Best Portable Fireproof Safes for Travel

TL;DR: The SentrySafe 1160 delivers a UL‑certified 30‑minute fire rating at 1550°F, offers 432 cu in of interior space, and packs a solid steel build for just $43.96.

The standout spec is its UL fire rating: it can withstand half an hour of 1550 °F heat, protecting documents and media inside. Inside, the box provides 432 cubic inches of capacity (0.25 cu ft) with an interior width of 13 inches, depth of 8.75 inches and a 3‑inch height, enough for passports, CDs and a few small valuables. The exterior measures 15.3 inches wide, 12.1 inches deep and 6.3 inches tall, and the steel construction keeps the unit at a manageable 16.0 pounds.

Compared with the other seven safes in this roundup, the 1160 sits in the middle of the size spectrum. Its exterior depth of 12.1 inches is shallower than the SentrySafe H0100’s 13.0 inches but deeper than the SentrySafe 1200 Black, which is under 12 inches. It’s heavier than the lightweight Honeywell 6110 Black (9.1 pounds) and the SentrySafe 1200 Black (13.3 pounds), yet noticeably lighter than the bulkier Honeywell 1103 Black at 27.4 pounds. In terms of price, it lands in the budget tier, offering more fire protection than many pricier rivals.

Customers consistently award the 1160 a 4.6‑star average across more than 21,800 reviews, praising its dependable key lock (two keys included) and the convenience of built‑in carrying grips and a handle. Reviewers also note that the interior space feels generous for its price point, and the steel body gives a solid, trustworthy feel. A recurring criticism is that, despite the strong fire rating, the safe doesn’t deliver the same value‑for‑dollar experience as some similarly priced competitors that bundle extra features.

Additional technical details include a standard hinge, no interior shelves, no alarm system, and no mounting hardware, which keeps the design simple and portable. The unit carries a limited one‑year warranty, and the manufacturer offers a lifetime after‑fire replacement guarantee, underscoring confidence in its fire‑proof performance.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the SentrySafe 1160 offers Exterior Depth: 12.1 inches.

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance.

TL;DR: The SentrySafe 1200 Black protects documents with a UL‑Classified 30‑minute fire rating at 1550 °F, offers 311 cu in of interior space, and costs just $30.79.

The standout feature is its fire protection: UL‑Classified for 30 minutes at a temperature of 1550 °F, which meets the industry standard for safeguarding paper and digital media. Inside, the safe provides 311.04 cubic inches of capacity and includes interior shelves that accommodate hanging files, making organization straightforward. At 13.3 pounds, it remains light enough to move without a dolly.

Compared with the other seven safes in this roundup, the 1200 Black is noticeably lighter than the SentrySafe 1160 (16.0 pounds) and the SentrySafe H0100 (17.0 pounds), yet heavier than the Honeywell 6110 Black (9.1 pounds). Its exterior depth of 284 mm (about 11.2 in) is shorter than the Honeywell 1103’s 320 mm depth, and its overall footprint is smaller than the bulkier SentrySafe FHW40100, which measures over 13 in deep and weighs 41.0 pounds. Capacity-wise, it sits between the compact 0.25 cu ft of the SentrySafe 1160 and the larger 0.62 cu ft of the First Alert 2037F.

Professional reviewers praise the safe’s UL fire rating and the convenience of two included keys for backup access. Users appreciate the interior shelves that keep files tidy, but they also note the basic keyed lock can be vulnerable to picking and that the safe offers no water resistance. The construction material—captured fire insulation—delivers the promised fire protection without the heft of double‑steel models.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the SentrySafe 1200 Black offers Exterior Depth: 284 mm.

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability.

TL;DR: The SentrySafe H0100 offers UL‑classified ½‑hour fire protection at 1550°F, a 72‑hour waterproof seal, and portable handling for just $43.98, making it a solid entry‑level safe for basic document and media protection.

The standout feature is its fire and water rating: UL Classified for a half‑hour at 1550°F and ETL Verified to stay dry for 72 hours at up to 8 inches of submersion. At 17.0 Pounds, the chest is light enough to carry by its built‑in handle, yet the captured fire insulation keeps the interior safe during a blaze. Its compact exterior—13.0 inches deep, 6.1 inches high, and 14.3 inches wide—fits discreetly under a bed or behind a couch.

Compared with the other seven safes in this roundup, the H0100 sits in the middle of the weight range. It’s heavier than the SentrySafe 1200 Black at 13.3 pounds but lighter than the Honeywell 1103 Black’s 27.4 pounds and the SentrySafe FHW40100’s 41.0 pounds. Its interior capacity of 0.17 cubic feet is smaller than the 0.25 cubic feet offered by the SentrySafe 1160 and the roughly 0.24 cubic feet of the Honeywell 1503, so it’s best for passports, cash and a few USB drives rather than larger binders. The exterior depth of 13.0 inches exceeds the SentrySafe 1160’s 12.1 inches but is shorter than the FHW40100’s 13.8 inches, and its width of 14.3 inches is narrower than the 15.3‑inch width of the 1160.

User feedback highlights that the privacy key lock reliably secures documents, and many owners report the safe survived a house fire intact—exactly the scenario the fire rating promises. Reviewers also appreciate the two included keys and the continuous 360° waterproof seal. Common complaints focus on the keyed lock being easier to pick than a digital lock, the interior space feeling cramped, and occasional key‑turning stiffness. Some users have noted seal wear after prolonged exposure to heavy rain, which aligns with the “seal failures in heavy rain conditions” mentioned in consumer sentiment.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option — the SentrySafe H0100 offers Exterior Depth: 13.0 inches

Avoid if: You need advanced features, high‑value theft protection, or larger interior space for binders and tools.

TL;DR: The SentrySafe FHW40100 protects documents with a 30‑minute, 1550°F fire rating, holds 0.66 cu ft, and costs $79.99, but its 41‑lb weight makes it a heftier choice.

This safe’s headline feature is its UL‑Classified fire protection: it endures 30 minutes at 1550°F while keeping the interior below 350°F. The interior space of 0.66 cu ft fits standard letter‑sized hanging file folders, and the exterior dimensions—13.8 in depth, 14.1 in height, and 16.6 in width—give it a solid footprint without being overly bulky.

Compared with the seven other safes in the roundup, the FHW40100 is the heaviest at 41 pounds, outmatching the Honeywell 1503 (21.6 lb), Honeywell 1103 (27.4 lb), First Alert 2037F (35.72 lb), and the smaller SentrySafe models that range from 13.3 lb to 17 lb. It also offers the largest interior capacity; most peers sit at 0.24 cu ft to 0.62 cu ft, while this model provides a full 0.66 cu ft. Fire‑rating temperature matches the Honeywell 1503 and First Alert 2037F at 1550°F, whereas the Honeywell 1103 lists a lower 843 °C rating.

Reviewers consistently praise the UL classification and the ability to store hanging file folders neatly. Professional reviewers note that the fire rating keeps the interior safely under 350°F, which is exactly what you need for paper and media. On the downside, users mention the keyed lock feels inexpensive and offers limited resistance to forced entry, and the 41‑lb weight can be a hurdle when moving the safe.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the SentrySafe FHW40100 offers Exterior Depth: 13.8 inches

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $79.99

TL;DR: The Honeywell 6110 Black offers a spacious 0.48 cu ft interior, a wide 17.5‑inch footprint and a lightweight 9.1‑lb build, all protected by a programmable digital lock for under‑$100.

This safe’s most eye‑catching spec is its exterior width of 17.5 inches, giving you more horizontal storage than any of the seven rivals in this roundup. Combined with a shallow 5.2‑inch height, the box sits low enough to hide under a desk or inside a closet while still holding a respectable amount of valuables.

When you line it up against the competition, the 6110 is the lightest option at 9.1 lb, while most peers tip the scales at 16 lb or more. Its width also exceeds the typical 13‑16 inch range seen on models like the First Alert 2037F or SentrySafe FHW40100. However, its depth of 12.8 inches is modest compared with the deeper First Alert (16.40 in) and SentrySafe FHW40100 (13.8 in). In short, you get a wider, lighter, lower‑profile box at a premium price point.

Reviewers love the double‑steel wall construction and the concealed hinges that make the unit feel solid despite its light weight. The programmable keypad and two emergency keys get frequent praise for convenience, especially for travelers and apartment dwellers. On the flip side, users note that the 9.1‑lb weight means the safe should be bolted down to prevent easy removal, and the lack of any listed fire or water rating limits protection to basic theft deterrence.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Honeywell 6110 Black offers Exterior Depth: 12.8 inches

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Honeywell 1103 Black offers UL‑certified 30‑minute fire protection up to 843 °C, 100‑minute waterproof submersion to 1000 mm depth, and a portable 7.3‑liter interior for a modest $71.99 price.

This safe’s standout spec is its UL‑certified fire rating: it can endure 30 minutes of heat at 843 °C while keeping documents safe. At 27.4 lb it’s a solid‑weight option that still fits on a shelf, and the 7.3‑liter (414 cubic inches) interior holds a modest amount of paperwork or media.

Compared with the other seven safes in our roundup, the 1103 is heavier than the ultra‑light Honeywell 6110 (9.1 lb) and SentrySafe H0100 (17.0 lb), but noticeably lighter than the bulkier SentrySafe FHW40100 (41.0 lb) and First Alert 2037F (35.72 lb). Its exterior dimensions (6.6 in H × 16.0 in W × 12.6 in D) match the Honeywell 1503, yet the 1103’s interior capacity is smaller, limiting how much you can store.

Reviewers appreciate the built‑in carry handle and the straightforward key lock, noting the safe is easy to move and set up. Professional reviewers highlight the lifetime after‑fire guarantee as a strong value add. However, users mention the basic key lock offers limited theft protection, and the 414 cubic inches of interior space can feel cramped for larger document collections.

Technically, the safe is constructed from ABS plastic with a heavy‑duty insulated double‑wall and compression‑latch seals. It’s UL‑certified for fire safety and boasts water resistance to a depth of 1000 mm (about 39.4 in) for 100 minutes, making it a versatile choice for both fire and flood scenarios.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the Honeywell 1103 Black offers Capacity: 7.3 liters

Avoid if: You need large‑capacity storage or high‑security theft protection

TL;DR: The Honeywell 1503 offers UL‑certified 30‑minute fire protection at 1550°F, a waterproof seal down to 39 inches, and a sturdy 21.6‑lb build, but its modest 0.24 cu ft interior and basic key lock keep the price at $81.41.

The standout feature is its UL‑certified fire rating: the safe can endure 30 minutes of exposure at 1550°F, protecting important papers and small media. Inside, the 0.24 cu ft compartment measures 8.5 inches deep, 3.7 inches high and 13.1 inches wide, which is enough for standard A4 documents but not much larger items.

Compared with the other seven safes in this roundup, the 1503 sits in the middle of the weight spectrum. It is heavier than the compact SentrySafe H0100 (17 lb) and SentrySafe 1160 (16 lb), yet considerably lighter than the larger SentrySafe FHW40100 (41 lb). Its price point is higher than the budget‑friendly SentrySafe 1200 Black and SentrySafe 1160, positioning it as a premium‑tier option among the group.

Reviewers note the waterproof seal can keep contents dry for up to 72 minutes when fully submerged to 39 inches, a useful feature for flood‑prone areas. However, the limited five‑review sample yields an average of 3.0 stars, indicating mixed satisfaction. Professional reviewers also highlight the lifetime after‑fire replacement guarantee as a confidence booster, while users lament the lack of a digital lock.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Honeywell 1503 offers Exterior Depth: 12.6 inches

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The First Alert 2037F packs a UL‑rated 1550°F fire shield, one‑hour waterproof seal and 0.62 cu ft of steel‑built storage for $95.32, but its 35.7 lb weight and premium price may limit casual movers.

What really sets the 2037F apart is its fire protection: UL classification guarantees the interior stays below 350°F while the exterior endures up to 1550°F for 30 minutes. That level of heat resistance matches the higher‑end SentrySafe FHW40100, yet the First Alert weighs only 35.72 lb, making it noticeably lighter than that 41‑lb rival.

Compared with the other seven safes, the 2037F offers the largest capacity at 0.62 cu ft—well above the Honeywell 1503’s 0.24 cu ft and the SentrySafe 1160’s 0.25 cu ft. It also out‑sizes the Honeywell 1503’s interior dimensions while staying lighter than the bulkier SentrySafe FHW40100. However, it is heavier than the Honeywell 6110 Black (9.1 lb) and the budget SentrySafe models that sit under 18 lb, and its $95.32 price tag sits above the entry‑level SentrySafe options.

Professional reviewers highlight the steel construction and the keyed lock with clamping‑style latch as solid deterrents against tampering. The built‑in handle adds portability, and the waterproof seal protects documents for up to one hour of full submersion—an advantage over many competitors that only list water resistance in minutes or not at all. Consumer sentiment is sparse; no user reviews are available, so you’ll be relying on the manufacturer’s claims and expert observations.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the First Alert 2037F offers Capacity: 0.62 cubic feet

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $95.32