Best Car Anti-Theft Devices

Crash Course:

• The best car anti-theft device in 2025 is the Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock. This wheel lock features full metal construction and will lock out your steering wheel and brakes when installed.
• While we prefer steering wheel locks, you can also secure your wheels and rims to prevent theft. RimGard Wheel Locks are the best products for this.
• It may also be worth investing in a Vyncs GPS tracker, which can monitor your vehicle’s location.

You’ve probably heard a car alarm go off. As aggravating as the sound might be, it serves a purpose: protecting a vehicle and its contents from those who might wish to steal them. Unfortunately, a car alarm isn’t enough to deter the shrewdest thieves. For this reason, our product team tested some of the best car anti-theft devices to supplement your vehicle’s security system.

Having an anti-theft device could be the difference between your vehicle remaining safe or being stolen. This review looks at the best car anti-theft devices and assess each one based on the installation process, ease of use, and design. We’ll also take factors such as price and general security into consideration.

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What Is the Best Anti-Theft Device for Cars?

After testing a range of different types of anti-theft devices for cars, we determined that the best car anti-theft device is the Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Brake Lock. However, the Rimgard Wheel Lock, The Club 3000 Steering Wheel Lock, the Tevlaphee Universal Wheel Lock, the Vyncs GPS tracker, and the Ticonn Faraday Bag are also excellent choices.

Anti-Theft Devices for Cars: Our Ratings

Each car anti theft device in this review was thoroughly tested and evaluated based on several categories, including ease of installation, ease of use, and design.

The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars. Each car anti-theft device’s ratings, including their overall ratings and awards from our team, are highlighted below:

For those interested in learning more, we’ve provided a detailed review of each of the best car anti-theft devices in the sections below:

1. Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Brake Lock: Best Car Anti-Theft Device

• Cost: $42
• Material: Alloy steel

Shiny, simplistic, and fully metal, the Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock aims to make your vehicle inoperable while parked. One end of this versatile device attaches to your car’s steering wheel, while the other end goes behind the clutch, accelerator, or brake pedal.

This is a great choice to quickly, easily, and inexpensively supplement your car’s security system. The Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock’s visibility makes it a potent deterrent to a would-be thief. Tevlaphee likes to advertise that you can also use the metal end of the rod that attaches as a pedal lock as a self-defense weapon against potentially violent car thieves.

You can see how the Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Brake Lock performed in each category below:

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Metal construction throughout
• Adjustable between 58.0 and 85.0 centimeters
• Comes with three sets of keys

Cons

• Difficult to lock and unlock

Our Experience

We managed to install the Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock in under one minute and were impressed by the rigidity of the design. It didn’t budge as we exerted force on the brake lock.

Our one gripe is that it can be difficult to lock and unlock the device, depending on the position of the keyhole. In some cars, the keyhole can be right up against the bottom of the dashboard console and difficult to access. The keys also felt fairly cheap.

For its overall effectiveness and simplicity, we gave the device 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 (approx. 5,200 ratings)

A number of positive reviews report that the wheel lock goes on easily and fits most vehicles. Most people claim to use this lock as a deterrent, recognizing that a steering wheel lock alone is not a perfect anti-theft solution.

There are some comments from vehicle owners who say that this lock didn’t fit their car very well. It is not possible to determine if this is due to the device or user error, but there are enough of these comments to suggest this doesn’t work well with all vehicles. Unfortunately, not every reviewer claiming a poor fit referenced their specific vehicle, but some do. Jeep Cherokee, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Kia Sportage, and FIAT 500L are some vehicles owned by those claiming the Tevlaphee didn’t fit their vehicle.

2. Rimgard Wheel Lock: Best Wheel Anti-Theft Device

• Cost: $390
• Material: Powder-coated aluminum

The Rimgard Wheel Lock is the most effective anti-theft device we tested, but also the most expensive. We don’t list it as our first pick for this review because the Rimgard is not designed to prevent car theft on its own. Instead, this device fits over your lugnuts to prevent anyone from stealing your tires, serving as an additional mode of security for your vehicle.

Even when your car is locked and protected with anti-theft devices, it doesn’t take extensive know-how for a thief to remove your tires. With the right tools, a car tire can be removed in minutes. The Rimgard prevents tire theft by covering your lug nuts. With the Rimgard installed, rather than a few silent seconds with an impact wrench, a tire thief would need an angle grinder and considerable time and effort to make off with your wheels. The product is certified by the Swedish Theft Prevention Association, a well-regarded security nonprofit in the country where Rimgard is headquartered. 

You can see how the Rimgard Wheel Lock performed in each category below:

Below are the pros and cons of the Rimgard Wheel Lock:

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast and easy installation
• Extremely effective
• Certified by the Swedish Theft Prevention Association

Cons

• Only protects wheels
• Must remove when you replace your tires

Our Experience

The Rimgard installation process varies slightly depending on the vehicle’s make and model. We tested our Rimgard on a Honda Accord. The installation steps are detailed in a video on the Rimgard website. In our experience, it took about three minutes to attach a Rimgard to one wheel and about fifteen minutes to secure all four.

Installing the Rimgard doesn’t even require any tools except for an included Allen wrench. Once attached, the device is very low-profile. While it doesn’t provide any visual theft deterrent, it’s a subtle way to add anti-theft protection to your vehicle and could easily pass unnoticed.

We didn’t attempt to break through this device with an angle grinder, but it’s obvious that any attempt to remove the Rimgard through brute force would generate considerable noise. Rimgard is certified by the Swedish Theft Prevention Association and has been thoroughly tested by Thatcham Research, an independent organization that conducts tests and research in automotive safety and security.

Aside from the relatively high price (which is less than it would cost to replace four tires), the primary downside of the Rimgard is that it impedes your ability to remove your tires. It’s important to keep the key and Allen wrench used to remove the Rimgard in your vehicle, in case you need to change your tire. Removing the Rimgard is not difficult or time-consuming, but if you happen to lose your key, you’ll be in trouble.

What Customers Are Saying

Trustpilot review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (approx. 700 ratings)

Rimgard products aren’t sold on Amazon and don’t have a review score on that site. However, the company is rated on Trustpilot, with more than 700 reviews. Most comment that the Rimgard is easy to install and fits perfectly. One person even had just about everything on their vehicle stolen except the wheels:

“[Thieves] stole the whole car [… I] recovered the car with the new radar module missing, airbags gone, computer modules missing […] They even took my Rimgard tools, but my rims and wheels are still here.” – Bobby W. via Trustpilot

This review also perfectly illustrates our point about this device being an excellent additional security mechanism. Do not purchase these wheel locks alone and assume the rest of your car is protected. Couple this product with some of the other anti-theft devices on this list and your car is virtually impenetrable. 

3. The Club 3000: Best Car Club Anti-Theft Device

• Cost: $35
• Material: Alloy steel

If subtle isn’t a word in your vocabulary, you’ll probably appreciate The Club 3000 Twin Hooks Steering Wheel Lock. With a yellow paint job reminiscent of a character from “The Simpsons,” The Club is as much a visual deterrent as a physical one.

The Club 300 attaches to your steering wheel, and the elongated bar makes it impossible to fully turn the car. The Club effectively makes the car undrivable if a break-in occurs.

The Club Wheel Lock is best suited for a driver who wants a deterrent someone will see from at least a few feet away. While the device performs similarly to the Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock, it has a slightly quicker installation—if you remember to turn your wheel properly.

You can see how The Club 3000 performed in each category below:

Below are the pros and cons of The Club 3000:

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Universal fit for cars, SUVs, and vans
• Self-locking feature
• Designed to be resistant to sawing, prying, and other removal efforts

Cons

• Slightly lacking on build quality

Our Experience

Testing The Club out was simple. The device fit the steering wheel of our car with some minor adjustments, although we did notice the keys felt a little stiff in the keyhole. One thing to note about this product is it’s most effective when you leave your steering wheel at an angle.

Our review team wasn’t entirely impressed with The Club’s build quality, as the metal had a flimsier feel than the Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock. We awarded The Club 4.0 stars.

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 (approx. 10,000 ratings)

Many people like how easy The Club is to use and its relatively affordable price. It is noted to be durable and a highly-visible deterrent. For most, this device fits well, though there are some comments from those who weren’t able to install it properly. Again, it’s not clear if this is due to the device or user error, but specific vehicles mentioned that did not fit this device are the Subaru Forester and Lexus NX 300.

As with any steering wheel lock, the Club is a deterrent, but does not offer perfect protection. Some have had their vehicle’s stolen after thieves were able to bend or break the device. So it’s a good idea to have backup security like a GPS tracker. This will not prevent theft, but may help you recover your vehicle after a theft occurs.

4. Tevlaphee Wheel Lock: Best Anti-Theft Wheel Boot

• Cost: $31
• Material: Steel

Perhaps creating the illusion you’re seriously overdue on parking tickets can double as a theft deterrent. If you’re comfortable with that image, the Tevlaphee Universal Wheel Lock might be a great security device for you.

A security tire clamp is as simple as it gets when it comes to an anti-theft system, but it’s hard to argue with its effectiveness. It works by clamping onto one of your wheels and making it impossible to fully rotate. It is also highly visible thanks to bright yellow and red paint.

The Tevlaphee Wheel Lock is a product for the unabashed car owner who doesn’t mind going the extra mile to secure their vehicle. If you don’t mind getting on your hands and knees to install this every time you park, it’s a good choice for peace of mind.

You can see how the Tevlaphee Wheel Lock performed in each category below:

Below are the pros and cons of the Tevlaphee Wheel Lock:

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Three sets of keys
• Fits motorcycles, cars, RVs, and trucks
• Rubber-tipped ends to protect steering wheel

Cons

• Less convenient design compared to steering wheel locks
• Difficult to install and remove from vehicle

Our Experience

The Tevlaphee Universal Wheel Lock was by far the easiest exterior automotive theft deterrent our review team installed. The locking mechanism worked smoothly, and we found the device very adjustable.

We docked the device points because it requires you to get on the ground in some capacity to install it. That might be a dealbreaker for some people, but we still gave the product 4 stars.

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 (approx. 4,300 ratings)

Customers write glowing reviews about this wheel lock’s ease of installation and versatility. It is highly durable and fits most vehicle wheels. It is not ideal for golf carts or trailers, however.

The primary complaint about this item is that the lock can rust over time, getting more difficult to use. This is especially the case in wet environments. Another downside to this lock is that it doesn’t seem to use unique keys. One reviewer noted that they bought two of these and the same keys worked for both. While a potential thief may be unlikely to have this key on hand, it does present a security vulnerability.

5. Vyncs GPS Tracker: Best Anti-Theft Car Tracking Device

• Cost: $80

If your car is stolen, there usually isn’t much you can do besides contact law enforcement. The Vyncs GPS Tracker hopes to change that. This tracking device plugs into your car’s OBD2 port and tells you your vehicle’s location in real-time. It also reads vehicle diagnostics, estimates fuel economy, and more.

Vyncs tracking requires a $39.99 activation fee for the first year of service. After the first year, the service is then renewed annually for around $80 instead of a monthly fee. If you have a valuable vehicle and want to enhance an existing recovery system, the Vyncs GPS Tracker is a smart choice.

You can see how the Vyncs GPS Tracker performed in each category below:

Below are the pros and cons of the Vyncs GPS Tracker:

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Real-time GPS tracking
• Reads engine codes, battery voltage, and fuel economy
• Offers optional 24/7 roadside assistance

Cons

• Long setup time
• High subscription and activation fees

Our Experience

The Vyncs GPS Tracker proved to be a feature-laden little gadget during our tests. Setting it up can be laborious as you must complete several steps to create and register an account. But once that was handled, we liked how easy the smartphone app and website were to navigate.

The Vyncs GPS Tracker is very easy to install and remove, but the latter can also be done by a savvy criminal. The device doesn’t do much to stop your car from being stolen, so we gave it only 3.5 stars.

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon review score: 4.0 out of 5.0 (approx. 7,300 ratings)

Based on customer reviews, the most common usage for the Vyncs GPS tracker is to monitor the driving behavior of their teen children. However, it is also used by those who want to monitor their vehicles in case of theft. It works well for both.

However, there are some recurring complaints. According to the product page on Amazon, the Vyncs does not require a monthly fee. Reviewers took this to mean no subscription fee whatsoever, but the Vyncs does require an annual fee, so the claim of “no monthly fees” felt misleading.

The other complaint is that the Vyncs app doesn’t update instantly, with a lag that makes the live-monitoring feature less useful. While this makes it more difficult to monitor someone in real time, it doesn’t impact the device’s ability to locate your vehicle after a theft.

6. Ticonn Faraday Bag: Best Faraday Bag for Car Keys

• Cost: $15
• Material: Carbon fiber textured material

Keyless entry has become incredibly commonplace in car designs. While this is a convenience for car owners, it’s possible for a thief to duplicate the radio frequency a key fob emits, leaving your car at risk.

Ticonn aims to counteract this problem with its Faraday bag, which blocks out electromagnetic waves within a specific enclosure. Ticonn has replicated this on a smaller scale to keep someone from scanning car keys.

The Ticonn Faraday Bag is a good choice if you’re happy with the security devices installed by your car’s manufacturer. The bag is very portable and fits on most keychains, or you can easily store it in a purse or bag.

You can see how the Ticonn Faraday Bag performed in each category below:

Below are the pros and cons of the Ticonn Faraday Bag:

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Comes with two Faraday cages
• 3.5-inch x 5.0-inch bags
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Easy to use incorrectly
• Not a strong theft deterrent

Our Experience

There’s no debating the Faraday bag works. Our review team placed a key fob in the bag, stood next to the vehicle, and tried to depress as many buttons on the fob as possible. The car remained dead quiet for the entire test.

While this feature scored relatively highly on our testing criteria, we placed the Ticonn Faraday Bag lower on this list because it isn’t the strongest deterrent to someone stealing your car, and it isn’t inherently useful for all vehicle owners. If someone is close enough to clone your keys, they’re likely close enough to swipe them off you.

During testing, we made a common mistake that many Amazon customers mentioned in their reviews. The bag has several pockets not lined with signal-blocking materials, and it’s fairly easy to place your key in the wrong portion of the pouch. Considering all this, we gave the Ticonn Faraday Bag 3.5 stars.

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon review score: 4.3 out of 5.0 (approx. 19,000 ratings)

The reviews for the Ticonn Faraday bag mostly mention the size or its effectiveness. All feel it is suitably large to hold keys, and can even hold credit cards. However, this is a downside for some people, who would prefer a smaller packet to better fit their pockets.

Many reviewers are pleased with how well this Faraday bag works. A number have posted videos showing their vehicles failing to start with the key in the Faraday bag, even when it is right next to the ignition.

However, there are some reviewers who claim that this bag did not block the signal from their key. These reviews are in the minority, and it is possible these users weren’t using the bag properly. There are two pockets, one that blocks the keyfob transmission and one that does not, and it’s easy to get them confused. That said, there were enough of these comments to suggest that either some of the bags do not work.

Car Anti-Theft Devices Buying Guide

How you theft-proof your car will differ depending on the protections you already have in place from the manufacturer and what you believe is appropriate for your vehicle. Below are a few things to consider before making a purchase.

How Many Stolen Vehicles Are Reported Every Year?

While some cars may be easier targets than others, recent data shows an uptick in vehicle thefts.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), estimated vehicle thefts have regularly increased by tens of thousands of vehicles every year since 2019, hitting over 1 million cars reported stolen in 2023. The U.S. saw the highest number of vehicle thefts in 2008 at 1.05 million reported thefts, per NICB data.

“We are seeing vehicle theft numbers that we haven’t seen in nearly 15 years, and there is very little deterrent to stop criminals from committing these acts as they are just property crimes, like shoplifting,” NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe stated in a news release.

The NICB reports that starting in June 2020, the United States experienced a 13 percent year-over-year increase in auto thefts. This worrying trend continued into and throughout 2021 as most states reported more incidents than the previous year, according to the organization.

The non-profit also says many major metropolitan areas are dealing with an upswing in carjackings, meaning the victim was threatened with or experienced bodily injury. While those numbers may cause anxiety, the best way to deal with car theft once a vehicle is stolen is to contact law enforcement. If your comprehensive car insurance policy covers theft, file a claim with your insurance company.

Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?

While having an anti-theft device on your car might offer some peace of mind, some auto insurance policies cover vehicles in the event of theft or vandalism. The insurance company will reimburse you the actual cash value (ACV) of your car, minus the deductible, if you have a theft claim.

Most states don’t require comprehensive coverage, but an auto lender may require you to add it to your auto insurance policy if you’re financing your car. If you’re wondering whether your car insurance covers theft, review your policy information to make sure.

How To Prevent Car Theft

If you believe your car alarm system doesn’t offer enough protection, the best option may be to try multiple devices. Having more than one deterrent improves car security by increasing the obstacles a thief must bypass.

A secondary car alarm, kill switch, or tracking system paired with a primary deterrent such as a wheel lock can help prevent your car from being stolen. Ultimately, the amount of theft prevention you invest in will likely depend on how much you value your car.

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Best Car Anti-Theft Devices: Bottom Line

After testing a range of car anti-theft devices, we’ve compiled a list of some aftermarket products we feel can help protect your vehicle from theft. Of course, a dedicated burglar may be able to bypass any anti-theft system, given enough time. That said, the following products will deter potential thieves by making your vehicle a harder target:

1. Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Brake Lock: Best Car Anti-Theft Device
2. Rimgard Wheel Lock: Best Wheel Anti-Theft Device
3. The Club 3000: Best Car Club Anti-Theft Device
4. Tevlaphee Wheel Lock: Best Anti-Theft Wheel Boot
5. Vyncs GPS Tracker: Best Anti-Theft Car Tracking Device
6. Ticonn Faraday Bag: Best Faraday Bag for Car Keys

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Anti-Theft Device For Car: FAQ

Below are some common frequently asked questions about car anti-theft devices:

Full Car Anti-Theft Device Testing Methodology

We tested the best car anti-theft devices by following each manufacturer’s installation instructions. Another factor we considered is how well each product withstood the level of abuse required for someone to steal a vehicle. Items that were easily removed, had a lower standard of build quality, or garnered concerning customer reviews were placed lower on this list. Below are the most important factors we identified while testing:

Ease of Installation

Properly equipping each product to keep thieves from tampering with your vehicle shouldn’t befuddle motorists seeking extra safety. We prioritized products that made the installation process clear and straightforward.

Ease of Use

A wheel lock, tire lock, or other anti-theft device that proved portable and easy to assemble (when required) also earned high marks from our testing team.

Design

Manufacturers that used high-quality components to make their products more durable, or innovative methods to better protect a vehicle, scored better in our testing process.

How We Score Products

The assumption behind each product our team reviews is that it will, at a base level, be able to complete the assigned task it is designed for. Each product starts at a score of 3.0 stars (which indicates average acceptable performance), and our team then awards or docks points based on testing, price, and other characteristics of the design. 

• 5.0 Stars: The anti-theft device was impossible to remove once implemented, was effortless to use, and outpaced the competitors in terms of product design. 
• 4.0 Stars: The anti-theft device proved incredibly difficult to remove or workaround, the installation was speedy, and included design features that improved user experience/improved performance. 
• 3.0 Stars: The car anti-theft device posed a serious obstacle for a would-be thief, installing it took only a few minutes, and the design was effective. 
• 2.0 Stars: The device was bypassed quickly or with some effort, installing it was laborious, or it lacked helpful design features. 
• 1.0 Star: The device was disabled quickly or failed, installation was complex, or it lacked helpful design features. 

Why Trust Automoblog

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

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*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.