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This story was updated in January 2023 to include one new pick from Apple and reflect the latest key finders tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute's Media & Tech Lab.
Maybe you know someone who can never find their keys, or perhaps you are that someone! A key finder is a useful gadget that attaches to your keychain or any other precious item like a wallet or purse so you can easily hunt them down. Most key finders, similar to luggage trackers, will leverage a form of technology to alert you (with a sound) of the missing item's whereabouts or allow you to access its location via an app on your phone. Because these trackers tend to be super compact and lightweight, adding one to your keychain or hiding one inside your wallet is a quick and easy way to keep track of your belongings.
The engineers, analysts and tech pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute test gadgets and devices from fitness trackers to smart rings, smart wallets and dog GPS trackers regularly. Though there’s a wide variety of key finders to choose from, our pros narrowed down their top picks by evaluating user feedback from Lab reviews, road testing the latest products and assessing ease of use and performance. Our final picks include a mix of top-tested items and high-rated picks from brands our Lab pros know and trust.
Our top picks:
After checking out our top picks, keep reading to learn more about what a key finder is, what to look for when shopping for one and our process for testing the best key finders.
Pros
- Loud alarm
- Replaceable battery
- Compatible with Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa
- Two-way finding capability for phone and keys
Cons
- Requires subscription for out-of-range alerts
This key finder aced our tests: It measured 80 decibels in Lab tests, so you’ll be sure to hear it, and it has one of the longest ranges at 400 feet. It features a replaceable battery, it’s water-resistant and compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa or Siri, making it controllable by your favorite voice assistant. Our testers were big fans of the unique two-way finding feature which can help to find your phone. “We love that it serves two functions — helping you find your keys but it’s also great at finding your phone when you have your keys handy!” said one tester.
| Dimensions | 58 x 32 x 7.5 mm |
| Range | Up to 400 ft. |
| Battery | Replaceable |
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comes in a 4-pack
- Replaceable battery
Cons
- 100-foot range not as impressive
If you want a budget-friendly key finder, this one from Eksy is one of the most affordable and includes four key trackers. It’s easy to use as it comes with one remote for all four key trackers, no app or smartphone required. To use this device, simply push the corresponding color-coded button and the tracker will beep so you can find your lost item. At roughly 100 feet, the key finder's range is shorter than other devices we tested but will work well for lost items nearby.
| Dimensions | 105 x 46 x 13 mm |
| Range | Up to 131 ft. |
| Battery | Replaceable |
Pros
- Easy to use and set up
- Expected range up to 800 ft.
- Real-time tracking available
Cons
- Only for iPhone users
- Design doesn't have hole for keyring
According to our pros, an AirTag is one of the best luggage trackers out there, but that doesn't mean this gadget isn't a fantastic key finder for iPhone users as well. Our pros love how quick and easy it is to set up an AirTag and how seamless it is to use. We also like that you can track your missing keys or belongings in real-time by using Find My Network and that its expected range is likely up to 800 feet thanks to Bluetooth 5.0, though we haven't yet confirmed this in our Lab.
The only downside is that the design doesn't come with a hole so to be able to get the AirTag around your keychain, you'll need to purchase an additional key ring for the AirTag itself. But thankfully there are several fun colorful options online.
| Dimensions | 31.9 x 8.0 mm |
| Range | N/A |
| Battery | Replaceable |
Pros
- Easy setup and simple use
- Loud alarm
- 300-foot range
Cons
- No app to see last location of lost keys
No need to fiddle with an app to set up the Key Ringer key finder — simply take it out of the packaging and it’s ready to use; it even comes with batteries. Reviewers love the simplicity of this key tracker and note that it is very loud so it’s easy to find your misplaced keys quickly.
| Dimensions | 66 x 26.6 x 9.3 mm |
| Range | Up to 300 ft. |
| Battery | Replaceable |
Pros
- Lots of color options available
- Sends an alert if out of range
- Compatible with Alexa
- Includes spare battery
Cons
- Limited range of 100 feet
The sleek design and functionality make this key finder our most stylish pick. While most key finders are black or white, testers loved the fun pops of color available online. "Even buried in my purse it's easy to spot!" says one tester. In addition to colorful designs, our pros like that the key locater sends an alert if it gets out of range. Just keep in mind that the range, which is around 100 feet, isn't ideal for anyone that wants to track items that may have been left behind far away, like the office or school.
| Dimensions | 34 x 9 mm |
| Range | Up to 100 ft. |
| Battery | Replaceable |
Pros
- Loud alerts
- Phone vibration alert if out of range
- Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri
Cons
- 200-foot range could be better
Coming in at 120 decibels, this round key tracker had one of the loudest alarms in our tests. The range isn’t as impressive as other key trackers but it's still a solid pick with a distance of 200 feet. Plus, if your key finder does go out of range, you can get a vibration alert on your phone. Our pros like that this key finder comes in a range of colors to suit your style and that it's compatible with most voice assistants. It also offers a few fun features like enabling you to use your Chipolo as a remote button to snap selfies from your phone.
| Dimensions | 37.9 x 6.4 mm |
| Range | Up to 200 ft. |
| Battery | Replaceable |
Pros
- Waterproof
- Sends an alert if it gets too far from your phone
- Replaceable battery
Cons
- 200-foot range could be better
There are a few other key finders that are water-resistant, but what sets the Cube Pro apart is that it's waterproof and has a replaceable battery. Its design makes it a reliable choice for pets who spend a lot of time outdoors in all sorts of weather. Our pros like that the Cube app will show you the last known location of your missing item and the tracker can also help you find your lost phone. And reviewers love the bonus feature of alerting you, via the disconnect feature, if you get too far from your phone.
| Dimensions | 42 x 42 x 6.3 mm |
| Range | Up to 200 ft. |
| Battery | Replaceable |
Pros
- Sticks on any flat surface
- Fits on smaller items such as remotes, toys, etc.
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Battery not replaceable
While most key finders are designed to attach to a key ring, this key finder has an adhesive so you can attach it to just about any flat surface. Reviewers of the Tile Sticker love that you can stick this on smaller items such as AirPods, remotes and other important items that seem to always get lost. Just keep in mind that the battery is non-replaceable, though should last about three years, according to the brand.
| Dimensions | 27 x 7.8 mm |
| Range | Up to 250 ft. |
| Battery | Non-replacable |
Pros
- Slim Profile
- Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa
- Solid 250 ft. range
Cons
- Battery not replaceable
For those who always keep their keys in a purse or with their wallet, this key tracker makes it easy to find those lost keys. It's also useful as a luggage tag or even inside an important notebook or tablet. Approximately the size of a credit card, this tracker can be discreetly tucked inside a purse pocket or wallet, making sure you’ll always be able to find what you need. Our pros like that it's waterproof so you won’t have to worry about spills ruining the tracker, and that it's compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.
| Dimensions | 85.5 x 54 x 2.5 mm |
| Range | Up to 250 ft. |
| Battery | Non-replaceable |
How we test the best key finders
The pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute have logged dozens of hours with key finders and trackers, considering hundreds of data points that factor in things like how far the range is (how far can your phone be separated from the key finder before the app loses connection), the loudness of the alerts using a decibel reader, ease of replacing the batteries and how easy it is to use the associated apps. Our picks are based on our expertise in this category and careful evaluation of ease of use and performance as well as consumer feedback.
What to look for when shopping for the best key finder
Here are some features you’ll want to consider to get the best key finder for your needs:
✔️ Range: This is the distance the tracker can be from the phone before it loses signal. Those with apps usually will be able to tell you the last known location. During our testing, we found that the claimed range fell a bit short of the actual range, so you’ll want to keep this in mind when choosing the right range for your needs.
✔️ Alarm sound: Depending on how far away you are from the lost object (or what it's buried under or in!), you may need a very loud alarm to help you find it. The Tile and Chipolo One were both over 80db in our Lab tests.
✔️ Technology: GPS trackers allow you to see the location of the connected object in real time. Bluetooth trackers have a shorter, limited range compared to GPS trackers. Bluetooth key finders are typically better choices for finding misplaced items around your house or near you because they are generally cheaper, lighter and use less battery power than GPS devices. Most of the mainstream key trackers are Bluetooth-enabled and don't have built-in GPS for tracking. There are also some key finders (known as radio frequency key finders) that don’t require a smartphone or Bluetooth connection to track down your keys. Instead, these finders leverage radio signal transmitters and typically use a remote as opposed to a smartphone to help you locate the device.
✔️ Battery life: In some key finders batteries are replaceable and in others they can not be replaced and have a limited life span. It’s good to check the specs in advance to see what is the built-in battery life span or if the battery is replaceable.
✔️ Special features: Two-way finding is one feature that’s great if you’re also prone to losing your phone. Key trackers with a two-way finding feature let you use your tracker to find your phone. Some key finders also have alerts that will notify you when the item is out of range so you can easily find its last location. And some trackers with apps can have multiple users, making it easy for several family members to keep track of a spare house key. Lastly, there are certain key finders that leverage their communities like Apple's Find My Network, for instance, to help locate an item that’s out of Bluetooth's range, like a lost suitcase or a wandering pet.
What is a key finder?
Key finders, also known as key trackers, are "generally small devices designed to help locate lost or stolen objects," says Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "They are also sometimes referred to as electronic finders as they aren't just used for keys, but more broadly for a small item of importance (maybe a backpack or in your wallet, for instance)." These gadgets leverage technology to help you find what you're missing. "Depending upon the device, it may use GPS to locate or Bluetooth, whereby it would send out a signal to a receiving device (like your phone or another phone in the network) to identify the location," she says.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Kim has been testing consumer products for more than a decade, including a host of consumer electronics, textiles and wellness devices. She holds an apparel and textile design degree plus a mechanical engineering degree, making her the perfect person to lead a Good Housekeeping Institute review of key finders, where form and function are both incredibly important.
Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski, who oversees product testing and covers everything from consumer tech to smart homes, most recently updated this guide to reflect the latest key finders and new picks our pros have tested. Not only does she bring years of product review experience to GH, but she always has an AirTag on her suitcase when traveling.
As Good Housekeeping's Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director, Rachel Rothman oversees testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all Labs. During her 14 years with the Institute, the self-described "Gadget Girl" has had the opportunity to evaluate thousands of products, including countless innovative breakthroughs in consumer tech and home improvement. She oversaw the testing of the above Lab-recommend picks and lent her expertise on key finders to this guide.
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