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Are you someone who often finds yourself searching for lost belongings? Do your car keys always seem to disappear? No matter how organized you are, there are times when you struggle to keep track of important items. In those instances, a Bluetooth tracker could change your life — and keep you from losing your cool.
Trackers differ widely in size, range, alert volume, battery characteristics, smartphone platform compatibility, and price. With those issues in mind, we gathered a variety of the best Bluetooth trackers so you can decide which one works best — whether you’re an Android or an iPhone user — and what to expect from these smart little tracking devices.
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Apple Air Tag
Pros
Can share contact information
Works with Siri
Water resistant
Cons
Only works with Apple devices
Apple’s equivalent to Samsung’s SmartTag is the AirTag. Just attach one of these tiny circular trackers to any item — from your keys to your wallet or bag — then go to the Items tab in the Find My app already installed on your iPhone, and the tracker will play a sound on its built-in speaker. AirTag works with Siri too.
For those who like to know precisely where their items are at all times, there’s PrecisionFinding, which uses Ultra-Wideband Technology to show you exactly where your stuff is — the iPhone app shows you the direction and the distance to your AirTag. PrecisionFinding works on the iPhone 11 through iPhone 14 series.
If you’ve left your wallet at the bar, the FindMyNetwork feature helps you track down your AirTag thanks to billions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices worldwide. Your privacy is always protected while using network features — no location or history data is stored on the AirTag itself, and everything is encrypted. You can even set your AirTag to Lost Mode and when it’s detected by a device in the network, you’ll automatically receive a notification of its whereabouts.
There’s more to AirTag than just finding lost things. You can use your AirTag to share contact information with others by tapping it on an NFC-capable smartphone. It’s quick and easy to get set up using the app, and the tracker uses a replaceable CR2032 battery that should last for over a year. Your AirTag is water-resistant, and if you pick it up directly from Apple you can personalize it with your initials and/or the emoji of your choice. You can pick up a single AirTag or a four-pack and choose from a colorful range of keyrings and loops to personalize your tracker. It only works with Apple’s own devices, so there’s no Android support.
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Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag
Pros
Tracker has many uses
Can be used with Home devices
Powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery
Cons
Power lasts only a few months
Can only be used with Samsung devices
The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag is the Bluetooth tracker to get if you’re already part of the Samsung universe. With a range of just under 390 feet (120 meters), this tiny square tag works with the SmartThings app, but is only compatible with Samsung Galaxy phones. Attach the SmartTag to your keys or wallet, tap the ring button on your phone’s app, and follow the sound — and no more lost things, ever. The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag can even help you find things when you’re offline or out of range via the Galaxy Find Network, and you can scroll through the history of where your tag has been.
The center of the SmartTag is actually a button that lets you control your home devices with a single click, like your lighting or air conditioner, giving you a reason to use your tracker even when you haven’t lost something. Just set up your devices using the SmartThings app and you can turn things on or off after you’ve left home or before you get home. This tracker uses a replaceable CR2032 battery, but lasts just a few months. You can pick up a single SmartTag in black, oatmeal, or denim blue directly from Samsung, as well as two- or three-packs.
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Tile Mate (2022)
Pros
Water resistant to IP67 rating
Can ring your phone on silent
Works with iOS and Android
Cons
Battery is not replaceable
Use the newest Tile Mate to keep track of your important stuff like keys, backpacks, or wallets. It’s accompanied by a free app that helps you find stuff that’s up to 250 feet away. The Tile app can find your item when it’s in Bluetooth range, or you can ask your Smart Home device to find it.
Outside of Bluetooth range, the Tile app lets you view your Tile’s most recent location on a map or you can double press the button on your Tile to make your phone ring, even on silent. The Tile Network can also help you find lost items. If you lose track of your Tile, add your contact information so you can be reached when someone scans its QR code. The free Tile app works on iOS and Android devices and also with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. The tracker is water resistant with an IP67 rating, and lasts up to three years with a nonreplaceable battery.
Simon Hill/Digital Trends
Chipolo One
Pros
Compatible with iOS and Android devices
Water-resistant with an IPX5 rating
Battery should last two years
Cons
Not compatible with Apple Find My app
The Chipolo One is similar to the Tile Mate, except it’s circular and comes in six different colors. It has a loud alarm that goes up to 120 decibels, it’s water-resistant with an IPX5 rating, and it takes standard CR2032 coin batteries that you can replace — though a full battery should last around two years. The Chipolo One is ideal for keys and it can also give you an out-of-range alert on your Android phone or iPhone that helps prevent you from leaving your belongings behind.
These out-of-range alerts come at no extra cost and there’s no need for a subscription. Double-press the button on the Chipolo and your phone will ring. The range is 200 feet and Chipolo also works with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. You can track tagged items on a map on your phone or in your web browser. You can also mark things lost and get help locating them from other Chipolo users.
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Orbit Keys
Pros
Works with iOS or Android app
Makes your phone ring, even on silent
Built-in remote camera button
Cons
Battery life is only six months
Orbit’s Bluetooth Key Finder, made from anodized aluminium with a waterproof casing and replaceable battery, comes in a variety of colors. It has a loud 90-decibel ringer, with a 50-meter range that will make your phone ring even if it’s on silent. It also has a built-in remote camera button that’s great for selfies or group photos. The replaceable CR1620 battery should last for around six months, and you get a two-year warranty.
This tracker is compatible with most iOS or Android devices, and you can pick up a leather key organizer to fit the tracker, which comes in a wider range of colors and designs. If your phone separates from your Orbit Keys, the last known location of will show up on a map.
Tile
Tile Sticker (2022)
Pros
Smaller than most trackers
Sticks directly on your item
Works with iOS and Android
Cons
Alert sound reported as too soft
Maybe you don’t want to attach your tracker to an external object like a key ring. Maybe you’d prefer a tiny, compact sticker right on the item you want to keep track of. If that object has a smooth surface (like a laptop, remote control, pet nametag, or smartphone), consider the Tile Sticker (2022). It works in much the same way as other Tile trackers in that it uses Tile’s free app for iOS or Android to assist in locating your item.
When outside of the Sticker’s 250-foot Bluetooth range, the Tile app lets you view your Tile’s most recent location on a map. Tile Sticker, which is IP67 water resistant, works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
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