Smart homeowners can find great diversion safes under $50 in 2024. The AJAX Powder Cleanser Safe and Fake Rock Key Hider cost just $8 each and work well for basic protection.
If you want stronger security, try the Working Thermometer Hidden Safe ($10) or the AmazonBasics Security Safe ($50). These safes look just like regular items around your house, making them perfect for hiding your valuables in plain sight.
Pick a safe that looks real and place it where people don't often look or touch. To get the most protection from your diversion safe, learn about its security features and the best spots to install it.
Key Takeaways
Simple and affordable diversion safes help protect your home in 2024:
The AJAX Powder Cleanser Safe ($8) looks just like regular cleaning supplies and fits perfectly in your laundry room – making it the cheapest way to hide valuables.
You'll get good basic security with the AmazonBasics Security Safe ($50), which gives you half a cubic foot of storage room.
Burglars often miss the Fake Plug Outlet Safe ($69.99) because it looks exactly like a normal wall outlet, creating a smart hiding spot.
Put your diversion safes in quiet spots like utility rooms and basements to make them work even better.
To keep your diversion safes working well, make sure they look real and take care of them properly.
Understanding Diversion Safe Benefits
Homeowners now choose diversion safes as a smart way to protect their belongings instead of traditional safes. These clever devices look just like regular household items, making them hard for thieves to spot during a break-in.
The best thing about a diversion safe is how it hides right where everyone can see it. Burglars know where to search for regular safes, but they often walk right past everyday objects that secretly hold valuable items. These safes add extra protection beyond your locks and alarms because people naturally ignore common items they see every day.
You can put diversion safes in different rooms of your house, which means you don't have to keep all your valuable items in one place. Spreading out your valuables this way makes it less likely you'll lose everything if someone breaks in. These safes are also simple to use – you don't need to install anything complicated, and you can easily take them with you when you travel or move to a new home.
Popular Diversion Safe Types
Today's market offers five main types of diversion safes that look just like regular items in your home. These clever safes hide in plain sight as common household objects, from cleaning supplies to wall outlets, making it hard for burglars to spot them.
Safe Type | Disguise | Best Location |
---|---|---|
AJAX Powder | Cleaning Product | Laundry Room |
Fake Rock | Outdoor Decor | Garden/Yard |
Thermometer | Appliance | Kitchen/Bath |
The AJAX Powder Cleanser safe fits right in with other cleaning supplies in your laundry room. If you need to hide spare keys outside, the Fake Rock Key Hider stands up to weather and looks natural in your garden. The Working Thermometer safe actually shows the temperature while keeping your valuables hidden.
Book safes, such as the Streetwise Hardbound model, blend perfectly with other books on your shelf, while the Safety Tech Fake Plug Outlet looks exactly like your other wall outlets. These safes give you smart security without making it obvious where you keep important items. To make your diversion safe work best, put it where it makes the most sense in your home – a book safe belongs on a bookshelf, and a cleaner safe belongs with other cleaning supplies.
Price Range Comparison
Budget-friendly diversion safes start at $8, including simple options like the Fake Rock Key Hider and Canned Food Stash Safe.
If you want something more durable, look at mid-range safes between $30-$50, like the Safety Tech Fake Plug Outlet and Working Thermometer safes. These offer better hiding features and stronger materials.
For the best protection, premium safes like the Streetwise™ Hardbound Book Safe cost $60-$90 and come with top-quality materials and strong security features.
Budget-Friendly Safe Options
Shopping for hidden safes on a budget gives you plenty of choices from $10 to $100. Simple options like the AJAX Powder Cleanser and Fake Rock Key Hider cost just $8 each and let you hide your valuables inside normal-looking items.
The Working Thermometer Hidden Safe offers another smart and cheap way to protect your stuff. It looks like a regular thermometer on your wall and costs less than $10. These affordable options work great for hiding small items or spare keys.
Need more space? The AmazonBasics Security Safe gives you 0.5 cubic feet of storage for under $50. If you want even more room without spending too much, check out the TIGERKING safe. It offers 2.05 cubic feet of space – that's four times bigger – for about $100.
While bigger safes with better security cost more, you won't spend over $100 on any safe in this group. With so many prices to choose from, you can find a safe that fits both your needs and your wallet.
Mid-Range Value Picks
Mid-range diversion safes offer better features than budget options while keeping prices between $50-100. These clever security tools look like everyday items, letting you hide valuable things in plain sight around your home.
The Fake AJAX Powder Cleanser Safe costs $49.99 and blends in with your other cleaning supplies. For $59.99, you can get the Streetwise™ Large Hardbound Book Safe, which gives you lots of room to store items behind its realistic book cover.
If you want something more advanced, the Safety Tech Fake Plug Outlet Safe ($69.99) fits right into your wall, creating a hiding spot that burglars probably won't notice.
Want to hide things outside? The Fake Rock Key Hider Safe ($79.99) stands up to weather and looks natural in your yard. At the top of this price range, you'll find the Working Thermometer Safe ($99.99), which actually shows the temperature while hiding your valuables. These mid-range safes give you the perfect mix of secrecy and usefulness, helping you protect your valuable items without drawing attention to them.
Premium Features Worth Cost
Premium diversion safes offer advanced security features that make their higher prices worth it. When you buy models between $500-$1,500, you get smart protection like fingerprint locks, tamper warnings, and the ability to check your safe from your phone. These features work much better than basic $50 fire bags or cheap fireproof safes.
The best safes weigh 100-200 pounds and stop thieves better because you can bolt them to the floor or wall. Smart technology lets you watch over your valuables from anywhere. These premium safes have strong steel construction and tough locks that make them much harder to break into than cheaper ones.
- Fingerprint scanners make sure only people you trust can open the safe – no more worrying about lost keys or stolen combinations
- Fire and water protection keeps your important papers and valuables safe from disasters that would ruin things in basic safes
- Remote access lets you check your safe's status and get instant alerts if someone tries to break in
- Backup power and extra security features keep working even when the power goes out
Yes, premium safes cost more upfront, but their strong security features and lasting quality make them a smart choice for protecting your valuable items over time.
Security Features That Matter
Security features in diversion safes need to do more than just look ordinary on the outside. When you pick a security safe, look for basic protection features that will truly keep your valuables safe.
Start with a door that resists prying and a strong build – these form the core of good security. Add reliable locks like combination dials, fingerprint scanners, or digital keypads to control who can get in.
Hidden hinges and strong door bolts make a big difference in stopping break-ins. Make sure you can bolt your safe to the floor or wall – this stops thieves from simply taking the whole safe with them. Many good safes now come with alarms that go off if someone tries the wrong code too many times.
Look for safes that can survive fires and floods to protect your papers and valuable items from damage. Inside, you'll want shelves you can move around and separate spaces to keep things organized. All these features work together to protect your stuff while keeping the safe's outside looking ordinary.
Where To Place Safes
Avoid placing diversion safes in bedrooms and closets, where burglars often look first. Instead, pick smart spots like behind furniture or on pantry shelves.
Choose a location that you can easily reach but others won't notice, such as inside kitchen cabinets or common living areas. While busy areas of your home can help hide your safe in plain sight, make sure to balance easy access with keeping it hidden.
This way, you can quickly get to your valuables while keeping them secure from unwanted visitors.
Strategic Hidden Spots
Strategic locations for diversion safes make the difference between protecting your valuables and losing them. When picking hiding spots, look for everyday places that burglars usually skip. The pantry works great since most thieves don't waste time searching through food items during a break-in.
Look beyond obvious spots like bedrooms and closets – thieves check these places first. Instead, pick quiet areas and regular items that don't stand out. Mounting your safe in basements or laundry rooms adds extra protection.
Turn regular items like electrical outlets or canned goods into smart hiding spots. Put fake rocks or thermometers where they make sense and won't look suspicious. Put safes in utility areas that thieves often ignore. Make sure you can mount the safe firmly so no one can easily take it if they find it.
Pick spots that naturally fit into your home's layout but stay away from busy areas. Just make sure you can still reach the safe when you need to.
Common Burglar Entry Points
Understanding where burglars break in helps you choose better spots for your diversion safe. Burglars usually enter through first-floor windows, doors, and skylights, so keep your safes away from these easy access points. Never leave valuables out in the open or hide them in obvious places.
Don't store your diversion safe in bedroom closets or dresser drawers because burglars check these spots first. They also search kitchen cabinets and pantries when looking for hidden cash, jewelry, or guns. Instead, use spaces that thieves often skip during quick break-ins.
Your basement, attic, or crawl space makes a great hiding spot for safes since burglars rarely go into these areas. For extra protection, try placing your diversion safe in surprising places like under the bathroom sink or with your cleaning supplies. These smart hiding spots work well because criminals usually focus on common hiding places, giving your valuables a better chance of staying safe during a break-in.
Away From High Traffic
Place diversion safes away from the busiest parts of your home. Skip spots like entryways, hallways, and living rooms where lots of people walk through. Too much foot traffic can draw attention to your hidden security items. Pick quiet areas where your safe can blend in with regular household stuff.
Try these smart hiding spots that are both secure and easy to reach:
- Pantry shelves among food containers and kitchen items
- Laundry room shelves with cleaning supplies
- Closets, especially ones you use for seasonal items or things you rarely need
- Basement or attic spaces that burglars often skip during break-ins
Think like a burglar when picking your spot. They usually rush through main rooms first, checking obvious places for valuable items. When you put your diversion safe in a quiet spot, you make it much harder to find. Just make sure your safe looks like a normal item that belongs in that space.
Installation and Setup Guide
Start by picking a quiet spot in your home to install your diversion safe. Choose a location away from busy areas where you can easily mount it to a wall or floor. This extra step will make your safe more secure and harder to steal.
You won't need any special tools to install your safe – just a basic screwdriver and drill will do the job. Before you start, read the instructions from the manufacturer carefully, especially if your safe has electronic features or uses fingerprints to open. When you set up your combination lock or fingerprint scanner, follow each step closely to make sure it works right.
After you install the safe, open and close it several times to check that the lock works well. If your safe has an alarm, make sure it goes off when it should. Set up regular times to check all parts of your safe to keep it working properly and protecting your valuables for years to come.
Common Diversion Safe Mistakes
Select your diversion safe location wisely to avoid common mistakes. Don't place fake items in high-traffic spots or areas that don't make sense for that object. Check that your safe looks natural and shows no obvious signs it's fake – look for things like visible seams or uneven wear patterns.
Make sure you pick realistic items for your safe – storing valuables in a soup can in your bedroom or using a suspiciously lightweight book will tip off thieves that something isn't right.
Poor Placement Locations
Picking the right spot for your diversion safe matters as much as choosing the safe itself. Many people make their homes less secure by putting safes in obvious places that thieves check first. While it might seem handy, never keep your safe in bedrooms or closets – burglars always look there first. Also, putting your safe where people walk by often or can easily see it ruins the whole point of hiding it.
Keep your valuables secure by avoiding these common mistakes when placing your safe:
- Don't store your safe in bedrooms or closets – burglars search these areas first
- Keep the safe away from busy areas like living rooms and doorways
- Pick a spot without moisture or dampness that could harm your safe and what's inside
- Avoid places where someone could easily remove the safe – always bolt it down firmly
You need to find a balance between hiding your safe well and being able to reach it when you need to. Look for spots that naturally hide the safe but still let you get to it easily. Make sure you firmly attach the safe and protect it from anything that could damage it.
Obvious Signs of Tampering
Watch out for signs that give away your hidden safes to others. When using a can-type safe, look at the bottom – any messy cuts or uneven edges will show someone tampered with it. Make sure your safe weighs about the same as the real product it mimics. A fake soda can that feels too heavy will seem suspicious.
Book safes need special attention too. Don't use a new-looking book on a shelf full of old ones. Move your book safe regularly so it collects dust like the others. Check that the pages don't show messy cuts or leftover glue.
If you use household items as safes, make sure their expiration dates match up and keep the openings clean.
Always check your safe for obvious flaws that could reveal it's fake. Wrong labels, blurry printing, or incorrect product details can tip off careful thieves. The best hidden safes blend in perfectly with regular items – they shouldn't catch anyone's eye.
Choosing Unrealistic Items
Picking Unrealistic Items
The success of your diversion safe depends on choosing items that blend in naturally. A diversion safe works best when you pick everyday objects that don't draw attention. Even a well-made safe can fail if you choose items that look suspicious or too perfect. Burglars might notice brand new cleaning products or unopened cans simply because they lack the normal signs of use that regular items show.
Keep these important points in mind when picking items to hide your safe:
- Pick objects that make sense in their location and match your home's style
- Use items big enough to hold your valuables without looking odd or bulky
- Skip containers that look too clean or new compared to nearby items
- Choose common things burglars wouldn't look at twice, like old board games or used household items
Think like a thief would – if something catches your eye or seems out of place, it won't work well as a hiding spot. The best diversion safes go unnoticed because they look just like regular items in your home.
Best Hidden Storage Options
Smart homeowners use hidden storage that blends naturally into everyday spaces. The best hiding spots work well and look normal in your home or yard.
The AJAX Powder Cleanser can looks just like a regular cleaning product but holds valuable items inside. For outdoor hiding spots, try the Fake Rock Key Holder – it stands up to weather and looks like a real rock in your garden. The Working Thermometer Safe does two jobs: it shows the real temperature while hiding your spare key.
Want to hide things in plain sight? The Streetwise Hardbound Book Safe fits right in on your bookshelf – no one can tell it apart from regular books. For a clever spot that no one expects, the Safety Tech Fake Plug Outlet looks exactly like a regular wall outlet but opens up for storage. Just remember to put these hiding spots where they make sense – keep the book safe with other books, and put the outlet safe where you'd normally see a real outlet.
Top Budget Picks
Top Budget Picks
You can protect your valuables without spending a lot of money. The Best Diversion Safes of 2024 include many cheap but clever hiding spots. The $8 Fake Rock Key Hider stands up to rain and sun, while the AJAX Powder Cleanser can has a secret space inside. These small safes offer smart ways to hide your important items.
A working thermometer safe and fake hardbound book help hide things in plain sight around your home. The fake electrical outlet safe mounts on your wall for less than $20. These budget options show you don't need to spend much to keep your stuff safe.
Tips for using diversion safes:
- Put your fake containers where they make sense – keep fake cleaning supplies under the sink and book safes on bookshelves
- Switch up where you hide things now and then
- Use several different hiding spots to spread out your valuables
- Pick waterproof safes for outside use to protect everything inside
These cheap safes give you good security while staying hidden in plain sight.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Regular Care and Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your safe helps it work well and look good. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your safe secure and working properly for years to come.
Maintenance Task | Frequency | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Exterior cleaning | Weekly | Maintain appearance |
Lock testing | Monthly | Confirm security |
Battery check | Quarterly | Prevent lockouts |
Backup verification | Bi-annually | Emergency access |
Clean your safe's exterior weekly with a soft cloth. This keeps it looking good and prevents drawing attention to your storage space. For electronic safes, check the batteries and test the lock often to make sure you can open it when needed.
Keep your safe away from heat, moisture, and sunlight, which can damage it over time. Store backup keys or codes in a safe place far from the safe itself. Check your safe's manual for specific care instructions, since different models need different types of care.
Remember these key points:
- Clean regularly
- Test locks monthly
- Check batteries often
- Keep backups separate
- Follow the manual's instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Diversion Safes Survive Water Damage During Household Flooding?
Water can easily damage most diversion safes, so you need ones with good waterproof features like rubber seals and protective linings. Regular diversion safes don't keep water out completely, and flood water can ruin the materials inside them. To better protect your items, store your safes on higher shelves or elevated areas. Consider this especially important if you live in a flood-prone area.
How Often Should the Combination or Key Lock Be Changed?
Change your lock combination every 6-12 months and after you've shared it with others. Make sure to update the combination right away if you think someone might have seen it or if you believe it's no longer secure.
Do Diversion Safes Interfere With Home Security System Sensors?
Diversion safes won't interfere with your home security system's sensors since they're just regular objects with hidden storage. Your security sensors will treat them like any other household item and continue working normally. The sensors can't detect the hidden compartments inside these safes, so you don't need to worry about false alarms or detection issues.
What Happens if the Original Packaging Label Falls Off?
Replace fallen labels right away to keep your diversion safe looking authentic. Without the proper label, your safe will lose its disguise and could reveal what you're hiding inside.
Are There Special Considerations When Moving Diversion Safes Between Climate Zones?
Protect your diversion safe by controlling its environment when moving between different climates. Sudden temperature changes and humidity shifts can warp the safe's materials and damage your items inside. Keep your safe in spaces with steady temperatures and humidity levels to avoid moisture buildup and other problems.