What are Faraday boxes all about? That’s a good question. It does sound like the kind of thing HG Wells might have used to get his time machine going, but it is actually an invaluable car security device that can protect your car from the threats posed by keyless car theft.
Most vehicles are now equipped with keyless entry and ignition, operated by electronic signals from your key fob (RFID). Now, Mr Thief and his mates seem to catch up with advances in security technology impressively quickly, and it’ll come as no surprise that they’ve found a way to intercept and clone those electronic signals enabling them to steal your vehicle, even if your car fob is sitting apparently secure on the hallway table.
But adding an extra layer of car security and preventing those radio signals from being intercepted is pretty easy and inexpensive. A Faraday pouch or box is simply a small, domestic, practical Faraday cage. The box is lined with a metallic material which prevents any electronic signals from entering or leaving the box, thereby preventing would-be thieves from intercepting your RFID signals and stealing your car. As keyless vehicles can be stolen and driven away in under a minute with the right techniques, it’s surely a no-brainer that blocking the signal is one of the easiest things to do to prevent car theft from reaching you.
The best Faraday boxes 2025 at a glance
So, when you get home, don’t just leave your fob on the table; put it safely in a Faraday box. It’ll keep your car safe, and no more misplaced keys. Here’s a selection of Faraday boxes for you to choose from.
The best Faraday boxes 2025
The best Faraday box
The sleek and classy exterior styling is made from 2mm aluminium, while the inside is padded to afford extra protection. It comes in small or large sizes to suit the type of fob you have.
Pros
- Stylish design and a premium upgrade over a conventional pouch
- Compact enough to take with you and carry it in a large pocket
- Quality construction and durable materials
Cons
- Only suitable for a single fob rather than multiple units
Editor's pick
Rrp: $16.99
Rrp: $16.99
Pros
- Attractive finish and looks subtle in your home
- Pouches included for added protection on the go
- Compact yet spacious design, which means clever packaging
Cons
- Pouches can be a tight fit for larger fobs
Best large Faraday set
The box is covered in a tough, grey-coloured polyurethane leather and the two clips help to keep the lid firmly closed and prevent any signal leakage.
Pros
- Comes with additional pouches, which are fairly sizeable themselves
- Large enough for six fobs, which is great if you have a fleet of vehicles
- You can choose between a small or large size box
Cons
- The pouch can be a bit tight for some fobs
Best wall-mounted Faraday box
The outer layer is made of PU leather and comes in various colours to match your décor. Inside is a double-layer protection sheet, hanging space for four keys, and the door is held securely closed by the magnetic latch.
Pros
- Wall mounted, so it can blend in with your furniture
- Safe storage for multiple keys and has hooks inside
- You can choose from a range of colours
Cons
- Requires fitting, which may put some off
- Isn't the most versatile option, thanks to vertical design
Best value Faraday box
The outer design has a slightly retro look with a clasp lock to keep everything inside secure.
Pros
- Compact, but can still fit up to four key fobs
- Decorative look and can be had in either brown or black
- Represents better value for money than some of the others at under £20
Cons
- Quality of the latch could be improved
- No pouches included, so no portable protection as well
Best large Faraday box
The brand says the box can fit up to nine sets of keys, which is perfect if you want to store multiple keys and items inside. There's even space for some phones, which helps if your vehicle is keyless from your device.
Pros
- Box is large enough for up to nine sets of keys
- Includes two fobs, which is great considering the price point
- Subtle design that will blend in with your home furniture
Cons
- They key pouches aren't the strongest on the market
Faraday boxes FAQs:
What is a Faraday box or Faraday cage?
A Faraday box or Faraday cage is a container made of conductive materials that shields its contents from electromagnetic fields. It works because the conductive material redistributes electromagnetic waves around the external surface, preventing them from reaching the inside. In the case of a Faraday box for car keys, it works in reverse by keeping the key fob radio signals within the box. The cage can block various forms of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, or electromagnetic pulses (EMPs).
Do Faraday boxes work?
Yes, Faraday boxes do work. They effectively block external electromagnetic fields from penetrating their interior, provided they are made of conductive material, have no gaps or openings, and are sealed properly. When used correctly, they can shield electronics from potential threats like hacking using RFID scanning equipment.
However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the quality of the box. Higher-quality Faraday boxes provide better protection against a wider range of signals.
Are Faraday boxes worth the money?
Whether Faraday boxes are worth the money depends on your needs. In the UK, Faraday boxes are increasingly popular among those who want to protect their devices (like mobile phones, credit cards, or key fobs) from hacking. If you’re concerned about security or privacy, a Faraday box could offer peace of mind, particularly for high-value electronics or important documents that may be contained on a flash drive or similar. If you have few electronic devices, use a ‘dumb’ phone and don’t have remote locking on your car, a Faraday box may not be strictly necessary.
Do I need a Faraday box?
If you have any concerns about any of the following, it is probably worth your while investing in a Faraday box.
Security: If you’re worried about privacy and electronic tracking (e.g., someone accessing your key fob, phone or credit card information via RFID), a Faraday box can block those signals.
EMP Protection: While the UK is not a primary target for EMP threats, people living in regions with high electromagnetic interference or worried about large-scale disruptions might consider having a Faraday box as a precaution.
Protecting Devices: If you have valuable electronics that are at risk of hacking, jamming, or being damaged by external interference, it might be worth investing in a Faraday box.
For most people, it’s not a necessity but it is a good addition to your security measures.
How to test a Faraday box?
To test a Faraday box, you can conduct the following tests:
- Mobile phone test: Place your mobile phone inside the box and try calling or texting it from another phone. If the box is working, the phone inside should have no signal and should not be able to receive calls, texts, or data.
- RFID test: Simply put your car key fob into the Faraday box, then take the closed box to your vehicle and see if the key fob is detected by your car’s electronics. Alternatively, you can put an RFID-enabled device (like a contactless payment card) inside the Faraday box. Try scanning it with a contactless card reader. If the box is effective, the card should not be detectable or readable by the scanner.
- Wireless signal test: For a broader test, place a device that uses Wi-Fi or Bluetooth inside the box. Try to connect to it from another device. If the Faraday box is working, you should not be able to establish a connection
How we choose Faraday boxes
All of these Faraday boxes have been hand-selected by our team of experts, who have spent hours investigating and researching Faraday boxes 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.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at CAR and Parkers and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.
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