AMSEC AM3020E5 vs AM3020 Plus: Which Home Safe Is Right for You?

Quick Specs at a Glance

If you want the fastest way to compare the AMSEC AM3020E5 and the AM3020 Plus, this table highlights the key differences. Both safes share the same size, steel thickness, and fire rating, but the Plus model upgrades the lock, interior, and overall user experience.

AMSEC AM3020E5 (Standard Model)

AMSEC AM3020 Plus (Upgraded Model)

AMSEC AM3020E5 – Door Open

AMSEC AM3020 Plus – Door Open

What Both Safes Do Well

Both the AMSEC AM3020E5 and the AM3020 Plus deliver the same core strengths: solid steel construction, dependable fire protection, and a roomy interior that fits the items most homeowners want to protect. Each safe is built with a 12-gauge steel body, a strong door plate, and a 45-minute fire rating, enough time to keep documents, jewelry, passports, and small electronics protected during a typical house fire.

Both models come with four pre-drilled anchor holes so you can bolt the safe to the floor in concrete or wood. Anchoring is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent theft, because it keeps a burglar from tilting or carrying the safe out of your home.

Inside, the dimensions offer plenty of space for files, laptops, photo albums, small valuables, and important family documents. If your main goal is reliable, no-nonsense protection, both safes cover the essentials extremely well.

What Makes the AM3020 Plus Different

The AM3020 Plus builds on the same foundation as the standard AM3020E5, adding upgrades that improve durability, convenience, and everyday usability. If you want a safe that feels more premium every time you open it, the Plus model stands out for three main reasons: a stronger lock, a nicer interior, and built-in lighting.

1. Lock Upgrade: ESL10 vs. ESL5

The biggest difference between the two models is the lock.
The AM3020 Plus uses the ESL10, a sturdier lock with a metal housing, backlit buttons, and a dual-battery setup. The standard AM3020E5 uses the simpler ESL5 with a plastic housing and a single battery.

Why it matters:

• Metal housing = better long-term durability
  The lock assembly holds up better over time, especially if you open and close the safe often.
• Dual batteries = fewer low-battery surprises
  The second battery acts like a built-in backup.
• Backlit keypad = easier access in dark rooms or closets
  Small upgrade, big convenience at night.

The ESL5 works fine, but the ESL10 simply performs better and feels more heavy-duty.

2. Interior and Lighting Upgrades

Inside the safe, the AM3020 Plus swaps the standard carpeted interior for a quilted faux-leather liner. It looks more refined and gives the inside a soft, high-end feel similar to a jewelry case.

You also get a motion-activated LED light that turns on when you open the door. This makes a noticeable difference when the safe is placed in a closet, bedroom, or other low-light area.

Why it matters:

• Softer interior protects jewelry, watches, or glass items
• Quilted finish looks cleaner and higher-end
• Motion light makes it easy to see papers and small items immediately

3. Exterior Finish

The AM3020E5 comes in denim blue, while the Plus model comes in a modern gloss white. The color doesn’t change performance, but it does help buyers match the safe to a room, closet, or decor style.

Quick takeaway:
If aesthetics matter or the safe will sit in a visible area, the Plus may fit better in most closets or rooms.

Summary: Why Choose the Plus

The AM3020 Plus is built for someone who wants a safe that not only protects well, but also feels nicer to use. The upgraded lock, interior, and LED lighting make daily use smoother and more comfortable.

Which Safe Fits Your Life?

Choosing between the AM3020E5 and the AM3020 Plus comes down to how you plan to use the safe and which features matter most in everyday life. Both models offer solid protection, but the upgrades in the Plus model change the experience every time you open the door.

Choose the AM3020E5 if you:

• Want reliable theft and fire protection at the best price
• Don’t need upgraded interior materials or lighting
• Prefer a simple, straightforward digital lock
• Like the classic denim blue finish
• Only open the safe occasionally, and don’t need premium touches

This model delivers excellent value if your priority is function over extras.

Choose the AM3020 Plus if you:

• Want the stronger ESL10 lock with metal housing, backlit keypad, and dual batteries
• Prefer a more refined interior that protects jewelry and delicate items
• Need a motion-activated LED light for use in low-light rooms or closets
• Care about aesthetics, the gloss white finish looks clean and modern
• Open the safe frequently and want a smoother day-to-day experience

This version is ideal if you want better usability and a more premium feel.

Real-life examples

The AM3020E5 fits:
A homeowner who wants a safe mainly for documents, passports, insurance papers, and a few valuables, and is looking for a dependable safe without added cost.

The AM3020 Plus fits:
Someone who stores jewelry or small valuables, opens the safe often, or wants a nicer interior and a more durable lock. Parents like the Plus for the brighter, easier-to-use lock and lighting, while collectors appreciate the upgraded interior and more premium, display-worthy feel.

Quick takeaway

Both safes protect well.
Your decision comes down to how often you’ll use the safe and whether you value the upgraded lock, lighting, and interior.

Installation and Everyday Tips

No matter which model you choose, proper installation and simple routines make a big difference in long-term security and usability.

How to Install Your Safe the Right Way

• Bolt it down using the pre-drilled anchor holes.
  Anchoring is one of the most important steps. A bolted safe is far harder to remove, even for experienced thieves.
• Choose a solid surface when possible.
  Anchoring into concrete is ideal, but wood floors work well with the right hardware.
• Place the safe somewhere discreet.
  Closets, home offices, and low-visibility corners reduce the likelihood that a thief will find it quickly.
• Leave space around the door.
  Give the door room to swing fully so you can access everything inside without squeezing.

Improve Fire & Moisture Protection

• Store important papers in a fire-safe bag or folder.
  This gives you an extra layer of insulation during longer or hotter fires and adds some water protection in case of a flood.
• Use the power pass-through port.
  Both models include a hole for accessories like dehumidifiers or GoldenRods. These prevent moisture buildup, mold, and rust.
• Avoid placing items too close to the door panel.
  This prevents pressure marks and keeps the locking bolts from rubbing on stored items.

Everyday Use Tips

• Check your digital lock batteries annually.
  The AM3020 uses one 9-volt battery; the Plus uses two. Replace them before they fail, not after.
• Test your code after battery changes.
  Make sure the lock opens smoothly before you close the door.
• Keep a simple inventory list.
  A quick note (stored securely elsewhere) helps you remember what’s inside and speeds up insurance claims if needed.

Small habits that boost security

• Keep the safe out of sight from exterior windows
• Avoid talking openly about where the safe is located
• Don’t leave the door open for long periods
• Re-anchor the safe if you move or remodel

Final Pick & Next Steps

Both the AM3020E5 and the AM3020 Plus deliver solid protection against theft and fire, but the Plus model stands out for its upgraded lock, premium interior, and built-in lighting. These upgrades matter most if you’ll be accessing the safe regularly or storing items that benefit from better visibility and softer materials.

If you're looking for simple, dependable protection at the best price, the AM3020E5 is a strong choice. If you want a safer-feeling lock, better usability, and a more polished experience, the AM3020 Plus is worth the extra investment.

Your Next Step

Before you choose a safe, pick one small item you want to protect, a passport, a family photo, a watch, or a set of spare keys. Think about why it matters and how often you reach for it. That alone will tell you whether the upgraded lock, lighting, and interior of the AM3020 Plus make a difference for you.

If you're ready to compare pricing or placement options, we’re here to help.