Here's How AirTags Compare To Other Trackers
If you haven't purchased a Bluetooth tracker yet, there are plenty of reasons to do so. With the help of one of these gadgets, you can easily find your phone, keys or wallet and save yourself a headache if you're prone to losing them. You can keep track of your luggage while you're traveling. You can attach a tracker to your pet's collar to make sure you always know where they are. Simply put, Bluetooth trackers can be one of those inventions you didn't know you needed until you bought it.
But which one is best? You've probably heard the most about Apple's AirTags, which are reader-beloved. But they're not the only ones on the market, and they aren't compatible with non-Apple devices. Below, we broke down some of the best Bluetooth trackers and what makes each of them stand out, so you can choose the best option for your needs. To create our list, we only considered options with a minimum 4-star rating on Amazon, which eliminated products like the Chipolo Pop and Pebblebee Clip.
The undefeated Apple AirTag for Apple users
Highlights: Works with Apple's Find My network, ultra-slim and small design, most precise location tracking, water- and dust-resistant with IP67 ratingDrawbacks: Doesn't work with Android devicesThe AirTag was crowned one of the best Bluetooth trackers by Wirecutter, and for good reason. The AirTag's ultra-wideband technology is extremely accurate for helping you find lost items. (Note that it won't work on iPhone 6s or earlier models, but devices of this age are also no longer supported by Apple.) The AirTag setup is also ridiculously easy, as it uses the Find My network — so if you have an Apple device, you don't even need to download a separate app. You can put the AirTag into Lost Mode so that you get a notification when it's detected in Find My, and the AirTag also has a built-in speaker so it can play sounds when you're looking for it.(Yes, AirTag batteries can be replaced, but there are reports that certain bitterant coatings can cause incompatibility. While Apple specifically suggests using a Duracell 2032 lithium battery with bitterant coating, anecdotal online evidence suggests that even this Apple-recommended battery doesn't work. The brand also advises looking for batteries that clearly advertise compatibility with AirTags.)Bottom line: If you're already an Apple user, this is a no-brainer choice for convenience of setup. The ultra-precise location tracking is also a great reason to choose this one.Get it from Amazon for $24.95.
The Tile by Life360 Pro for unbeatable battery life
Highlights: works with both iOS and Android, can send an SOS alert or make a silenced phone ring, 500-foot range, has a replaceable battery, water- and dust-resistant with IP68 ratingDrawbacks: The most expensive tracker, bigger than some alternativesThe Tile Pro is bigger and more expensive than the AirTag and some of Tile's other offerings (more on those later), but it works with more devices (iOS and Android) and uses the Life360 app, which you may already have downloaded. It boasts a 500-foot Bluetooth range and a few features the AirTag lacks, like the ability to send loved ones an SOS alert if you're ever in an unsafe situation. The Tile Pro's battery, which lasts a year, can also be replaced with affordable batteries to help the device last even longer.Bottom line: The Tile Pro is a great choice for Android users, and the extra few dollars over other models may very well be worth it thanks to the replaceable battery.Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (also available in 2- and 4-packs).
The Tile by Life360 Mate, for a cheaper and smaller option
Highlights: Smaller and more affordable than the Pro, has many of the Pro's same features, comes in multiple colors, water- and dust-resistant with IP68 ratingDrawbacks: Has a shorter Bluetooth range, battery is not replaceableThe Tile Mate can add some fun to Bluetooth tracking with more color options, as pictured here. It's cheaper, shorter and narrower than the Tile Pro, so if you're hoping for a less clunky design that still has the SOS alert capability and the convenience of using Life360, the Tile Mate is for you. Just note that the Mate has a range of 350 feet compared to the Pro's 500, and that you can't replace the battery.Bottom line: This may be a good starter tracker if you're not sure about committing to the Pro yet, and stands out from the pack with its fun colors.Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in six colors).
The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 for Samsung users
Highlights: One of the more affordable trackers, uses ultra-wideband technology like the AirTag, water- and dust-resistant with IP67 ratingDrawbacks: Only compatible with Samsung Galaxy devicesThe Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 uses Samsung's SmartThings Find app to help you keep track of your things with ultra-wideband technology (this is similar to the AirTag using the Find My network). The SmartTag 2 can send out audible signals to help you find your lost items. Lost Mode also displays your contact information and a message on the smartphone of whoever found it.Bottom line: If you have Samsung Galaxy devices, this could be a good way to keep track of them, but it probably won't be relevant for most people.Get it from Amazon for $19.05.
The Tile by Life360 Slim, designed specifically for wallets
Highlights: Great for wallets, notebooks and other flat items, three-year battery life, works with Life360, water- and dust-resistant with IP68 ratingDrawbacks: May not fit all wallets, is not bendable, some reviewers say it's a little quietWhile many things you want to track may have clips to attach trackers, that can be trickier with something like a wallet. Enter the Tile Slim, which is designed to be as thick as two credit cards and slide right in a wallet, passport holder, notebook or tablet case. You can use the Life360 app to ring the Slim when it's within 200 feet to make it easier to find. Just make sure you check the dimensions of your wallet before you buy so you're certain the Slim can fit.Bottom line: This is a great idea for keeping track of wallets and similar items, but it'll only make sense for you if it actually fits the places you want to store it.Get it from Target for $29.99.
The lesser-known Chipolo ONE Spot, which is basically a cheaper AirTag
Highlights: The most affordable option, works with the Find My appDrawbacks: Has mixed reviews for battery life and durability, less water-resistant and not dust-resistant with IPX5 ratingIf you want the ability to use the Find My network without paying so much for an individual AirTag, the Chipolo ONE Spot can provide an alternative. (Right now, it's only avaiable in a four-pack on Amazon, but each tracker comes out to less than half the price of an AirTag.) Unlike the AirTag, this has a keyring hole so you can directly attach it to your items. Based on the reviews summary at Amazon, it seems like the quality overall for this one may not be as great long-term as the other options on this list, and the price reflects that. (It does still have a 4-star rating, indicating reviewers find it to be a good value.)Bottom line: We don't recommend this one over the more popular options above, though if you're looking for a cheap option, this could work.Get it from Amazon for $17.
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