A great key fob is something many vehicle owners take for granted, even though they greatly simplify locking and unlocking one’s car. It’s not surprising that when a key fob becomes damaged or unusable, many people are shocked to hear that it could cost a lot for a replacement at a car dealership. Thankfully, there is usually a better option. We made this guide to showcase the best replacement key fobs on the market so that you can save some money while finding a new key fob for your vehicle.
Shopping for a Replacement Key Fob
Here are some things to consider when looking for your replacement key fob:
- Compatibility: Even if your old key fob looks similar to the key fob you will replace it with, be sure to double-check that your vehicle model is compatible. Since the insides of similar-looking key fobs can be quite different, it is always better to be safe than sorry and ensure you are making a wise investment before finalizing your purchase.
- Ease of Assembly: When purchasing a replacement key fob, there’s a good chance that you will have to crack open the old one to transport the electronics into the new one. For this reason, finding a key fob that can be easily assembled can save you time and simplify things if the need ever arises to take it apart in the future.
- Durability: Durability is key. Thus, you will want to ensure your new key fob keeps everything secure, from the electronics inside of it to the key on the outside. A wobbly key is usually the first sign that your key fob is physically breaking down, so make sure the replacement leaves no room for unwanted movement.
Best for Select Chevys: USARemote Key Fob
This USARemote Key Fob will be immediately recognizable to many Chevy owners since it’s nearly identical to the key fobs that came with a wide variety of vehicles, including many Camaros, Malibus, and Equinoxes. Unlike many replacement key fobs, this one comes with brand-new electronics, so you will need to program the key fob with the included step-by-step instructions. Luckily, this step is straightforward. This key fob feels very durable and can even be used with your old key if you do not feel like paying extra, making it a great pick for budget-savvy car owners.
Best for Select Hondas: J-ACCES Key Fob Shell Case
For Honda owners who have discovered that their OE key fobs are much less durable than their Honda vehicles, the J-ACCES Key Fob Shell Case is an excellent replacement. This replacement key fob is just a shell case, but it’s easy and quick to install the buttons, electronics, and key from your old key fob into their new home. Once everything is snapped together (which shouldn’t take any longer than five minutes), you will find this key fob secures the key nicely with no room for unwanted movement. This replacement key fob works for a wide array of Accords, Civics, CR-Vs, and other popular models, making it a very versatile pick given its low price.
Best for Select Fords: HelloAuto Ford Replacement Key Fob
While the HelloAuto Ford Replacement Key Fob is not the least expensive product on this list, the attention to detail paid by its makers ensures it is the best replacement key fob out there for Ford owners. Thus, it’s incredibly simple to crack open your old key fob and transport the inner parts into this replacement key fob. While this product is a little challenging to put back together, it feels incredibly secure and durable once you do, making it well worth the cost given the hundreds you will save by not paying a visit to the Ford dealership.
Best for Select VW Cars: WeChance Keyless Remote Key Fob Shell Case
Volkswagen vehicles may not be the easiest to work on, but thankfully, this Keyless Remote Key Fob Shell Case by WeChance is incredibly simple to set up. Despite the name, this product comes with an uncut key blade, but this is very easy to replace with your old key. This replacement key fob does not require any programming, so it’s simply a matter of securely placing the inners of your old key fob into the replacement shell. Once installed, this key fob will be nearly identical to the one it replaces in form and function, making it a great replacement for a wide range of Golfs, Beatles, Passats, Jettas, and other VW classics.
Best for Select Nissans: Keyless2Go Replacement Key Fob Remotes
The Keyless2Go Replacement Key Fob Remotes feature compatibility for many Nissan and Infiniti vehicles and are as solid of a replacement as you will find. Unlike many similar products, this one comes with easy-to-follow instructions for programming the key fob as well as a link to a very helpful video demonstration. While there’s no guarantee that you will be able to program the key fob on the first try (it can be slightly complicated), most people with 5 to 10 free minutes should be able to figure it out with minimal issues.
