If you’ve ever misplaced your car keys, questions about car security will quickly enter your mind and you’ll be left kicking yourself for not buying a car key tracker. Panic starts to set in as you perform frenzied bouts of interpretive dance in search of your ticket out, moving from room to room, leaving no cushion unturned – all under the condemnatory gaze of the clock. It’s one of life’s cruellest japes and in previous years could have you left done for, but no longer. Negate the risk of losing your keys with the best electronic car key tracker.
The best car key trackers, or key finders as they’re commonly known, are small electronic tags designed to slip easily and inconspicuously onto key rings. The tags emit a weak Bluetooth energy beacon that can be picked up by nearby smartphones, allowing users to track the location of the broadcast in order to find the tag and, if on the ring, their elusive car keys.
Key finders are smart, affordable gadgets. While they may not change your life, a key finder could save you crucial minutes in the morning—better to have than not need, we say. As they’re fairly new pieces of tech, you may be unfamiliar with some of the best models, so we’ve compiled a list of our favourites for you. If you’re looking to develop your car’s security measures, why not consider investing in a steering wheel lock?
The best car key trackers at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Tile Pro Key Tracker – Buy now from Amazon
Best multipack key tracker: Apple Airtag – Buy now from Amazon
Best for inconspicuity: Chipolo One Spot – Buy now from Amazon
The best car key trackers
The best key tracker
Rrp: $34.99
Rrp: $34.99
Most key trackers are thin units, though this Tile model ranks among the most so. By virtue of its compact design, it’s not only incredibly light but also thin enough that it could be inconspicuously slipped into a wallet or, in the case of a set of car keys, will reduce additional bulk while in your pocket.
Pros
- Very light
- Very thin
Cons
- May want more than one
| Dimensions | 59 x 34 x 8mm |
| Weight | 8g |
| Keyring hole | Yes |
| Compatibility | Multi |
The best multipack key tracker
Pros
- Great value pack
- Easy to use
Cons
- Additional tag holder required
| Dimensions | 31.9mm diameter, 8mm thick |
| Weight | 11g |
| Keyring hole | No |
| Compatibility | IOS |
The best inconspicuous key tracker
Rrp: $28.00
Rrp: $28.00
Pros
- Very flat and inconspicuous
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Airtag may offer better iPhone compatibility
| Dimensions | 37.9mm diameter, 6.4mm thick |
| Weight | 7.7g |
| Keyring hole | Yes |
| Compatibility | Multi |
The best key tracker for Samsung users
Pros
- Thin and light
- Easy to use
Cons
- Only compatible with Samsung Androids
| Dimensions | 39mmx39mm, 9.9mm thick |
| Weight | 13g |
| Keyring hole | Yes |
| Compatibility | Samsung Android 8.0 or higher |
The best key tracker on a budget
Rrp: $24.99
Rrp: $24.99
Pros
- Very small
- Affordable
Cons
- Hard to find at this price range
| Dimensions | 37.8mm x 37.8mm, 7.1mm thick |
| Weight | 8g |
| Keyring hole | Yes |
| Compatibility | Multi |
FAQs
Are car key trackers worth it?
Yes. For a small price and a little extra weight in the pocket, they ensure peace of mind that your keys are always within reach. If you’d like to keep track of more than just your car keys, we recommend investing in a multipack to save a few pounds.
Will my car key tracker be compatible with my smartphone?
When picking out the best car key tracker, it’s important to consider its compatibility first. Not every key finder is compatible with every smartphone. For example, the Galaxy SmartTag will only work with Samsung Androids operating the 8.0 software or higher, while the Apple AirTag can only pair with devices running IOS software. The good news is that there are plenty of options available, no matter which type of smartphone or tablet you operate – just be sure to check your key finder will work before buying.
Can I use a key tracker to track my car?
The range won’t be good enough. You’ll need to buy a proper car tracker and install it somewhere discreet for this peace of mind.
How we choose
All of these car key trackers have been hand-selected by our team of experts who have spent hours investigating and researching car key trackers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Seth Walton is an Autos Product Writer for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and motorsport. He also contributes to What’s The Best with interests in audio equipment and technology.
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