We love any opportunity to see the debuts of fun, new, even futuristic gadgets—who doesn’t? But the home security technology unveiled at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) had our attention because of what it means for homeowners’ safety, convenience, and savings.
Based on what CES presented, we saw several home security trends emerge for protecting property, family, and packages. With corresponding technology offering everything from better sensors to sleeker designs, these are our predictions for home safety and security in 2025.
1. Sleeker, Design-Forward Security
Though door knobs with smart locks have added numerical or touchscreen keypads, they still look relatively similar to traditional handles. As technology advances, however, we see companies focusing on more sleek, modern designs that not only incorporate additional features but also reimagine the standard design of smart handles.
Lockly Styla
Loved by DIYers and professional builders alike, Lockly is leading the way in creating new looks and enhanced functionality with the Styla. This combination front door handle, smart deadbolt, and video doorbell fits into a cylindrical modern door pull most easily imaginable for high-end residential applications. And it fits a lot in a skinny profile. The video component has a motion sensor, a 2K camera with color night vision, and two-way audio. The smart lock works via a 3D fingerprint sensor, a PIN Genie pad with a randomizable keypad, an RFID reader with programmable fobs, and a traditional keyhole.
Though its aesthetics push the envelope enough that they may take some getting used to, we think this and other innovative designs will continue to become more common. This all-in-one handle, lock, and video doorbell comes in matte black, gray, and gold and is battery-powered for easy installation and rechargeable via USB. The Styla also comes with Lockly’s new Wi-Fi hub that privately stores recorded videos and audibly chimes rather than pinging your phone. Stay tuned for when the Lockly Styla becomes available later this year.
2. Better Sensors
While most of us have seen smart locks with numeric buttons or touchscreen keypads, some recently released products indicate better and much harder-to-fool technology is on the way. Though we’re only highlighting two popular CES products here, we predict many brands will be increasing their focus on lock sensors for home security soon.
TCL Smart Lock D1 Pro
The TCL Smart Lock D1 Pro requires something much more unique than a four-digit code to unlock it: your palm. Though the D1 Pro was launched this past October, CES attendees couldn’t help but flock to see its revolutionary operation. Among its seven unlocking methods, the most interesting by far is its use of AI technology to read and recognize the layout of veins in your palm. Like many other smart locks, it also works via keypad, app, cards, period passwords, standard keys, and voice assist via Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The lock features a 7,800mAh rechargeable battery and durable IP54 weather-resistant construction.
Get the TCL D1 smart lock at Amazon for $179.99.
Schlage Sense Pro
Another reputable leader in the home security market, Schlage introduced its new Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt at this year’s CES. In addition to a standard touchscreen keypad for code entry, the smart deadbolt uses Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology paired with select personal devices of your choosing to enable hands-free and tap-to-unlock access. Connected to your smart home network, the lock can automatically calculate your speed and trajectory as you approach and unlatch on its own. The Sense Pro is expected to come out later this year.
3. Increased Front Door Visibility
With video doorbells showing up next to more front doors every day, it’s relatively standard to be able to check your phone when you hear a chime alerting you to a visitor. Still, it’s not always the most convenient if you’re on a call to see if there’s cause for attention or alarm. Some households may include members without smartphones who can’t access an app-only display. Two products that showed up at CES remedied this issue by integrating their own displays, hardwiring optional.
SwitchBot Video Doorbell
The SwitchBot Video Doorbell combines a traditional-looking video doorbell with a 4.3-inch smart display screen you can sit on a surface or mount to the wall. The screen delivers live videos, notifies you if anyone arrives, lets you talk to visitors while keeping your door closed, and features 512GB of local storage.
The unit can be either wired or battery-powered, and SwitchBot will also offer a solar panel to ensure continuous operation. The 2K resolution camera has a 165-degree field of view and color night vision to help you identify visitors no matter the time of day. At the time of publication, no specifics on the SwitchBot Video Doorbell launch date have been announced yet.
Lockly Vision Prestige
In a similar push to enable front door visibility without relying on phones, Lockly will release its Vision Prestige smart lock later this year. Rather than casting video to a separate screen like the SwitchBot Video Doorbell, this lock has a display on its interior housing. It uses presence detection powered by bit radar and a 2K resolution camera with facial recognition to clock when a person is at the door, and the screen lights up when you touch it so you can identify that individual from the inside. It even boasts an intercom, like most video doorbell cameras, so that you can have a conversation through your front door.
The Vision Prestige offers a few different means of securing the home, too: keyed entry, fingerprint recognition, and a patented pin entry. You can switch from a traditional touchscreen keypad to Lockly’s PIN Genie, which places digits in random locations, guaranteeing safe entry into your home without revealing your code to prying eyes. We expect the Prestige—an upgrade to the current Lockly Vision—to drop near the end of the year.
4. Smarter Ways To Secure Deliveries
While package delivery boxes and locking mailboxes aren’t a totally new concept, more options have hit the market with smart features like remote locking and unlocking via app and automated video recording. And since package theft is a problem almost everyone has experienced, seen, or heard about, we predict package lockboxes with additional security features will continue to roll out.
Hyve Smart Home Delivery Pod
The Hyve smart home delivery pod may look somewhat similar to a standard front porch delivery box. Like other smart delivery boxes, users can lock and unlock the Hyve pod via an app and send unique codes to drivers, family members, and friends. But that’s far from all this model offers. The box sounds a siren and sends a tamper alert to your phone if it detects anyone is attempting to access it without authorization. It also features a carbon-fiber tether to secure the entire unit to a column or railing, preventing would-be thieves from stealing the entire box. There’s a window on top to allow drivers to take delivery confirmation photos, and Hyve is even compatible with package pickup software to help make arranging returns easier. You can join the waitlist for the smart package pod, expected to start shipping in June.
The Overlap Between Home Security and Internet Safety
As smart home security devices continue to evolve, their effectiveness increasingly relies on robust internet connectivity and cybersecurity. An IT expert from ORTIT, an IT consulting service in Frankfurt, highlights, “Even the most sophisticated smart locks or video doorbells can be rendered vulnerable without a secure and well-managed network.” Research supports this, showing that improperly secured systems are a leading cause of breaches in smart home setups.
To ensure both convenience and safety, integrating devices like video doorbells or smart locks with professional-grade network solutions is essential. This approach not only enhances device functionality but also safeguards against potential cyberattacks, protecting your family and home. ORTIT emphasizes that by addressing these gaps early, homeowners can avoid costly vulnerabilities while enjoying the full benefits of modern home security technology.
The post 4 Home Security Trends We Saw Come Out of CES 2025 appeared first on Bob Vila.
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]]>While documents such as medical records, banking statements, and bills can be stored in the cloud or on digital thumb drives, paper documents still play a role in business and personal life. It’s important to protect and store them properly and securely. Whether looking to secure a will, a visa, a certified copy of a birth certificate, or even valuables like jewelry or a laptop, a fireproof document bag can help.
We decided to test several fireproof document bags to determine which models stood out above the rest. Our favorite was the Engpow Fireproof File Organizer Bag With Lock, which was large enough to store plenty of important documents and managed to keep them safe against intense heat. Keep reading to learn how all of the products performed in our hands-on tests and earned the title of being a best fireproof document bag for inclusion in this guide.
- BEST OVERALL: Engpow Fireproof File Organizer Bag With Lock
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Roloway X-Large Fireproof Bag
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Colcase Fireproof Document Bag
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH WATERPROOF: FlyPal Fireproof and Water-Resistant Bag
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LARGE: DocSafe Multilayer Fireproof Document Bag
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SMALL: Roloway Small Fireproof Money Bag
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
These fireproof document bags all handle intense heat and feature strong, reliable closures. Depending on the specific need, the best fireproof document bag for any shopper might well be among the following models.
Best Overall
Engpow Fireproof File Organizer Bag With Lock
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size: 10.63 inches tall by 14.18 inches wide by 3.94 inches deep
- Materials: Silicone-treated fiberglass
What We Like
- 4 mesh bags can hold multiple items and documents
- 2 compartment folders offer plenty of space for larger items
- Includes a combination lock to keep sensitive documents safe
What We Don’t Like
- The smaller bag suffered quite a bit of damage, so it would be better used inside the main bag.
Featuring multiple fireproof layers and numerous compartments, the Engpow fireproof document bag is well suited for protecting valuable items while keeping them organized for easy retrieval. It measures 10.63 inches tall by 14.17 inches wide by 3.93 inches deep, offering plenty of room in the main compartment to store letter-size folders and papers.
This model is constructed of two layers of silicone-treated fiberglass that protects the contents from heat up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It also includes a combination lock to keep the contents secure. The inside of the zippered top contains four mesh bags for securing passports or certificates and two additional compartment folders to hold items like business cards and up to four flash drives.
The Engpow bag withstood the heat better than any other full-size bag in our testing. The zipper and its seam melted, but the rest of the bag was almost entirely unscathed. We also liked the dividers inside the bag for organizing documents, IDs, cards, and other important items. It came with an additional smaller bag that we could place inside for extra protection. However, that bag took much more damage—although the paper inside remained intact.
Read our full review: Engpow Fireproof File Organizer Bag With Lock
Get the Engpow fireproof document bag at Amazon.
Runner-Up
Roloway X-Large Fireproof Bag
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size: 12 inches tall by 15 inches wide by 5 inches deep
- Materials: Silicone-coated and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated fiberglass
What We Like
- Large storage space to store a wide variety of items of different sizes
- Combination of zipper and Velcro-type closure ensures a tight seal
- Includes a comfortable rubber handle and adjustable shoulder strap
What We Don’t Like
- Storage in a fireproof briefcase or safe recommended
For protecting documents and other valuables from heat up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, shoppers will want to consider this Roloway fireproof document bag. The bag measures 12 inches tall by 15 inches wide by 5 inches deep, which is large enough to store a stack of documents along with other valuables, or even a laptop.
This bag is made from two layers of silicone-coated fiberglass. It features a high-quality, lockable zipper (lock not included) and a Velcro-type closure. It also includes both a handle and an adjustable shoulder strap.
The Roloway did take some damage during our test, especially around the hook and loop flap. It also smoked considerably more than the other bags. We were initially concerned that the smoke was the paper burning inside, but it stayed in perfect condition. Overall, this is a relatively simple bag with a lot of storage space, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to protect quite a few documents in the event of a fire.
Get the Roloway extra-large fireproof document bag at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Colcase Fireproof Document Bag
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size: 15 inches tall by 11 inches wide
- Materials: Silicone-coated fiberglass and aluminum foil
What We Like
- Zipper and flap closure with 2 separate compartments help organize documents
- Dual-layered design provides additional protection from fire
- Pockets are large enough to fit legal-size documents
What We Don’t Like
- Paper was still intact after the testing but did sustain some damage
- Number of documents the bag can hold is limited by its size
Protecting valuable documents doesn’t have to break the bank. The Colcase fireproof document bag comes with an affordable price tag and resists 2,000 degree Fahrenheit conditions with dual layers of silicone-coated fiberglass.
This 100 percent fireproof bag is 15 inches tall by 11 inches wide, making it suitable for small and large documents, jewelry, or a laptop. To ensure even more protection, it features both a zipper and a flap closure.
The Colcase bag was the only document bag in our testing that allowed the paper inside to burn at all. However, the paper was still intact after the test, which truly surprised us due to the significant damage that the bag sustained. This bag won’t hold many documents, so users will have to prioritize which documents they protect and which they risk (or buy multiple document bags).
Get the Colcase fireproof document bag at Amazon.
Best with Waterproof
FlyPal Fireproof and Water-Resistant Bag
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.5/5; Performance 3.8/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size: 12.6 inches tall by 16.6 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep
- Materials: Silicone gel, fiberglass, aluminum foil, and nonwoven fabric
What We Like
- Plenty of interior space for larger items, such as cell phones or hard drives
- Includes a lock for an extra layer of security
What We Don’t Like
- Zipper was difficult to use even before being exposed to extreme temperature
The Flypal fireproof and water-resistant document bag is a reliable and secure solution for safeguarding important documents and valuables. This bag is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and the impressive features make it a must-have for protecting belongings.
The FlyPal bag is equipped with a lock, providing an added layer of security. With a spacious interior and an additional zipper pouch, this bag is 12.6 inches tall by 16.6 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep, which is large enough to organize documents, cell phones, or even external hard drives and keep them readily accessible.
The first few seconds of our heat test for the FlyPal bag were initially concerning. The hook-and-loop closures failed immediately, and the flap started to funnel hot air right toward the zipper. The lock also started to melt immediately. However, after 10 minutes, it didn’t withstand much more damage and survived the testing quite well. The paper inside was still completely intact. Our biggest complaint with this model was that it was difficult to work the zipper even long before we exposed it to the heat.
Get the FlyPal fireproof document bag at Amazon.
Best Large
DocSafe Multilayer Fireproof Document Bag
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 3/5
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size:12.5 inches tall by 17 inches wide by 7.2 inches deep
- Materials: Silicone-coated fiberglass and aluminum foil
What We Like
- Large size provides fireproof storage of multiple items and documents
- Multiple compartments and pockets can neatly store documents, jewelry, and electronics
- Exterior reflective strip allows for better visibility
What We Don’t Like
- The reflective strip melted away almost immediately during testing
The DocSafe fireproof document bag is an ideal solution for keeping a large number of important documents and valuables secure and protected. This bag is a generous 12.5 inches tall by 17 inches wide by 7.2 inches deep, offering ample storage capacity for all essential items.
Designed with multiple pockets, slots, and compartments, the bag will help organize belongings with ease—from passports and legal documents to USB drives and jewelry. One notable feature of the DocSafe bag is the reflective strip on its exterior. This strip enhances visibility, so the bag is easier to locate in low-light conditions or emergencies, such as a house fire.
The DocSafe bag was one of the most secure and durable bags in our testing. While the reflective strip only lasted about 30 seconds, the rest of the bag fared well, though it was far from reusable. The closure stayed shut, and the zipper remained mostly functional. Just as was the case with most of the bags in our testing, the paper inside the bag remained in perfect condition.
Get the DocSafe fireproof document bag at Amazon.
Best Small
Roloway Small Fireproof Money Bag
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Heat resistance: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size: 5 inches tall by 8 inches wide
- Materials: Silicone-coated fiberglass
What We Like
- Compact size is suitable for small items and travel
- Fold-over Velcro-type closure keeps contents securely in place
- Affordable compared to similar options available
What We Don’t Like
- Best if stored in a fireproof safe or a larger fireproof bag
Just the right size for safely stowing cash, a passport, or folded documents, the Roloway fireproof bag tucks inside a suitcase or a backpack easily. It measures a diminutive 5 inches tall by 8 inches wide and will protect valuables in temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
This Roloway money bag is made from silicone-coated fiberglass and features a fold-over Velcro-type closure at the top. Pair it with a larger fireproof bag for added security, or store it in a fireproof safe for even more protection.
After testing the thin Colcase fireproof document bag (our #3 pick), during which the paper sustained some damage, we had similar concerns about this small bag. We feared it would burn quickly, as would the paper inside. However, that wasn’t the case. The bag withstood the flames quite well. The edges of the hook-and-loop flap melted, but the zipper and the paper inside stayed intact. In fact, the bag was mostly reusable, which surprised us.
Get the Roloway small fireproof document bag at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Fireproof Document Bags
We knew going into this testing that fireproof document bags are designed to protect shoppers’ most important documents. We also understood the unique nature of this testing: We’d only get one shot to see if each of these six bags would perform as advertised, so we had to ensure we were exposing them to extreme heat—simulating the realistic conditions for which they are designed. However, we also had to test without breathing in chemicals or setting the house ablaze. To safely and accurately complete this testing, we fired up a 68,000 British thermal unit (BTU) propane heater outside and then placed each bag directly in front of it on a concrete surface.
We kept each bag in front of the heater for 10 minutes. Our goal was not merely to see how well the document bag survived the heat but—most importantly—how well the paper we placed inside each document bag stayed intact. After 10 minutes, we moved the bag away from the heat, let it cool, and checked the contents.
It’s important to note that none of these bags are designed to withstand actual flames. Most of them are intended to be kept inside a safe. All of the bags suffered a lot of damage during the testing but still achieved their purpose since the papers inside remained intact.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 6 |
| Time spent testing | 3 hours |
| Tests performed | 4 to 5 |
| Price range | $10 to $60 |
What to Consider When Choosing a Fireproof Document Bag
A fireproof document bag is more “fire-resistant” than fireproof, as this type of protective bag can and will fail to protect its contents from a raging fire. Instead, it offers a modicum of security against intense heat if a fire starts and the document bag is nearby.
Most fireproof document bags are made from silicone-treated fiberglass, and the better ones include two or more layers of treated fiberglass for added heat protection. Some also feature aluminum foil liners. If the bag is amid actual flames, don’t expect the contents to escape unscathed. For absolute fire protection, consider a fireproof safe that is rated to withstand flames for 1 or 2 hours.
Fire-Resistance
No federal regulations exist for testing fireproof document bags, but manufacturers use materials known to be fire-resistant. To determine the level of fireproof protection, look for the maximum amount of heat the bag can withstand, typically between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Size and Compartments
Fireproof document bags range in size from envelope-size bags with a single compartment to larger briefcase-size bags with multiple zipped compartments or pockets for keeping papers organized. Additionally, some fireproof document bags sell in sets, with a smaller bag the user can tuck inside the larger bag for additional protection.
Water and Heat Resistance
Most manufacturers also advertise their fireproof bags as waterproof or water-resistant, which is an important feature. If the bag is in a burning house or the trunk of a car that’s in flames, the fire is likely to be doused with a water hose, so it’s essential to have a level of water protection for the stored documents in the bag.
Lockability and Closure Style
Fireproof document bags typically close with either a zipper made from fire-resistant materials, or they feature a snug-fitting Velcro-type closure. Some models include more than one type of closure, such as an interior zipper and an additional Velcro-type closure, increasing the bag’s fire resistance.
Items Being Stored
Common items stored in a fireproof document bag include property records, birth certificates, paper money, passports, and notes with written passwords to online accounts. Some bags are large enough to add other valuables, such as jewelry, antique photographs, digital thumb drives, or even tablets or laptops.
Tips for Using a Fireproof Document Bag
Simply storing documents in a fireproof bag offers a measure of protection, but don’t stop there—always store the bag itself in a safe location. A few tips can help users gain the most protection from a fireproof document bag.
- When selecting a fireproof document bag, consider choosing a size larger than necessary to accommodate additional items in the future.
- The higher the fire-resistant rating of the bag, the safer the items will be. For optimal protection, look for a bag that can withstand at least 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fireproof bags can trap moisture inside, making documents smell musty or encouraging mold or mildew. Make sure all papers and valuables are dry before placing them in the bag.
FAQs
Fireproof document bags offer some protection for essential paperwork and other items against heat damage, but they don’t offer a 100 percent guarantee against a raging fire. Shoppers considering purchasing a fireproof document bag likely have some questions.
A fireproof bag is not as protective as a fireproof briefcase, but it will still help protect documents and valuables. Storing the bag inside a fireproof safe or a fireproof briefcase will offer additional protection.
A quality fireproof bag will protect documents from igniting due to intense heat if they’re near a fire, up to about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature rises above that level or the bag falls directly into the fire, its contents could be damaged or destroyed.
Most fireproof document bags feature one or more layers of silicone-treated fiberglass, which is known for its fire-resistant properties.
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full-time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest websites in the industry, including BobVila.com, This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes. He also owns and operates a pest control blog, RiddaBugs.com. He spent years working in the trades and tests a wide range of tools and home improvement products.
Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.
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