What's the difference?
An original key comes from the car maker's supplier. An aftermarket key is made by another company to work with the car. Quality ranges from excellent to useless.
Cloned keys
Some keys are made by copying the data from your existing key instead of adding a new key to the car. Both keys start the car and open the doors by keyless, but the remote buttons can act up when both keys are in use. We've tried both approaches and generally recommend adding an original key properly.
When aftermarket is fine
- Plain transponder keys and many remote keys
- Older cars where originals are expensive or discontinued
- A budget spare
When we suggest the original
- Smart keys on newer cars
- Models where aftermarket keys are known to be unreliable
- Cars that accept only original keys, such as some Hyundai hybrids
Warranty
Original keys we supply are covered for 3 years, aftermarket keys we supply for 1 year, and our programming for 3 years. Keys you supply aren't covered. See warranty terms.
Written by the Keyhub Locksmith team, a mobile car locksmith in Marietta, GA. Updated October 23, 2026.