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Best Key Finders

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Tile Pro
Tile
Pro
Best for Large Households

The Tile Pro key finder is a top pick for tracking keys and other important items over a larger home or office space.

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Best for Large Households
Bottom Line

The Tile Pro key finder is a top pick for tracking keys and other important items over a larger home or office space.

Pros

Sports a maximum range of 400 ft. Compatible with Alexa and Hey Google. Water-resistant. Up to a year of battery life. User-friendly Tile app. Especially loud audio cue. Available in black and white.

Cons

Smart alerts for left-behind items require a premium subscription.

Best Bang for the Buck
Tile Mate
Tile
Mate
Customer Favorite

The Tile Mate is a thrifty way to keep tabs on the most elusive things in your home, whether it is your keys, wallet, or the family cat.

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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

The Tile Mate is a thrifty way to keep tabs on the most elusive things in your home, whether it is your keys, wallet, or the family cat.

Pros

Affordable. Features a maximum range of 200 ft. Water-resistant. Up to a year of battery life. Compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows. Loud audio cue. Available in one-, two-, and four-packs.

Cons

Only available in white.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag
Samsung
Galaxy SmartTag Bluetooth Accessory Tracker
Feature-packed

The durable and feature-filled Galaxy SmartTag is a top option for Samsung fans.

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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

The durable and feature-filled Galaxy SmartTag is a top option for Samsung fans.

Pros

Utilizes Bluetooth and cellular connectivity. Simple setup. Control smart devices by pressing its button. Water-resistant. Bluetooth range of 120 meters. Features eight loud ringtones. Available in black and oatmeal.

Cons

Exclusively works with Samsung Galaxy phones.

Apple AirTag
Apple
AirTag
17% OFF NOW

Our tester appreciated how easy this one was to use with their phones and other Airtags.

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17% OFF NOW
Bottom Line

Our tester appreciated how easy this one was to use with their phones and other Airtags.

Pros

We recommend this one for people who constantly lose their keys, as well as travelers. It's easy to set up for beginners and simple to track in a bind. It's lightweight and won't weigh down your keychain while you use it. Audio ping adds convenience through the Find My app, too.

Cons

Our tester was concerned with the 2-minute lag in locational information.

Esky Key Finder w/ 2 Transmitters, 6 Receivers
Esky
Key Finder w/ 2 Transmitters, 6 Receivers
Most Comprehensive

Everyone in the house have a tendency to lose their keys? This helps them all!

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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Everyone in the house have a tendency to lose their keys? This helps them all!

Pros

You get two transmitters and six receivers, one for every housemate, employee, or family member. The stand makes it easier to track. The 80-dB noise won't be easily muffled when you need it. People love this comprehensive set for its versatility and convenience.

Cons

This one has no mobile support, unlike others on our list.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
August 23, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for Best key finders

Melissa Nott
Written by Melissa Nott

Updated December 2023

There’s nothing more frustrating than walking out your front door only to realize you can’t find your keys. In days past, you would have had to search through couch cushions, under rugs, and in bags. The technology found in today’s key finders, however, eliminates the frustration of losing your keys.

If you’re ready to stop the endless search for your keys, you’ve come to the right place.

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Key finders are water-resistant but not waterproof. A rainy day or spilled drink wouldn’t ruin the receiver or fob, but dropping one in a lake or putting it through the washing machine probably would.

Types of key finders

Wireless radio frequency (RF) key finders

These inexpensive key finders use radio frequencies to locate objects. The transmitter sends out a radio signal that sets off an alarm in the receiver.

Many models have two to four receivers, each with a color-coded button on the transmitter. You can place a receiver on almost any item including your phone, remote control, or keychain.

Radio frequencies can travel through walls, floors, and cushions within a limited radius, making this type of key finder most useful if you often misplace your keys inside your house. Most have a range of 90 feet in an open area.

RF receivers are somewhat bulky, which may make them awkward when attached to certain items.

"When using an RF key finder, you’ll need to keep track of the transmitter. Many come with a transmitter base that makes storage easier. Some transmitters can be attached to a keychain, but make sure it’s not on a set of keys that could be misplaced."
STAFF
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Bluetooth key finders

Bluetooth key finders require you to download an app that allows you to control and locate a thin fob, which can be attached to your keychain or other items. These key finders frequently offer a choice of alarms, ringtones, and volume levels to make finding your keys even easier.

Two-way Bluetooth key finders allow you to use the fob in reverse to find your phone. Bluetooth range varies from 30 feet to 160 feet. However, even if the fob is out of range, most apps can show you the last known location, which gives you an approximate starting point for your search.

Some companies also offer the use of their entire network to find your fob. If any person within the company's network of users is near your fob, their phone can pick up the signal and pass the location information to you. While some people might like this feature, others may find the technology somewhat invasive.

You’ll have to decide for yourself how much information you want the manufacturer to have about you.

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Did you know?
Some Bluetooth key finders use the camera on your phone to give you a more precise location of your fob. Once you’ve activated the locator, the app superimposes an arrow over the image provided by the camera. The arrow then points you in the right direction.
STAFF
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Features to consider

Number of receivers/fobs

Your keys might not be the only thing you lose on a regular basis. Some key finders are sold with a single receiver/fob; others come with up to six. Extra receivers/fobs can be attached to remote controls, purses, and extra keys.

RF key finders have color-coded receivers with corresponding buttons on the transmitter so you know which button to press. When using a Bluetooth key finder, you can select which device on your registered list of items you’d like to find.

Flashlights

Many RF key finders have a light on the transmitter to help you find the receiver in the dark. Some Bluetooth key finders have a light on the fob that activates with the alarm but can also be used as a flashlight.

"If you buy a pack of Bluetooth key finders, each fob can be connected to a different device. One could be connected to your phone and another to your spouse’s keys. You can scroll through the app to choose which device you’d like to find."
STAFF
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Alarm light

Key finders that include a light as a visual alarm also make finding your keys easier, especially in the dark. You can find both RF and Bluetooth key finders with alarm lights.

Alarm/ring type and volume

RF key finders have only one alarm type and volume, so make sure it’s loud enough to hear. If it ends up lost in the couch cushions, the sound needs to be able to travel through dense materials. Bluetooth key finders often give you the option of different ringtones and several volume levels.

Battery life and replacement

RF key finders vary in battery life, with some lasting a few months and others running for well beyond a year. The more often you activate the device, the faster the batteries run out.

RF key finders come with replaceable batteries. Some Bluetooth key finders have replaceable batteries; others do not. Those that don’t often come with a manufacturer replacement plan that provides a discount on a replacement fob. Bluetooth models with replaceable batteries usually last three to four months, while non-replaceable batteries last about a year.

Digital leash

Some Bluetooth key finders have a digital leash feature that alerts you anytime the fob gets out of range (about 30 feet). Many people like this type of feature while traveling because it prevents them from leaving keys in a restaurant or other business while away from home.

Panic button

Panic buttons give you an extra safety option. They’re found only on select Bluetooth key finders, but they’re becoming more common. They offer different alert levels which you indicate by how many times you press the panic button.

The technology may contact a few family members with a low-level alert or the local authorities with a high-level alert.

Two-way location

Some Bluetooth models have two-way locating, which allows you to use the fob to locate your phone. In this case, you press the button on the fob, and the phone rings even if it is set to silent.

The phone has to be within Bluetooth range of the fob for this feature to work.

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Did you know?
Two-way key finders let you locate your phone using the fob on your keys. Press the button on the fob, and your phone will ring – even if it’s set to silent.
STAFF
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Key finder prices

Less than $20

In this lower price range, you’ll find many RF key finders with up to four receivers. These key finders may have a flashlight and/or storage base in which to store the transmitter.

You may also be able to find a Bluetooth key finder in this range, but you’d likely only get one fob with it.

"If you want a Bluetooth key finder, be sure that it works with the operating system on your smartphone. These apps can also be used on a tablet or laptop."
STAFF
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$20 to $40

In this middle-of-the-road price range are RF key finders with up to six receivers. Many Bluetooth key finders come with a pair of fobs at this price point.

Over $40

You’ll find Bluetooth key finders with up to four fobs here. Panic buttons, ringtone selection, and two-way locating are among the extra features these pricier key finders offer.

Tips

  • The range of an RF key finder becomes much smaller when obstacles get in the way of the signal. Homes, vehicles, and other metal structures can interfere and shorten the range.

  • Attach your receiver/fob securely so it doesn’t fall off. If you’re using adhesive to attach the receiver, give it a good tug to make sure it’s firmly bonded.

  • If you need the exact location of something or someone, you may prefer a GPS tracker over a key finder. GPS technology provides precise locations.

A person casually dressed in denim jeans pulls a key finder from their wallet
Protect access to your key finder app by setting a password to the app. That way, if your phone gets stolen, the location of you and your keys stays safe.

FAQ

Q. How do I attach the receiver/fob to my keys or remote?

A. Receivers and fobs usually have a small hole you can put a keychain through. You can use a key ring to attach them to bags and other objects. Most also come with two-sided adhesive that allows you to attach them to items like a phone or remote control. Some don’t stick very well, so you may have to use additional adhesive to help them stay attached.

Q. Do Bluetooth key finders use GPS tracking to help me find my keys?

A. The Bluetooth range for some key finders is only 30 feet while others have a range of over 160 feet. But, no matter the range, once your fob is outside of the Bluetooth range, you’ll lose the signal. At that point, the app won’t be able to set off the alarm on your fob. However, the phone app can use GPS technology to provide the last known location of the fob when it was within range. Using that knowledge, you should be able to get close enough to set off the alarm on the fob and find your keys.

Q. Can Bluetooth key finders be used to share my location?

A. Manufacturers have their own rules and guidelines for how your information is used. You should read through their paperwork carefully, as your location will be trackable. If you’re worried about how your information may be used, you might want to consider an RF key finder.

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