Best Faraday Bags To Keep Your Electronics Safe

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Faraday bags are a necessity today and here’s why you need one. You lock your door to your home or car when you leave to protect your valuables and keep intruders out.

Your devices, like your cell phone, tablet, and laptop contain personal and valuable information that needs to be protected and locked from intruders too.

electronic signal hackersHackers don’t need to physically have your device in order to break into it. Your data can be hacked anywhere you are and you won’t know it until it is too late.

Your phone, tablet, and other electronic devices are vulnerable to wireless threats, malicious attacks, malware, and tracking.

Faraday bags also protect you by blocking harmful EMF radiation and from your devices.

Best Faraday Bag Buying Guide

Faraday bags come in a range of sizes, for small devices to extra large items like solar panels and generators.

To save you time researching the best options, I have organized my top choices by category to get you the best signal blocking bag for your protection and privacy.

Quick Picks

After testing dozens of Faraday bags across every category, these are the products I actually recommend. Each one has been verified to block signals completely and offers the best combination of performance, durability, and value in its category.

  1. Phones: Mission Darkness Non-Window 2-Pack
  2. Key Fobs: Lanpard Key Fob Faraday Cage Protector
  3. Laptops: Mission Darkness Non-Window Faraday Laptop Bag
  4. Backpacks: OffGrid by EDEC Backpack
  5. EMP Protection: Faraday Defense Nest-Z EMP 10 Piece Kit

Top Faraday Bags for Cell Phones

Your cell phone is on you all the time, exposing you to constant EMFs. It also tracks your movements (even in airplane mode) and contains your personal and confidential information.

If you’re going with any shielding product, one for your smartphone is the most important.

1. Silent Pocket Faraday Smartphone Sleeve

Silent Pocket Faraday Smartphone SleeveThe Silent Pocket sleeve is the on I use every day for my cell phone, so it makes sense it’s my number one recommended product.

SLNT uses a patented Silent Pocket Cage technology with multishield. It will block all RF signals (5G and all cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, GPs, etc.) from reaching your device.

I have the leather option which looks and feels expensive. You can tell it’s a high quality pouch although looking at it you’d have no idea what it’s capable of. It also comes in a bunch of different colors of nylon.

It fits my phone well (there are two sizes) and doesn’t look like a bulky bag. I like that it has a second pocket to hold my banking and credit cards, protecting them from hacking too.

It’s used by military, Law Enforcement, and other big wigs to protect their handheld devices and technology. That’s a good enough testimonial for me.

Testing it Out – When my cell is in the pouch I cannot get calls, emails, texts etc. My wife tried to find my location and could not. It definitely does what it’s supposed to and gives me peace of mind.

I think it’s the best looking cell phone Faraday bag currently on the market.

2. Mission Darkness Non-Window Faraday Bag

Mission Darkness Non-WindowThe Mission Darkness Non-Window Faraday Bag is my second recommendation for shielding smartphones.

Compared to SLNT’s faraday pouch, it’s much cheaper. I feel it looks cheaper too but it gets the job done and if you’re just putting it in your backpack or bag, who cares, right?

It’s flexible and has a unique serial number. The outer layer is ballistic nylon, making it really durable, water resistant, and abrasion resistant. It should last you a long time.

I have a spare phone stored in one in case of an EMP.

Testing it Out – It comes with a tester app. Definitely no signal penetrated the bag when I tested it or with regular use. I can’t connect a call or pair to Bluetooth.

Cons – I’m not a fan of the velcro closure (SLNT’s is magnetic and I prefer that). I feel it’ll break down faster, it’s loud and just annoying.

Faraday Backpacks

Anti-hacking Backpacks are a great choice for shielding your laptop and tablet. It’s also a really secure option when travelling.

I recommend this type of bag to anyone that uses public transportation or takes their laptop regularly in crowded public places.

1. OffGrid by EDEC Backpack

OffGrid by EDEC BackpackOffGrid’s Faraday backpack is my favorite because it looks like a normal backpack, with lots of pockets. It’s really discreet yet inside there are multiple multi-layered shielding pockets, blocking all RF signals.

There’s a pocket for your laptop, tablet, mobile device, and a small one for your key fob and cards.

I’m an organized guy. I don’t want everything thrown in to a large pocket, especially my electronics. So this really works for me.

It also has a hardshell case for glasses and a hidden pocket. I really love this bag. It has lots of space but is not bulky or heavy. It’s great for day to day use.

Cons: I wouldn’t recommend this bag for serious off-grid all weather conditions although it does come with a rain cover.

2. Mission Darkness Dry Shield Faraday Backpack

Dry Shield BackpackThe top of the line Faraday backpack is the Mission Darkness Dry Shield backpack.

This is a serious military-grade tactical backpack. It has a 40L capacity and flexes to hold bulkier electronics and belongings. It is waterproof, dirt proof, soundproof?, snow proof, contaminant proof, and of course signal proof.

With two layers of TitanRF fabric, no communication can penetrate this bag. It protects against data theft, GPS location tracking, and provides you with digital privacy. It also keeps you safe from EMPs and any EMFs from your electronic devices.

This backpack features:

  • Adjustable straps and breathable padding for long-term comfort
  • Detachable and customizable unshielded MOLLE pouches
  • MOLLE Webbing on three sides
  • Roll and clip dry bag closure

I love this bag for the superior quality and detail. I also like that you can protect your laptop, tablet, cellphone, key fob, and more all in one hack-proof, track-proof, signal-blocking bag.

3. Silent Pocket Faraday Waterproof Backpack

SLNT Waterproof BackpackThe SLNT Faraday backpack is my favorite everyday signal-blocking and EMF-protecting bag.

With a sleek, stylish design, no one will realize you have a Faraday cage with Multishield Faraday Shielding technology on your back. It has a 20L capacity, can hold large laptops, tablets, and most electronic devices.

Tested and certified, this technology is MIL‐STD‐188‐125‐2 Compliant, based on Department Of Defense Standard High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse Protection Testing. It blocks all wireless signals, giving you digital privacy.

The SLNT backpack features:

  • Two closure openings
  • Zippered RFID stash pocket
  • Duraflex UTX buckles and padded straps
  • RF welded seams and high-tension thread

Highly reviewed, and used by Homeland Security, Special Operations, Military, Law Enforcement, and Business Leaders, I’d say it’s a top choice for you to use as well.

SLNT also has an entire line of Faraday products, including wallets, laptop sleeves, key cases, bags, etc.

Best Faraday Laptop Bags

Your laptop contains important private and personal information, and for many of us, work documents as well.

You have anti-hacking and malware security on your computer, now it’s time to add an additional layer of security for your laptop.

1. Mission Darkness Non-Window Faraday Laptop Bag

Mission Darkness Non-Window Faraday Laptop BagMy top recommendation for a wireless signal and radiation-blocking laptop bag is the Mission Darkness Non-Window Faraday Laptop Bag.

It is military-grade, like all Mission Darkness products, made for military and law enforcement. Designed with two layers of TitanRF Faraday fabric to block all RF signals (Wifi, Cellular, 5G, Bluetooth, radio, GPS, RFID).

This bag features:

  • Universal size to fit extra large laptops (measures 21.5x15x0.1”)
  • Transparent pockets on the back
  • Secure double roll and velcro closure
  • Made of durable, water-resistant ballistic nylon outer layer
  • Comes with a serial number for asset tracking

Faraday EMP Kits For Electronics

Here are my recommendations for the best multiple piece Faraday kits

1. Faraday Defense Nest-Z EMP 10 Piece Kit

FaradayDefense Nest-Z EMP 10 Piece KitThe Faraday Defense Nest-Z EMP kits are designed to “nest” smaller Faraday bags into larger ones. You can’t make Faraday material thicker, as it becomes breakable and loses its pliability, which makes it lose its blocking ability.

These kits are designed for added protection against EMP or HEMP attacks, giving you multiple metallic layers of Faraday fabric between static electricity devices and your microchip and electronics.

Made of two layers of metal, 5 ply MIL-SPEC Electro-Shielding with a moisture barrier and heavy duty zip lock closure, the bags come in multiple sizes (2 5×7”, 3 8×10”, and 2 12×18”).

I would not use these on their own as a replacement for a Faraday bag. They’re not meant for that. The purpose is to use them in layers to store your electronics devices.

You can also buy Faraday Defense kits in 5 piece, 15, 20, and 40 pieces.

Best Key Fob Anti-Theft Pouch

Pouches for your key fobs are such an inexpensive way to prevent car theft.

Car thieves can wirelessly steal command codes from your key fob from inside your home, pocket, or purse. They transmit that signal to another person waiting near the car, tricking your vehicle into thinking the actual key is there.

This allows them to break in or even steal your car. A simple shielding pouch will block thieves from accessing your vehicle.

1. Lanpard Key Fob Faraday Cage Protector

Lanpard Key Fob Faraday Cage ProtectorWith over 24 thousand reviews online, this inexpensive RFID key fob protector will keep your vehicle safe.

It’s small (although available in 3 sizes), blocks all RF signals, and is made of carbon fiber and double military grade RF shielding cloth.

Comes with a lifetime warranty, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed and you get a two pack to protect the keys you use and your spare.

2. Ticonn Anti-Theft Pouch

Ticonn’s pouches comes Ticonn Anti-Theft Pouchin one size. If you have a smaller key, you can also fit your credit card in it.

It blocks all RF signals with its double layer of shielding fabric and velcro closure.

This pouch has an inner pocket and outer (unprotected) pocket so you can keep your fob in the pouch and still use your vehicle, as long as it’s in the unprotected part.

You get a lifetime warranty and two pouches.

Although it’s annoying to use at first if you’re used to the convenience of keyless entry, you get used to taking your fob out. Much better than dealing with a stolen car.

3. Faraday Box Set

Faraday Box SetAnother option to consider is Samfolk’s RF shielding box set.

It comes with a wood and leather box that you can keep on a table by your entry (or anywhere really), giving you a safe space to store all your key fobs, cell phones, and RFID cards.

It also includes two free Faraday pouches for your keys. All items block 100% of RF signals, preventing RFID skimming, key fob signal theft, and wireless cell phone hacking.

This is probably one of my favorite items to gift to people and it really is needed by everyone. Something so easy to use but it provides so much protection.

Frequency Asked Questions

I hope my above recommendations were helpful in finding the right Faraday bag for your needs. I’d also like to share with you the most common questions I get asked regarding these bags and pouches.

What is a Faraday Bag?

Faraday bags (or pouches and sleeves) shield your devices, like your cell phone, key fob, laptop, or tablet, from wireless signals.

This prevents your personal information and banking info from being hacked, tracked, altered or taken.

They also block the radiation from your electronic devices, allow you to be off-grid and protect your electronics if an EMP or CME happens.
The bags come in different sizes to suit your individual needs.

What are the Most Trusted Brands?

High quality Faraday fabric is going to work better, blocking more signals, and it’s going to last longer. Giving you a lot longer life (and value) from your product.

The bags themselves are going to be higher quality too and most of the time the bags just look better too.

Here are my favourite and top recommended brands of RF signal blocking bags. These bags come highly reviewed, are lab tested, and are brands I’ve used personally.

  • Silent Pocket
  • Mission Darkness
  • Shield your body
  • DefenderShield

How Does a Faraday Bag Work?

It sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? All you have to do is put your smartphone or device into the protected pouch and make sure it’s sealed completely.

So how does this technology work? The bag is lined with a conductive metal mesh that completely enclose a space. This material conducts any electromagnetic fields around the item inside the bag.

It’s essentially a smaller, portable Faraday cage, named after Michael Faraday, a British physicist and chemist. More on him later.

If you were inside a Faraday cage and it was struck by lightning, you would be completely unharmed. Please do NOT try this at home!

While inside your RF shielding bag, your device will not receive or transmit a signal. So your phone won’t get a call, text, email, connect to your Bluetooth speaker, etc.

Although this can be seen as an inconvenience, there are lots of reasons it’s important.

Why Do I Need a Shielding Bag?

This signal blocking technology has so many uses and benefits for you. They provide security, privacy, and health benefits.

Here are just some of the many ways it can help you and why you will want at least one. There are many more I haven’t even listed.

Faraday Bags:

  • Prevent hackers and crypto attacks
  • Block GPS tracking
  • Shield you from electromagnetic field radiation (EMFs)
  • Save your electronics in an EMP or CME
  • Make it more difficult for large companies to use targeted ads
  • Secures your personal and work/business information
  • Prevents RFID skimming and cloning
  • Prevents car hijacking from intercepted key fob signals
  • Prevents warrantless cell phone searches

The security in these bags is needed today more than ever, given how at risk everyone is to cybersecurity attacks and data theft and how much information is on our devices.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Who Uses RF Blocking Technology?

This technology is used by military and law enforcement, security professionals, corporate and political leaders. Forensics investigators use Faraday bags to prevent wireless device wiping, of items confiscated and in custody.

Preppers use shielding bags to go off-grid, prevent GPS tracking, and to prepare for EMP attacks. People concerned with EMF radiation use RF shielding bags daily to reduce their exposure to cell phone and other wireless technology emissions.

Faraday cages are used by scientists conducting delicate research that could be affected by electromagnetic radiation.

Do They Block Phone Calls?

Yes, while your cell phone is in the bag, with it properly closed, you will not receive any cellular signals, or Bluetooth, or WiFi. Calls will go directly to voicemail.

My Experience with Faraday Bags

I’ve been using shielding bags now for several years and there’s no way I’d ever travel without one. I’ve had my data hacked, while travelling. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

Not only is it stressful, costly, and time consuming, but it also makes you feel exposed and vulnerable. This is why I started using RF-blocking bags in the first place.

I will not travel without one. I’m not going to risk cyberattacks at airports (where you’re more vulnerable) or in another country. This way I know my money (credit cards and debit cards), passport, and cell phone data are safe and secure.

I love my Faraday bags. I use leather SLNT cell phone case every day, while my wife has the new DefenderShield cell phone pouch.

Instead of a diaper bag, I travel with a shielding backpack. It has a Faraday pouch, but I can also put my phone in a regular pocket when I need to be reached.

My laptop contains all my work files. It is incredibly valuable to me, as I’m sure yours is to you. My Faraday laptop bag is a vault for my computer. I keep that thing locked up and secure when it leaves my home.

Related posts:

Are Faraday Bags Worth It?

7 Ways to Protect Your Cell Phone From Hackers

What Does a Faraday Bag Do?

Best EMF Meters: Which Ones Actually Work for Measuring Radiation

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You’re surrounded by invisible electromagnetic radiation. Your WiFi router, cell phone, smart meter, even your refrigerator. Most people have no idea how much EMF they’re exposed to because they can’t see it or feel it.

An EMF meter shows you exactly what you’re exposed to and where it’s coming from.

I measured everything in my house. My WiFi router was blasting 12 mW/m² into my bedroom wall. My smart meter spiked to 8,000 µW/m² every 30 seconds. The baby monitor? Over 2,000 µW/m² at the crib.

After testing 12 different EMF meters, I found that half of them give readings so inaccurate they’re basically useless. The other half work, but each one measures different things.

Here’s what actually matters when you’re trying to understand your EMF exposure.

Quick Picks

  1. TriField TF2
  2. GQ EMF-390
  3. EMRSS Cornet ED88T Plus
  4. Safe and Sound PRO II
  5. ERICKHILL EMF Meter

1. TriField TF2

This is what I recommend to most people. The TriField TF2 measures all three types of EMF radiation in one device: magnetic fields, electric fields, and radio frequency.

Why This One Works

The TF2 uses 3-axis sensors for magnetic fields. You don’t have to point it directly at the source. Just hold it in the general area and it measures from all directions at once.

I tested this against my iPhone, WiFi router, microwave, and electrical panel. The readings were consistent and immediate. No lag, no weird fluctuations.

What It Measures

Magnetic fields from 0.1 to 100 mG (frequency 40 Hz to 100 kHz), electric fields from 1 to 1000 V/m, and radio frequency from 0.001 to 19.999 mW/m² (20 MHz to 6 GHz). This covers power lines, appliances, wiring, WiFi, Bluetooth, cell signals, and smart meters.

The weighted mode adjusts sensitivity for frequencies above 50 Hz, which better represents how EMF affects the human body. The audio feedback is louder than most meters so you can hear when you’re walking into a strong field.

Made in USA by Alphalab in Utah. They offer free lifetime phone support if you have questions about readings.

The Downsides

The plastic casing feels less premium than you’d expect for this price point. The RF sensitivity maxes out at 19.999 mW/m², though most home measurements are way below this.

Who Needs This

Anyone who wants one meter that does everything. People testing Faraday bags or RF shielding (see Faraday testing section below). Parents measuring EMF around cribs. Anyone with electromagnetic hypersensitivity who needs to find low-EMF spaces.

Check TriField TF2 price on Amazon

2. GQ EMF-390

The GQ EMF-390 is for people who want detailed data and advanced features. It measures all three EMF types, logs data for analysis, and includes a built-in RF spectrum analyzer.

What Sets It Apart

The data logger saves measurements every second with timestamps. Connect it to your computer, download the data, and the software generates graphs showing EMF exposure patterns over time.

I used this to track my smart meter. Let it run for 24 hours. The data showed spikes every 15-30 seconds when the meter transmitted, with peak readings hitting 12,000 µW/m².

The RF Spectrum Analyzer

Most meters just tell you total RF power. The spectrum analyzer shows you which specific frequencies are present, breaking down the RF spectrum from 50 MHz to 2.5 GHz so you can see WiFi (2.4 GHz), cell signals, and other sources separately.

This helped me figure out that my neighbor’s WiFi was stronger in my bedroom than my own router.

What It Measures

EMF magnetic from 0.0 to 500 mG (triple axis), RF from 0 to 10,000 mW/m² (frequency 50 MHz to 10 GHz), plus RF spectrum analysis across multiple bands from 50 MHz to 2.5 GHz. The RF goes up to 10 GHz, catching higher 5G frequencies that other consumer meters miss.

The Compromises

This meter has way more features than the Trifield. Multiple display modes, data logging settings, PC connectivity. Expect a learning curve. The screen is small and packed with information. Battery life is 4-6 hours because of constant logging. The PC software looks dated but works.

Best For

People who want to analyze EMF patterns over time. Anyone dealing with intermittent EMF sources like smart meters. Technical users who want spectrum analysis and need to create reports.

Check GQ EMF-390 price on Amazon

3. EMRSS Cornet ED88T Plus

The EMRSS Cornet ED88T Plus measures RF, magnetic fields, and electric fields. What makes it different is the frequency display that shows you the actual frequency of the strongest signal.

The Frequency Display

Point it at your WiFi router and it shows 2.412 GHz. Point it at your phone and it shows your carrier’s frequency band. This helps identify sources when you’re getting high readings but aren’t sure where they’re coming from.

If you see 915 MHz, that’s probably a cordless phone base or baby monitor. Frequencies around 1.9 GHz indicate a DECT cordless phone.

The Sound Signature

The Cornet makes different sounds for different RF signals. GSM sounds pulsed and rhythmic. WiFi sounds chaotic. DECT phones click rapidly. After using it for a while, you can identify sources by sound alone.

I used this feature to find a hidden WiFi repeater in my attic that I’d forgotten about. The sound pattern was clearly WiFi, but the signal was coming from above.

What It Measures

RF from 100 MHz to 8 GHz with frequency display from 100 MHz to 2.7 GHz, LF magnetic from 50 Hz to 10 kHz (0.1 to 60 µT), and LF electric from 50 Hz to 50 kHz (10 to 1000 V/m). The 8 GHz range covers more 5G bands than meters that stop at 6 GHz. The 10,000 samples per second catch brief RF bursts that slower meters miss.

What Could Be Better

The magnetic field sensor is single-axis so you have to rotate the meter to find maximum readings. The electric field range starts at 10 V/m, missing low-level fields. The frequency display only works up to 2.7 GHz, though the meter measures up to 8 GHz.

Check Cornet ED88T Plus price on Amazon

4. Safe and Sound PRO II

The Safe and Sound PRO II is an RF-only meter. It doesn’t measure magnetic or electric fields, but it measures radio frequency radiation extremely well.

RF Focus

This meter covers 200 MHz to 8 GHz with sensitivity from 0.001 µW/m² (extremely low) to 2,500,000 µW/m². That low-end sensitivity is important because it picks up very weak RF signals that basic meters might miss.

The display shows measurements in µW/m², the standard unit for RF power density that most EMF consultants use.

The Sound Analysis and Modes

Different wireless technologies have distinct sound patterns. Smart meters burst every 30-60 seconds. WiFi routers produce constant fuzzy noise. Cell phones create pulsing rhythms. The headphone jack is useful in noisy environments or when presenting findings to others.

PEAK mode shows instantaneous readings, MAX shows the highest reading since reset, and AVG shows the average over the last few seconds. I use PEAK for scanning, then switch to AVG for sustained exposure levels.

The LED Bar Graph

Four LED indicators show relative RF levels from slight (green) to extreme (red). You can glance at the LEDs and immediately know if you’re in a high RF area without reading the numbers.

What It Doesn’t Do

This meter only measures RF. The frequency range starts at 200 MHz, missing AM and FM radio signals. It’s single-axis for RF measurement so you need to point the top toward the source for accurate readings.

Best For

People primarily concerned with wireless radiation. Building biologists and EMF consultants. Anyone who wants very sensitive RF detection but doesn’t need magnetic or electric field readings.

Check Safe and Sound PRO II price on Amazon

5. ERICKHILL EMF Meter

The ERICKHILL EMF Meter is the budget option. It’s the cheapest meter on this list that actually works.

What You Get

The ERICKHILL measures electric and magnetic fields. Most models do NOT measure RF radiation. There are newer 3-in-1 models that claim RF measurement, but the RF sensitivity is weak compared to dedicated RF meters.

For measuring appliances, power lines, and wiring, it works fine. I tested it against my Trifield by measuring the same microwave, hairdryer, and electrical panel. The readings were within 10-15% of each other.

The Specs and Features

Electric field range from 1 to 1999 V/m, magnetic field range from 0.01 to 99.99 µT (0.1 to 999.9 mG). The rechargeable battery charges via USB-C and lasts 8-10 hours. No buying batteries every few weeks.

When readings exceed 40 V/m for electric fields or 0.4 µT for magnetic fields, the screen turns red, the meter beeps, and an LED flashes. You can turn the beep off but the visual indicators still alert you.

The Reality

This is a basic meter with limited features. Single-axis measurement means you rotate it to find maximum readings. The screen is small. The build quality is typical for the price point. But if you just want to know if your microwave leaks, where your electrical wiring runs, or which outlet has the highest magnetic field, this meter answers those questions.

Important Limitation

The ERICKHILL can’t properly test Faraday bags because it doesn’t measure RF. For testing RF shielding, you need an RF meter like the Trifield, Safe and Sound PRO II, or Cornet (see Faraday testing section below).

Who This Is For

People on a tight budget. Users mainly concerned about power line and appliance EMF. Anyone new to EMF measurement who wants to start inexpensive before investing in a premium meter.

Check ERICKHILL EMF Meter price on Amazon

Why EMF Meters Matter for Faraday Testing

You can’t verify Faraday bag effectiveness without an RF meter. The simple “call your phone” test only checks if cellular signals are blocked. Your phone could still be broadcasting Bluetooth, WiFi, or NFC even if calls don’t go through.

Step-by-Step Testing Process

Turn on WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular on your phone. Measure the RF output with it sitting on a table. Most phones put out 2-10 mW/m² depending on distance and signal strength.

Seal the phone in the Faraday bag according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This matters because many bags have specific folding or sealing requirements.

Hold the RF meter directly against the bag where your phone is inside. Take multiple readings from different sides. A working Faraday bag will drop readings from 2-10 mW/m² down to 0.001 mW/m² or lower (background noise level).

If you get elevated readings from one edge or corner, the bag’s sealing mechanism isn’t working properly or the seams have a gap.

What Real Testing Looks Like

I tested a cheap Amazon Faraday bag that claimed military-grade shielding. With my phone sealed inside, the TriField TF2 showed RF readings of 2.5 mW/m². That bag went straight in the trash. Anything above 0.1 mW/m² means the bag is leaking signals.

How to Actually Use Your EMF Meter

Here’s how to get accurate readings and actually find EMF sources in your home.

For Finding EMF Sources

Start with RF measurement in PEAK mode. Walk around your house slowly while watching the meter. When readings jump, you’ve found a source.

Common sources people don’t expect: smart thermostats, video doorbells, security cameras, smart TVs (even when “off”), streaming devices, wireless printers, gaming consoles.

For magnetic fields, measure outlets, electrical panels, and appliances. Hold the meter close (within a few inches) because magnetic fields drop off quickly with distance.

For electric fields, measure around bed areas, desks, and anywhere you spend extended time. Plug-in devices create EF even when switched off.

For Testing Faraday Products

Place your phone in the Faraday bag. Turn on WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular. Seal the bag according to instructions (this matters – many bags have specific folding or sealing requirements).

Hold the RF meter directly against the bag where your phone is inside. Take multiple readings from different sides. All readings should be at or near background levels.

If you get elevated readings from one edge or corner, the bag’s sealing mechanism isn’t working properly or the seams have a gap.

For Measuring Reduction From Shielding

Take a baseline measurement before installing any shielding product. Write down the exact location and orientation where you took the measurement.

Install the shielding (paint, fabric, window film, whatever).

Take a new measurement in the exact same location and orientation. Compare the before and after numbers.

Good RF shielding should reduce readings by 90% or more (10 dB or greater reduction). If you measured 10 mW/m² before and 8 mW/m² after, the shielding isn’t working.

For Long-Term Monitoring

Use a meter with data logging capability (GQ EMF-390 or Cornet ED88T Plus). Set it to record at 1-second intervals. Place it in the area you want to monitor. Let it run for 24 hours.

Download the data and look for patterns. Smart meters typically spike every 15-60 seconds. WiFi is constant. Cell towers show patterns based on traffic load and time of day.

This helps you understand your actual exposure over time, not just peak moments.

Which Meter Should You Actually Buy

After testing all these meters, here’s my honest recommendation for different situations.

Get the TriField TF2 if:

  • You want one meter that measures everything
  • You’re testing Faraday bags and RF shielding

Get the GQ EMF-390 if:

  • You need data logging and RF spectrum analysis
  • You want to track EMF patterns over time

Get the EMRSS Cornet ED88T Plus if:

  • You want frequency identification with sound signatures
  • You need 8 GHz coverage for newer 5G bands

Get the Safe and Sound PRO II if:

  • You only care about RF radiation
  • You want professional-grade sensitivity

Get the ERICKHILL EMF Meter if:

  • Budget is your main concern
  • You mainly measure appliances and wiring, not wireless signals

For most people reading this site, the TriField TF2 is the right choice. It does everything, it’s accurate, and it’s the standard recommendation across the EMF measurement community.

If you’re specifically testing Faraday bags or RF shielding products, the TriField or Safe and Sound PRO II are your best options.

Testing Your Meter When You Get It

Don’t trust any meter until you verify it actually works.

For RF: Turn on your WiFi router. Stand 3 feet away. The meter should show a reading (typically 50-500 µW/m² or 0.05-0.5 mW/m² depending on router power and distance).

Walk toward the router. The reading should increase. Walk away. It should decrease.

Turn the router off. The reading should drop significantly within 10-15 seconds.

For Magnetic Fields: Hold the meter near a running microwave. You should see readings above 10 mG (1 µT), often much higher.

Hold it near your refrigerator compressor when it’s running. You should see elevated readings.

Hold it in the middle of a room away from appliances. Readings should be low (< 1 mG typically).

For Electric Fields: Plug a lamp into an outlet but leave it off. Hold the meter near the lamp cord. You should see EF readings above 5 V/m.

Unplug the lamp. The reading should drop to near zero.

These basic tests confirm your meter is actually detecting fields and responding appropriately to changes.

What You Actually Need to Know

EMF meters turn invisible radiation into numbers you can act on. Without one, you’re guessing about your exposure levels and whether your Faraday bags actually work.

The TriField TF2 is what I recommend to most people. It measures all three field types, it’s accurate, and it’s the industry standard for a reason. It’s the last EMF meter most people will need to buy.

If you’re on a budget, start with the ERICKHILL to learn the basics, then upgrade to a tri-mode meter when you’re ready for more comprehensive measurement.

If you’re specifically concerned about wireless radiation and want the most sensitive RF detection, the Safe and Sound PRO II delivers professional-grade accuracy.

Whatever meter you choose, actually use it. Measure your house. Find the sources. Test your Faraday bags. Make informed decisions about your EMF exposure based on data, not guesses.