A clear image probably pops in your head whenever you hear the word "safe." It's most likely a large, black, metallic box with a combination dial and door handle, right?

For most of history, this image would be highly accurate. However, safes have come a very long way throughout human history. Modern safes likely won't match the mental image in your head, but they still serve an essential purpose: keeping your valuables safe.

The recent coronavirus pandemic saw a notable decline in break-ins as more people were quarantined and working from home more often. Now that life is slowly returning to normal, it's expected that home break-ins will return to their previous levels.

If you need a safe, then you'll have several different types of locks to choose from. However, purchasing a biometric safe can offer you plenty of advantages.

Biometrics refers to the unique physical characteristics of an individual that can be used for automated recognition.

If you've ever seen a spy thriller before, then you've probably seen the Hollywood version before. The hero of the story has to retrieve an eye scan, voice recording, and DNA sample of the bad guy to enter a restricted area.

Naturally, the movies take the concept of biometrics to a borderline ludicrous level. However, it's a very real thing quickly becoming one of the most trusted security options.

For example, your phone almost certainly has a biometric security option available. Instead of a numerical passcode, you simply take a picture of your face, speak into the microphone, or touch your finger against the screen.

For biometric safes, the most common option is typically your fingerprint. Utilizing a retinal scan or voice match won't make the safe any more secure.

You'll have to press your finger against the pad, and it will act like a key. The digital scanner will read your print and determine if it matches the one you used earlier to establish yourself as an authorized user.

If it matches, the safe will be unlocked, and you'll gain entry inside. It's just that simple.

When Are Biometric Safes Right for You?

In the old days, you would have the option to choose between a combination safe and a numerical keypad. Some people swore by the security of a combination dial and stuck with it. Others felt that entering a few digits on the keypad was just as safe and much more convenient.

In modern times, the new debate is now between numerical keypads and biometrics scanners. There is no correct answer, as the winner will largely come down to personal preference. The one exception where a biometric safe is a clear winner is if you're using your safe to store guns.

Of course, you'll always want as many layers as possible to protect your valuables. But there is a stark difference between storing critical financial documents and guns.

A biometric safe will ensure that only people you specify can access your safe and the guns inside. It's highly unlikely that an intruder or someone within your house could crack the code and get to your guns.

Important Questions To Ask Before You Purchase a Biometric Safe

There are a lot of questions that you'll need to ask and answer before you buy a safe of any kind.

For a biometric safe, you'll have to answer all of these questions along with a few other unique ones, such as:

• Is your family comfortable with fingerprint scan safety?
• How many kids live in your home?
• How many guns do you need to store?
• Are there other valuables you want to store?
• What is your budget for a new biometric gun safe?

Is Your Family Comfortable With Fingerprint Scan Safe?

The concept of biometrics and fingerprints has been around longer than you might think. People first started to understand that fingerprints were unique several thousand years ago. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that fingerprints became a viable identification method.

Introducing new technology into the home will almost always come with an adjustment period. It's a good idea to talk with your family about how fingerprint scanners work and gauge their comfort levels.

There isn't much to fear when it comes to biometrics, and the process couldn't be more straightforward. However, it's a crucial decision for the security of your home, so you should bring in all the adults who have a stake in the matter.

How Many Kids Live in Your Home?

According to the last census, there are roughly 72.9 million children under 18 in America, and the overwhelming majority live at home with at least one parent. That equals around 1.93 children per American family living at home. Depending on your living situation, you could have several more children in the house than that.

Most things going into your personal safe are likely items best kept out of the hands of children.

Using a biometric lock will eliminate the chance of them figuring out your key code and gaining entry to your safe. The only way that they could enter the safe is if you specifically gave them access.

How Many Guns Do You Need To Store?

Most people know that there are more guns than people in America. There are roughly 118 million households in the United States and more than 393 million guns.

Only an estimated 50 million households own guns, so the average is just under eight guns in the home. Typically, these guns come in various sizes, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

The total number and size of the guns you need will significantly impact your options for a personal safe. You might opt for a single one that's big enough to store all your firearms in one place.

On the other hand, purchasing multiple safes and storing your guns in several locations might be better. Either way, using a biometric locking mechanism is the best way to ensure that none of your firearms fall into the wrong hands.

Are There Other Valuables You Want to Store?

Safes are an excellent place to store more than just firearms. Every adult must have several essential documents they need to keep safe.

Social Security cards, birth certificates, passports, titles, tax returns, and proof of insurance are just a few of the vital documents you need. Why stuff these critical documents into a folder when you can protect them in a safe instead?

It's imperative to take into consideration items that are targeted during break-ins. It's unlikely that a thief will steal a copy of your tax returns, but they'll absolutely want to take your jewelry.

Even if the burglar only gets a fraction of your jewelry's total value, it will be 100% profit for them, so even the cheap stuff is valuable. You should consider getting a safe if you have a sizable jewelry collection.

What Is Your Budget for a New Biometric Safe?

It would be reasonable to assume that a biometric fingerprint scanner would be expensive. After all, this type of technology sounds like something from a science fiction novel that takes place in the distant future.

However, the price of a biometric safe is probably much lower than you're thinking.

Depending on the model you buy, you might only spend a few more dollars for a biometric lock instead of a traditional one. A high-quality safe is already going to cost you a few hundred dollars. What's a few more if it means that you'll have the most secure option possible?

Advantages of Biometric Safes

Each biometric safe comes with a clearly defined list of advantages. Here are just a few examples of the most beneficial perks of a biometric safe:

• Ease of access
• No need for keys
• No password

Ease of Access

Using a biometric safe will mean that your fingerprint and your finger are the keys. To gain entry into your safe, you will have to press your finger against the scanner pad. It's practically impossible for there to be an easier way for you to open your safe than that.

The ease of access to a safe is especially crucial if you're using your safe to store your guns. Time is of the essence when an emergency requires you to access your weapon. Spinning a dial to the right combination or typing a numerical code are precious seconds wasted.

No Need for Keys

Every adult has a set of keys to bypass the locks in their life. Biometric safes won't require adding a safe key to your already crowded collection of house, car, spare, and locker keys.

Since your finger becomes the "key," you'll be able to easily carry it anywhere that you go with no extra hassle.

Just about everyone has misplaced their keys at some point during their lives. Losing the keys to your safe will mean that whoever holds them now has access to your safe.

That includes children who might understand how to access the safe but not understand the dangers of the firearm located inside.

No Password

Passwords, key codes, and combinations have been the ultimate security option for centuries. The only people that would have access to this knowledge would be authorized users. The problem is that anyone could learn this in front or merely guess it.

Anyone seeing someone type in a numerical keycode knows it and can do the same. Biometric safes are copycat proof as the curious onlooker would have to replicate your fingerprint to microscopic details.

Drawbacks of Biometric Safes

Naturally, a few concerns come from purchasing a biometric safe. These are a few of the potential drawbacks that come with using a biometric safe:

• Battery life
• High price
• Mistaken scans

Battery Life

Biometric safes rely on batteries to provide them with power. There aren't any batteries that will last forever, so you'll need to change out the batteries of your safe occasionally.

The good news is that most biometric safes only require four AA batteries that typically work for at least a year. Just change your safe batteries when you change your smoke alarm batteries to prevent potential issues, and stay on top of your maintenance.

High Price

As mentioned earlier, the price of a biometric safe is nowhere near as high as you might be thinking. Technically, it will be a little more expensive than other similar options. But the difference is negligible and well worth biometrics's unique advantages and safety features of biometrics.

Do you want the cheapest option when looking for a place to store your guns, essential documents, and jewelry?

Mistaken Scans

The technology that makes biometrics possible is vast and extremely impressive. However, it's not perfect, and you might experience a few issues with mistaken scans from time to time.

While that might sound like a headache, it's far from being anything other than a mild inconvenience. At worst, you'll have to wipe off the scanner pad to remove any smudges and try again.

The safe won't open unless it's 100% sure that the fingerprint is accurate. There's no chance that a mistaken scan can cause an unauthorized user to gain entry.

The Bottom Line

Biometric locks are increasingly becoming more common and are the wave of the future. Before long, traditional keys, combinations, and key codes will be replaced with the biometrics of authorized users.

Why not get a headstart on the rest of the world by having a biometric safe at home?

Purchase a biometric safe with Mycube and enjoy a 35-day free trial. If you don't like it, you can simply return it for a full refund - no questions asked. You've got nothing and everything to protect.

Sources:

There are More Guns than People in the United States | The Washington Post

Percentage and Number of Children Living With Two Parents Has Dropped Since 1968 | Census

The Rise of Biometric Authentication | TechRadar

Biometrics | Homeland Security

Surprising Home Burglary Facts And Stats You Should Know | Forbes Advisor