Why is looking for the best Faraday and RFID key pouches important? Well, with keyless car tech, there inevitably come keyless car thefts. An increasingly common form of car theft involves criminals using relay signals that mimic those that come from key fobs to unlock and start cars.
You can opt for existing security measures such as car wheel clamps, which can physically keep your car nailed to the ground or make sure you always park in a secure garage. However, there have been scary cases where premium cars such as Range Rovers and Mercs have been swiped in under a minute. The no.1 method for criminals is relay signals, so being able to block that can prevent a nightmarish situation. This neatly brings us to the convenience of RFID key pouches.
The best RFID key pouches at a glance:
Editor's pick: Disklabs Key Shield - buy from Amazon.
The best compact pouch: Defender Signal Blocker Mini - buy from Amazon.
Best RFID box: Monojoy Faraday Box - buy from Amazon.
The brilliant thing is that they don't incorporate the bulky hassle of a steering wheel lock. The solution simply involves keeping your key fob in a protective Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) signal-blocking pouch or box. These effectively act as a Faraday cage. No signal, no keyless car theft.
The best RFID key pouches
Editor's pick
Via DisklabsDescription
Disklabs is a British company that specialises in Faraday bags. Its products are made in the UK and carry the enviable distinction of being approved by Secured by Design, the official police recognition initiative for security products. Blocks all wireless signals, including Wi-Fi, 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G, GPS, Bluetooth, Radio, and NFC. Its dimensions are 12cm x 10cm (closed).
Pros
- Handy wallet
- Blocks all signals
- Good for phone and keys
Cons
- Bags can be misplaced
The most durable RFID key pouch
Via DisklokDescription
Disklok is another British company with 'disk' in its name, which produces products like steering wheel locks. Now, of course, it makes a Faraday pouch, too, and it's super. It's nice and small at 14cm x 9.5cm to house any key fob, plus cards if you need it and is fitted with a handy carabiner clip. It's made from durable polyurethane and looks a bit sharper than some of the others here.
Pros
- Reputable brand
- Carabena clip for belt loops
- Durable
Cons
- Only for keys or cards, too little for your phone
The best for storing a phone
Via stoplockDescription
If you've ever bought a steering wheel lock or wheel clamp, there is a fair chance it was a Stoplock product. Stoplock is the UK's top vehicle security brand that specialises in high-quality, analogue security products. Its RFID pouch is one of its more recent additions and is budget-friendly and effective. At 19.2cm x 10cm when closed, it's large enough to store a phone as well as a key fob.
Pros
- Reputable brand
- Budget-friendly
- Stores phones as well as keys
Cons
- No clip for belt loop storage
The best compact RFID key pouch
Via DefenderDescription
Designed to neatly fit into your pocket, Defender's answer to preventing keyless car theft couldn't get any simpler. This RFID pouch is capable of blocking RIFD, NFC, WiFi, GSM, and LTE signals from chancing thieves. With the purchase comes a set of two, which is handy if you have a couple of vehicles in the household.
The Defender measures in at just 14 x 9 x 0.6cm, meaning that despite its compactness, you won't be able to fit a phone in one. It's best therefore, to think of it as a key pouch and nothing much else.
Pros
- Fits in your pocket
- Very effective signal blocker
Cons
- Won't fit a smartphone inside
The best RFID box
Via MonojoyDescription
For use at home, a signal-blocking box is a far more practical option that looks better, too. This pleasant but subtle RFID box is made from soft PU leather, which gives it a classy look and is large enough to hold up to eight key fobs, which makes it ideal for home use. Exterior dimensions are 14.8cm (L) x 11cm (W) x 8cm (H). There are two other sizes available - one slightly smaller, one slightly larger.
Pros
- Store everything in one place
- Blocks most signals
- Fits your phone and keys
Cons
- Only suitable for home use
How does RFID tech work?
RFID pouches and Faraday bags work by incorporating certain materials, such as copper or aluminium foil into the bag or pouch. A layer of aluminium foil, for example, blocks all signals to wireless devices being kept inside them. These include phone networks such as 5G, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. They are as subtle as a well-hidden magnetic tracker in your vehicle.
Consequently, key fobs and other devices are kept safe inside, and no relay signal can be produced. It sounds a bit Prepper-ish and conjures images of idiots wrapped in tin foil, building home bunkers beneath their geraniums. Nevertheless, the foil trick works for signal blocking. Thankfully, you can buy some quality products that tactfully hide the survivalist foil beneath a neat layer of fabric.
Our top tip in recommending the best RFID and Faraday product is not to be sucked into the ‘I’m not paying an extra £5 for one that looks the same as the cheap ones’ trick. We’ve found the super-budget ones aren’t always consistent in blocking signals, unlike those that come from established, recognized brands. If it keeps your £40,000 Lexus safe, only a fool would complain about an extra few pounds. For an extra layer of protection - and to potentially lower your insurance premium - you can also consider installing your car with a tracker.
Chris Williams is a Senior Product Writer for CAR, also working for Live For The Outdoors. An expert in camping and muscle cars, he spends most of his time up a mountain or laying rubber.
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