Are you always forgetting where you left your keys? Or maybe from time to time you misplace them because of your tight work schedules and finding them is a problem?
Well, worry not. Today’s advancing technology is bringing you Key finders. A key finder is a small electronic gadget designed to help you locate a missing car or house keys. They are small, like a tag that is inserted amongst your keys to help track when you lose your keys.
Key finders are ideal for people who care about the safety of their keys and are too busy to look for them when misplaced.
How Does a Key Finder Work
There are two types of key finders with different modes of technology. One that synchronizes with a smartphone through an app for control, and another that uses radio transmitter technology.
When key finders are placed on your key ring amongst your keys and synchronized with an app on your smartphone, you simply tap on the application to make the device tag ring loudly, helping you locate your keys when lost.
For the radio transmitter technology, a small remote control is used to connect with the device tag. By clicking the remote, the device tag attached to your keys will beep loudly, helping you locate your keys.
8 Best Key Finders to Choose From
Here’s a list of the best key finders you can choose from. Go through them and pick one that best suits your preference;
1. Chipolo One
Chipolo is a key finder that helps you keep track of your frequently misplaced items. Simply attach Chipolo to your keys, wallet, bag, toy, or phone and use the Chipolo app to make them ring from your phone when they go missing. The app is compatible with Android and iPhones.
One of the unique features of Chipolo is its ability to remind you to take your keys or wallet with you. You can set up friendly notifications that will alert you if you leave behind an item that has a Chipolo attached to it.
If you’re ever out of Bluetooth range, you can check the last known location of your Chipolo on a map in the app. Additionally, the Chipolo community can help you find your lost item by reporting its location.
Chipolo also has a range of free extra features that include sharing your Chipolo with loved ones, setting up voice commands with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri, and using Chipolo as a remote selfie button for your phone camera.
Chipolo One is the louder and more durable version of the key finder, while Chipolo Card is thinner and more discreet. Both models are water-resistant and have a range of up to 200 feet/60 meters. The Chipolo One has a replaceable coin battery that lasts up to 2 years, while the Chipolo Card has a non-replaceable battery with a discounted renewal program and lasts up to 1 year.
Why Pick Chipolo?
- Attach Chipolo to frequently misplaced items like keys, wallets, bags, toys, or phones and use the Chipolo app to make them ring from your phone.
- Double-press the Chipolo to make your phone ring, even when it’s on silent.
- Get notifications on your phone reminding you to take your keys or wallet with you.
- Check the last known location of the Chipolo on a map in the app when out of Bluetooth range.
- Share your Chipolo with loved ones.
- Set up voice commands with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri.
- Add a widget to your phone’s homescreen.
- Use Chipolo as a remote selfie button for your phone camera.
- Chipolo One: up to 120dB loud ring, 2-year replaceable coin battery, connection up to 200 feet/60 meters, water-resistant (IPX5 rating).
- Chipolo Card: up to 95dB loud ring, 1-year non-replaceable battery with a discounted renewal program, connection up to 200 feet/60 meters, water-resistant (IPX5 rating).
- Compatible with iOS 13 and later, and devices running Android 7 and later.
- Out-of-range notifications
- Selfie button.
- Loud ringer
- Replaceable battery
- Water-resistant
- 200 feet range is too little
2. Tile Mate
Tile Mate is a versatile GPS tracker designed to help you keep track of your everyday items like keys, backpacks, or purses. With its compact size, Tile Mate can be easily attached to your things, and you can use the free Tile app to locate them when they’re lost.
The Tile app allows you to ring your Tile when it’s within Bluetooth range, or view its location on a map when it’s out of range. If you misplace your phone, simply double-press the button on your Tile to make it ring, even when it’s on silent.
One of the standout features of Tile Mate is the Tile Network, which allows you to enlist the help of other Tile users to locate your lost item. If someone finds your Tile, they can scan the QR code on it to contact you and return it.
Tile Mate is compatible with Android, iOS, and smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri. It’s also water-resistant with a non-replaceable battery that can last up to 3 years, and has a Bluetooth range of up to 250 ft / 76 m.
Why Pick Tile Mate?
- Tile Mate can be attached to everyday things like keys, backpacks, or purses
- Use the Tile app to ring your Tile when it’s within Bluetooth range or view its location on a map when it’s out of range
- Double press the button on your Tile to make your phone ring, even when it’s on silent
- Use the Tile Network to enlist help in finding your lost Tile, and add your contact information for when someone scans the QR code on your lost Tile
- Compatible with Android, iOS, and smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri
- Water-resistant with a non-replaceable battery that can last up to 3 years
- Up to 250 ft / 76 m Bluetooth range
- Upgrade to a premium plan for proactive Smart Alert notifications and Item Reimbursement if Tile can’t find your lost item.
- Water-resistant
- Battery life up to 3 years.
- Loud ring volume
- Work with smart home devices
- Can’t work without a smartphone
- Non-replaceable battery
3. Apple Air Tag
AirTag is a small, coin-shaped tracking device that helps you find your lost items quickly and easily. Using the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, you can keep track of your belongings alongside your friends and devices. The setup process is simple and only takes one tap to connect AirTag with your iPhone or iPad.
When you misplace an item, you can play a sound on the built-in speaker of AirTag to help locate it. You can also ask Siri for assistance in finding your lost item. With the Ultra Wideband technology, Precision Finding can lead you directly to your nearby AirTag on select iPhone models. If your AirTag is further away, hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network can help you locate it.
In case your AirTag goes missing, you can put it in Lost Mode and be automatically notified when it’s detected in the Find My network. All communication with the Find My network is encrypted for privacy, and location data and history are never stored on AirTag.
Why Pick AirTag?
- Locate your lost items and keep track of them in the Find My app.
- Connect your AirTag to your iPhone or iPad with a single tap.
- Play a sound on the AirTag to help you find your lost items or ask Siri for assistance.
- With Ultra Wideband technology, select iPhone models can lead you right to your nearby AirTag.
- Utilize hundreds of millions of Apple devices to help locate items that are further away.
- Enable Lost Mode on your AirTag to receive notifications when it’s detected in the Find My network.
- All communication with the Find My network is encrypted for privacy, and location data is never stored on the AirTag.
- The AirTag’s battery lasts over a year and is easily replaceable.
- With an IP67 rating, the AirTag is resistant to water and dust.
- Replaceable battery
- Water-resistant
- One-year Warranty
- Bluetooth enabled
- Only integrates with Apple devices
- Low tracking range of up to 25.0 feet
4. Orbit key finder
The Orbit key finder is a versatile and useful device that helps you keep track of your misplaced items. It’s a small and compact Bluetooth tracker that you can easily attach to your keys, bag, or other important items that you don’t want to lose. With the free Orbit app, you can quickly find your lost items by making the Orbit play a loud tune until you locate it.
The Orbit key finder also works as a phone finder, which is a helpful feature for anyone who often misplaces their phone. Just press the button on the Orbit, your phone will start ringing even if it’s on silent mode. Additionally, the Orbit serves as a remote control for taking selfies or group photos, without the need for a selfie stick.
One of the most beneficial features of the Orbit key finder is its GPS tracking function. If you lose your Orbit outside of Bluetooth range, the app will display the last known location on a map, and you can retrieve it easily. Furthermore, the Orbit comes with a replaceable battery, which means you don’t need to purchase a new device every year, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.
Why Pick Orbit?
- Key finder for quick location of misplaced items.
- Phone finder for ringing a misplaced phone, even on silent.
- Selfie remote for taking group photos.
- GPS tracking for the last known location of the Orbit.
- Replaceable battery for sustainable use.
- Phone finder feature
- Waterproof
- Selfie remote features
- Sends alert when out of range
- Limited range of 100 feet
- Loss connection with app
5. Cube pro
Cube Pro is a small and compact tracking device that can be attached to anything you don’t want to lose, like keys, wallets, purses, or even pets. With its double volume and range, Cube Pro provides a louder and stronger signal to help you locate your belongings more easily. Plus, you can replace the battery yourself once a year, saving you money and avoiding the need to purchase a new device annually.
The Cube Pro also comes with the Crowd Find feature, which lets you enlist the help of other Cube users in locating your lost item. If someone else’s Cube device comes within range of your lost item, you’ll receive an update on its location, making it easier to find.
The Cube Pro app is easy to use and shows the last known location of your item on a map. You can also use the app to make the Cube ring, which can help you locate it if it’s nearby. If you leave your item behind, the Cube Pro has a separation alarm that will notify you before you get too far away.
Why Pick Cube pro?
- Pro version with double volume and range.
- Replaceable battery; no need to replace the entire device each year.
- Crowd Find feature allows the Cube community to help you find lost items.
- Can also be used to find your phone with ring, vibrate, and flash features.
- The Cube Tracker app shows the last known location of the Cube on a map.
- Uses Bluetooth to indicate proximity to the Cube.
- Separation alarm alerts you if you leave something behind.
- Water-resistant
- Compatible with Android and iOS devices
- Replaceable battery
- Heavier than other key trackers
- Only 200 feet range.
6. Tile Slim
Say hello to Tile Slim! This thin tracker fits easily into your wallet or luggage tag and helps you keep track of your belongings. Simply use the free Tile app to locate them within Bluetooth range, or ask your smart home device to find them for you.
If you’re outside of Bluetooth range, no worries! You can still view your Tile’s last known location on a map in the app. And with the double press of a button on your Tile, you can even make your phone ring when it’s on silent.
Tile Slim is also water-resistant and has a battery life of up to 3 years, so you can use it worry-free. Plus, it’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices, as well as smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
And if you upgrade to a premium plan, you’ll get proactive Smart Alert notifications and even item reimbursement if your Tiled item can’t be found. Don’t let lost items ruin your day, get Tile Slim and keep your things in sight.
Why Pick Tile Slim?
- Thin and versatile Tile Slim fits into wallets, luggage tags, and notebooks.
- Use the Tile app to ring your Tile when it’s nearby, and view its last known location on a map when out of Bluetooth range.
- Double press the Tile button to make your phone ring, even when it’s on silent.
- The Tile Network can help find lost items anonymously, and you can add contact information to be reached if your Tile is found.
- Compatible with iOS, Android, and smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Water-resistant with a non-replaceable battery that lasts up to 3 years.
- Premium plans offer Smart Alert notifications and Item Reimbursement.
- Waterproof
- Slim and easy to tuck anywhere amongst your wallet and bags
- Provides voice assistant technology
- Compatible with iOS, and Android
- The battery is non-replaceable
- No loop for inserting a key ring
7. Esky Wireless Rf Transmitter
Esky Key Finder is a simple yet effective solution to the problem of lost keys or other important items. With its advanced radio frequency technology, this item tracker can locate your lost items from up to 131ft away, even through walls, doors, cushions, and furniture. Its sound and light features make finding your items easier than ever, while the large buttons and easy operation make it perfect for older people.
Simply attach the receivers to your valuables and press the corresponding button on the remote to locate them. It’s the perfect gift for forgetful friends and aging parents alike, and can make their lives much easier.
Why Pick Esky Key Finder?
- Long-distance tracking up to 131ft
- Sound and light for easier location of lost items
- Large buttons for easy operation, suitable for older people
- Removable transmitter for portability
- Ideal for keeping track of keys, wallets, pets, and more
- Great gift for family and friends on various occasions
- Cheap price
- Set of 4 key trackers
- Doesn’t need an app
- Small tracking radius of less than 100 feet
- Unattractive design
8. Nut Find3
Nut Find3 is a smart tracker that can help you locate misplaced or lost items in a snap. If you’re someone who frequently loses their keys, phone, wallet or any other essential item, Nut Find3 can be your lifesaver.
The device is equipped with a powerful Nordic 51822 processing chip, which is based on ARM Cortex-M0 and is compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 low energy protocol. This ensures a seamless connectivity with your phone, and the device can operate for up to 1 year on standby with its replaceable battery.
Nut Find3 offers multiple features that make it stand out from other tracking devices in the market. It has a unique bidirectional alarming system that allows both the device and your phone to alarm when they are disconnected from each other. This feature ensures that you don’t lose your belongings unknowingly.
Another notable feature is the Lost & Found Network, which allows you to save your item’s last known location and have the community search network help you locate it. The device also has an option of Active Anti-loss mode and Find-it mode, which can be switched based on your requirements.
Why Pick Nut Find3?
- 1 year on standby with a replaceable battery
- Two working modes: “Find-it” and “Anti-loss”
- Bidirectional alarming and tracking for phones and keys
- Alarm both the device and phone when they are discontacted
- Option for silent zone and silent time for added protection
- Save last known location and use community search networks to help find items
- Uses Nodic 51822 as the main processing chip for low energy Bluetooth 4.0 protocol
- Active Anti-loss mode and Find-it mode options
- Left Phone Alert feature
- Lost & Found network feature
- One-touch Find feature
- Group Sharing feature
- Real-time firmware update
- Compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
- Not as good as other finder
- No user instructions
Final Take
Key finders are handy gadgets that help you locate misplaced or lost items. They come in various shapes and sizes and offer different features to suit different needs. Some of the best key finders in the market have features such as long-range tracking, sound and light alerts, easy operation, and compatibility with smart home devices. These devices can help you locate your keys, phone, wallet, luggage, and even your pets. With the help of mobile apps and anonymous community networks, you can quickly find your lost items even when they’re outside Bluetooth range. Key finders make for great gifts for forgetful friends and family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While most key finders are made to be attached to keyrings alone, you could literally attach them to anything you don’t want to lose. It doesn’t restrict you to only keys.
You can press the button on the remote control for key finders that use radio frequency while clicking on the app for smartphones that use Bluetooth for connectivity. Then listen for the tracker’s alarm and find your lost keys via sound.