HID 1346 ProxKey III Proximity Key Fob (25 Pack)

The Verdict

If your office runs on HID proximity readers — and most corporate buildings, hospitals, and gated communities do — you already know the pain of buying replacement fobs. The OEM versions from your security integrator cost $15–$25 apiece. This 25-pack of genuine HID 1346 ProxKey III fobs undercuts that dramatically on a per-unit basis, which is why it’s the go-to restock for facilities managers who’ve done this dance before.

What’s actually in the box

You get 25 individually packaged HID 1346 ProxKey III fobs. Each is a standard 125kHz proximity credential — the industry workhorse frequency, not the newer (and pricier) 13.56MHz smart card tech. They measure about 1.6" x 1.1" x 0.15" and weigh next to nothing. The classic HID blue-and-white casing is intact, with the HID logo and “ProxKey III” branding molded into the plastic.

These arrive blank and unprogrammed. That’s the point — you encode them with your own facility’s credentials using whatever programming hardware your access control system already uses. No proprietary lock-in, no activation fees.

Real-world performance and build

The ProxKey III has been HID’s entry-level fob for over two decades, and there’s a reason it hasn’t been retired. The ABS plastic shell is tough. I’ve seen these things survive years on janitorial keyrings, get run through washing machines, and take daily abuse from maintenance crews. The internal coil and chip are potted — sealed against moisture and minor physical shock.

Read range is typical for 125kHz proximity: about 2–4 inches depending on your reader and mounting surface. If you’re expecting tap-and-go like modern smart cards, you’ll be disappointed. This is older tech — you have to physically present the fob to the reader. But for door access, it’s reliable, and the read is nearly instantaneous.

One buyer noted: “These are the exact same fobs our security contractor charges $18 each for. Programmed them in about 10 minutes with our existing setup.” Another mentioned: “Bought these to replace worn-out fobs for a 200-person office. Zero read failures in six months of use.”

Where it falls short

Honest tradeoffs, because there are always some:

• No keyring hole. The 1346 form factor is a solid rectangle with no pre-drilled attachment point. If you want these on lanyards or keychains, you’ll need to drill a small hole — doable but annoying, and it voids any warranty.
• No visual indicator. There’s no LED or beeper on the fob itself. You won’t get feedback that the read worked unless your reader has its own light/sound.
• The 25-pack math. If you only need 5 fobs for a small office, this bundle is still cheaper per unit than buying singles, but you’re tying up $50+ in inventory you won’t touch for months.

Who should buy this

• Facilities managers at mid-to-large offices who maintain a stock of blank credentials for new hires and lost-fob replacements
• Security integrators who install or service HID-based access control systems and need a reliable bulk source
• Property managers of gated communities or multi-tenant buildings using HID readers
• Anyone with an existing HID proximity system who’s tired of paying $15+ per fob from their vendor

Skip it if you need smart-card functionality (like multi-factor or contactless payment integration), or if you have a non-HID reader system — these won’t work with AWID, EM, or other proprietary protocols without a compatible reader.

FAQ

Q: Are these fobs programmable with any HID system? A: Yes, they’re compatible with any HID proximity reader operating at 125kHz. Programming requires a compatible encoder or your access control software’s credential management feature. If you’re unsure, your security vendor can confirm compatibility in minutes.

Q: What’s the difference between this and an HID ProxCard II? A: The ProxKey III is a fob (keychain-sized), while the ProxCard II is a credit-card-sized credential. Both use the same 125kHz proximity technology and work with the same readers. The fob is more durable and easier to carry; the card is easier to badge with a photo.

Q: Can I clone or copy these fobs? A: 125kHz proximity fobs are generally cloneable with specialized hardware, which is a known security limitation. For higher-security applications, you’d want HID’s iCLASS or Seos smart-card line. For standard office door access, the ProxKey III is the accepted industry standard.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You manage HID proximity access and want genuine, reliable credentials at a fraction of vendor prices. The per-unit cost drops to roughly $3–4 per fob, and they perform identically to what your integrator sells for 4–5x more.

Skip it if: You need contactless smart-card features, have a non-HID reader system, or only need 2–3 fobs — in that case, just buy singles and save the storage space.

Rating: 4.6/5 — Deducting half a star for the missing keyring hole and the lack of any visual feedback on the fob itself. But for the core job — getting people through doors reliably, day after day — this pack is the smartest money you’ll spend on access control this year.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.