-attack or anti-rust, feels very substantial. There isn’t a hook, but there’s room for chunkier keys too.

3 points

Does the Master Lock water-resistant reinforced key safe offer good value for money?

It comes with Master Lock’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, has a good, solid construction and comes in at under £30, so it’s a great all-round option.

2 points

Total: 8/10 points

Yale Combination Key Access

How easy to use is the Yale Combination Key Access?

Although the instructions are a little limited, fitting this lock box to an exterior wall is hassle-free, and fixings are included. The combination is set after adjusting a small lever inside the key box, and then returning this lever to its original position afterwards. The metal dials feel substantial, but could be tricky for those with limited hand mobility. The push button catch is pressed to open the door.

2 points

What features does the Yale Combination Key Access offer?

It uses dials for the re-settable combination, but these aren’t concealed by any sort of cover. The casing itself is weather-resistant though. The box itself is quite large, but the cavity inside is surprisingly compact, so may not be suitable for larger keys. We felt that the large external size of this key box isn’t especially discrete, so it would be best mounted somewhere out of the way. It has a strong, die-cast metal body with a plastic outer, which feels safe and secure.

3 points

Does the Yale Combination Key Access offer good value for money?

With a quality feel and a two-year warranty, it’s a good buy if you’re not looking to spend too much.

2 points

Total: 7/10 points

IGLOOHOME Smart Keybox 3

How easy to use is the IGLOOHOME Smart Keybox 3?

This smart lock box is designed in the shape of a padlock and comes with two different-sized shackles which can be used to attach it to a door handle, although we found that it didn’t fit on all types of handle. Alternatively it comes with screws for mounting on a wall. The instructions are comprehensive, but they do need to be accessed online either by scanning a QR code or visiting the website. Before setting up you will need to download an app and pair the device with Bluetooth. It requires four AAA batteries which are included in the box. These should last for up to 12 months. It’s very clever and not at all fiddly to operate, but may not be suited to the elderly or less tech savvy homeowner.

2 points

What features does the IGLOOHOME Smart Keybox 3 offer?

It works via Bluetooth, with PIN codes which can be set using the accompanying app. You can generate different types of code for multiple users, for example permanent, recurring and one-time codes. A security lockout will kick in after a number of incorrect PIN attempts which can be defined by the user. It doesn’t have a cover, but the device is rated IP66 for water-resistance. The cavity with three internal hooks offers a good capacity, even for larger keys. It’s heavy, made from zinc and aluminium alloys, with the shackles made from hardened steel.

3 points

Does the IGLOOHOME Smart Keybox 3 offer good value for money?

We feel that it would be a great buy for fans of smart home gadgets, but a less high-tech key box is probably a better option for most people, especially given the high price. The design and quality is impressive however, and it does offer a lot of features.

2 points

Total: 7/10 points

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