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.
You can of course, opt for outdoor security cameras to be able to keep an eye on your vehicle. But these things come in layers. Security comes in layers that generally speaking, are better when there's more of them. Because relay thefts are common, simply blocking it might be one of the most effective ways of protecting your vehicle available.
The best RFID key pouches 2024 at a glance:
The best Faraday pouch: Disklabs Key Shield - buy from Amazon.
Editor's pick: Disklok RFID Key Pouch - 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 2024
The best Faraday pouch
Via DisklabsDisklabs 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.
It blocks all wireless signals, including Wi-Fi, 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G, GPS, Bluetooth, Radio, and NFC. Its dimensions are 12cm x 10cm (closed).
Pros
- Has approval from the Police via Secured by Design ensuring it's strength and capability
- Blocks all signals from 5G to Bluetooth as it's made from incredibly durable materials
- Good for phone and keys, albeit for smaller devices
Cons
- Won't fit larger phones, which some may use as car keys
Editor's pick
Via DisklokDisklok 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
- You can choose between a small or large size pouch, with only a £2 difference
- Carabena clip for belt loops, which is handy if you walk around all the time
- Durable materials for effective signal blocking against relay thefts
Cons
- Only for keys or cards, too little for your phone
The best value RFID pouch twin-pack
Via DefenderDefender's two-pack RFID Faraday pouches are designed to store both keys and your phone in at the same time. This is useful for owners of vehicles with the ability to be unlocked via your phone.
For under £10, this is one of the most practical, best value bundles you can get in the world of RFID and Faraday pouches. They have the ability to block signals from RFID to 5G and even Wi-Fi.
Pros
- Two pouches included, which is great for multiple vehicles and/or purposes
- The pouches themselves are large enough to store both the keys and smartphones
- Great value for money at just under £10 for the pair
Cons
- These aren't the strongest key pouches available
The best for storing a phone
Via stoplockIf 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 known for its sturdy steering wheel locks
- Very good value for money at under £8
- Stores phones as well as keys, which is useful for some newer cars
Cons
- No clip for belt loop storage, which might be an inconvenience to some
The best compact RFID key pouch
Via DefenderDesigned 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, which is handy and compact
- Very effective signal blocker against relay targets
- Incredibly cost-effective at just under £9
Cons
- Won't fit a smartphone inside, which some cars use as keys
On sale
Via SamfolkOne of the most stylish options comes from Samfolk in the form of this Faraday key and/or phone pouch. As a lot of modern cars require you to use your phone to unlock them, this is a useful device for that market.
It can fit phones up to 6.8 inches (17cm) wide and can of course, effortlessly store your car keys as well. Unfortunately, it's not quite large enough to store both at the same time, but at only £10 for the pouch, the value for money you get for the security overrides that.
Pros
- Sizeable enough to carry large phones and cards as well as keys
- Made of waterproof materials, making it durable in the rain
- Triple-layered, ensuring strong signal protection
Cons
- Cannot fit keys and phone in at the same time
On sale
Via MonojoyFor 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
- Allows you to store everything in one place
- Blocks most signals that thieves will try to unlock your vehicle
- Fits your phone and keys when you're not using them at night
Cons
- Only suitable for home use and can't really be carried around
The best pouch and steering lock set
Via Stoplockwww.halfords.com
Stoplock don't just offer the RFID key pouch as a single item. In this bundle, you can get one along with the brand's steering wheel lock for a physical deterrent against thieves. Doubling the layers of security means less chance of the thieves being successful.
The lock itself isn't as thorough as Disklok's Gold or Diamond edition steering wheel locks, but the entire bundle is under £60, whereas the Disklok locks easily cut into the £100-200+ range.
Pros
- Stoplock steering lock adds a physical deterrent alongside the RFID pouch
- Good value for money for the pair at just under £60
- The RFID pouch can fit in a phone as well as keys, which is useful if your vehicle operates via phone key
Cons
- The steering lock isn't the toughest available
- The pouch is a Halfords one rather than Stoplock's own
FAQs and things to remember about RFID and Farday key pouches
Do RFID and Faraday pouches degrade overtime?
There have been many cases where this is known to happen. They can wear out overtime due to continuous use and the simple concept of time. If you get a pouch from a reputable manufacturer that is of good quality, it should last you a lot longer than a cheap, basic unit.
You can always check its effectiveness by walking up to your car (with the key in the pouch) to see if it'll unlock. If you suspect it's had its day, it may be time to replace that pouch with a new one. Alternatively, you could opt for a Faraday box if you wish to store your keys and phone inside at the same time at home.
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.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.
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