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The best car key trackers

  • Keys always seem to go missing at the worst times
  • A key finder will help you track them down, saving you precious minutes
  • We've picked a few of our favourites

Written by Seth Walton Published: 3 May 2023 Updated: 8 September 2023

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 and 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

Price: £29.99
This example from Tile is one of the most popular car key trackers on the market. It connects to the corresponding app via Bluetooth, allowing users to track down its location or even ring the tile when in close range. The unit is water-resistant with a Bluetooth range of up to 120m, though we especially like this example for its slender build.

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

Rrp: £119.00

Price: £94.00
Alternative Retailers
AO.com
£94.00
Argos
£95.00
Very
£99.00
Currys
£99.00
Like most Apple products, the Apple AirTag epitomises chic design with simplistic functionality. It’s a little thicker than the Tile example, but is easier to use thanks to seamless, effortless iPhone compatibility. A single tap can connect your new AirTag with your iPhone or iPad and the finder even features a miniature speaker to play sounds for the user to track. This set includes a pack of four, so you can track any four items at the same time, including your car keys. Be advised, however, the Apple Airtag does not feature a keyring hole and will therefore require a tag holder to serve in this capacity.

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

Price: £30.00
The Chipolo ONE spot is another lightweight, affordable solution to keeping your keys handy. Like the other examples on this list, this car key tracker can play a 120dB alarm to alert users of when their keys are nearby. This tracker is even compatible with the Apple Find My network, allowing for seamless and effortless compatibility with all iPhone/iPad users. Not only is this key finder waterproof, but it also features a keyring hole built into the frame of the unit – no additional accessories are necessary. If you want an ultra-flat, inconspicuous key tracker, this might be the one for you.

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

Price: £69.99
This example from Samsung is another premium gadget designed to help you keep track of your items. This tag features a built-in keyring hole and weighs just a handful of grams – no bulky extra accessories required. It’s thin and light but competent and easy to use, simply launch the app on your Galaxy smartphone – running Android 8.0 or higher – and retrace your steps. Note, the Galaxy SmartTag is solely compatible with Android OS 8.0 and higher. Other android devices or IOS devices will not work with this gadget.

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

Price: £19.99
If your primary considerations start and end with lightness and inconspicuousness, check out this example from Tile. It’s about as small as conventional key trackers come but can still slip onto any keyring with ease thanks to an integrated key-ring hole. Better yet, the Tile Mate is cheaper than most key trackers so pick yours up today.

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

The best car key trackers: 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.

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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