Lost your car keys? Replacement prices are all over the place. Your dealership wants $400. Online stores advertise keys for $30. Your local locksmith quotes something in between.
The price gap comes down to two types of keys. OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer, which are keys made by or for your car’s brand. Aftermarket keys come from third-party companies. Each has pros and cons worth understanding before you buy.
What Are OEM Keys?
OEM keys are made to your car manufacturer’s exact standards. That Toyota key you got when you bought your car is an OEM key. These work with your car’s security system without any compatibility issues.
Dealerships and some locksmiths sell OEM keys. Most car key replacement services can source them, though prices typically run $150 to $500 depending on your make and model.
Understanding Aftermarket Keys
Aftermarket keys come from companies that make replacements for multiple car brands. Some are decent, others barely work. You’ll find them online, at auto parts stores, and through locksmiths. They usually cost $30 to $150.
The catch is quality. Some aftermarket manufacturers make reliable products that work fine. Others cut corners and sell keys that fail quickly.
OEM vs Aftermarket Quality Breakdown
| Feature | OEM Keys | Quality Aftermarket | Cheap Aftermarket |
| Build Materials | Durable plastics and metals | Decent materials | Brittle plastic, weak buttons |
| Button Lifespan | 5+ years | 2-4 years | Months to 1 year |
| Transponder Chip | Factory calibrated | Usually compatible | Often won’t program |
| Battery Life | 3-5 years | 2-3 years | 3-12 months |
| Warranty | Yes, manufacturer backed | Sometimes | Rarely |
OEM keys use better materials that last longer. Buttons stay responsive for years. Aftermarket key fob quality varies widely. Good brands hold up fine, but cheap ones fail fast with cracked plastic and dead batteries.
Compatibility Issues with Replacement Keys
Modern cars reject keys that lack the right authorization codes. OEM keys program easily because they’re designed for your specific vehicle.
The aftermarket is hit or miss. Quality brands usually work, but cheap fobs often won’t program at all. You might spend $40 online only to find out your locksmith can’t do anything with it. European luxury cars are especially picky.
What Type of Key Does Your Car Need?
Older cars and spare keys work fine with the aftermarket. A 2010 Honda with basic features doesn’t need an expensive OEM replacement. Simpler systems mean fewer compatibility issues.
Newer cars benefit from OEM. If your car has push-button start, proximity unlock, or remote start, you want a key that works with all those features. The oem vs aftermarket key fob decision matters more as cars get more complex.
Breaking Down Car Keys Costs
That $35 aftermarket key seems cheap until you factor in everything else. Return shipping if it doesn’t work adds $15-25. Programming fees run $50-150, and not all locksmiths will touch cheap aftermarket keys.
OEM costs more upfront but includes a warranty. If it fails, you get a replacement. Cheap sellers often disappear when problems come up. When comparing locksmith vs dealership key replacement cost, remember dealerships only offer OEM while locksmiths can provide both options.
Which Cars Work with Aftermarket Keys?
| Car Brand | Aftermarket Compatibility | Best Choice |
| Honda, Toyota | Usually works fine | Quality aftermarket acceptable |
| Ford, Chevrolet, GM | Hit or miss | Quality aftermarket or OEM |
| Nissan, Hyundai, Kia | Decent compatibility | Quality aftermarket acceptable |
| BMW, Mercedes, Audi | Often problematic | OEM recommended |
| Volkswagen, Volvo | Mixed results | OEM safer bet |
Honda and Toyota keys tend to accept quality aftermarket options. Ford requires specific programming. BMW, Mercedes, and Audi work best with OEMs because of complex security systems.
Should You Buy Car Keys Online?
People ask if they should buy a key fob online after seeing those $20 prices. The answer is usually no. Most cheap online key fobs don’t work despite claims they fit dozens of car models.
These keys arrive with vague instructions or none at all. Customer service doesn’t exist. You pay for shipping twice and still don’t have a working key. Then there’s the time spent dealing with returns and trying to program keys that won’t cooperate. Getting professional help means the job gets done right the first time.
When Cheap Keys Make Sense
Budget keys work as emergency spares for older vehicles. If you have a 2005 truck you use occasionally, a $40 key is fine. Some people buy cheap keys for valet use while keeping their good key safe.
The problems start when people expect cheap keys to work as daily drivers. A 2020 car with advanced features needs components that handle constant use. So are cheap car keys any good? It depends what you need them for.
Match Your Key to How You’ll Use It
| Your Situation | Best Option | Why |
| Daily driver, 2015 or newer | OEM | Works with all features reliably |
| Spare key, any year | Quality aftermarket | Costs less, used infrequently |
| Older car, pre-2010 | Quality aftermarket | Simpler systems, lower risk |
| Luxury or European car | OEM | Complex security systems |
| Valet or emergency backup | Budget aftermarket | Rarely used, basic function |
Think about your car’s age and how you’ll use the key. A 2008 sedan with basic keyless entry works fine with quality aftermarket. A 2022 SUV with all the features is worth the OEM investment. An $180 OEM key lasting five years beats buying three $60 aftermarket keys that fail every 18 months.
Best Places to Get Replacement Keys
Dealerships only sell OEM, which means reliability at premium prices. Independent locksmiths often sell OEM keys for less while offering the same quality. They also know which aftermarket brands work and which don’t.
Mobile services bring everything to you and test the key before you pay. Some locksmiths offer mobile key programming so you don’t have to go anywhere.
Making the Right Choice for Your Car
You get what you pay for with car keys. OEM keys work consistently and last. Quality aftermarket offers a middle ground. Cheap online keys usually create more problems than they solve.
Brand matters more than price with aftermarket options. Some $80 aftermarket keys outlast $200 OEM keys, while $30 online keys fail in weeks. Match the key to your needs and get it programmed correctly the first time. That saves both time and money.