Keeping track of where your belongings are can be challenging. While Apple users can pair AirTag trackers to their iOS devices and quickly find the object it’s attached to, they doesn’t work well with Android phones. Luckily, you can get a Bluetooth tracker that will give you all the functions you need. If you’re looking for an AirTag alternative, check out this list of the top five.
Tip: taking a trip soon? Check out our must-have gadgets list when taking a vacation.
1. Best for Tracking Everyday Items: Tile Mate
Price: $24.99
The Tile Mate is a thin square, measuring 1.49 in / 3.7 cm on all sides, and is about 0.28 in / 0.71 cm thick. It’s great for keeping track of keys, bags, earbuds, and backpacks. The tiny accessory can also be used to find your phone. Users just need to double-press the central button on the tile to ring their phone (even if it’s on silent).
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Battery lasts three years
- Bluetooth range of 250 ft / 76 m
- Also compatible with iOS
Cons
- Battery can’t be replaced
- Only one loudness setting
2. Best for Samsung Phones: Samsung Galaxy SmartTag
Price: $29.99
The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag comes in two versions, but the entry-level SmartTag is the smallest, measuring 1.54 in / 3.91 cm by 0.39 in / 0.99 cm. The SmartTag can help you find things anywhere. Even if you find yourself out of range, the Galaxy Find Network will locate your tag. The device’s replaceable CR2032 battery lasts for about a year. If you have a Samsung phone, you can remain in the Samsung ecosystem with the Galaxy SmartTag for improved compatibility.
Pros
- Has a Bluetooth range of 130 yd / 27.4 m
- Three loudness settings
- Replaceable battery
Cons
- Only works with Samsung phones
Good to know: check out these tips on how to customize your Samsung phone’s homescreen.
3. Best for Locating Small Objects: Chipolo One
Price: $25
The Chipolo One is the thinnest Bluetooth tracker on this list, measuring only 0.25 in / 0.63 cm thick with a circular design measuring 1.49 in / 3.78 cm in diameter. It has a hole punched through it so that you can easily attach it to keys or smaller objects that are prone to getting lost.
Pros
- Weighs only 0.27 oz / 7.65 g
- Great for tracking pets
- Also compatible with iOS
- Tracking range of 200 ft / 60.96 m
- Battery lasts two years
- 120-decibel alarm
Cons
- Could detach from pet collar
- Not available in neutral colors
- Battery is non-replaceable
4. Best for Tracking Luggage: Cube Tracker
Price: $29.95
Need a gadget that can keep track of your belongings and work as a remote controller for your phone’s camera? You need the Cube Tracker. It is one of the smallest, most portable trackers, measuring 1.49 in / 3.78 cm in width and height and 0.35 in / 0.88 cm in thickness. It’s best for tracking luggage, as it easily clips onto the side handle, will rarely show up in baggage scans and is compatible with iOS and Android.
Pros
- 100 ft / 30.48 m Bluetooth range
- Battery lasts up to a year
Cons
- Not as loud as other Cube trackers
- Not suitable for tracking pets
- Can sporadically lose Bluetooth connection
Tip: learn the various ways of sharing your location with someone via WhatsApp.
5. Best for Tracking Pets: Tile Sticker
Price: $29.99
The Tile Sticker is the smallest tracker from Tile, as the round gadget measures only 1.1 in / 2.79 cm across and is 0.32 in / 0.81 cm thick. As the name implies, it doesn’t have a hole punched through it to hang on keys but has an adhesive backing instead. This makes it perfect for tracking smaller objects, such as remote controls or headphones. Yet, its strong point is tracking pets. Tile has a special collar for the Sticker that keeps it secure when hanging around your pet’s neck.
Pros
- Easily sticks to objects
- Range of 250 ft / 76.2 cm
- Battery lasts for three years
Cons
- Adapter for pet collar sold separately
- Battery is non-replaceable
Tip: these are the best offline GPS apps for Android you should try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Bluetooth tracker and a GPS tracker?
A Bluetooth tracker uses Bluetooth technology to relay its position to the mobile device and is limited by its broadcast range, while usually being relatively small. A GPS tracker uses a built-in SIM card and GPS technology for location. They tend to be larger and heavier than Bluetooth trackers and require more powerful batteries. However, the most significant advantage is that their range is unlimited.
What kind of battery does a Bluetooth tracker use?
Most popular Bluetooth trackers use the CR2032 battery, commonly found in analog wristwatches. Replacing the battery is relatively easy, as you only need to remove a few screws.
Does a Bluetooth tracker require a Wi-Fi connection?
No, it doesn’t. Even if your phone doesn’t have mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection, it can still use Bluetooth technology to connect to the tracker’s Bluetooth signal.
Image credit: Wireless Location Accessory Token To Locate Keys by 123RF
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