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3 min readKey safes and lock boxes are handy for all sorts of uses, whether you're an Airbnb host wanting to enable a smooth check-in for guests, need a key handy for a petsitter, or you simply want to keep a spare key safe.
We've done the research and found the best key safes, lock boxes and alternatives to protect the keys to your castle.
Product | Best for | Price | Rating | Key capacity | Installation | Room for key fobs or key cards | Learn more |
| Best overall | $39.23 | 
| 5 keys | Wall-mounted |  No | View on Amazon | |
| Best portable | $44.69 | 
| 5 keys | Padlock | No | View on Amazon | |
| Best budget | $13.80 | 
| 1-2 keys | N/A | No | View on Amazon | |
| Best large capacity | $64.90 |
| 8 keys | Wall-mounted |  Yes | View on Bunnings | |
| Best smart lock | $387 |
| N/A | Replaces deadbolt | N/A | View on Amazon |
Prices are accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
If you've ever checked into a holiday rental with a lock box, chances are it was the Master Lock 5401D. It's affordable, easy to use, and secure. What more could you want?
We love that it's wall-mounted for extra security, and the weather-proof cover keeps the dial protected from the elements (a.k.a rust). The combination is also resettable, so you can switch it between guests (if you run an Airbnb) or after you've had to give a neighbour the code for your spare key.
This key safe can fit up to five standard keys, but you'll struggle to fit a key card or key fob in there.
Affordable
Easy to use
5 key capacity
Resettable
Wall mounted 
No room for key fobs or key cards If you didn't check into your last holiday rental with the lock box above, it was probably the Master Lock 5400D instead. It's essentially identical to its wall-mounted sibling, but thanks to the added padlock, it's portable. No, it's not quite as secure as a wall-mounted key safe, but it does offer more flexibility.
Like its wall-mounted counterpart, this lock box is affordable, user-friendly, resettable, and comes with a weather-proof dial cover. It, too, can store up to five keys, but unfortunately lacks the room for key fobs, key cards and larger keys.
Affordable
Easy to use
5 key capacity
Resettable
Portable
No room for key fobs or key cards
Not as secure as wall-mounted safes Yes, this old chestnut. If you're simply after something to store your spare house key, it's hard to go past the classic Ram-Pro Hide-a-Key Rock.
No, it doesn't have a combination lock, and no, it can't be installed securely, but it does the job, and it does it cheaply.
You won't be able to fit more than a couple of spare keys in this safe, but we love how realistic it looks and it's hard to argue with that price.
Cheap
Realistic looking
Portable
Can only fit a couple of keys
Not the most secure If our top pick appeals to you but its lack of capacity for key cards or key fobs doesn't, allow us to introduce you to the Master Lock 5403D.
This key safe just as easy to use and has all the same features as the 5400D, including secure wall-mounted installation, a resettable combination, and a weather-proof dial cover, but it boasts much more internal space, allowing you to hide keys, key fobs, key cards, credit cards and any other small valuables you want to protect.
Large capacity
Affordable
Easy to use
Resettable
Wall-mounted
Can be tricky to open Key safes and lock boxes are all well and good, but you know what's even better? Doing away with keys altogether. The Aqara Smart Lock U100 replaces your deadbolt and boasts tons of unlocking methods: a passcode, fingerprint, Apple Home Key, NFC tag, physical key, or remotely via the Aqara app.
We love that you can set different passcodes for different household members, and you can make temporary passcodes for visitors.
The only downside (aside from the hefty price tag) is that, because this (and just about every other) smart lock is battery-powered, you will need to physically change the AA batteries when they go flat, which might not be ideal for Airbnb hosts.
Want to learn more? Read our full review of the Aqara Smart Lock U100.
Keyless
Multiple unlocking options
User-friendly
Compatible with HomeKit, Alexa and Google Home
Easy to install
Pricey
Batteries requiring replacement may disrupt holiday rental guests There are tons of key safe and lock box options out there designed to help you get into your home if you've lost a key or have a visitor. We reckon the Master Lock 5401D is the best solution for most people, but if you want to go completely keyless, we recommend checking out a smart lock instead.
It all depends on how it's installed. Wall-mounted key safes are the most secure option and are very difficult to remove from the wall if fitted to the manufacturer's specifications.
Padlock-style lock boxes, though still a great option, are slightly less secure, as strong bolt cutters may be able to cut through the padlock.
For security reasons, it's best to install your key safe somewhere where it isn't immediately visible, and preferably in the viewing range of an outdoor security camera. It should be easily accessible for those who need to use it, but hidden enough that it won't attract the attention of prying eyes.
To find the best fit for a range of use cases and budgets, we extensively researched the key safes and lock boxes available through popular Australian retailers. We considered price, capacity, ease of use, and customer reviews to learn which key safes, lock boxes and smart locks were worth your money.
You can learn more about how we review products by checking out our methodology.
