Key finders with Bluetooth help you find misplaced items such as keys, cell phones or purses. We have selected the top ten models.
Functions
The actual basic function of key finders is the alarm function that can be triggered by smartphone and that helps to find the misplaced key ring. This works reliably with all models. The basic requirement is a Bluetooth connection between the smartphone and the tracker.
A practical additional function is the bidirectional search. The user triggers an alarm on the smartphone using the key finder. This is useful when you no longer know where the phone is. Such a smartphone search also works with apps, but using the key finder is very convenient.
Another function is the ability to determine the GPS data of the key finder’s last known location. Anyone who has misplaced their keyring outside of the Bluetooth range can at least find out an approximate location. For this to work reliably, however, the tracker app has to run in the background all the time. This is at the expense of the smartphone battery. This extra saved us a lot of searching during the test phase.
The extended version is the so-called crowd search. If a key finder comes within range of any smartphone with an installed tracker app, the position of the transponder is automatically saved and transferred to the manufacturer’s server. It does not matter whether it is your own key finder or someone else’s. The saved position can then be called up in the app. However, this crowd search only works reliably if there is a critical mass of users with the same app. In big cities there are certainly other owners of identical key finders on the go – in the country, however, the coverage is likely to be extremely thin. It is a shame that the various key finder manufacturers do not agree on a common standard, then this function would be of much greater use. Anyone who is afraid of misuse of their data should buy a model without this function.
Some of the trackers are also able to trigger the smartphone camera or start a voice recording on the mobile phone. If you want to be visually supported in your search, you should also make sure that an LED is built into the tracker.
Simply because of environmental protection, the key finder battery should be replaceable or rechargeable. Disposable devices with a permanently installed energy source do not even appear in our list of the best.
1st place: Musegear Finder 2
Overall, we liked the Finder 2 from Musegear the best. The compact tracker is not only extremely well equipped, it is also the lightest model on our list of the best at less than 8 grams. The range of 60 meters is above average – as is the volume of the key alarm. The only drawback of this model is the well-made, but not extremely stable plastic housing of the Finder 2. The Musegear tracker is available in white and blue. The price of around 25 euros is justified.
2nd place: Tile Pro
The manufacturer Tile secured second place with its new Pro model. Unlike the previous models, the battery can now finally be replaced. The real highlight of the Pro is its long range. In the test with a Huawei P20 Pro, we reached the maximum distance of 90 meters specified by the manufacturer outdoors. No other tracker can get that far. Overall, the equipment is decent. However, a remote release function for the smartphone camera and a signal LED are not installed. At just under 30 euros, the Tile Pro is relatively expensive.
3rd place: Orbit Key
The bronze medal goes to the key finder Key from Orbit. This not only scores with its stylish housing, except for an LED, but the tracker is also fully equipped. Bidirectional and crowd searches are available, as is a practical trigger function for the smartphone camera. The key’s biggest drawback is its relatively short range of just 30 meters. However, this distance is easily sufficient to find it again in an apartment.
4th place: Chipolo Classic
The Classic Key Finder from the manufacturer Chipolo, which is available in many colors, takes fourth place. In addition to the good workmanship and a maximum range of 60 meters, we are particularly impressed by the high volume of the alarm. A signal LED and the remote release function for the smartphone camera are missing on the Chipolo Classic. The biggest weak point of the tracker, however, is the lack of splash protection. As with all devices with a crowd search function, registration with the manufacturer is required
5th place: Terratec Protect Mobile
The fifth-placed Protect Mobile from Terratec scores with good equipment and a sturdy housing. The tracker design is a bit out of line. The key finder looks more like a car key than a key fob. The range is almost 40 meters, which is sufficient in practice. If you can do without splash protection and want to buy a tracker without crowd search, the Terratec tracker is well advised.
6th place: TrackR Bravo
TrackR’s Bravo model comes in at number six. The key finder scores with a stylish housing, crowd search, small dimensions and low weight. A trigger function for the camera and a signal LED are not built into the Bravo. Anyone who can make friends with this and the relatively short range of 30 meters will get a reliable tracker. The Bravo is available at a budget price of less than 20 euros.
7th place: Gigaset Keeper
The equipment of the Gigaset Keeper is similar to that of the TrackR Bravo and has a range of around 35 meters. However, this tracker does not have crowd search. But this doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. The lack of this function suits all those who fear that their personal data could fall into the wrong hands. Nevertheless, there is no avoiding a one-time registration with the manufacturer. At just under 20 euros, the keeper is one of the cheapest key finders.
8th place: Orbit Card
The second tracker from Orbit does without a signal LED and splash protection, but it scores with its unusual shape. The key finder card is not intended to be used on a key ring, but rather to search for your wallet. If you want, you can even trigger your smartphone camera with the card tracker. The range of 30 meters is sufficient. However, if you need help finding your wallet, you have to dig relatively deep into your pocket.
9th place: Nonda iHere 3.0
The key finder iHere 3.0 from Nonda, which weighs only 9 grams, achieved the penultimate place on our list of the best. The model has LED, camera shutter release and a battery that can be recharged via micro USB. The crowd search function is not possible with the tracker. What we did not like in the test is the still immature app from Nonda. As a look at the price comparison shows, the model is currently not available from any of the listed retailers.
Place 10: Gigaset G-Tag
The second tracker from Gigaset is limited to the basic function of every key finder: triggering an alarm to search for a key ring. This works reliably up to a range of 35 meters. Crowd search, remote shutter release or bidirectional search are not possible with the device. If you are looking for a simple model in bright colors, the G-Tag is a reliable helper for less than 20 euros.
