Discover Faraday Bags: Do They Really Work?

Tech News

Have you ever wondered if your phone could be shielded from prying eyes and unwanted tracking? You’re not alone in feeling vulnerable. Imagine if there was a simple, effective way to protect your digital privacy. Today, we’re exploring that possibility together.

What You’ll Learn

How effective Faraday bags are in blocking various signals
Different types of Faraday bags and their cost-effectiveness
Alternative privacy solutions if Faraday bags aren’t your choice
Insights into whether a chips packet can protect your phone (Spoiler: It can’t!)

Testing The Faraday Bags

I embarked on a journey to test not one, but three Faraday bags, all varying in price and popularity. Additionally, I threw in an old wives’ tale solution — a chips packet! Before diving into each test, let’s unpack what a Faraday bag is designed to do. Ideally, it should block all signals — cell, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and even key fob signals. But let’s see for ourselves.

The bags tested were the Wver/Onver, Simcat, and the Mission Darkness Faraday bag. Prices ranged from around $6 to $25. Audience, prepare yourself as we journey through each product’s effectiveness!

Wi-Fi Connectivity Test

The experiment began with a standard Wi-Fi connection check. Using a tool called PingTools, I verified the data connectivity before placing the device into each Faraday bag, starting with the most expensive, Mission Darkness. It’s crucial for these bags to be sealed perfectly; otherwise, their purpose is defeated. Impressively, each bag, including the affordable Wver/Onver, succeeded in blocking Wi-Fi, rendering the device offline.

Bluetooth and NFC Tests

Moving onto Bluetooth, the results were identical. The connection was lost the moment our device was bagged, only to be regained upon removal. The NFC test echoed this outcome. Each bag effectively prevented my NFC tool from reading a card, confirming that NFC signals were also sufficiently blocked.

Cellular and Key Fob Signal Tests

Perhaps the most telling tests involved cellular signals and a car’s key fob. During a staged phone call, all three bags forced the call to voicemail — a clear indicator of successful signal blocking. The key fob experiment mirrored this, with the fob unable to perform its function while enclosed in the bags. These tests resoundingly showcased the bags’ ability to secure against various signal intrusions.

So in summary

So, there you have it! Faraday bags, regardless of the brand or price, effectively block an array of signals that keep you connected and functional in our digital world. Each bag tested proved its worth.

However, the convenience question stands — while these bags ensure privacy, they also cut off all communications, which might not be desirable for everyone all the time.

Checklist

Ensure your Faraday bag is sealed properly for effective use.
Consider your need for continuous connectivity versus moments needing privacy.
Explore alternative privacy solutions like privacy-focused cellular providers or secure phone operating systems if constant connectivity is essential.

FAQ

Do Faraday bags really block all wireless signals?

Yes, our tests confirm that Faraday bags block Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, cellular, and even key fob signals effectively when properly sealed.

Are all Faraday bags equally effective?

From the budget-friendly Wver/Onver to the pricier Mission Darkness, all tested bags provided robust signal blocking capabilities.

Can I use my phone while it’s inside a Faraday bag?

No, when your phone is inside a Faraday bag, all signal-based functions are disabled, providing privacy but limiting functionality.