- The Bottom Line Up Front
- Best Aftermarket Key Fob Replacements at a Glance
- What to Look for in an Aftermarket Key Fob
- Top 6 Best Aftermarket Key Fobs
- 2018 Toyota Yaris Remote Key Fob
- 2016 Hyundai Accent Remote Key Fob
- BESTHA Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob Replacement
- Keyless2Go Replacement for Keyless Entry
- 2019 Ford Fiesta Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob
- 2017 BMW 3 Series Smart Remote Key Fob
- FAQs
- Best Aftermarket Key Fob Replacements: On a Final Note …
Replacement keys are invaluable. In an emergency involving lost or broken keys, it’s a huge relief to have a spare hanging around at home. (I know this from bitter experience!)
If you don’t have a spare car key, now is the time to invest. Don’t allow yourself to get into my position, stranded without a spare key to access your car – instead, invest in a good aftermarket key fob replacement.
It doesn’t take much time to order an aftermarket key fob, and they’re a lot cheaper than buying factory official versions.
However, buying spare car parts, accessories, and tools online always feels a little risky. How can you trust a third-party replacement key fob? Do they work as well as official models? And how can you get them to work with your car?
I’ll answer those questions and give six recommendations for excellent aftermarket key fobs, from super-cheap models to slightly more fancy versions. Read the next section for my key thoughts up front, and keep reading to find more details!
Table of Contents
The Bottom Line Up Front
I like the 2017 BMW 3 Series Smart Remote Key Fob. It’s a high-quality key fob, looks great, and works perfectly. It requires programming by a professional, but it’s still great value compared to buying a factory official key fob for a BMW 3.
I also like the BESTHA Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob Replacement, which has a super low price point and can be programmed at home, saving even more money. It’s a good option for a spare key in case of emergencies.
Visit CarAndTruckRemotes.com to find backup or replacement key fobs for any vehicle. Since 2003, they have been the go-to source for replacement key fobs, transponder keys, and keyless entry remotes at up to 75% savings.
Best Aftermarket Key Fob Replacements at a Glance
- 2018 Toyota Yaris Remote Key Fob – a basic, good-quality aftermarket key fob available for a variety of models
- 2016 Hyundai Accent Remote Key Fob – a durable aftermarket key fob with a good returns policy
- BESTHA Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob Replacement – a low-cost aftermarket key fob that can be programmed at home
- Keyless2Go Replacement for Keyless Entry – a good option for Toyota owners at a low cost
- 2019 Ford Fiesta Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob – a high-quality aftermarket key fob for Fiesta owners
- 2017 BMW 3 Series Smart Remote Key Fob – an excellent key fob with a great returns policy
What to Look for in an Aftermarket Key Fob
When you’re buying online, there’s always a little risk involved. Here are a few key features to look for when you’re shopping for replacement car keys:
Compatibility
The first thing you’ll need to check is that your aftermarket key fob matches your car. Some third-party keys work with various models, even across different brands. This is useful but also confusing at times.
It’s worth checking for the year of your particular model. You should see compatible years in the product description. If not, I’d recommend contacting the manufacturer to determine if it will work with your car.
Quality/Durability
Third-party car keys vary in quality. Some are cheap and make excellent spare keys, but they may not last as long as more expensive options. In these very cheap aftermarket key fobs, you may find that the buttons just don’t last as long as other key fobs.
Still, I think they’re worth having around as a spare to use in an emergency. You don’t want to spend hundreds on a key fob just to have it hanging around at home, never used.
Mid-priced key fobs tend to be the best way to go in terms of durability. They should last a little longer and are worth investing in if you plan to use the key regularly.
Electronics
Not all key fobs come with the electronics included. Some are cases for an existing key fob, allowing you to transfer old electronics and key blades into new outer shells. This isn’t what you want if you’re looking for a new spare key.
Make sure to read the product description. If it says ‘case,’ steer clear. If it says ‘electronics included,’ you’re good to go!
Buttons
Most aftermarket key fobs include basic buttons. These are usually lock, unlock, and the panic alarm button, which prompts your car to make a noise so you can find it. You may also find a trunk unlock button, too.
Aftermarket key fobs tend to be pretty basic when it comes to buttons. If you want smart remotes with a range of buttons, you’re better off going for factory official keys, which are still cheaper than a dealership but are much better in quality.
Programming
You can program your key at home if your particular key fob allows for this. It’s a fairly simple process and can save you some money.
However, some key fobs cannot be programmed at home, which means you’ll need to take them to an automotive locksmith, and they’ll be able to program your new key fob for you. You may also need to get the key blade cut if your key fob has one.
Sometimes, dealerships will program key fobs for you. Others will refuse, however, so it depends on your local dealership and what their policies are.
Returns Policy/Warranty
Mistakes happen, and you may accidentally order the wrong key fob. You may also be unlucky enough to get a key fob that doesn’t work. If this does happen, a decent returns policy is an absolute must. Look for a returns policy of at least 30 days, if not longer, to thoroughly test your new key fob.
Some offer additional warranties, too. I’d say these aren’t worth investing in for aftermarket key fobs unless you’re buying a particularly expensive one. You might disagree with me, preferring to know that your key fob is covered!
Top 6 Best Aftermarket Key Fobs
Here are 6 of the best aftermarket key fobs you can get (in my opinion!). These may not be helpful to you if your model car isn’t included; however, they should give you a good idea of what to look for in a high-quality aftermarket key fob.
I’ve also tried to include a range of brands, years, and price points.
2018 Toyota Yaris Remote Key Fob
The 2018 Toyota Yaris Remote Key Fob is an excellent aftermarket key fob. Available for a range of years from 2007 to 2018, it’s a basic key fob without the Toyota logo, but the quality is good, and the buttons are durable enough to withstand a lot of use.
It has three buttons (lock, unlock, and panic alarm), and it comes with an uncut key blade. You’ll need to have this key professionally programmed and cut, which comes at an extra cost.
Still, it’s decently priced at just under $40, so even with the costs of professional programming, it’s a lot cheaper than a similar, official Toyota smart key (which, from the same retailer, comes in at just under $170).
All key fobs are tested before dispatch and have a 90-day returns policy. You can add a 1, 2, or 3-year warranty onto your order for extra cost. It comes with a battery, too.
Pros
- Good, durable key fob
- Low price
- Good returns policy/warranties available
Cons
- It can’t be programmed at home
2016 Hyundai Accent Remote Key Fob
The 2016 Hyundai Accent Remote Key Fob is a high-quality aftermarket key fob. It’s available between the years 2000 – 2016, and while it’s a very basic key fob, the durability is good.
It has three buttons (lock, unlock, and panic alarm) and obviously lacks a Hyundai logo. Still, it works really well. The buttons are durable, and the materials are tough, so that’s a plus point.
It does need to be programmed by a professional, however. This will come at an extra cost. The pricing is so low at just under $40, however, so you’ll still be saving a ton of cash.
The key fob will be tested before it is sent out to you, so you should feel relaxed in the knowledge that it will work when it arrives. If something does go wrong, it has a pretty generous 90-day returns policy.
Plus, you can choose to spend on a 1,2, or 3-year warranty at checkout if you want. I’m not sure the cost is worth this, but it’s an option!
Pros
- Durable
- High-quality
- Various years available
- Low price point
Cons
- Needs to be programmed professionally
Visit CarAndTruckRemotes.com to find backup or replacement key fobs for any vehicle. Since 2003, they have been the go-to source for replacement key fobs, transponder keys, and keyless entry remotes at up to 75% savings.
BESTHA Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob Replacement
The BESTHA Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob Replacement is compatible with various models, including:
- Nissan Armada 2005 – 2015
- Nissan Fronteir 2002 – 2016
- Nissan Murano 2003 – 2007
- Nissan Pathfinder 2002 – 2013
- Nissan Quest 2004 – 2009
- Nissan Sentra 2007 – 2012
- Nissan Titan 2004 – 2014
- Nissan Versa 2007 – 2013
- Nissan XTerra 2002 – 2014
If you have a slightly older Nissan, chances are your car model is included on that list!
It’s a very basic key fob. There’s no sign of any Nissan branding, and it’s lightweight. I’d say it’s not as durable as others on this list. Still, it comes with three basic buttons (lock, unlock, and panic alarm) and would make an excellent spare key for emergencies.
The main draw of this key fob is the pricing – at just over $10. It’s a very low price compared to other aftermarket key fobs, let alone official factory key fobs. Compared to going to a dealer, you’ll be saving a small fortune.
It’s self-programmable with one working key. If you don’t have any working keys, you must take your new key fob to an automotive locksmith.
This key fob comes with a battery, too. Overall, I think it’s a great low-cost spare key.
Pros
- Very low cost
- It can be programmed at home
- Compatible with various Nissan models
Cons
- Not as durable as some of the others on this list
Keyless2Go Replacement for Keyless Entry
The Keyless2Go Replacement for Keyless Entry is an excellent option for Toyota owners. It’s compatible with the Toyota 4Runner 1999 – 2009 and the Toyota Sequoia 2001 – 2007. It’s cheap but durable, and it works well as a spare key to have around the house.
It has four buttons (lock, unlock, trunk unlock, and panic alarm), and it works well once programmed. If you have one working key at home, you can program it yourself following their simple instructions.
The pricing is very good. At under $25, it’s far cheaper than going straight to your dealership, and in my opinion, it’s a good choice if you’re on a tight budget. Especially as it can be programmed at home – that saves even more cash!
It doesn’t have any Toyota branding, and the casing is pretty simple to look at. It comes with a battery, too.
Pros
- Low cost
- It can be programmed at home
- Compatible with a couple of Toyota models
Cons
- Pretty basic to look at
2019 Ford Fiesta Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob
The 2019 Ford Fiesta Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob is a good example of how much money you can save by picking an aftermarket key fob. It’s compatible with the 2019 Ford Fiesta, and the website has key fobs for several other models from 2011-2019, so you should be able to find the right one for your Fiesta.
I like this one because it’s simple but durable; it’s a good replacement car key and should last for many button presses. It lacks Ford branding, but the quality is still great. It has four buttons (lock, unlock, trunk unlock, and panic alarm).
The pricing is great. At around $35, it’s not the cheapest on this list, but the quality makes it worth it. You will, however, need to have it professionally programmed and cut by an automotive locksmith. So that does bump the cost up a little.
It comes with a battery, a 90-day returns policy, and you can purchase an extra 1,2, or 3-year warranty at checkout. Each key fob is checked before shipping, too.
Pros
- Good quality
- The key fob itself is decently priced
- Good returns policy/warranties available
- The key fob will be checked before dispatch
Cons
- It can’t be programmed at home
2017 BMW 3 Series Smart Remote Key Fob
The 2017 BMW 3 Series Smart Remote Key Fob is very good. If you own a BMW, you’ll know that replacement parts – including key fobs! – tend to be on the pricey side. This key fob is available for BMW 3 Series from 1999 to 2018, with various price points.
It’s a high-quality key fob with four buttons (lock, unlock, trunk release, and panic button). It does require you to input the frequency, which you need to know beforehand – you’ll have to contact your dealership if you’re not sure.
This key fob can’t be programmed at home, which means you’ll have to pay for that too. It is also the priciest car key on this list, but it’s still so much cheaper than buying a factory official key fob and far cheaper than going straight to a dealership.
This key fob will be tested before it is sent, so you can relax knowing it works the way it should. It also comes with a generous 90-day returns policy, and you can add a 1,2, or 3-year warranty at checkout.
Pros
- Good quality remote
- Available for a wide range of models
- Good returns policy
- The key fob will be tested before it is sent out
Cons
- Quite pricey compared to some of the others on this list
- It can’t be programmed at home
FAQs
Question: Are Aftermarket Key Fobs as Good as Official Key Fobs?
Answer: In my experience, aftermarket key fobs work just as well as official key fobs. However, the quality may not be as good. For a spare key, this doesn’t matter. But for long-term use, you may find that the buttons wear out quicker than an official factory key fob.
In an emergency, though, you’ll be glad to have a couple of spare key fobs lying around, and the durability doesn’t matter if you need to use them occasionally.
Question: How Do I Program a Key Fob?
Answer: I’ve programmed several key fobs in my time (both for myself and for family members). Honestly, it’s easier than you think: it requires clear instructions! If your key fob needs instructions, or they’re just not clear enough to follow, you’ll probably be able to find a video online explaining it.
Learning to program a key fob is a good maintenance skill, so I’d recommend trying it if your key fob allows it.
Question: Can I Use a Replacement Key Fob to Fix My Old Key Fob?
Answer: Yes, and this is a really good idea to save a little cash. You can order an aftermarket key fob to house the electronics and key blade from your old key. This requires a steady hand and some patience! I’d recommend looking up a YouTube video explaining the process before you start. Be willing for it to go wrong, too: don’t attempt it if you’ve just ordered a very expensive replacement key fob because if it goes wrong, you’ll have to replace it again.
Question: How much Does it Cost to Get a Spare Key Fob from a Dealership?
Answer: It’s hard to give a definitive answer to this question because it depends on the brand, model, and year of your particular car. Older cars may be a little cheaper. However, buying a spare key fob from a dealership costs more than I am willing to pay!
You’re looking at a couple of hundred, all the way through to five hundred dollars, for an official replacement key, depending on how new your car is. So you could make a significant saving by going for an aftermarket key as a spare.
Best Aftermarket Key Fob Replacements: On a Final Note …
It’s hard to pick the best aftermarket key fob replacement, but I like the 2017 BMW 3 Series Smart Remote Key Fob. The quality is excellent, it’s cheap compared to buying official replacement parts for a BMW, and it has all the necessary buttons.
I also appreciate the extended returns policy and warranty options; this tips it over the edge, making it a reliable choice.
However, I also like the BESTHA Keyless Entry Remote Key Fob Replacement, which is excellent if you’re on a budget. It has a low price point and can be programmed at home by following the instructions.
It’s a good car key fob if you need a key for an emergency, and it’s way cheaper than going to a dealership.
Hopefully, you can find something to suit your vehicle in this list; if not, I hope you have a good idea of what to look for!
Visit CarAndTruckRemotes.com to find backup or replacement key fobs for any vehicle. Since 2003, they have been the go-to source for replacement key fobs, transponder keys, and keyless entry remotes at up to 75% savings.
- Best Key Fob Replacement Battery Options - August 23, 2023
- Best Aftermarket Key Fob Replacements - August 18, 2023
- Best Car Key Replacement Services - August 15, 2023