The 5 Best Key Finders You Can Buy in 2022
In this article, we'll list some of the best key finders you can buy in 2022, to keep track of your frequently lost items. Click to read more.
Author:Daniel BarrettMay 15, 202221.7K Shares621.3K Views
Electronic key finders are tiny tracking devices that can be attached to a keyring or other frequently lost item. With the press of a button, the finder will beep, chirp, or otherwise sound an alarm to lead you to your lost item.
This article will list some of the best key finders you can buy in 2022 to keep track of your frequently lost items.
1. Tile Pro
The Tile Pro is a Bluetooth key finder with a range of 400-foot. It’s the longest of any of the products on this list. And for this kind of tracker, the range is everything.
This little piece of technology is also durable and water-resistant. Simply download the Tile app on your phone or mobile device and then sync it to the Tile device using Bluetooth.
If you misplace the item the Tile is attached to; you can either ring it or view its location on a map in the app.
The Community Find feature comes in handy if you lose your Tile completely. It puts other people’s Tiles on the lookout for your lost device and will update you with its location if your Tile is within range of someone else.
Pros
- 400-ft. Bluetooth range
- Replaceable battery
- Loud ringer
Cons
- Requires a phone with Bluetooth
2. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag
Like the Tile Pro, the SmartTag also has an excellent range. With this device, you’ll be able to stay connected to your keys from up to 225 feet away.
There’s a unique component to the SmartTag that other key finders don’t boast. Because the key finder connects to Samsung’s SmartThings app, you can use it to automate some smart home features with a press of the tracker’s button if you’re willing to pay for the SmartTag Plus, which costs an extra $10.
It’s worth noting that SmartTag compatibility is limited to Samsung Galaxy phones running Android8.0 or later, so if you’ve got another handset, you want to consider some of the other best key finder options.
Pros
- Matches the range of the Tile Pro
- Can control other smart devices and routines
- Long battery life
Cons
- Limited to Galaxy smartphones
- Lacks Ultra Wideband support found in SmartTag Plus
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3. Tile Mate
The Tile Mate is a slightly smaller Tile device than the Pro. It also has a shorter 200-foot Bluetooth range but many of the same extra features. In addition, the Mate has a replaceable CR2032 button battery that significantly extends the life of the device—each battery can power it for about a year.
Like other Bluetooth trackers, the Tile Mate connects to your phone using Bluetooth and must be within range to be “found.” If you misplace your keys, you can ring the Tile and follow the sound or look at its location on a map in the Tile app.
Pros
- 200-ft Bluetooth range
- Replaceable battery
- Community Find feature
Cons
- Requires a phone with Bluetooth
4. Apple AirTag
Apple’s AirTag is the best key finder for iPhoneusers, especially one of the more recent iPhone models. This key tracker pairs with your iPhone over Bluetooth to help you track down lost items in the iPhone’s built-in Find My app.
If you’ve got an iPhone 11 or later, you can tap into the Precision Finding feature, which uses the U1 Ultra Wideband chip in newer Apple phones to provide more detailed directions on finding lost items.
Unfortunately, AirTag lacks some functionality in the other best key finders, like two-way find features for locating a misplaced phone. Still, AirTag brings a handsome design and an iPhone-friendly approach to the world of key trackers.
Pros
- Easy setup
- Precision Finding works well
- Compact design
Cons
- Privacy features need work
- Design scuffs easily
5. Esky Wireless RF Transmitter
If you need a basic set of trackers for objects in your house, this set of four from Esky is a basic budget option that will get the job done. Unlike the more advanced devices on this list, the Esky uses a separate remote instead of an app and communicates with the trackers using radio frequency (RF) instead of Bluetooth.
RF trackers generally have a shorter range, and this one tops out at under 100 feet. If you’re always losing things in the same room or a couple of rooms, 98 feet is plenty. Press a color-coded key on the remote, and the corresponding tracker will beep loudly and flash, making your missing item easy to find even in the dark.
The Esky trackers can be attached to a keyring via the built-in loop or stuck directly to an object using the included velcro patches.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Set of 4 finders
- It doesn’t require an app
Cons
- 98-foot range
- Unattractive design
Final Verdict
The Tile Pro has an excellent range, an unobtrusive design, and convenient in-app features like Community Find to help you locate items lost far afield. The Tile Mate is an excellent alternative with a slightly smaller form factor and Bluetooth range if you want something less expensive.
Apple’s AirTag is the best option for iPhone users, and the best key finder for Samsung Galaxy device owners is the SmartTag.
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Daniel Barrett
Author
Daniel Barrett is a tech writer focusing on IoT, gadgets, software, and cryptocurrencies. With a keen interest in emerging technologies, Daniel offers expert analysis and commentary on industry trends. Follow him for authoritative insights into the latest tech innovations.
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