Mycube vs. AMSEC Max 1014 TL-15 Safe

When you’re shopping for a safe, it’s easy to get lost in all the options. Do you want something small and sleek that blends into your home? Or do you need a safe that’s built like a tank to stand up against serious break-in attempts? Today, let’s take a closer look at two very different safes: the Mycube and the American Security® MAX 1014 High Security TL-15 Safe.

At first glance, they might seem like they serve the same purpose—keeping your valuables safe. But in reality, these two safes live in completely different worlds. Think of it like comparing a family SUV to a military armored truck. Both are vehicles, but they’re designed for very different jobs.

What Is a Mycube Safe?

The Mycube is designed with modern living in mind. It’s sleek, stylish, and easy to use. You’ll often see it recommended for people who want a safe place for everyday valuables like jewelry, watches, cash, passports, or even a laptop.

Here are some key things about the Mycube:

• Convenience: The Mycube has a digital keypad, interior lighting, and some models even have Wi-Fi tracking or charging ports. That means you can plug in your devices while they’re safely locked away.

• Compact size: Most Mycube safes are designed to fit into closets, cabinets, or even drawers. They don’t take up much room, which makes them great for apartments, condos, or smaller homes.

• Aesthetic design: Unlike a more robust safe, the Mycube is designed with aesthetics in mind. It’s available in colors like white, black, and even rose gold.

• Everyday security: It provides enough protection to keep kids, guests, or casual snoops out. But it’s not built to stop a professional thief with power tools.

The Mycube is basically a lifestyle safe. It’s about convenience and style, giving you quick access to your things while providing peace of mind.

What Is the American Security® MAX 1014 TL-15 Safe?

Now let’s switch gears. The American Security® MAX 1014 is in a whole different category. This is a high-security safe that carries the UL TL-15 rating. What does that mean?

• UL-Rated: UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, an independent group that tests and certifies safes.

• TL-15: This rating means the safe can withstand 15 minutes of attack on the door using professional burglary tools like drills, saws, and grinders. In the real world, that usually translates into much more than 15 minutes of protection. During an UL test, the clock is only running while the technicians are actively attacking the safe. If they stop for any reason (to go to the bathroom, change tools, or confer with a colleague), the test stops. Additionally, UL technicians are given the full specs of the safe prior to testing and allowed to fully disassemble the safe.

Here are some standout features:

• Impressive Weight (for its size): The MAX 1014 weighs 485 pounds. While not as heavy as larger TL-rated safes, it is substantially more cumbersome to move than similarly sized safes. In comparison, the Mycube Classic is of similar size and weighs just 38 pounds. A light weight safe like that can easily be carried out of your home or office.

• Thick steel walls: It has a solid steel body and special composite materials that resist cutting, drilling, and prying.

• High-end safe lock: This TL-15 safe comes equipped with a UL listed electronic lock.

• Reliable fire protection: While there are no fireproof safes, the AMSEC MAX 1014 has a 90 minute fire rating. This gives your valuables a fighting chance in the event of a fire. In comparison, Mycube safes don’t have fire ratings (with the exception of the Mycube Fire safe that has a one hour fire rating at 1,700 degrees).

If the Mycube is a stylish condo safe, the American Security MAX 1014 is a fortress.

How Do These Two Home Safes Compare?

Let’s break it down into categories so you can see the differences more clearly.

1. Security Level

• Mycube: Provides light protection for everyday use. Good against kids, guests, or quick grab-and-run thefts.

• MAX 1014: Provides professional-grade protection. It’s tested to stop burglars armed with serious tools.

If your biggest concern is losing your passport or laptop at home, the Mycube works. But if you’re protecting large sums of cash, rare collectibles, or sensitive data, the MAX 1014 is the clear winner.

2. Size and Weight

• Mycube: Small and portable. Most weigh under 100 pounds. The Mycube classic is the most similarly sized safe to the MAX 1040. It weighs just 38 pounds and is 11.67-inches high x 15.5-inches wide x 13.75-inches deep.

• MAX 1014: While still small, the MAX 1014 is 485 pounds. At this weight, carrying it out of the house wouldn’t be as simple as slinging it under one arm. It’s outside dimensions are 15.875-inches high x 19.875-inches wide x 19.875-inches deep.

3. Design and Aesthetics

• Mycube: Sleek and stylish. Available in modern finishes to blend in with your décor.

• MAX 1014: Functional and more industrial. This safe isn’t winning any design awards—it’s built purely for strength.

4. Price Point

• Mycube: Starts in the low hundreds of dollars, depending on size and features.

• MAX 1014: Costs several thousand dollars. You’re paying for certified high security.

5. Best Use Case

• Mycube: Great for apartments, college students, Airbnb hosts, or anyone who wants quick, convenient storage.

• MAX 1014: Best for those with high-value assets who want an elite level of security in a small size.

Which One Should You Choose?

We always like to ask people this question, “If you had a crystal ball and knew you were going to get robbed tomorrow, which safe would you choose?” 

That being said, you also need to consider what you need the safe to do. Sometimes the best safe may be overkill.

• If you want something simple to keep your everyday items safe from prying eyes, kids, or house cleaners, the Mycube is a smart, affordable choice. It’s user-friendly and stylish, making it easy to fit into your daily life.

• But if you’re worried about real burglary attempts, or you’re storing items that are extremely valuable, the American Security MAX 1014 is the way to go. It’s built to withstand determined attacks and is backed by trusted UL testing.

Everyday Example

Let’s imagine two different people.

• Alex lives in a city apartment. He wants a safe place for his passport, a bit of cash, and some jewelry. He doesn't expect professional thieves to break in, but he does want to make sure his roommates or guests can’t snoop. For Alex, the Mycube is perfect. It’s affordable, easy to install, and doesn’t stick out.

• Taylor owns a small jewelry business. At the end of the day, she needs a safe that can store expensive inventory. A simple lockbox won’t cut it. Taylor chooses the American Security MAX 1014 because it’s certified to withstand real burglary attacks and offers the level of protection her business requires.

Both Alex and Taylor are right. They just have different needs.