6 Best Key Lock Boxes: 2023 Buyer's Guide

Built like an absolute tank, affordable, and relatively difficult to break into, the Kiddle AccessPoint KeySafe blows the competition out of the water and snatches the crown for the best key lock box.

For the price, you really can't beat this unique combination lock box.

Lock Features

The Kiddle AccessPoint KeySafe uses a three-letter combination lock which provides major security advantages over other types of lock boxes— we'll discuss these benefits in a moment. The combination is easily reprogrammable with 10,000 possible combinations, or to make it easy to remember, you can choose from 1,065 three-letter words.

This box is also incredibly stout—utilizing a quarter-inch-thick zinc alloy exterior. While zinc isn't as strong as stainless steel and is vulnerable to high-heat torch attacks, it is still a resilient metal and resistant to rust and corrosion.

This lock box can hold up to five keys, several car keys, or one larger car key fob and is designed to be securely bolted to a wall.

Kiddle also makes a portable version of the AccessPoint dial-lock with a shackle that can be attached to a doorknob, fence, or vehicle. However, the portable version only fits three spare keys and comes with the extra vulnerability of an exposed shackle. But if you need a shackle-type lock box, this portable version is a great choice!

Additionally, you can purchase a weather shrouding which will further protect it from the elements and, more importantly, can help conceal the lock from those passing by.

Security and Vulnerabilities

With enough time or skill, all locks can be compromised. That being said, the Kiddle AccessPoint KeySafe is one of the more resilient key lock boxes.

Most lock boxes use a series of combination wheels that can be decoded in seconds using a thin strip of metal. For example, check out how easy it is to decode this Master Lock key safe (which is sadly the lock that most websites recommend).

However, the Kiddle AccessPoint KeySafe uses a combination dial-– similar to what you would find on a school locker. While combination lock boxes can be decoded, most people don't have the skillset nor patience to sit around and actually figure out the correct combination. Not to mention, the longer they stick around, the more likely they are to get caught.

Bottom line, this lock will put up a superb fight against any common lowlife wielding bolt cutters, screwdrivers, and hammers—the most common tools of a criminal.

Ease of Use

If you've ever used a combination lock, you'll likely find this lock box easy and intuitive to use.

That being said, some folks using these on rentals and Airbnb have had problems with tenants that don't understand how to unlock them—even with clear instructions. While most people will find these locks straightforward, some may not. Just a consideration if you are looking for a lock box for short-term tenants.

Changing the combination code is also a bit of a hassle—you have to manually rotate three internal discs to the letters you want. It's not difficult but is time-consuming compared to other key lock boxes. In my opinion, this is a small price to pay.

Overall, this key lock box works wonderfully, is affordable, provides sufficient security, and is easy to use (for most people).

What I Like / Dislike about the Kiddle AccessPoint KeySafe

Reasons to Buy:

• Very affordable
• Build tough and fairly hard to break into
• Can hold up to five keys, several car keys, or one car key fob
• Reprogrammable, with 10,000 combination codes or 1,065 easy-to-remember three-letter words

Reasons to Avoid:

• Some tenants might find it hard to use—even with detailed instructions
• Takes 5-10 minutes to change the combination code

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What if you could manage multiple properties, Airbnbs, or tenants from the comfort of your couch—even if that couch is hundreds of miles away from your property?

With the IglooHome Smart Lock you can set up key codes and send them via your phone to tenants, realtors, maintenance workers, or even dog sitters. Not to mention it is one of the most secure lockboxes you can get!

This powerhouse has a ton of unique features, so let's jump in!

Lock Features

The IglooHome Keybox 3 has a massive storage area (3.4" x 4.3" x 1.1") that can hold multiple keys, car keys, key fobs, key cards, and other small items. It even has three hooks inside to hang keys.

Using the free mobile app (iOS and Android), you can connect your phone via Bluetooth and unlock the key box with the push of a button!

But the coolest thing about this electronic lockbox is how easy it is to create and update key codes. Using the app; you can create the following types of access codes:

• Permanent Access Codes: These codes work all the time and are great for property managers, family members, and other individuals that you trust.
• One-Time Use Access Codes: These codes grant somebody one-time access, after which the code no longer works.
• Recurring Access Codes: These codes can be assigned to work during a specific time and day on a recurring schedule. Great for that cleaning crew that comes in every Monday between 2 pm and 5 pm.
• Duration Access Codes: These codes work during a specific date range of your choosing. Great for Airbnb!

In addition, you can send key codes to anyone through text or email, and you can sync your Airbnb listing calendar to automatically create send access codes!

The Keybox 3 is powered by four AAA batteries, and if the batteries run low, the lock and phone app will alert you. If the batteries completely die, they can be jumpstarted by connecting an external power pack to a USB-C port on the bottom of the lock.

This key box comes with two interchangeable rubber-coated hardened steel shackles; a large shackle that can be attached to a door handle and a smaller shackle. It can also be wall-mounted using the included mounting hardware.

It is weather-resistant, and IP66 rated, so it will withstand dust, rain, and impacts from dropping.

Security and Vulnerabilities

Most electronic key lock boxes are gimmicky and either don't work well or are plagued with vulnerabilities that make them unsafe to use. However, IglooHome truly does fantastic work with its locks.

To start, this lock is an absolute beast, and while it's not impenetrable (no lock is), it will take some genuine effort to break into— we're talking angle grinders and blowtorches.

This lockbox will automatically lock when closed and will alert you if not closed properly. This is really helpful when you want to ensure a tenant properly locks up after leaving.

It has an awesome feature called a "Decoy Security Code" that allows you to push up to 8 random numbers before entering the correct code.

Then there is "Security Lockout" mode; if someone enters the incorrect passcode five times, the lockbox will go into "lockout mode."

But the coolest feature is it keeps access logs of when it is used and the codes that were used. So you'll always know when the lockbox is used and by who.

Ease of Use

It doesn't get much easier than the Keybox 3. It is simple to set up and even more straightforward to use. In addition, the free app connects seamlessly, and the interface is intuitive to use.

The ability to create and send access codes to whoever you want, from wherever you want, makes this lock box invaluable to the busy property owner. And if you're renting out Airbnbs, being able to sync up your calendar and automatically send out access codes to your clients, is—for lack of a better word—amazing.

One important usability/security issue to note. While you can send access codes remotely, you can not revoke them remotely—due to the lock being Bluetooth and not WiFi. So when sending access codes remotely, be sure to utilize temporary codes and only give permanent codes to those you fully trust.

Overall, the Igloohome Keybox 3 is an amazing piece of technology. It may be a bit pricey, but it truly ticks all of the boxes, and for those who value their time, it provides a convenient way to manage your real estate and tenants.

What I Like / Dislike about the Igloohome Keybox 3

Reasons to Buy:

• Very large storage
• Can grant access to anyone from anywhere in the world
• Has four different types of access keys
• Mobile app (compatible with iOS and Android)

Reasons to Avoid:

• Pricey
• Batteries are not included
• Is not WiFi compatible; Doesn't work with other smart devices

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Next up is the Kingsley guard-a-key black realtor's lock box, which takes the prize for both the cheapest and most discrete key safe!

I want to start by saying the Kingsley is not a very secure lock and should never be used to store any critically important spare key—such as to your front door. However, this lock box made the list because it's cheap as dirt, doesn't look like a lock box, and is an okay alternative when used in the right situations.

For example, a good way to use this lock would be to shackle it to something that nobody will want to break into. Attach it to an AC unit, power box, or other utility. You could even put it on a fence near the latch where anyone passing by might assume the lock isn't protecting anything.

Lock Features

The Kingsley lock box features a four-digit combination dial with four rolling dials, which can be reprogrammed to one of 10,000 possible combinations.

It has a fairly large capacity, storing up to five house keys or 1 to 2 car keys. Unfortunately, it's not large enough to hold smart car keys with larger fobs.

This padlock has a pure black design and slim profile that helps it blend in and a vinyl-coated shackle to avoid scuffing up the paint of anything you attach it to.

Security and Vulnerabilities

Straight up, this is not very secure and is plagued with vulnerabilities.

Firstly, this realtor's lock box is made of a thin layer of zinc. Zinc has a low melting temperature, and in combination with its thinness, this lock box is easier than others on this list to open with a torch.

It's also not built very tough and likely won't stand up long against brute force attacks such as hammering.

Finally, it has a four-dial combination wheel, which can be decoded by pulling on the shackle and turning the dials while feeling for gates (the number with the most slop). This may sound complicated but just about anyone can learn and implement this skill within a couple of minutes. Dial combinations are not secure types of locks, and it is a true shame that lock manufacturers still widely produce them and market them so strongly.

That being said, the strength of this realtor's lock box is its discrete form, and if you place it in a location that makes it appear it isn't being used, most people might not mess with it.

Ease of Use

The Kingsley is very easy to use, even for those who have no experience with rolling-wheel combination locks. Simply roll the dials to the correct numbers and you're in!

It's also pretty simple to change the code!

Overall, this lock box can be a useful and cheap way to store a key if used smartly. However, if you need to guard a spare key that protects you, your family, or anything you deeply value, I sincerely recommend raising your budget to accommodate a more secure option (such as the other lock boxes on this list).

What I Like / Dislike about the Kingsley Guard-a-Key

Reasons to Buy:

• Inexpensive
• Looks like a padlock, not a lockbox
• Easy to use and recode

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not very secure at all
• Better locks for slightly more money

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If you're looking for a pushbutton lock box, the Kiddle AccessPoint Original is the best you can get!

While this push-style combination lock isn't as secure as Kiddle's dial lock (the number one lock on this list), it's more straightforward to use and also easier to change the codes!

Lock Features

The Kiddle AccesPoint Original KeySafe has ten push buttons that are used to enter the combination.

However, unlike most combination-style locks, you're not limited to a three or four-digit code—in fact, your entry code can use any quantity of digits between one and ten.

To open the Kiddle, the entry code can be entered in any order, and changing the entry code is also easy as pie, as we will cover in a moment!

In addition, this push-style lock has many of the same features as Kiddle's dial-style lock box (the number one lock on this list), including:

• Quarter-inch-thick zinc exterior; lock box is sturdy
• holds up to five house keys
• It can also be purchased in a wall-mounted version or a portable version (with a shackle)
• It can be purchased in three colors

Security and Vulnerabilities

Compared to other lock boxes, The Kiddle AccessPoint pushbutton is very resilient. It's incredibly resilient to brute force, and being able to choose how many digits you want in your combination will likely throw off most people who try and tamper with it.

However, it does have three points of weakness that are important to know!

Firstly, it's made of a thick zinc exterior. This is fantastic against brute force attacks; however, zinc has a relatively low melting point, so this is only a problem if someone puts a blowtorch to your lock.

The second vulnerability is the pushbutton style combination. Because there are only ten buttons and the entry code can be entered in any order, guessing the code is a lot easier to do.

The last vulnerability is decoding. There are a lot of videos out there of lock pickers decoding these locks by pushing down on the open tab while testing numbers and feeling for a subtle difference.

That being said, I've had a very hard time decoding my own Kiddle using this technique. I wouldn't write this weakness off completely, but it's one of those vulnerabilities that require a lot of skill and practice to pull off.

Ease of Use

This combination key lock box is as simple as a lock gets! To open the box, push in the numbers of your combination in any order and then pull down on the open toggle!

Changing the code is easy as pie too. Open the lock and remove the faceplate to expose ten small turn-dials associated with each number. Using a small screwdriver, you can twist each dial to the up or down position. While in the "up position," that number will need to be pressed to unlock the lock. Conversely, when in the "down position," that number is not used in the combination.

Overall, the Kiddle pushbutton key box is a great option if you want something that is easy to use, cheap, and has decent security!

What I Like / Dislike about the Kiddle AccessPoint Push-Button

Reasons to Buy:

• Very tough lock
• Cheap
• Changing the entry code is super simple

Reasons to Avoid:

• Can be decoded

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If you're in the business of repairing cars, selling them, or managing rental properties, you know that having a lot of keys can be a real pain. The Barska key cabinet is an ideal solution for keeping all your extra keys in one place so you can stay organized.

Lock Features

Barska CB12484 has six adjustable shelves that can store up to 48 keys. If you need more than storage, they also offer boxes that store more—the biggest key cabinet that they offer can hold an insane 1170 keys!

This large box comes with plenty of features to help you stay organized, like colored key tags, colored key shelves, adjustable key shelves, numbered hooks on each shelf, and a key log sheet to keep everything in perfect order.

It uses a key cylinder to access and has four pre-drilled holes in the back, allowing you to easily mount it directly to the wall. The hardware is also included.

Security and Vulnerabilities

Large-capacity key lock boxes are typically not very secure and will quickly fall to anyone wielding a crowbar, angle grinder, or blow torch. Realistically, there aren't high-security key boxes that can hold large quantities of keys.

The Barska has a 21 gauge steel alloy exterior (8mm). While this won't stop a determined lowlife with a crowbar, it will keep honest people honest. Key cabinets are best used indoors where they are protected by exterior locks—like deadbolts. Never use this type of lock outside.

Ease of Use

The Barska is as easy as it comes. It's opened using a regular key, and the adjustable shelves are a breeze to move around.

However, one disadvantage this lock box has in regard to useability is the keyed lock cylinder. Typically large lock boxes are used by multiple people, which makes combination locks ideal. So if you have multiple people using this lock box, you'll need to make more keys or keep it unlocked while in use.

Overall, the Barska CB12484 is a solid option for an extra-large and indoor-use key cabinet.

What I Like / Dislike about the Barska CB12484

Reasons to Buy:

• Very large storage
• Good value
• Great organization features

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not very secure; best used indoors
• Uses a physical key to open

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You know what they say, the best hiding spot is in plain sight!

If you want a cheap, effective, and inconspicuous way to hide a spare house key, consider using a fake rock hiding box such as the PANGAEA Key Hider.

Lock Features

PANGAEA Key Hider can hold at least five regular-sized house keys in its 3.1" long x 1.25" wide x 1.25" deep storage space.

It can be purchased in four colors and designs to help match it to your landscape.

This little rock-like box is made of poly-resin, so it's weather-resistant (but not water-proof), durable, and will serve you for years. Even if you bury it!

Security and Vulnerabilities

Hide-a-keys provide easy access when you need it, but with that convenience comes the ultimate vulnerability. If the bad guy finds it, game over.

Honestly, I would only use this type of key box if you feel fully comfortable hiding it where nobody will find it. Time to put those Easter egg-hiding skills to use!

Ease of Use

It doesn't get much simpler than this. The only difficult part of using these hide-a-key boxes is remembering where you put them.

Overall, we've found that these things work pretty well—if they are hidden well. Some great places to consider hiding one of these outdoor key boxes are:

• Under a shrub or bush
• Buried under a little dirt
• Stacked under other rocks

What I Like / Dislike about the PANGAEA Rock

Reasons to Buy:

• Cheap
• It is an effective way to hide a spare key; if used correctly
• Well-built and durable

Reasons to Avoid:

• If the box is found, your key is exposed.

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