Best Home Safes · head-to-head

SentrySafe SFW123GDC vs Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. SentrySafe SFW123GDC is cheaper at $286.99. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the SentrySafe SFW123GDC or Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe?

The SentrySafe SFW123GDC wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The SentrySafe SFW123GDC is the cheaper at $286.99. The SentrySafe SFW123GDC both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec SentrySafe SFW123GDC Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe
US price $286.99 $926.99
BrandSentrySafeBarska
Released
Interior volume cu (ft) 1.23 4.48
Fire rating minutes 60 30
Fire rating temp f 1700 1200
Ul fire listed Yes No
Water resistant Yes No
Water submersion hrs 24
Lock type dual dual
Bolt count 4 2
Exterior dims (in) 17.8 x 16.3 x 19.3 27.6 x 21.8 x 17.3
Weight (lb) 86.69 100.77
Media rated No No

Sources — SentrySafe SFW123GDC: sentrysafe.com (verified 2026-07-13). Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe: shop.barska.com (verified 2026-07-13).

What's the difference between the SentrySafe SFW123GDC and Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (8 of 11). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Interior volume cu (ft): SentrySafe SFW123GDC 1.23 vs Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe 4.48
  • Fire rating minutes: SentrySafe SFW123GDC 60 vs Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe 30
  • Fire rating temp f: SentrySafe SFW123GDC 1700 vs Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe 1200
  • Ul fire listed: SentrySafe SFW123GDC true vs Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe false
  • Water resistant: SentrySafe SFW123GDC true vs Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe false
  • Bolt count: SentrySafe SFW123GDC 4 vs Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe 2
  • Exterior dims (in): SentrySafe SFW123GDC 17.8 x 16.3 x 19.3 vs Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe 27.6 x 21.8 x 17.3
  • Weight (lb): SentrySafe SFW123GDC 86.69 vs Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe 100.77

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

SentrySafe SFW123GDC

Two whitelisted editorial outlets — SafeWise and USA Today's Reviewed — both name the SentrySafe SFW123GDC their best-overall home/fireproof safe, praising its heavy steel build, dual keypad-and-key access, and fire/water resistance. Neither published lab fire/water measurements on this exact unit; both rate it from manufacturer specs and owner reviews. Both note it is heavy and can be awkward to open. (2 sourced reviews.)

Praised: Solid fire and water resistance; Heavy, tough steel build that's hard for a burglar to carry off; Dual access — digital keypad plus a backup override key.

Flagged: No mounting options beyond bolting to the floor; Can be difficult to open.

Barska AX13496 Biometric Fireproof Safe

No sourced tester review yet.

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