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Buying guide

The Best Storage File Boxes

We compared seven storage file boxes on owner ratings, specs, and price. The DocSafe Fireproof File Organizer with Lock is our top pick for its fireproof protection and organizational features.

Updated

The bottom line

The DocSafe Fireproof File Organizer with Lock is our top pick for its fireproof and water-resistant protection, sturdy construction, and multiple organizational features. It has a high owner rating of 4.6/5 from 2212 ratings and is priced at $44.98. The closest alternative is the DocSafe Fireproof Document Box with Lock and Accordion File Folder, which provides similar fireproof protection but lacks the organizational features of the File Organizer. For a budget pick, the Staples File Folder Tote is a sturdy and convenient option for carrying files at an affordable price of $16.99.

Top pick
DocSafe Fireproof File Organizer with LockDocSafe Fireproof File Organizer with Lock $44.98

Best overall storage file box

The DocSafe Fireproof File Organizer with Lock is our top pick for its fireproof and water-resistant protection, sturdy construction, and multiple organizational features. It has a high owner rating of 4.6/5 from 2212 ratings and is priced at $44.98. The tradeoff is its higher price compared to other options.

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Budget pick
Staples File Folder ToteStaples File Folder Tote $16.99

Best budget storage file box

The Staples File Folder Tote is our budget pick for its sturdy construction, easy-grip handle, and organizer tray. It has a high owner rating of 4.3/5 from 3188 ratings and is priced at $16.99. The tradeoff is its plastic construction and reported issues with the latch.

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The field, ranked

  1. DocSafe Fireproof File Organizer with Lock Best for fireproof protection and organization. 9.0/10 $44.98 Amazon
  2. DocSafe Fireproof Document Box with Lock and Accordion File Folder Good for fireproof protection, but lacks organizational features. 8.0/10 $51.98 Amazon
  3. Staples File Folder Tote Best budget option, but has reported issues with the latch. 8.0/10 $16.99 Amazon
  4. STAPLES Store & Slide Plastic File Box, Latching, Letter/Legal, 2/Pk Good for letter and legal-size document storage, but lacks fireproof protection. 8.0/10 $47.45 Amazon
  5. STAPLES Slim Portable File Tote Good for travel and everyday use, but lacks fireproof protection. 7.0/10 $26.02 Amazon
  6. STAPLES Plastic File Box with Snap Lid Good for letter and legal-size document storage, but lacks fireproof protection. 7.0/10 $32.99 Amazon
  7. Staples Portable File Box Storage Organizer Good for portable storage, but lacks fireproof protection. 7.0/10 $16.99 Amazon

Who should buy which

If you need fireproof protection for your documents, the DocSafe Fireproof File Organizer with Lock or the DocSafe Fireproof Document Box with Lock and Accordion File Folder are your best bets. If you're on a budget and don't need fireproof protection, the Staples File Folder Tote or the Staples Portable File Box Storage Organizer are good options. If you need a portable solution for travel or everyday use, the Staples Slim Portable File Tote is a good choice.

What owners complain about

Owners of the Staples File Folder Tote have reported issues with the latch not latching well and the product cracking in one spot. Owners of the Staples Plastic File Box with Snap Lid have reported that the lids do not lock tight. These issues should be considered when choosing a storage file box.

Also-rans

The Staples Store & Slide Plastic File Box, Latching, Letter/Legal, 2/Pk and the Staples Plastic File Box with Snap Lid did not earn any picks. The Staples Store & Slide Plastic File Box, Latching, Letter/Legal, 2/Pk is a good option for letter and legal-size document storage, but it lacks fireproof protection. The Staples Plastic File Box with Snap Lid is also a good option for letter and legal-size document storage, but it lacks fireproof protection and has reported issues with the lids not locking tight.

How this was put together

This buying guide is based on owner ratings, specs, and price comparisons of seven storage file boxes. We did not test any of the products hands-on. The evidence for some products, such as the Staples Store & Slide Plastic File Box, Latching, Letter/Legal, 2/Pk and the Staples Plastic File Box with Snap Lid, is thinner than for others, so their rankings and scores reflect the uncertainty in the evidence.