A diversion safe is an everyday object with a hidden compartment inside. It looks like a soda can, a book, a wall charger or a flower pot, so it blends into a room instead of announcing that something valuable is stored there. This guide covers how diversion safes work, the main types, and how to choose one that fits where you plan to keep it. You can browse every style in our diversion safes collection.
How does a diversion safe work?
A traditional safe protects valuables with steel and a lock, but it also tells anyone who sees it exactly where the valuables are. A diversion safe takes the opposite approach: it hides valuables by making the container look ordinary. Most have a screw-off or pull-off top or base that opens a hollow compartment, while the outside matches the real product it imitates. The best place for one is somewhere the real item would naturally sit, such as a soda can in the fridge, a cleaning bottle under the sink, or a book on a shelf.
Types of diversion safes
Drink and food cans
Can safes are the most popular style because a can in a kitchen or car draws no attention. Options include the Coke, Dr Pepper, Sprite and Fanta soda can safes, the Red Bull can safe, the Arizona Green Tea can, the Pringles can safe and the Del Monte fruit can. See the full range in our stash cans category and our stash can guide.
Household and cleaning containers
Bathroom and laundry products are rarely picked up by guests. The Ajax bleach can safe, shaving cream can safe and laundry detergent bottle safe are made for those spaces.
Bottles and tumblers
Water bottles go everywhere with you, which makes them useful for the gym, the office or travel. Choices include the 750 ml water bottle safe, the stainless steel water bottle safe, the stainless steel tumbler and the Pepsi bottle safe, which comes with a smell-proof bag.
Books
A book safe sits naturally on a shelf or nightstand. Some book safes add a lock: the dictionary mini safe, the mini book safe and the hidden storage books set.
Electronics
Chargers and batteries look completely normal plugged in or sitting on a desk. Look at the fake wall charger, charging cube, portable USB charger and AA battery safes.
Everyday carry
For items you keep on you or in the car, there are small diversion safes shaped like things people already carry: a key fob, a car key, a lighter, a lipstick, a hair scrunchie, a hairbrush, a lint roller and a hidden money belt. Many of these are grouped in our stash boxes collection.
Home décor
The hidden safe flower pot looks like a potted plant and keeps cash, jewelry or keys in a compartment underneath.
How to choose a diversion safe
- Start with the room. Pick an object that belongs where you’ll keep it: cans in the kitchen, cleaning products in the bathroom or laundry room, books in the living room, chargers by a desk.
- Match what you’ll store. Rolled cash and small jewelry fit in a can or key fob. Passports, documents or larger items need a book safe, a bottle or the flower pot.
- Decide if you want a lock. Most diversion safes rely on disguise alone. If you want a second layer, choose a locking style such as the 4-digit combination safe or the dictionary safe.
- Think about portability. Bottles, key fobs and lighters travel with you. Cans and books are best left in one place.
- Keep it believable. Don’t put a soda can safe in a bedroom drawer. A disguise only works if the object makes sense where it sits.
Diversion safe vs. stash box vs. traditional safe
A traditional safe resists force but is easy to find. A diversion safe relies on not being found. A stash box or lockable stash case is a purpose-built container for keeping personal items organized and private, often with a combination lock and an odor-blocking lining. Many people use a mix: a diversion safe for cash and spare keys, and a smell-proof case for items that need to stay fresh and odor-free. See our smell-proof storage guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
Are diversion safes legal?
Diversion safes are storage containers and are sold for lawful use. Follow the laws that apply where you live.
Where is the best place to hide a diversion safe?
Wherever the real version of the object would normally be: a can in the fridge or pantry, a cleaning bottle under the sink, a book among other books. More ideas are in top secret spots to hide your stash can and creative uses of diversion safes.
Should I buy a stash can or a diversion safe?
A stash can is one type of diversion safe. Read should you buy a stash can or diversion safe for a side-by-side comparison.
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