5 Best Bluetooth trackers
Whether it's your keys, wallet, bag, or even keeping tabs on loved ones, the best Bluetooth trackers help you stay connected to what matters.
Sometimes, it's just about peace of mind, knowing your bag's right where you left it, or that your wallet didn't end up in the back of a cab.
That kind of peace of mind is exactly what Bluetooth trackers are made for, which is why they're so popular for travel, helping you keep tabs on your essentials without the stress.
I've tested a range, from budget tags to sleek, feature-packed options that fit neatly into wider ecosystems.
The latest models offer smarter alerts, broader community tracking, and tighter integration with your phone.
That said, not all of them are created equal. Some feel limited for the price, while others quietly over-deliver.
And if you're into wireless gear that's built for on-the-go, I've also tested the best Bluetooth speakers.
Read on for my pick of the best Bluetooth trackers I've tested, and how they held up in everyday life.
How I tested
I tested a mix of Bluetooth trackers, from affordable picks to well-known brands, using them over several days and weeks.
I wasn't precious with them, tossing them in bags and to zippers, to get a feel for how robust they are.
The focus was on how quickly and accurately each one could be located using its app, both nearby and at a distance, and what location features each uses to get you to your items.
Setup was also important, along with how user-friendly the features were and whether the trackers lived up to their claims.
Best Bluetooth trackers - tried and tested
Tile Starter Pack (Mate & Slim)
6
Tile Starter Pack (Mate & Slim), £49.99 from Amazon
BUY HERE
Pros: Easy to set up, intuitive app, works on both iOS and Android, strong crowd-finding network
Cons: Non-replaceable batteries, key features require subscription
Rating: 8/10
If you want reliable, cross-platform tracking, the Tile Starter Pack is a great buy.
You get a Tile Mate for keys and a Slim for your wallet, both of which are easy to set up through the Tile app.
Once you download the Tile app, setup is straightforward, and the app is well-designed, letting me ring my phone, check last seen locations, and even crowd-locate lost items through the Tile network.
It works with both iOS and Android, plus Alexa and Google Assistant, so it's flexible across platforms.
The Mate is small, which I loved, and built for keyrings, while the Slim is credit-card thin and slides neatly into a wallet or passport holder.
Both are lightweight and easy to forget they're even there, until you need them.
One big downside, though, is that the batteries in both are non-replaceable. The Mate and Slim last up to 3 years, but once they die, you'll need to buy new ones.
That's a major drawback, especially when other trackers let you just swap the battery out.
In terms of range, it can now ring from over 100m away, and the beeper is one of the loudest I tested, so it took no time to locate.
I also appreciated the QR codes on the back of each tracker, so if someone finds your items, they can scan them to see your contact info, without needing the app themselves.
That said, it's just a shame that smart alerts, like notifying you when you've left something behind, are locked behind a £2.99 subscription.
All in, the Starter Pack is a smart pick if you want dependable tracking across platforms, but the non-replaceable batteries make it feel a bit disposable.
Compatibility: iOS and Android, Battery life: Up to 3 years (non-replaceable), Smart features: Community tracking, IP rating: Water-resistant (not fully waterproof)
Groov-e My Tag
Groov-e My Tag, £17.99 £13.10 at Amazon
BUY HERE
Pros: Very affordable, lightweight and compact, runs on a replaceable battery, and easy to attach to keys or bags.
Cons: Slightly larger than expected, not the loudest
Rating: 8.5/10
If you want a solid, no-frills tracking device, the Groov-e My Tag is it, especially at this price point.
It works via Apple's Find My network on iOS, which was a big plus for me since I didn't have to mess around with third-party apps.
Setup was quick, and it pairs just like a native Apple device, popping up on screen for instant linking. I felt much more confident in its accuracy, knowing it's fully integrated with the iOS system.
Physically, it's a bit larger than I expected, but it's super lightweight and doesn't feel bulky on a keyring or in a bag.
The rubberised finish also feels surprisingly tough, like it's built to handle daily knocks and scrapes.
In terms of features, it covers the basics well. You can make it play a sound if your keys are nearby but hiding, and the 'last seen location' via Find My is genuinely handy.
Thanks to Apple's Find My network, it offers precise location tracking, I could see exactly where my item was last detected and even get directions to it when needed.
Battery-wise, it runs on a replaceable CR2032 coin cell, and you'll probably get close to a year out of it, depending on how much you use it.
When it runs out, it's easy to swap in a new one, so no need to fork out for a whole new tracker, which is always a win.
All in all, if you're just after a straightforward, affordable tracker for your keys or bag, the Groove My Tag is worth a look
Its beeper isn't the loudest, but it does exactly what you need, and the fact that it works with Apple's Find My makes it a cut above most budget options.
Apple AirTag Mini
Apple AirTag Mini, £35 £28 at Amazon
Pros: Seamless with iOS, compact, replaceable battery, accurate tracking, reliable alerts, water resistant
Cons: Battery could last longer, iOS only, relies on nearby iPhones when out of range
Rating: 8/10
I bought a pack of four Apple AirTags during a Black Friday sale a couple of years ago, and they've served me well ever since.
I mainly use them to track my baggage at the airport, which gives me peace of mind knowing my bags have arrived at the same destination as me.
I also have friends who pop them into their kids' pockets when we're in busy public places, just in case someone wanders off.
The trackers are small and compact, making them easy to slip into just about anything you want to keep tabs on.
If you're an iPhone user, setup is really straightforward, just hold the AirTag near your phone and it automatically detects it.
You can then give it a name and start tracking via the Apple Find My app. I believe it works with iPads too, though I haven't tested that myself.
The Find My app includes a 'Find' feature that gives you clear directions to your AirTag, which I've found to be accurate and reliable. You can also make it play a sound to help locate it.
If your AirTag is more than nine meters (30ft) away, it uses Bluetooth signals from other nearby iPhones to help locate it, which works best in busier areas.
Battery life is about a year. I wish it lasted a bit longer, especially compared to some other trackers, but replacing it is simple and hassle-free.
You can buy Apple AirTags individually (RRP £35) or in a four-pack (RRP £119), which offers better value. They're also often discounted during sales, so it's worth keeping an eye out for deals.
Chipolo POP
Chipolo POP, £30 from Amazon
BUY HERE
Pros: Works with both iOS and Android, bright and easy to spot, loud ring, compact and durable, replaceable battery
Cons: Slightly pricey for the feature set, no precision tracking
Rating: 7.5/10
The Chipolo POP is a cheerful, compact tracker that blends simplicity with smart design.
I liked that it connects seamlessly with Apple's Find My: just pair it like any other Apple device, and it pops up right away in the Find My app.
It also works with Android devices, making it one of the few truly cross-platform trackers out there.
That's a big win if you use both platforms or share items with family on different devices.
Design-wise, it's light, slim, and brightly coloured, which genuinely makes it easier to spot when you've misplaced it.
The ring is one of the loudest tested, at about 120 dB, which easily cuts through background noise or couch cushions.
The battery lasts about a year and is replaceable (CR2032), which is always good to see.
If you install the optional Chipolo app, you unlock extras like calling your phone, custom ringtones, and even a selfie button, nice touches, though not essential if you're just using Apple's Find My.
There's also a handy out-of-range alert via the app, which gives you a nudge if you accidentally leave your keys or bag behind.
That said, I do think it's a little pricey for what it offers, especially given there's no precision tracking like you'd get with other trackers in this price bracket.
You're mostly paying for the cross-platform support and ease of use here.
Compatibility: iOS and Android, Battery life: Around 1 year (replaceable CR2032 battery), Smart features: Out-of-range alerts, call your phone feature via app, IP rating: IP55 (splash-proof, not fully waterproof)
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2
BUY HERE
Pros: Excellent precision finding, replaceable battery life, handy timeline history
Cons: Samsung-only, no broader Android support
Rating: 8/10
If you're already in the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy SmartTag2 is easily one of the best Bluetooth trackers out there.
It's designed exclusively for Samsung Galaxy devices, so I had to borrow a relative's Galaxy S22 to test it.
Unfortunately, it won't work with non-Samsung Android phones or iPhones, which is something to keep in mind.
To get started, just download the SmartThings app, pair the tag, and you're up and running in seconds.
Physically, it feels sturdy and well-made, with a practical, ring-shaped design that clips easily onto keys or bags. It's also IP67 rated, so it can handle dust and water without issue.
Like other trackers, the battery is a standard CR2032 coin cell, which is replaceable and should last over a year.
One feature I really appreciated was the timeline view, which shows everywhere your tag has been over the past few days. It's a surprisingly useful touch that not many trackers offer.
What really sets the SmartTag2 apart is SmartThings Find, Samsung's answer to Apple's Find My.
It similarly taps into nearby Galaxy devices anonymously to help locate your tag. Once you're close, Compass View kicks in to guide you with on-screen directions.
If you've already got a Galaxy phone, the SmartTag2 is a great buy. But if you're not in that ecosystem, it's a non-starter, it won't work with other devices, which limits its appeal.
Compatibility: Samsung only, Battery life: Up to a year (replaceable), Smart features: Precision tracking, crowd-finding, location history IP rating: IP67 (waterproof)
Best Bluetooth trackers FAQs
Where to buy Bluetooth trackers
You can pick up Bluetooth trackers online through retailers like Amazon, Argos, and Currys, or directly from brands.
They're often discounted during major sales like Prime Day and Black Friday, so it's worth keeping an eye out.
What is the best Bluetooth tracker?
It depends on your device. If you're an iPhone user, Apple's AirTag offers the best integration and precision.
For Samsung Galaxy users, the SmartTag2 is the one to buy, and only pairs with the Samsung ecosystem.
If you want something more universal, the Chipolo or Tile trackers are solid cross-platform options, not tying you into one device.
How accurate is Bluetooth location tracking?
When you're nearby, most trackers can pinpoint your item within a few feet, especially those with ultra-wideband (UWB) like AirTags or SmartTag2.
Once out of Bluetooth range, they rely on a wider network of nearby devices to update the location, which can vary in accuracy depending on how busy the area is.
How far can a Bluetooth tracker go?
Bluetooth range typically tops out around 100–120 metres in open spaces, but walls and obstacles can reduce that.
Beyond that, trackers like AirTags or Tiles rely on their respective networks (Find My, SmartThings, or Tile Network) to help locate your item.
Are tracking devices safe?
Yes, Bluetooth trackers are generally safe.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
23 minutes ago
- The Independent
Latest PS5 news is not great for gamers
Sony has announced a $50 price increase for all PlayStation 5 models sold in the United States, effective from 21 August. The company cited mounting financial pressure from newly imposed tariffs under the Trump administration as the reason for the "difficult decision". Under the revised pricing, the standard PS5 will now retail for 549.99, the Digital Edition for $499.99 and the PS5 Pro for $749.99. Trump's tariffs, which came into effect on 1 August, impose up to 25 per cent duties on Japanese electronics, costing Sony an estimated $685 million annually. Sony has diversified its supply chain by moving US-bound console manufacturing outside China, aligning with competitors like Microsoft and Nintendo who have also raised prices due to tariffs.
Reuters
24 minutes ago
- Reuters
TRADING DAY AI fatigue, policy intrigue
ORLANDO, Florida, Aug 20 (Reuters) - TRADING DAY Making sense of the forces driving global markets By Jamie McGeever, Markets Columnist Gnawing doubts about the frenzy around artificial intelligence weighed on tech shares again on Wednesday, pushing Wall Street into the red as investors cast a nervous eye toward a key speech from Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Friday. More on that below. In my column today, I look ahead to Powell's eighth and final Jackson Hole speech. If market moves following his previous seven are any guide, investors should be in for a bumpy ride. If you have more time to read, here are a few articles I recommend to help you make sense of what happened in markets today. Today's Key Market Moves Today's Talking Points: * Trump interference. Investors are increasingly concerned about the involvement - or interference - from President Donald Trump and his administration in many aspects of the economy, private sector business, and independent policymaking. Trump on Wednesday called for Fed Governor Lisa Cook to resign over mortgage allegations, which could pave the way for another Trump appointee at the Fed inclined to lower interest rates. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, meanwhile, is said to be looking into the government taking equity stakes in Intel and other chipmakers in exchange for grants under the CHIPS Act. This comes on the heels of Trump's recent sideswipe at Goldman Sachs's CEO and chief U.S. economist, criticism of JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, his firing of a senior statistics official, and months of verbal attacks on Powell for not cutting rates. * Tech fatigue. After leading Wall Street's charge this year to new peaks, U.S. tech shares are now losing steam and dragging broader indexes lower. Whether that's simply rotation and diversification, unease over the megacap concentration, or doubts about the huge AI spend, air is coming out of the tech balloon. The S&P 500 tech sector is down nearly 5% in the last five trading days. But a bit of perspective is required - the sector rallied 60% between April 7 and August 13. * Fed minutes. With just two days to go until Powell's last Jackson Hole speech, investors on Wednesday had the minutes of the Fed's July 29-30 policy meeting to pore over. The minutes appear to show that the two policymakers who dissented against the central bank decision to leave rates unchanged appear not to have been joined by others in voicing support for lowering rates at that meeting. "Almost all participants viewed it as appropriate to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 4.25% to 4.50% at this meeting," the minutes read. Maybe the bar to cutting rates is higher than thought? But bear in mind, the weak July payrolls data were released two days after that decision. Jackson Hole speech could pack a punch Financial markets are taking in a collective breath ahead of Powell's eighth and final keynote Jackson Hole speech as Federal Reserve chair. If the moves following his last seven are any guide, investors should buckle up for a bumpy ride. Fed-watchers will be focused squarely on whether Powell signals that he's willing to cut interest rates at the central bank's September 16-17 meeting. His public comments in recent months have been relatively hawkish, but those were all before the release of the weak July employment figures that fired up easing expectations. Rates futures traders are pricing in an 85% probability of a quarter-point cut next month, with another 25 basis points of easing expected by year's end. Powell's words on Friday could provide significant clarity about whether these positions are "in the money" or not. Given that traders are betting so heavily on an imminent move, the "pain trade" will be if Powell holds the line that policymakers need to see more incoming data before resuming the easing cycle put on hold in December. Investors have reason to be cautious. History shows Powell's Jackson Hole speeches tend to move markets a lot, especially the bond market. And even though Powell is often considered a policy dove at heart, his Jackson Hole set-piece speeches have usually pushed yields higher, not lower. In the month following each of Powell's last seven Jackson Hole speeches, the 10-year Treasury yield has risen by an average of 21 bps, according to Reuters calculations. The dollar has risen 1.4% and the S&P 500 has fallen nearly 2%, on average, over the same period. Stretching that out, the S&P 500 has risen an average of 2.3% between the late-August speech and year-end, the dollar has gained 0.4%, while the 10-year yield has climbed 27 basis points on average. But these averages mask some much bigger moves, especially in the month after the central bank jamboree in Wyoming. The stand-out example is 2022, when Powell, in his Monetary Policy and Price Stability, opens new tab speech, invoked former Fed Chair Paul Volcker, warning of the "pain" that households and businesses were likely to face from the tight policy needed to slay inflation. In the following month, the S&P 500 tanked 12%, the dollar rallied 5%, and the 10-year Treasury yield soared 75 bps. Bond yields climbed at least 20 bps in the month following three other Powell Jackson Hole speeches, in 2018, opens new tab, 2021, opens new tab, and 2023, opens new tab, the latter being another where Powell signaled a readiness to keep rates higher for longer. Inflation today is not as lofty as it was two years ago, but, sitting around 1 percentage point above the Fed's 2% goal, it is higher than Powell would like. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Fed's dual mandate, unemployment remains at a historical low of 4.2%. This year's theme at Jackson Hole is "Labor Markets in Transition: Demographics, Productivity, and Macroeconomic Policy." Powell has stated that the unemployment rate is the best measure of the labor market. But that does not mean today's low unemployment rate will automatically lead to a hawkish speech - history shows that when unemployment starts to rise, it can move quickly, leaving the Fed woefully behind the curve. Markets are probably prepared for some large price swings, whichever way Powell leans. It's also likely that Powell will use the platform to defend his tenure, just like his predecessors: Alan Greenspan, opens new tab in 2005, Ben Bernanke, opens new tab in 2012, and Janet Yellen, opens new tab in 2017. Given the unprecedented public pressure Trump has placed on Powell to cut interest rates this year, why would the Fed chair not seize this opportunity to have his say? "He may offer some soft guidance that rates may move lower at a coming meeting. But this is his last speech at Jackson Hole. He may never again have a platform this influential to offer his view of how his history should be written," economists at UBS wrote on Friday. Will he sign off with a bang? Markets are locked and loaded. What could move markets tomorrow? Want to receive Trading Day in your inbox every weekday morning? Sign up for my newsletter here. Opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, opens new tab, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.
Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
US tech-stock stumble shows vulnerability in AI trade
NEW YORK, Aug 20 (Reuters) - U.S. technology shares are showing signs of vulnerability after a massive run, which has some investors pointing to overdone AI-driven gains while funds have taken steps to position away from the high-flying sector. Investors are looking to de-risk portfolios or lock in profits during a seasonally difficult period for stocks. Friday's looming speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the annual Jackson Hole symposium is creating caution, investors said, with the potential for volatility if his comments fail to meet growing market expectations that the central bank is poised to cut interest rates. "When you have overcrowding and you have had such strong performance, it doesn't take much to see an unwind of that," said Keith Lerner, co-chief investment officer at Truist Advisory Services. "At the same time this week, everyone is waiting for the Fed, and there is repositioning ahead of that." The heavyweight S&P 500 tech sector (.SPLRCT), opens new tab fell sharply for a second consecutive session on Wednesday, putting its decline on the week at about 2.5%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC), opens new tab was off about 2% for the week. Shares of some highflyers, including Nvidia Corp(NVDA.O), opens new tab and Palantir Technologies (PLTR.O), opens new tab, were getting hit particularly hard. The pullback comes after a huge rally in which the tech sector soared over 50% through last week since the market's low for the year in April. That easily topped the 29% gain of the broader S&P 500 (.SPX), opens new tab during that period and drove up valuations of tech stocks to lofty levels. Investors cited wariness about the artificial intelligence trade, which has been a key driver of tech stocks and the broader market as indexes have soared to record highs this year. Shares of Nvidia, the semiconductor giant that has symbolized the AI trade, have gained about 30% this year while shares of AI-focused data and analytics firm Palantir have roughly doubled year-to-date. Indeed, the tech sector's price-to-earnings ratio recently reached about 30 times expected earnings for the next 12 months, its highest level in a year, according to LSEG Datastream, while tech's share of the overall S&P 500's market value is nearly its highest since 2000. Recent cautionary signs included a study from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that found that 95% of organizations are getting no return on AI investments, as well as comments by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who told tech news website the Verge last week that investors may be getting overexcited about AI. Since last week, some AI-linked shares have pulled back sharply: Nvidia has dropped about 5% while shares of Palantir have slumped some 16%. In Europe, stocks of so-called AI adopters have been under pressure over concerns over how powerful new AI models could disrupt the software sector. Still, some investors said, the caution is unlikely to be a sign that enthusiasm over AI is fizzling. 'These are price corrections," said Andrew Almeida, director of investments at financial planning network XYPN. "But if you look at the big picture, it's clear that more people will be investing more dollars in AI infrastructure. This is certainly not a 'reckoning' with the AI theme." Investors also could be paring back their stock exposure during a traditionally rocky period for equities. August and September rank as the worst-performing months on average for the S&P 500 over the past 35 years, according to the Stock Trader's Almanac. "Valuations were stretched, these names have not taken a breather, and we're going into a tougher season for stocks," said King Lip, chief strategist at Baker Avenue Wealth Management. Other sectors such as consumer staples (.SPLRCS), opens new tab, healthcare (.SPXHC), opens new tab and financials (.SPSY), opens new tab were up on the week, while relative strength for the equal-weight S&P 500 (.SPXEW), opens new tab signaled to some investors a possible start of broadening of gains beyond the massive tech stocks that have led indexes higher. Powell's upcoming speech comes as Fed fund futures on Wednesday were indicating an 84% chance that the central bank will cut rates at its next meeting on September 16-17. Investors will be watching to see if Powell gives any indication that the central bank is on track for such a move or if he pushes back on the market's expectation for easing, which could spark volatility. Tech stocks tend to carry higher valuations which could make them sensitive to higher-than-expected interest rates going forward. "There are a lot of people who have overweighted tech, and it has worked for them," said Chuck Carlson, chief executive officer at Horizon Investment Services. "They don't want to get caught on the wrong side of that if in fact, the Fed doesn't do anything in September. So I think that is also causing (investors) to maybe not necessarily get out of tech, but to reduce the overweight a little bit."
