9 Best Key Finders of 2021
- 1/11
9 Best Key Finders of 2021
We’ve all been there at some point: Unable to remember where we left our keys as we start retracing our steps to find them. Luckily, key finding devices make it easy to find those forgotten keys. The small device attaches to keys or other belongings and works using Bluetooth (just like in Bluetooth speakers) to alert you by sound. If you are using an app based key finder and you are out of range, simply open the app and it will tell you the approximate last known location of your keys. But with so many options for key finders, it’s tough to know which is the best key finder available.
That’s where the tech experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute come in. Our engineers rigorously evaluate tech products like fitness trackers and waterproof speakers to make sure we're recommending the best products for your needs. While there's no one-size fits all for key locators, to find the best ones, we used feedback from Lab reviews, road testing of newer products, and real user feedback. Our Lab pros have logged dozens of hours with these 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 apps. Our picks below are a mix of top-tested items and highly-rated picks from brands our Lab pros know and trust.
All considered, these are the best key finders you can buy:
- Best Overall Key Finder: Tile Pro Key Finder
- Best Value Key Finder: Esky Key Finder
- Loudest Alarm Key Finder: Chipolo One Key Finder
- Best Key Finder for Purse: Tile Slim Key Finder
- Most Stylish Key Finder: Orbit Keys Key Finder
- Best Stick-On Key Finder: Tile Sticker Key Finder
- Best Key Finder for Pets: Whistle GO Explore Location Tracker
- Best Key Finder for Beginners: Key Ringer Key Finder
- Best Waterproof Key Finder: Cube Pro Key Finder
- 2/11
Tile Pro
Tile
amazon.com
$53.00
This key finder aced our tests: It measured 80 decibels, so you’ll be sure to hear it, and has the longest range at 400 feet. It has a replaceable battery, it’s water resistant, and compatible with Google Assistant, making it controllable by voice. Our testers were big fans of the unique two-way finding feature which can help to find your phone and said, “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!”
- 3/11
Key Finder
Esky
amazon.com
$18.98
If you want a budget-friendly key finder, this one from Eksy is our best value pick and comes with four key trackers at a nice price. It’s easy to use as it comes with one remote for all four key trackers, no app or smart phone 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, this range is shorter than other devices we tested but will work well for lost items nearby.
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- 4/11
Chipolo ONE
Chipolo
amazon.com
$24.90
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 trackers, but is still a good pick with a distance of 200 feet. Plus, if your key finder goes out of range you can get a phone vibration alert. For an extra $5, you can get the Chipolo One Ocean Edition that has a case made from recycled fishing nets and $1 of each purchase goes to Oceanic Global, a non-profit that helps ocean clean-up efforts.
- 5/11
Tile Slim
Tile
amazon.com
$29.99
For those who always keep their keys in a wallet or purse, this key tracker makes it easy to find those lost keys. Approximately the size of a credit card, it can be tucked in a purse pocket or wallet, making sure you’ll always be able to find your keys. As an added bonus you’ll always be able to find your wallet or purse that has the Tile Slim in it. It’s also waterproof so you won’t have to worry about spills ruining the tracker.
- 6/11
Orbit Keys
Orbit
amazon.com
$15.00
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 saying, "Even buried in my purse it's easy to spot!" It comes in many fun colors. This key locater sends an alert if it gets out of range and unfortunately, it's one of the shortest ranges at 100 feet.
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- 7/11
Tile Sticker
Tile
amazon.com
$32.99
While most key finders are designed to attach to a key ring, this key finder has adhesive so you can attach it to just about any flat surface. Reviewers of the Tile Sticker love that you can stick this on items such as airpods, remotes, and other important items that seem to always get lost like their kids favorite toys. Thanks to the compact design it easily fits on smaller items like tiny remotes, airpod cases, etc.
- 8/11
Whistle GO Explore
Whistle
amazon.com
$88.91
Many people use their key trackers as a way to track their pets, but the Whistle Go Explore is specifically designed for your furry friend and is a health tracker and pet locator in one. This device attaches to your pet's collar and is waterproof in case they want to go for a swim. Not only does it give real-time location tracking but reviewers rave about the features such as an alert if the pet leaves the yard and information about activity level, scratching, and sleeping.
- 9/11
Key Ringer
KeyRinger
amazon.com
$29.95
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.
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- 10/11
Cube Pro Key Finder
Cube
amazon.com
$29.95
There are a few other key finders that are waterproof, but what sets the Cube Pro apart is that it's waterproof and has a replaceable battery, whereas other waterproof key finders have built-in batteries. The Cube app will show you the last known location of your lost item and the tracker can also help you find your lost phone. Reviewers also love the bonus feature of alerting you, via the disconnect feature, if you get too far from your phone.
The easiest way to find your lost keys.