Videos
What is the best Bluetooth tracker?
Which Bluetooth Tracker Is the Best?
Smartphone compatibility tops the list of things to consider when choosing a Bluetooth tracker. Tile is the only company on our list that sells trackers that work with both Android and iOS devices. Apple’s AirTag technically works with any device capable of running iOS or iPadOS 14.5 and later, but you need an iPhone 11 or later to use its Precision Finding feature. Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag 2 works only with Samsung Galaxy phones that run Android 9 or later, offer 3GB of RAM, and have the SmartThings Find app installed.
Location accuracy is the next most important consideration. All the trackers on this list are relatively accurate, but those with ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity can give you turn-by-turn directions to your lost item. UWB is found in the Apple AirTag, the Samsung SmartTag 2, and the Motorola Moto Tag. All of Tile’s trackers have proximity indicators, but they lack the UWB exactitude from Apple, Samsung, and Motorola.
Maximum range is another relevant aspect. Some Bluetooth trackers claim they can connect with your smartphone from distances of up to 500 feet, but all the trackers we've tested have a real-world maximum range of fewer than 100 feet. If you’re using a Bluetooth tracker on items that tend to stay in one area, like a TV remote that's probably somewhere in your living room, the maximum range doesn't matter much. The range is more important if you plan to use the tracker on items that leave your house, like your keys or bag.
A robust locator network can help balance out some of Bluetooth’s technical limitations. You can place all the trackers on this list in a Lost Mode that allows other people’s phones to discreetly detect the tracker and direct you to your missing item. Tile has a large user network, but it depends on people downloading its app and properly updating several settings on their phones. Apple's massive Find My network, meanwhile, uses an app that's baked into iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS—meaning it's already available on hundreds of millions of devices.
Take a moment to think about how you plan to use a Bluetooth tracker before you buy one. Some models work better for certain applications than others. The Samsung SmartTag 2, Tile Mate, and Tile Pro have holes that allow you to easily attach them to your key ring. The Tile Sticker has an adhesive mount, while the Tile Slim can easily slide into your wallet. Apple’s AirTag and the Moto Tag are standalone products that require an accessory to affix or mount them. Several key rings on Apple's website work with AirTags and third-party accessories.
Finally, if you're concerned about eco-waste, you have a few options: the Apple AirTag, the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2, and the Tile Pro. Each of these has a battery that you can easily replace. In contrast, the Tile Mate, Tile Slim, and Tile Sticker all have non-replaceable batteries that will last about three years.
Which Bluetooth tracker is right for you?
I am looking for a good FMD compatible trackee which is cheap enough to do the job. I found a pack of 4 Moto Tags for £95 on Amazon. I am willing to order that. But are they good?
I live an a farm in a very remote area of Chile. I'd like some trackers for my keys, tools and wallet. I have a Pixel,but most people have Samsung. No one here has ever heard of a Tile or Chipolo so they won't have the app on their phones. Is there a device the universally works with all android phones? Or am I better off getting a cheap $200 Samsung phone and using Samsung trackers if something ever gets lost?
I'm thinking Moto Tag for the EVENTUAL UWB? But your thoughts?