The best alternatives to AirTag in 2024

If you often lose things or just want to be able to find them quickly, AirTags might be a great choice for you. However, it’s worth considering that they’re relatively expensive and only work with Apple’s Find My app. If you don’t use Apple products, you won’t be able to take advantage of AirTags. Fortunately, there are other tracking devices that can be an alternative to AirTag. Here are the best ones for 2024:

All of them.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2

One of the main attractions of AirTags is their widespread availability due to the popularity of Apple devices. As such, those with other models may find that they don’t have access to this network. However, Samsung’s network has become just as extensive, thanks to the spread of this company’s devices around the world. Its Galaxy SmartTag 2 device is a great alternative to AirTag, not requiring access to a specific network, which is a problem for some other devices.

The Galaxy SmartTag 2 is a great alternative to AirTag, not requiring access to a specific network, which is a problem for some other devices.

Another advantage of the SmartTag 2 is its long battery life – up to 500 days versus about 365 days for the AirTag. Both devices use a CR2032 battery, which is easy to find and replace. It’s worth noting that SmartTag 2 is ruggedized and IP67 protected, so it can withstand the elements.

When it comes to range, SmartTag 2 can work up to 120 meters away – four times longer than AirTag. AirTag is Bluetooth-based and is not capable of working over longer distances. You can use a compass app to find the SmartTag 2. However, it is worth noting that AirTag provides more accurate location tracking. SmartTag 2 is fully integrated with the Samsung SmartThings app and Samsung devices. So if you don’t have that app installed, you won’t be able to use SmartTag 2.

Tile Pro

If you need a more durable device to wear on your keys, the Tile Pro might be a good option. It offers many of the same features as the Samsung SmartTag 2, and is a good alternative for those who don’t have a Samsung device to connect to it. However, it does have one drawback: it only works with the Tile network. This means that you’ll have to rely on other Tile users and their app to find your device over a long distance, such as when tracking luggage. That’s not as critical compared to Apple’s and Samsung’s networks.

At least, it’s not a big deal.

For short distances, the Tile Pro has a physical range of up to 120 meters, which is pretty good. Its battery life is comparable to that of the AirTag – about one year. The Tile Pro also has an interesting “Find Phone” feature that allows you to double-tap the device to make the phone ring (even when in silent mode). It’s worth noting that while the device is ruggedized with an IP67 rating, it has a replaceable battery. It uses a standard CR2032 battery, so it’s easy to replace when it runs out.

As for accessibility, the Tile Pro runs on both Android and iOS. This goes some way to solving the problem of having to rely solely on the Tile network. It’s also worth noting that the design of the device is pleasant enough that you can wear it on a key ring or hang it from your bag on a carabiner without drawing attention. On the other hand, it’s too bad that some additional features are only available with a subscription to the service, such as smart alerts if the Tile Pro is too far away.

Some of the additional features are only available with a subscription to the service, such as smart alerts if the Tile Pro is too far away.

Chipolo ONE Spot

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Some people complain that trackers have a short lifespan and require frequent battery replacement. Indeed, while many trackers are designed to last a certain amount of time, how long they last is highly dependent on how often they are used. Even if a tracker is designed to last for one year, it can fail much sooner if it is actively used. So for better reliability, it is better to choose a device with a longer battery life, such as the Chipolo ONE Spot. It is designed to last for two years.

But by choosing a device with a long battery life, you lose some advantages. First, the battery isn’t replaceable, though it’s cheaper than other options, which means you’ll have to buy a new battery every time the old one runs out. Also, such a battery produces a lot of electronic waste and harms the environment. However, it is small and simple, and can last a long time if used sparingly.

Small and simple.

As for the features, the range is 60 meters, which is not bad. The tracker comes in different versions that support Apple or Google Find My App. So it all depends on which network you prefer. It’s also small and ergonomic, so it’s easy to keep on your keychain or in your wallet.

Pebblebee Clip

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Like the Chipolo ONE Spot, the Pebblebee Clip is a small and attractive tracker suitable for those who want to use Apple’s Find My app rather than depend on Tile or Samsung’s own network. It also has an impressive range of 150 meters – making it ideal for both close and long distance searching. There are versions that work with the Google Find My app, but these must be purchased separately, which can be inconvenient for those planning to change phones in the future.

One of the features of the Pebblebee Clip is that, unlike the other models on this list, it has a rechargeable battery. This means that users won’t have to buy a new battery or worry about replacing it. The battery life from a single charge is a year. This is impressive and means that provided the device is charged every few months, users won’t have to worry about the battery. In addition, the model has an IPx6 rating. This makes it somewhat resistant to external factors. We wouldn’t recommend using it while swimming, though.

Another advantage of the Pebblebee Clip is that, unlike the Chipolo ONE Spot, it doesn’t lock features. Because of this, users get alerts about items left behind for free. The device has a loud enough sound that makes it easy to find lost items. It also has an LED light to help you find items in the dark. This is quite a clever solution. The device is compact and discreet. You can attach it to your bag, thermos or even your pocket.

How to choose an alternative to AirTag

Battery life

One of the most important features of these types of trackers is convenience. They are designed to be set and forget about. Most people want to simply attach the device to a keychain, suitcase or other valuable item and know that it is safe. An important aspect is to keep the device running for a long time without having to constantly recharge or replace the battery. That’s why most trackers, with the exception of one, are designed for long battery life.

Network Compatibility

AirTag and other trackers are not able to work on their own. They must be connected to a network to work properly. Apple’s Find My app is used to connect AirTag. However, this is not the only option available. If the user is not the owner of an Apple device, he can use Samsung or Google networks. There are also trackers that work with the Tile app or the Apple Find My network. GPS is also an option, but it has its drawbacks.