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12 keychain gadgets worth carrying every day (and why they're worth it)
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ZDNET's team of editors and reviewers has tested dozens of gadgets and gizmos over the years. From junk drawer heroes to tiny gear packed with purpose, we've found that the very best gadgets can help upgrade your daily routine and lifestyle -- and what better way to do so than by elevating your everyday carry items with your keychain.
Also: One of these 13 gadgets could be the hero your junk drawer needs
From tiny blades to staple essentials like flashlights, here's every gadget we think is perfect for keeping on your keys -- and why.
The keychain gadgets worth carrying everywhere
ZDNET's veteran gadget reviewer Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says this bizarre keychain flashlight is one of his most useful tools, and that it's perfect for everyday carry. It's built with toughness and simplicity in mind -- pull off the magnetic base, and you'll activate a strong, 90-foot beam of light. It's also built to IPX6 standards, which means it is resistant to rain, splashes, and water jets, along with drops of up to 5 feet.
Also: I dropped my old keychain tool in the sea and replaced it with the Olight iUltra
The pocket-sized She's Birdie is a personal safety alarm with a built-in, wildly loud siren. I've carried this on my keychain for almost 7 years, and it's a great investment for college students, parents with small children, older adults, and more, but for about $30, I recommend everyone scoop one up.
When the top pin of the Birdie is pulled out, a 130db siren sounds and a strobe light flashes for up to 40 minutes. To put that in perspective, a 130db sound is equivalent to a jackhammer and nearly equal to the sound of a jet engine in the distance, according to the Hearing Health Foundation.
Also: My favorite personal safety alarm is as loud as a jackhammer
This teeny box cutter from slice comes in a basic iteration or a heavier stainless steel model for a few dollars more. It has a tiny ceramic blade for slicing boxes and mail, and is a great addition to your keyring.
Need a compact cord to keep 24/7? Nomad's ChargeKey V2 fits the bill, and ZDNET writer Cesar Cadenas says it's uber useful. It provides charging speeds up to 240W for laptops and data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps. It's the perfect addition to your keys.
Also: This $30 keychain accessory is way more useful than half the gadgets I tested last yea
Prone to pesky bug bites? Heat It could be for you. It's a little gadget that plugs into your phone (it's available in USB-C or Lightning adapters) and delivers a warming zap that's supposed to quell itchiness from bug bites. Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says it could make a difference if you're an outdoorsy person, and as someone who also owns one, I can confirm that it works. It also can be added to your keyring for bug-bite relief anywhere.
Also: This USB-C accessory gave my iPhone and Android a surprisingly useful functionality
This keychain knife is not only great for breaking down boxes, but it also features a bottle opener, screwdriver, and pry tool. It's made of stainless steel and looks sleek on a keyring.
In 2026, you need to take steps to stay safe online. Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has relied on the Yubico YubiKey to keep his passwords and personal info protected. "While passkeys offer much more security, sometimes, having a physical dongle that you have to use to authenticate that you are actually you is the way to go," he says.
Also: The security gadget I never leave home without (and it's not an AirTag)
The Mini iSesamo is durable, flexible, and surprisingly capable. You can use it to pry things open (or for a multitude of other things), and it's just the right size for attaching to a keyring.
Also: This $12 gadget quietly became the most useful thing on my keychain
Gadgeteer Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says, "after nearly three years of daily use, the KeySmart AirTag holder has held up impressively." It's still one of his favorites for its form and function.
Also: This AirTag accessory completes my lineup of keychain gadgets (and it's very durable)