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Are AirTags Worth It? Here’s How They Compare To Other Bluetooth Trackers
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. From keys to luggage, we break down which trackers will help you keep tabs on your stuff. So 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. Spoiler alert: The AirTag still reigns supreme for Apple users, unsurprisingly. But if you need something that works with Android devices, the Tile by Life360 Pro is also a great option. Highlights: Works with Apple's Find My network, ultra-slim and small design, most precise location tracking, water- and dust-resistant with IP67 rating Drawbacks: Doesn't work with Android devices The 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 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. 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 rating Drawbacks: The most expensive tracker, bigger than some alternatives The Tile Pro is bigger and more expensive than the AirTag, 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. 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 rating Drawbacks: Has a shorter Bluetooth range, battery is not replaceable The 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 $14.99 (available in five colors). Highlights: One of the more affordable trackers, uses ultra-wideband technology like the AirTag, water- and dust-resistant with IP67 rating Drawbacks: Only compatible with Samsung Galaxy devices The 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. Get it from Amazon for $18.01+ (available in two colors). Wish an AirTag could fit more seamlessly in your 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. Promising review: "I gave one to my wife and kept the other one for myself. I used to have an Airtag in my wallet, but that made it really bulky, even with a minimalist wallet. The flat Tile fits better in a wallet because of its size." —PRB Highlights: The most affordable option, works with the Find My app Drawbacks: Has mixed reviews for battery life and durability, less water-resistant and not dust-resistant with IPX5 rating If 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, but if you're looking for a cheap option, this could work. Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in two styles and a four-pack).