When it comes to car security, you may be asking yourself, ‘Do I really need any form of RFID and Faraday pouches for my car?’ Well, in the world of car security products, they’re quite a hot topic at the moment. It all comes down to the signals that key fobs emit to unlock and start your vehicle.
As this technology advances, so does the cunning of those who may not have our best interests at heart. Keyless technology does make our lives just that little better. Still, as the key always transmits a signal, unscrupulous individuals can use electronic devices to pick up that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) signal, clone it, and gain entry to your vehicle.
While manufacturers are addressing this, you can take steps to reduce the risk. A Faraday box, bag or pouch is a simple and inexpensive way to do this.
The best RFID and Faraday pouches at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Disklok RFID Car Key Pouch – Buy now from Amazon UK
Editor’s choice: Ironstripe Faraday Pouch and Box – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best budget Faraday pouch: Defender Signal Blocker – Buy now from Amazon UK
So, how does it work? A Faraday pouch is a metal mesh inside a bag, pouch or box. The mesh blocks the RFID signals from your key, meaning there is nothing for the would-be thief to clone. Think of it really as a simple solution to deterring car thieves. And if you’re feeling extra conscious, we’ve also made a guide on the best car trackers.
The best RFID and Faraday pouches:
Best simple Faraday pouch
Rrp: £9.95
Rrp: £9.95
It's nice and small at 140mm x 95mm to house any key fob and is fitted with a handy carabiner clip to attach to your belt loop. The pouch has a second compartment for non-protected general storage.
Pros
- Good value
- Carabiner clip included
Cons
- Others are better quality
Best Faraday box and pouch set
Rrp: £31.95
Rrp: £31.95
The set also comes with a signal-blocking pouch to take when you're on the move. This makes things especially handy if you're worried about your car while it's parked up nearby.
Pros
- Plenty of space for multiple keys
- Great quality item
Cons
- Only comes in black
Best medium size Faraday box and pouch
Rrp: £22.99
Rrp: £22.99
Pros
- Enough space for keys and phones
- Box and pouch
Cons
- Latch could be nicer
Best Faraday pouch
Pros
- Police Approved
- Experienced brand
Cons
- Not as much room as others
Best budget Faraday pouch
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Two for one
Cons
- Maybe too big for just keys
Best Faraday pouch for smartphones
Rrp: £7.77
Rrp: £7.77
Pros
- Large enough for a smartphone
- Good value
Cons
- Too big for your pocket
Best Faraday pouch for style
Unusually, the fabric is quite soft but remains strong, and the external hook allows you to attach it to a belt loop or lanyard.
Pros
- Protected compartment for cards
- Softer outer fabric
Cons
- Chain isn't the best
Best large pouch
Rrp: £13.99
Rrp: £13.99
The casing is made from genuine leather which coats the same protective tech as used on the Ironstripe Faraday box. The only drawback is with its size in mind, you can't really carry it around in your pocket.
Pros
- Good quality material as used on the Faraday box
- Can fit large keys and other accessories
Cons
- Bit large to carry in your pocket
Best budget large pouch
Rrp: £15.99
Rrp: £15.99
It's constructed using carbon fibre which covers a triple layer of RFID shielding. It also has a keyring on the outside, so you can hang it from your bag. This is probably a useful tool since the pouch is quite large to even fit in a coat pocket.
Pros
- Great quality materials
- Useful for storing a range of items
Cons
- You'll need a very large pocket if you want to carry it around
What you need to know about RFID and Faraday pouches
What is an RFID and Faraday pouch? Car security has come a long way since the days of steering wheel locks as keyless tech has moved on. A Faraday pouch is a type of bag made with materials that block electromagnetic radiation. The pouch is designed to protect electronic devices such as key fobs, smartphones and credit cards from being hacked, tracked, or compromised by electromagnetic signals. There are even larger Faraday boxes available for when you’re at home.
How do RFID and Faraday pouches work? Faraday pouches work by using materials that block electromagnetic radiation. When an electronic device is placed inside the pouch, the electromagnetic signals are blocked, and the device is shielded from any external signals. This prevents thieves or hackers from accessing the RFID signals coming from the device. Unfortunately, they’re not 100% effective. While they can block a significant amount of electromagnetic radiation, some signals may still be able to penetrate the pouch. In addition, the effectiveness of the pouch may be reduced over time as the materials degrade or become damaged. However, a good quality Faraday pouch, and indeed a car tracker, can provide a high degree of protection.
Is it worth getting a Faraday pouch? RFID and Faraday pouches are a key layer of protection if you don’t fancy physical deterrents such as wheel clamps. If you are concerned about your keyless vehicle’s security, a Faraday pouch can be a good investment. As well as your key fob, a Faraday pouch can protect your credit cards and phone as well. For a relatively small investment, it can give you some peace of mind.
Chris Williams is an Automotive Content Writer for Parkers and CAR Magazine, but he also contributes to Live For The Outdoors and What’s The Best. He trained as an automotive journalist in New Zealand, prior to which he studied International Relations and History.
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