RFID and Faraday pouches are often overlooked in the world of car security products, but they can be massively effective in keeping your car secure. They don’t offer the same amount of physical security as a steering wheel lock, but they offer some peace of mind by interrupting the signal that your key fobs emit to unlock and start your vehicle.
While car technology advances it does mean that we can become more vulnerable to alternative methods of theft, and not everyone will have the best intentions. Keyless technology is one of those concepts which makes our lives easier by transmitting a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) signal to lock, unlock, and start our cars. It may be more convenient than traditional keys, but it’s also more convenient for unscrupulous individuals to gain access to your car by cloning the RFID signal.
A notable problem has been found with Land Rover vehicles, which have been increasingly targeted by criminals in recent years. JLR issued an update to its keyless entry system and came up with its own insurance policy to tackle the epidemic. Despite the efforts of car manufacturers, we recommend you take the necessary steps to reduce the risk by investing in a Faraday box, bag, or pouch. In the grand scheme of thigs it’s a small price to pay for that extra layer of protection to your cherished vehicle.
The best RFID and Faraday pouches 2024 at a glance
So, how does it work? A Faraday pouch is a metal mesh inside a bag, pouch or box. The mesh blocks the RFID signals from your key, meaning there is nothing for the would-be thief to clone. The important thing to note is that a Faraday pouch is a proactive measure to prevent your car from being taken in the first place. And if you’re feeling extra conscious, we’ve also made a guide on the best car trackers.
The best RFID and Faraday pouches 2024
The best RFID Faraday pouch
Pros
- Secured by Design accreditation, indicating that it's a tough, durable pouch
- Easy to carry around in your pocket, making it portable
- A simple, effective solution to blocking relay-based thefts
Cons
- Not as much room as others, which can compromise smartphones
- May need to be replaced after several months
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 11.5 cm |
| Weight | 32g |
| Signals blocked | Wireless Signals including WiFi, 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G, GPS, Bluetooth, Radio, NFC etc. |
Best simple Faraday pouch
It's nice and small at 140mm x 95mm to house any key fob and is fitted with a handy carabiner clip to attach to your belt loop. The pouch has a second compartment for non-protected general storage.
Pros
- Good value for money at around £10 for a small size
- Carabiner clip included, making it easy to hang onto things
- Can be used for cards as well as key fobs
Cons
- Not quite large enough for smartphones
- Quality is slightly compromised compared to others
| Dimensions | 14 x 9.5 cm |
| Weight | 51g |
| Signals blocked | RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, GPS/Sat Nav networks, 2,3,4 & 5G and WIFI |
Editor's choice
Pros
- Enough space for keys and phones, making the set very versatile
- Good value for money at £25 for the whole set
- Styled to blend in well with your home
Cons
- The pouch isn't quite large enough to store a phone
- Box may suffer in quality against other solutions
| Dimensions | 19 x 12 x 9 cm |
| Weight | 590g |
Best budget Faraday pouch
Featuring two generously sized Faraday pouches, this set will easily hold a car key complete with key rings, and the size will even envelop a mobile phone if needed. It may not be the most stylish, but it does feature reinforced stitching for durability and a hook attachment to make it more portable.
Pros
- Very good value for money at under £10 for the pack
- Comes as a twin pack, meaning you can protect two things at once
- Large enough to fit a smartphone, increasing its versatility
Cons
- Not quite as efficient for pocket carrying use
- May need to be replaced after several months
| Dimensions | 18.6 x 11.5 cm each |
| Weight | 48g each |
| Signals blocked | phone signals, from calls to Wi-Fi & 3G/4G/5G, also RFID, GPS, NFC, EMF |
Best Faraday pouch for smartphones
Pros
- Large enough for a smartphone and fits in snugly
- Good value for money at just under £8
- Suitable for cards as well as keys and phones
Cons
- Perhaps too big for your pocket
- May need to be replaced within a year
| Dimensions | 19.2 x 10 x 0.9 cm |
| Weight | 60g |
| Signals blocked | RFID scans on cards and keys |
Best Faraday pouch for style
Unusually, the fabric is quite soft but remains strong, and the external hook allows you to attach it to a belt loop or lanyard.
Pros
- Protected compartment for cards, if you wan to carry those alongside your key fob
- Softer outer fabric with a stylish pattern and colours
- Great value for money at £15 for the pair
Cons
- Quality falls a bit short of some others on the list
- Not really ideal for smartphones
| Dimensions | 13 x 9 cm |
| Weight | 80g |
| Signals blocked | RFID, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, Keyless |
Best leather pouch
The casing is made from genuine leather which coats the same protective tech as used on the Ironstripe Faraday box. The only drawback is with its size in mind, you can't really carry it around in some pockets. However, it does come with a three-year warranty which adds a great deal of reassurance to the buyer.
Pros
- Good quality leather that's durable and capable of blocking many signals
- Can fit large keys and other accessories, such as cards
- Three-year warranty for some extra reassurance
Cons
- Perhaps a bit large to carry in some pockets
- Not really suitable for storing smartphones
| Dimensions | 14 x 9.5 cm |
| Weight | 68g |
| Signals blocked | GPS, RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Keyless entry |
Best budget large pouch
It's constructed using carbon fibre which covers a triple layer of RFID shielding. It also has a keyring on the outside, so you can hang it from your bag. And at a hair under £10, it also represents great value for money. It's capable of blocking all kinds of signals from 5G networks to GPS, RFID, and other Wi-Fi signals.
Pros
- Great quality materials, consisting of carbon fibre and triple RF shielding
- Useful for storing a range of items, from keys to cards, and even a smartphone
- Good value for money at a hair under £10
Cons
- You'll need a very large coat pocket or similar if you want to carry it around
- Others may offer better protection
| Dimensions | 22.5 x 11 cm |
| Weight | N/A |
| Signals blocked | WiFi (2.4 & 5GHz), Bluetooth, cell signals including 5G networks, GPS, RFID, EMI/RFI/EMF |
FAQs and what you need to know about RFID and Faraday pouches
What is an RFID and Faraday pouch?
Car security has come a long way since the days of steering wheel locks as keyless tech has moved on. A Faraday pouch is a type of bag made with materials that block electromagnetic radiation. The pouch is designed to protect electronic devices such as key fobs, smartphones and credit cards from being hacked, tracked, or compromised by electromagnetic signals. There are even larger Faraday boxes available for when you’re at home.
How do RFID and Faraday pouches work?
Faraday pouches work by using mesh that blocks electromagnetic signal. When an electronic device is placed inside, its signal is protected from leaving the pouch. This prevents thieves or hackers from accessing the RFID signals coming from the device. Unfortunately, they’re not 100% effective. While they can block a significant number of electromagnetic signals, some may still be able to penetrate the pouch. In addition, the effectiveness of the pouch may be reduced over time as the materials degrade or become damaged. However, a good quality Faraday pouch can provide a high degree of protection.
How can I test my Faraday pouch?
It is actually very simple to test your pouch, and we recommend that you do it often to ensure your pouch is working properly. Simple place your car keys inside the pouch and approach your car. If your car unlocks then it means your pouch is ineffective and needs to be replaced, but if your car doesn’t unlock at the range that it usually would then that means your pouch is offering the protection that you need.
Is it worth getting a Faraday pouch?
RFID and Faraday pouches are a key layer of protection if you don’t fancy physical deterrents such as wheel clamps. If you are concerned about your keyless vehicle’s security, a Faraday pouch can be a good investment. As well as your key fob, a Faraday pouch can protect your credit cards and phone as well. For a relatively small investment, it can give you some peace of mind.
Do Faraday pouches wear out?
Yes, Faraday pouches can wear out over time, especially with extensive use. If your pouch develops holes, or the material starts to wear down, then the signal can find its way through rendering the pouch ineffective. It is important to find a good quality pouch that will last a long time, otherwise you may find yourself having to buy another pouch very soon. You should also make sure that you’re closing your Faraday pouch properly otherwise it won’t do its job of protecting your keys signal.
Naveed Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He enjoys anything with four wheels, and is always planning his next road trip.
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