AirTags from Apple find keys, a backpack or a case. But what are the AirTag alternatives to the expensive trackers and are they just as good? Three manufacturers with their products in comparison.
Everyone has misplaced their keys at least once in their lives. This is particularly annoying when things have to be done quickly. The little beasts can usually be found in the trouser pocket from the previous day or under a pile of files on the desk.
But by the time you find them, your nerves are usually gone. Clever trackers like Apple’s AirTags want to spare you this nerve-wracking search. They connect to the smartphone via Bluetooth and users can always see where the trackers are using the smartphone app. This also works the other way around: Some trackers offer the function of playing a sound on the smartphone with a double-click.
What makes the AirTags from Apple so special is clear: they are stylish, offer the IP67 water protection standard, i.e. they are dustproof and waterproof against temporary submersion of up to one meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. You get your power from a button cell battery of the type CR2032. According to the manufacturer, the key finders last for a year.
AirTag Alternative: Still little competition
So far, the competition for Apple is manageable. Three manufacturers in particular are putting pressure on the iPhone, iPad and iMac group: Tile and Chipolo are two relatively unknown key finders. On the other hand, long-term competitor Samsung is familiar to most consumers. Tile offers the largest product range, followed by Chipolo.
With its Bluetooth trackers, Tile offers the widest range of products on the market. The keychains are available in two versions: Tile Mate and Tile Pro. The main difference is their range: According to the manufacturer, Mate finds objects up to a range of 76 meters and Pro up to 120 meters.
Of course, the trackers are not only suitable for the bunch of keys, but can also be attached to the zipper of a sports bag. In addition to the large pendants, Tile also offers stickers. They are a bit smaller and can be attached to the remote control, camera or glasses case. Its range is 45 meters, and according to the manufacturer, the battery life is up to three years.
And because both key fobs and stickers are unfavorable for the wallet, Tile also offers an AirTag alternative in credit card format that fits perfectly in a wallet. Nice: All Tile trackers work with iOS and Android smartphones. And they even harmonize with Google Home and Alexa.
But there is one big drawback: Although the standard search function of Tile is free via the associated app. But premium features like the proactive search function require a subscription. This also includes functions such as the intelligent notification if you want to go out the door without a key or a free battery replacement. According to the manufacturer, the trackers are “water-resistant” and have an IP67 certification. Means that the trackers are protected against dust and water during brief submersion.
Tile also offers a community search feature. If you lose the tracker and are out of range, other Tile users can locate the tracker anonymously. If another Tile device is nearby, you will receive a message on your smartphone. Of course, the other Tile user won’t see your tracker.
According to the manufacturer, the Chipolo One is the loudest Bluetooth tracker on the market at 120 decibels. Of course, the AirTag alternative works with Android and iOS via the associated app. The chips are also available in blue, white, yellow, green, red or black. The right tracker should be available for every outfit.
According to the manufacturer, one battery charge per chip lasts two years. The warning function is useful: if you lose your key and move away from it, the Chipolo app sends a warning to your smartphone. And if you’re looking for your smartphone but only have a Chipolo chip at hand, you can emit a sound from the smartphone with a double click on the chip, even if it’s muted.
If the smartphone is out of the Bluetooth range, you can locate the last active location via the Chipolo web application. Chipolo also offers a Bluetooth tracker in credit card format. Ideal for the purse. And of course Chipolo also has a community search function like Tile.
Permanent competitor Samsung not only regularly challenges Apple on the smartphone market. The South Korean tech giant also offers its own AirTag alternative. Based on its smartphones and tablets, Samsung calls its Bluetooth trackers “Galaxy SmartTag”.
However, Samsung’s AirTag alternative is only for people who have a Galaxy smartphone running Android 8 or later. The Galaxy SmartTags don’t work with other smartphones – too bad. Compared to the other AirTag alternatives, the Samsung trackers offer a maximum connection range of 120 meters. This puts them on par with the Tile Pro trackers.
Of course, if you’re looking for a tagged item, the Galaxy SmartTags can also play a sound. The trackers can be controlled – how could it be otherwise – via the SmartThings app from Samsung. Nice: Other Galaxy devices act as search aids if you’ve lost your keys or bag and are out of tracking range with your smartphone.
“Find offline” is the name of this function in the app’s settings menu. If this is activated, the searcher will receive a message if another Galaxy is within range of the tracker and has recognized it. What the trackers all have in common: the Galaxy SmartTags also use a button battery. According to the manufacturer, it lasts for a maximum of 300 days. Samsung keeps it simple in terms of color: buyers can choose between white, black, mint and pink.
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