It contains affiliate links and Extrabux will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on Extrabux links.

2

Top 8 Apple AirTag Alternatives From $25 for Android 2024

Top 8 Apple AirTag Alternatives From $25 for Android 2024

    If you are among those people who have a habit of losing their belongings or keeping them somewhere and then forgetting about them, AirTags are the right product for your usage. The popularity of AirTags and similar Bluetooth trackers is increasing daily. This article aims to explain the usage and the importance of these AirTags or Bluetooth trackers. We will also discuss some AirTag alternatives you can purchase and utilize for similar purposes.

Do Airtags Work With Android?

Apple recently introduced their Airtags that you can track anywhere on the planet. Now, compared to iOS, the number of Android users is higher, so many people have questions like, does Airtag work on Android? or how to use Airtag on android. These are the main terms that are searched overall on search engines.

So let me get straight to your question.

——Do Airtags Work With Android?

——No, Apple Airtags do not work with Android.

Airtags are only for iPhone, they can't connect to Android devices, and you can't track Apple Airtags with Android devices. However, you can use NFC on Android to check the Air Tag serial number, which is probably available on most Android smartphones.


What is AirTag?

AirTag is a device that helps you track objects. Apple is credited with the invention of the AirTag. It acts as a key finder, allowing you to find keys, luggage, vehicles, electronic devices, and more. The device uses Apple's crowdsourced Find My Network.

You can use AirTags with any device, including iPod, iPad or iPhone. Users can pinpoint the location of lost items by using ultra-wideband technology.

All you need to do is attach the AirTag to your item. Anytime an item is lost, it can be easily searched with the help of AirTag. The device receives the signal via Bluetooth. You can link the tracker to your Apple ID and use the Find My app on Apple to find lost items.


Apple AirTag

The best Bluetooth tracker for iPhone users

$29 from Apple

$29 from Amazon

Partial back view of AirTag, behind front view of AirTag showing Apple logo.

Features

  • Allows you to track and find your device easily with the ‘Find My app.’ 

  • The setup process is straightforward. The AirTag connects with your iPhone or iPad easily. 

  • Put the lost AirTag into a lost mode so you may get a notification whenever it comes in a ‘Find My zone.’ 

  • The communication and connection with the ‘Find My network’ are anonymous and encrypted, thus ensuring that your privacy is not invaded. 

  • Battery life of a year.


PROS

  • Accurate and reliable

  • Gives directional cues

  • Can send location from a distance

  • Replaceable battery


CONS

  • No Android compatibility

  • No way to ping a phone from the tag

  • No hole for a lanyard or keyring

  • Anti-stalking features are limited


Purchasing and affording an AirTag may not be everyone’s cup of tea. This is why several manufacturers came up with AirTags alternatives so that everyone can access the salient features offered by an AirTag. 

So, let us look through some of the best Bluetooth tracking devices besides AirTags. 


Top 8 alternatives to AirTags for Android


Tile Mate – Free 1-year premium subscription

image.png

$25 from Amazon

$25 from Walmart

One AirTag alternative for Androids is the Tile Mate. Shaped like a square tile, the Mate weighs only 6g, barely adding any additional weight to your keys or bags. Tile’s trackers work on a subscription basis, and new customers can score a free premium plan for the 1st year. 

The premium subscription comes with a warranty for your Mate and access to its location in the past month. Otherwise, it’s perfectly fine to skip the upgrade and stick to the free base plan for essential services like a “last-seen” map location and using your phone to ring the tracker.

When your items start to go out of range, knock on the tiles.

If your accessory is out of Bluetooth range, you can use the tile app to determine the last location of your item and discover it accordingly.

Another fantastic feature of the Tile Bluetooth tracker is that if it's available near you but you can't find your phone, just double-tap the Tile tracker. It will make your phone ring even if it's on silent.

If you lose your Tile, you can add your contact information on the web to be notified when someone tries to scan your Tile.

Pros:

  • Works with both the Android and iOS smartphones

  • Lightweight and compact

  • Easy Bluetooth pairing

  • Alexa support

Cons:

  • 200ft range is limited

  • No Wifi connectivity

  • Requires subscription for smart alerts

Key Features: 

Bluetooth 5.0 | Compact design | 200ft range | Tile app-based operation | iOS and Android compatibility | Alexa support | Water-resistant design | Replaceable CR2032 battery |

Price: US$24.99/1 piece (~S$34.63), US$47.99/2 pieces (~S$66.49), US$69.99/4 pieces (~S$96.97)
Subscription: Premium plans available from US$2.99/month (~S$4.14)
Range: Up to 76m
Compatibility: Tile app is available for iOS and Android.

Find out more about Tile.

In total, Tile offers four tracking products, including:

  • Tile Mate: The basic version of the tracker, which comes in packs of two that often retail for around $25. Unlike the AirTag, the tracker comes with an integrated loop for a key ring or fastener, so you won't need to buy an accessory to attach it to something.

  • Tile Pro: The upgraded version of the Tile Mate, this tracker has a slimmer rectangular form and an advertised Bluetooth range of 400 feet (versus the 250 feet for the Tile Mate). It also generates a much louder ring tone to help you find your bag, should it be buried under a "baggage mountain." A single Tile Pro is usually around $35, though two- and four-packs are available at a lower per-Tile price.

  • Tile Slim: A thick credit card-shaped version of the Tile tracker, the Tile Slim is designed for use in a wallet or passport holder. This usually retails for around $35.

  • Tile Sticker: Smaller but thicker than the Tile Mate, the Tile Sticker has an adhesive so you can attach it to items like remote controls or the inside of a glasses or laptop case. While it's not strong enough to be used to protect against theft, as it can be pulled off, this Tile device is useful for something where a key ring wouldn't work.



Chipolo ONE Spot – Taps on Apple’s Find My network


Zoom in on Alt View Zoom 13. Chipolo - Bluetooth Item Tracker, (1 pack) - Blue.


Chipolo’s ONE and ONE Spot are close alternatives of AirTags with their small, circular body. Apple users looking for a cheaper alternative can go for the ONE Spot which works on Apple’s Find My network. Like the AirTags, Chipolo’s trackers will also withstand splashes of water, should your tagged item get caught in a downpour. 

Android folks can pick up the Chipolo ONE and pair it with the dedicated Chipolo App. When regular beeping gets boring, the Chipolo App lets you change the ringtone of the ONE tracker for more pleasant or blaring chimes. 


Features: 

You can use the Apple network to find lost items.

If your item is lost and difficult to trace, you can put it into Lost Mode. Your contact information will be displayed to anyone who finds the missing Chipolo and your belongings.

The Chipolo Bluetooth Tracker has a key ring hole. You can attach key rings directly into the holes without worrying about losing them.

Chipolo plays up to 120dB when you lose an item.

Chipolo is waterproof, so it will come in handy in all weather conditions.

It has a battery life of up to a year. If the battery dies, it's an easy task to replace it.


Pros:

  • Loud and clear alarm

  • IPX5 Water rating standard

  • 2 year battery replacement

  • Circular, compact design and comes in 6 colors

Cons:

  • Limited range

  • The Chipolo app is not so intuitive

Key Features: Bluetooth 5.0 | Circular design | 200ft range | 120dB Alarm | Chipolo app | iOS and Android support | Alexa support| Siri and Google Assistant compatibility | IPX5 rating | Replaceable CR2032 battery |


Price: From €25/1 piece (~S$36.56), €75/4 pieces (~S$109.67), €105/6 pieces (~S$153.53)
Subscription: None
Range: Up to 60m
Compatibility: Chipolo app is available for iOS and Android.

Find out more about Chipolo.

Chipolo currently sells the following tracking products:

  • Chipolo One: This thin, disc-shaped tracking device with an integrated key ring hole is the brand's standard Android-compatible product. A one-pack is typically around $25.

  • Chipolo One Spot: The Apple-compatible version of the Chipolo One, this key ring-ready plastic disc tracker functions the same as its counterpart except that it works within Apple's Find My app and the iPhone network. A one-pack retails for about $28.

  • Chipolo Card: Similar to the Chipolo One, the Chipolo Card is a tracking device in the shape of a credit card that helps you locate items with an Android phone. It's a bit slimmer than the Tile Slim offering and is available usually retails for about $30.

  • Chipolo Card Spot: To track items with a card-shaped device and an iPhone, Chipolo offers its Chipolo Card Spot product. Like the Chipolo One Spot, it uses the Find My app network to locate items. This one usually retails for about $35.


Galaxy SmartTag+ – Switch on home appliances remotely

image.png

On the flipside, Samsung Galaxy has its own exclusive Bluetooth tracker. The Galaxy SmartTag+ has all the snazzy features that AirTags do for iPhones like its own Galaxy Find Network for extending search range, and AR Finding for leading you to your lost-and-found. 

What makes the SmartTag+ stand out from the AirTag is its in-built button, which can be used to switch on eligible household appliances like lights and aircon while you’re still on the way home. 

Price: $56
Subscription: None
Range: Up to 120m
Compatibility: Samsung Galaxy devices only

Find out more about Galaxy SmartTag+.

Two versions of the Galaxy SmartTag are available:

  • Galaxy SmartTag: Samsung's basic square-shaped tracker, with a key ring loop, is the brand's most straightforward model. These often retail for around $30.

  • Galaxy SmartTag+: The upgraded Galaxy SmartTag+ adds additional functionality to the standard SmartTag, including a real-time directional item-finder and the ability to use the tag to control some other Samsung products. A one-pack is usually about $40.



Orbit – Waterproof & doubles as a selfie remote

Featuring a sleek, satin finish, Orbit’s collection of Bluetooth trackers is sure to be a chic addition to your loose essentials. The Orbit Keys come in 12 colours including Rose Gold, Azure blue, and Gun Metal black to match your desired aesthetic. 

There are also card trackers that fit in your wallet and attachments for spectacles.

Besides being a cute keychain, you can also use the button on the Orbit Key as a selfie remote to snap photos or start recording a video when your phone is set up far away from you. The tracker’s also made to withstand strong jets of water, perfect for trips to the likes of Wild Wild Wet

You’ll be able to nab the Orbit tracker from its website for US$24.99 (~S$34.63), but it’s also available on Shopee and Lazada for S$49 should you want to ride on in-app promos. Challenger ValueClub members are able to score the Orbit Key at a discounted price of S$39.


Pros: 

Slim form factor fits perfectly into a wallet

Cons: 

Limited range and doesn’t have the extensive network like Apple, Samsung or Tile

Price: US$24.99 (~S$34.63)
Subscription: None
Range: Up to 30m
Compatibility: Orbit app is available for iOS and Android.

Find out more about Orbit.


Tracki GPS Tracker: A most affordable alternative

  • Range: Unlimited

  • Battery: 1 Lithium-ion battery (rechargeable)

  • Size: 1.74 x 1.5 x 0.6 inches

  • Water-resistant: Waterproof magnetic box

  • Compatibility: iOS and Android

image.png

If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives to AirTags, check out this latest real-time GPS tracker that stands out with its rechargeable battery. It lasts 2-3 days if real-time tracking is enabled, connecting with your device every 1-5 minutes. When real-time tracking is not needed, the battery lasts 30-75 days, tracking 1-3 times/day.

Further, the waterproof magnetic box extends battery life to 2 weeks at 1 min update & 10 months tracking at once per day. It works across borders so that you can locate anything from unlimited distances!

When outdoors, it works with GPS satellites, and when indoors, Track listens to nearby Wi-Fi routers’ MAC ID, matching IDs to Wi-Fi database for accurate location when GPS is not available. You will get real-time alerts when the tracker crosses a designated zone. Besides, you’ll see notifications for SOS, low battery, and speeding.

Pros

  • Full, worldwide coverage

  • Uses GPS, not Bluetooth, so unlimited range

  • Good battery life

  • Small, lightweight, discrete

Cons

  • You need to recharge the battery to keep it working

2
2022-10-10 03:29397