Are OEM Mazda Key Fobs Better Than Aftermarket?

When you need a new key fob, the first decision to make is whether to get an OEM or aftermarket fob.

OEM key fobs are the ones that came with your Mazda when you bought it. OEM replacement fobs can be pricey to get from a dealership. That's what makes aftermarket key fobs very attractive. They usually cost much less than OEM key fobs. Yet, not all aftermarket key fobs are created equal. Often times, aftermarket key fobs don't always work exactly the way they should. Which raises the question of whether aftermarket key fobs are even worth the initial savings you'll get.

That's where this guide comes in. We'll compare the benefits of OEM key fobs versus aftermarket key fobs. This may help you make an informed decision on which one to buy.

Price Comparison

When it comes to cost, there are significant differences between OEM and aftermarket key fobs. If you're on a budget, you may feel tempted to buy cheaper aftermarket key fobs.

OEM key fobs are usually more expensive upfront because they only come from Mazda. Aftermarket key fob prices can go as low as $50. OEM prices can go up to $300 or even higher. That's a pretty big difference.

What some Mazda owners don't know is that you can score pretty great prices for OEM key fobs online. We're an authorized seller of genuine OEM Mazda parts, and we offer rock bottom prices. You can save about 30% on a brand new OEM key fob by ordering from us. Look up your Mazda model in our catalog of key fobs to see if we have one for your car.

OEM Key Fobs Are A Much Better Investment Than Aftermarket Key Fobs

So OEM key fobs don't always have to be expensive. We have plenty of great deals on new OEM key fobs for your Mazda. Even if you find an aftermarket key fob that's cheaper than one of our OEM key fobs, it's unlikely to deliver more value for your money.

OEM key fobs are a much better investment. They're made by the same manufacturer who manufactured your vehicle. They're just as reliable as your car. It's not uncommon for OEM key fobs to last 15 years or longer.

That's why it makes sense to buy only genuine OEM replacement key fobs for your Mazda. Aftermarket key fobs may be cheaper, but they don't offer the same level of reliability and durability as OEM key fobs do.

OEM Key Fobs Have All The Right Features And Functions

Image Credit: Mazdas247

The features that come with OEM key fobs are one area where they far outshine aftermarket ones. Aftermarket fobs are not guaranteed to have all the features your Mazda key fob should have.

All OEM fobs are designed to OE specs. You can't say the same about aftermarket key fobs.

Some of the most common features OEM key fobs have are trunk releases, panic button, car finder, and keyless entry. Yet, some aftermarket key fobs don't have all those functions.

Many aftermarket fobs are not equipped with all the necessary features to fully function as a replacement for your old Mazda key fob.

Aftermarket Key Fobs May Not Be Compatible With Your Car

Many OEM key fobs use 315MHz frequency. Many aftermarket key fobs use a different frequency. For example, some use 433MHz frequency. If your vehicle is compatible with 315MHz frequency, you wouldn't be able to use any key fob with a different frequency. It's best to play it safe and get a genuine OEM key fob. It's guaranteed to have the right frequency to be compatible with your car.

OEM Key Fobs Are Made With Quality Materials That Will Last Long

It's in Mazda's own best interests to provide its customers with quality OEM parts. It's one of the company's ways to build customer loyalty. All OEM Mazda parts, such as shocks, are made with top quality materials. That includes key fobs. They'll last long and will probably never break under normal conditions.

This is not always the case with aftermarket key fobs.

Some aftermarket key fobs are made with inferior materials that may break sooner than you would expect. A broken key fob can be quite inconvenient.

Conclusion

Even though OEM key fobs may cost more than aftermarket key fobs (but not always), they deliver a lot more value. For one, they're made with better materials. They also come with all the right features your Mazda key fob should have.

So OEM key fobs are absolutely worth the investment. Aftermarket key fobs? Not so much.