05-08-2025
5 Best Bluetooth trackers
WE all lose stuff, but Bluetooth trackers can make things a whole lot easier.
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.
