Always Losing Your Keys? We Review The Best Key Finders. 2024

Are you fed up with missing keys adding stress to your early morning dash? Using a key finder can help you to keep both your schedule and your sanity. These smart little devices are great for helping you to keep your home secure. They are often designed to connect to your keyring, but they are also useful for finding a variety of frequently misplaced personal objects. If your keys go missing, you can use a transmitter or a phone app to locate them and get on with your day. Some models are even able to do a reverse search to help you find your phone, too.

We’ve taken a look at the top five best key finders available today, so read through our unbiased reviews and key finder buying guide to find out how using a simple key finder could make your life that little bit easier.

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1Tile Sport Key Finder

200 foot range
Loud 88 dB melody
Waterproof case
Phone finder feature
Community Find feature
1-year warranty

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2Cube Tracker Key Finder

100 foot range.
Separation alarm
Phone finder function
Waterproof design
Shutter button for phone camera
1-year warranty

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3Esky Key Finder Transmitter and Six Receivers

100 foot range.
Compatible with multiple items
Six slim receivers
Replaceable batteries
Doesn’t require phone app
1-year warranty

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4Rinex Bluetooth Key Finder

150 foot range
Proximity alarm
Shutter button for camera
Replaceable battery
Spare battery included
Phone finder feature

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5Echo Tag Echeers Key Finder

100-foot range
Customizable range distance alarm with
Personalizable ringtone
Phone photo shutter button
Easily replaceable battery
Phone finder function

Tile Sport Key Finder

The Tile Sport Key Finder is ideal for finding more than just your keys thanks to its extensive 200 foot range that makes it much easier to locate and find any item that you’ve tagged, including luggage, pets, and personal items.
If you’ve lost your phone, you can also use a Tile Sport that is paired to it to make it ring, even on silent mode. Another great feature of the Tile Sport is its Community Find feature. If your missing object is too far out of range, other Tile app users within range will automatically update its location for you, an invaluable way to track down and recover even distant items.
The key finder itself is fairly well-made and durable, especially by comparison to other models. It has the added advantage of being waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about losing track of your possessions in wet conditions. Its 88 dB melody is louder than many other key finders on the market, making locating your keys and other objects much easier. The only drawback to this top key finder is its non-replaceable battery, meaning that you’ll need to replace the entire key finder every year.

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Pros

200 foot range
Loud 88 dB melody
Waterproof
Phone finder
Community Find feature

Cons

Non-replaceable battery

Cube Tracker Key Finder

The Cube Tracker is one of the most popular key finders around thanks to its replaceable battery. It also comes with a spare battery, making it a great value key finder. The range is a fairly standard 100 feet, but the Cube’s main selling point is its separation alarm. This is cleverly designed to prevent you from losing your keys or other personal items in the first place. Walk away with your cube and your phone will notify you. It is also a good choice for taking selfie and group photos: simply use the button on the cube as a shutter button for your cell phone camera.
Like other key finders, the Cube can also make your phone ring, even on silent, when misplaced within range. It is also waterproof, unlike many other budget key finders. In spite of all of these positives, unfortunately, the Cube has a somewhat limited, substandard app. This could make your items more difficult to recover efficiently. In addition, the location chime is much too soft to really get your attention. Consequently, we rate this as a great value key finder with a replaceable battery that is best for key loss prevention thanks to its proximity alarm.

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Pros

100 foot range
Spare battery included
Separation alarm
Phone finder
Waterproof
Shutter button for phone camera

Cons

Substandard app
Very soft location chime

Esky Key Finder Transmitter and Six Receivers

The Esky key finder is a great choice if you need a key finder for your home. It comes complete with a transmitter and six receivers, so you don’t need to use your phone or run down its battery to locate multiple items at a time. With a range of up to 100 feet, this multiple-item key finder set is ideal for recovering lost keys, remotes, phones, and other small items around your home. You could also use it to track pets hiding in your house or garden, although you should be aware that the receivers are a little on the large side.
While this item works great in the home, it is not suitable for when you lose your items out and about. It is, however, excellent for finding your keys in the morning or the remote control after a day at work. Although all six receivers are color coded, if you don’t remember which color receiver you attached to the object you’re looking for then you’ll have to cycle through them all as there is no area provided to note what you have tagged with each color.

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Pros

100 foot range
Designed for multiple items
Six slim receivers
Replaceable batteries

Cons

Have to remember color on lost item
Receivers are a little large

Rinex Bluetooth Key Finder

This Bluetooth key finder by Rinex has plenty of essential features to help you to find misplaced personal items. With a Bluetooth range of up to 150 feet, this key finder can help you to find your keys wherever you lose them. One of this key finder’s most useful functions is its proximity alarm: you receive a notification when your tagged object gets left behind or moves out of range. This means you can save a huge amount of time and hassle driving back and forth each time you realize you’ve forgotten your work keys, wallet, or other items.
There is also a phone finder feature as well as a shutter button function that allows you to use your Bluetooth key finder to remotely take photos using your smartphone camera. One of the main advantages of this key finder is its replaceable battery, with a spare included. Unfortunately battery life is not very long, although as this unit takes easily found CR2032 batteries that are cheap and easy to replace. Aside from the short battery life, the main drawback to this key finder is that you need to manually reconnect and restart the app once you turn back on your phone. So if you frequently run out of battery on your phone, you may prefer another model.

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Pros

Up to 150 foot range
Proximity alarm
Shutter button for camera
Spare battery included
Phone finder feature

Cons

Needs reconnecting when phone restarts
Short battery life
No warranty

Echo Tag Echeers Key Finder

The Echo Tag by Echeers is our top customizable key finder for two main reasons. First, you can customize the range for your distance alarm, so you won’t have to worry about leaving without your keys in a small space or keep getting alerts if you have a spacious home or work area. Second, you can personalize your alert ringtone to one that works best for you and that’s appropriate for your environment.
With its 100 foot range, phone finder, and selfie photo shutter button for your phone camera, the Echo has all of the features you’d also expect to find elsewhere. Unlike disposable models, the Echo uses easily replaceable CR2032 batteries for hassle-free battery changing and a longer product lifespan. While this model is a great key finder due to its fob-style design, you would struggle to attach it to certain items such as wallets or articles without attachment points. If this is your first key finder and you’re slightly technophobe, be aware that the instructions are only available in print and that they are very small and difficult to read.

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Pros

100 foot range
Distance alarm with customizable range
Personalize ringtone
Replaceable battery
Phone finder

Cons

Tiny, print-only instructions
Attaches only as a key fob
No warranty

Comparison Chart

FEATURES	Tile Sport Key Finder	Cube Tracker Key Finder	Esky Key Finder Transmitter and Six Receivers	Rinex Bluetooth Key Finder	Echo Tag Echeers Key Finder
Dimensions (inches)	1.6 x 1.6 x 0.2	1.5 x 0.2 x 1.5	4.1 x 2.4 x 1.4	1.5 x 1.5 x 0.2	2.4 x 0.4 x 1.1
Effective Range (ft)	200	100	100	150	100
Phone Required	✓	✓	X	✓	✓
Track Multiple Items	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Separation Alarm	X	✓	X	✓	✓
Replaceable Batteries	X	✓	✓	✓	✓
Waterproof	✓	✓	X	X	X
Weight (ounces)	0.48	0.48	7.2	0.16	0.48
Warranty	1-year	1-year	1-year	N/A	N/A

Buyer’s Guide:

Key Finders

To help you to choose the best key finder, we’ve compiled a handy key finder buying guide. Read on and find out how key finders work, why you need a key finder, and what key finder features really matter most.

Key Finders Explained

Key finders are electronic devices that help you to recover misplaced items. When you pair your key finder to your smartphone via Bluetooth, a connection is established. You can then use your smartphone to activate the alert on your key finder to help you to pinpoint your misplaced item’s location.

While they are not extremely accurate and sometimes still necessitate a bit of searching, key finders give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your keys, or other tagged object, are not lost. As you can hear the key finder, you know you’ll be able to easily find them. Some models, such as the Tile Sport Key Finder, can also be used to make your phone ring even when on silent mode. This is perfect for those mornings where you’ve got your keys and are ready to go, but your phone is still on silent from the night before and you can’t find it anywhere.

Features to Look for When Choosing a Key Finder

Here’s a selection of some of the most important key finder features to keep an eye out for when choosing your next key finder.

Range

You’ll want to make sure that your key finder has the largest possible range so that you can find your misplaced items more easily and from further away. Bear in mind that the ranges given by manufacturers are generally the maximum distance that you could expect in an open space. Walls, furniture and wireless interference can all significantly reduce the range of Bluetooth appliances.

Attachment Type

Think carefully about which objects you intend to use with your key finder. Pretty much all key finders are designed to fit like key fobs, but some feature different designs and attachment points, such as a carabiner for easy attachment or special double-sided adhesive pads to allow them to be stuck onto hard objects such as your remote control or glasses case.

Battery

First of all, check whether or not your key finder has a replaceable battery. An increasing number of key finders now offer this possibility. If this is the case, check on the battery type and its cost and availability. Some key finders may have a spare battery provided in case their battery has run down during storage. If you are purchasing a replaceable battery key finder, though, make sure that you can easily get your hands on a replacement one before you order.

In addition, bear in mind the amount of use you’re expecting to get out of your key finder. If you’re going to be using it a lot in all weathers and expect it to be roughed up a little, you may well need to replace it from time to time anyway. It’s also important to pay attention to the expected battery life of your key finder. While some may need replacing on an annual basis, others may need more frequent replacements, hence the importance of selecting a readily available replacement type.

Audible Alert

Your key finder needs to alert you to its presence with a clear sound that you can hear. Remember that keys and wallets often have a tendency to slip between sofa cushions, which will muffle any alert sounds. Ideally, you’ll want your key finder to have a loud, distinct sound to make pinpointing your misplaced items much easier.

Proximity Alarm

Some key finders have a proximity alarm that you can set to go off when you reach a certain distance away from your key finder. This can be extremely useful when you’ve simply forgotten to pick up certain items such as your wallet or keys for work and can save you a drive back to pick them up.

Shutter Button Function

If you enjoy taking selfies, then you’ll find this feature of key finders extremely useful. Simply open your camera on your smartphone and use your key finder as a shutter button. Press down on the finder button to take a photo and thus replace awkward poses with more natural, relaxed photos.

Phone Apps

When you connect your key finder to your phone, a user-friendly, well-designed app can make all of the difference. Before you purchase a key finder, our advice is to take a quick look at its app and rating on your smartphone first. Looking at the screenshots and how other users have enjoyed it will enlighten you as to what kind of user experience you can expect.

Crowd Finding

Some key finders make use of crowd finding in order to help you to locate a missing item. Say you left your keys somewhere away from home and your phone had no battery. Other users of the same app, with that app running in proximity to your missing keys will send a behind the scenes location update to your phone informing you of the last known location. This will enable you to return and find your keys.

For this reason, it helps to look out for one of the main key finder brands that has a large number of app downloads, if you think that you may need to use this feature. Naturally, this tends to work well in large urban areas where there are more people.

Waterproof

If you’re an outdoors kind of person, or simply a little accident-prone, then you’ll probably want to make sure that your key finder is waterproof. Double check the small print that they actually have a rating or else class it as being water resistant, which should be fine for most uses. If you plan on taking your key finder out in all weather, then you may want to find one that is actually waterproof so that you’ll have a greater chance of finding your missing keys or other items even in if submerged.

Durability

Key finders are prone to getting knocked about and dropped. If you are using one for your keys, then you’re going to be better off looking for a durable key finder with a tough outer casing. Also check how any attachment points are formed and consider whether any stress around these parts would cause your key finder to break. Durability is less of an issue when you’re planning on using your key finder exclusively for home use, although it will still need to resist being dropped or stood upon.

Pros and Cons of Key Finders

There are plenty of benefits of using a key finder, alongside a handful of negatives. So let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of using a good, well-designed key finder:

Pros:

Save Time– using a key finder will help to save you time searching for your keys or other items. Without a key finder you could conceivably spend hours searching in the wrong area of your home.
Less Hassle – looking for lost items when you are hurrying to get out the door only adds stress; key finders can cut down on these delays.
Save Money – replacing your keys, especially car keys, can be extremely expensive if you tend to lose them regularly. Don’t forget to add on all of the cost of cutting spare keys and changing the locks when you lose your house keys.
Reduce Household Tension – searching for lost items especially in a rush can be stressful. This stress can also be a trigger for household arguments. Using a key finder can help everyone to remain calm and prevent tension and stress from taking over.
Low-Cost – Key finders are pretty inexpensive when you consider all of the time and effort that they save you. Compare them with the price of a decent high-quality traditional key fob and for all that they do they’re well worth a few extra dollars.
Easy to Use – Key finders are generally very easy to use, so this makes them a simple solution to a common problem.

Cons:

Phone Battery – using a key finder can use up your phone’s battery more quickly. Check your individual model for more details. Recent key finders should not affect your battery levels too much, although a slight drop is inevitable.
Range – Bluetooth key finders have fairly limited ranges that rely upon your smartphone being in close proximity. If you really need to actually track an object or animal, you would have to purchase a much more expensive GPS tracker.

Key Finders

Pros

Saves time
Reduces stress
Saves money on replacement keys
Inexpensive
Easy to use

Cons

Drains phone battery
Limited range

FAQ

Read through our frequently asked key finder questions to get the answers you need.

Can I use key finders to track other items?
Yes, you can use your key finder to track pretty much any item, from pets to wallets, luggage, and purses. Some key finders come with double-sided adhesive strips so that you can firmly attach them to articles such as cases for your glasses or TV remote controls. Other styles require you to use a key fob or a carabiner to attach your key finder. However you attach it, or whatever you attach it to, will have no impact upon its efficacy provided it remains within range. So, while they are called key finders, you can use them to find just about anything you tend to lose.
Are key finders secure technology?
All new key finders should make use of end-to-end encryption and modern security measures put in place in the latest versions of Bluetooth to prevent hackers from accessing your device. If you have any questions about the security protocol used by your key finder, you should contact it’s manufacturer for more information. In general, you should aim to keep up with advances in technology and ensure that you are using the latest version of any key finder apps and a smartphone running the most updated operating system. Always be aware of the potential pitfalls of smart tech for home security. To stay safe, it’s recommended you only use models designed for the most up-to-date versions of Bluetooth only.
Are key finders safe for those with pacemakers?
It is recommended that you always keep a distance of at least six inches between your pacemaker and a Bluetooth enabled device. The American Heart Association classes Bluetooth devices as posing little or no risk to the performance of ICDs and pacemakers. Although the risk is very slight, they can, very rarely, inhibit pacemakers by one single beat. Pacemakers will quickly restore their regular signals, so there is no need to worry about using a key finder if you have a pacemaker, provided you respect the six-inch rule distance, the same as you would for any other electrical device.
Can key finders interfere with my other appliances?
As key finders use a unique signature for secure connections, they will not directly interfere with your other appliances. If, however, your home is filled with smart tech gadgets and you have multiple Bluetooth and Wifi appliances connected simultaneously all using the same bandwidth, you may experience some issues.
If you’re experiencing multiple device connectivity problems you could try to switch your Wi-Fi connections to the 5 GHz band instead of the 2.4 GHz band that is also use by Bluetooth devices. You could also try un-pairing some Bluetooth devices you’re connected to but not actually using to help to reduce any wireless interference.