Losing your keys or wallet can ruin your day and cause unnecessary stress. Thankfully, Bluetooth trackers have arrived to help you locate misplaced items with just a few taps on your smartphone. But with several big players in the market, how do you choose? I compared the top four key finders—AirTag vs. SmartTag vs. Tile vs. Chipolo—across all the factors that matter most to reveal the best pick for every need.
An Overview of Bluetooth Key Finders
A Bluetooth tracker, also called a key finder, is a small device you attach to easily lost items like keys, wallets, purses, luggage, and more. The tracker pairs to a smartphone app, allowing you to make it ring when misplaced within Bluetooth range, generally 30 to 400 feet depending on the model.
Some key finders also offer additional tracking capabilities when out of Bluetooth range. For example, Apple‘s Find My network for AirTags and Tile‘s community network can pinpoint an AirTag or Tile‘s most recent location if another device running the app comes within Bluetooth range of your lost item.
Other key considerations when selecting a Bluetooth tracker include:
- Compatibility – Which smartphones work with each key finder app?
- Size and design – Is it easy to attach to your intended items?
- Range – What‘s the max Bluetooth and network tracking range?
- Battery – Is it replaceable or rechargeable? How long does it last?
- Extras – Does it have two-way find or other bonus features?
- Price – How much does the tracker and any subscription cost?
With the basics covered, let‘s see how the most popular key finders compare across these factors.
AirTag vs. SmartTag vs. Tile vs. Chipolo: Key Specs
| Spec | AirTag | SmartTag | Tile Mate | Chipolo One |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 1.25" diameter | 1.5" x 1.5" square | 1" x 2" rectangle | 1.5" diameter |
| Compatibility | iPhone only | Galaxy only | Android & iOS | Android & iOS |
| Max Bluetooth Range | ~30 ft | ~200 ft | ~250 ft | ~60 ft |
| Out-of-Range Finding | Apple Find My network | Limited crowd-sourced network via SmartThings app | Tile community network | Utilizes Apple Find My or Tile‘s network |
| Battery | Replaceable CR2032, 1+ yr life | Replaceable CR1632, 2+ yr life | Non-replaceable, 3 yr life | Non-replaceable, 1 yr life |
| Water Resistance | IP67, 1m depth 30 mins | IP68, 1.5m depth 30 mins | Splashproof | Splashproof |
| two-way Tracking | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $29 for 1 | $40 for 2 | $25 each ($40 for 2) | $30 each |
The table reveals quite a few close calls, but important differences emerge when comparing the experiences.
AirTag: Best for the Apple Ecosystem
Highlights: Seamlessly integrates with iPhone, Utilizes extensive Find My network
Limitations: iPhone only, No two-way finding
Apple users will find the AirTag their ideal pick. Setup takes seconds by simply bringing the AirTag near your iPhone, which automatically pulls it into your iCloud account and Find My app. Everything happens in the background—no need to even open the Find My app.
Then when your keys go MIA, open Find My and tap your AirTag. If within ~30 feet, it will play a loud chime. Outside this Bluetooth range, you can view its most recent location on the Find My map as reported by other devices that detected it.
While the range is shorter than other finders, AirTag taps into Apple‘s vast Find My network comprised of hundreds of millions of iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks to locate your lost item over virtually unlimited distances.
And thanks to the user-replaceable battery lasting 1+ year, you can set it and forget it. AirTag is purpose-built for the Apple ecosystem. The only thing it’s missing is Tile’s handy two-way finding feature where you press your Tile tracker to make your phone ring.
“Seamless setup and integration with iOS devices combined with Apple’s massive Find My network make AirTag the clear pick for iPhone users.”
Samsung SmartTag: Best for Galaxy Owners
Highlights: Deep Samsung ecosystem integration, Long 2+ year battery
Limitations: Samsung-only, Limited crowd-sourced finding
Following Apple’s lead, Samsung created its own answer to key finding with SmartTag. Out of the box, it automatically pairs with Galaxy smartphones much like AirTag, but utilizes Samsung‘s SmartThings app rather than a standalone experience.
SmartTag has the longest rated two year battery life that you can swap out yourself when depleted. It also boasts an impressive 200 feet of Bluetooth range for locating items around the house.
However, unlike Apple Devices, far fewer Samsungs are out in the wild to crowd source finding your SmartTag out of Bluetooth range. You can enroll it in Samsung’s limited network via SmartThings Find, but it pales in comparison to Apple‘s network.
Nonetheless, Samsung users will still find it delivers an intuitive tracking solution natively built into their Galaxy ecosystem. But cross-platform households may want to consider a separate Tile or Chipolo tracker.
“Deep Galaxy smartphone integration coupled with the 200 foot Bluetooth range makes this a great choice for Samsung loyalists.”
Tile: Best Cross-Platform Option
Highlights: Huge community finding network, Two-way finding
Limitations: Short 3 year non-replaceable battery
With a proven track record and massive community network, Tile trackers remain the most versatile cross-platform option. The Tile Mate offers a balanced mix of features for most at an affordable $25 price point.
Setup takes just seconds by pairing Tile Mate with the Tile app on either Android or iOS. When in Bluetooth range (~250 feet), you can make your Tile ring loudly. Double press to utilize Tile’s unique two-way finding feature that makes your phone chime loudly—even if it‘s set to silent.
And when your lost item ventures beyond range, you can view its most recent location on the map within the Tile app, thanks to Tile’s extensive community network. If another Tile user comes within range of your lost item, their deviceanonymously reports its location back to Tile‘s cloud.
Battery life is rated at three years for Tile Mate, after which you‘ll need to replace the entire tracker. So while handy and versatile, Tile‘s network and features come at the cost of eventually replacing rather than just the battery.
“With the largest crowd-sourced finding network by far, Tile is the most versatile cross-platform Bluetooth tracker available.”
Chipolo: Best Value Pick
Highlights: Wallet-friendly price, Loud 120 decibel ring
Limitations: Shorter range and battery life
If keeping costs low is your top priority, Chipolo trackers offer surprisingly robust features without breaking the bank. The $30 Chipolo One tracker can pair with both Android and iOS devices via the Chipolo app.
Like Tile, Chipolo also offers two-way find to ring your phone from your lost tracker. Its loud 120 decibel ring is perfect for noisy environments. And through a partnership with Tile, it can also tap into Tile’s crowd-sourced finding network when out of Bluetooth range (up to 60 feet).
Compromises to hit the low price come in the form of the non-replaceable battery only lasting one year. And Chipolo‘s more limited water resistance makes it less suitable for outdoor use cases compared to other picks. But for the budget-focused who rarely lose items outside the house, it strikes an excellent balance.
“With the loudest ringer and lowest price, Chipolo satisfies basic tracking needs for those looking to save money.”
Which Key Finder Should You Choose?
Hopefully comparing the top players across the ranges reveals your ideal match based on smartphone platform, intended use cases, and budget.
- AirTag truly shines if you live life in Apple’s ecosystem across iPhone, iPad, or MacBook and value expansive crowd-sourced finding.
- Samsung SmartTag delivers a comparable experience purpose-built for Galaxy owners willing to forgo third-party support.
- Tile satisfies cross-platform flexibility across Android and iOS along with robust finding through their unparalleled community network.
- Chipolo fills a niche delivering satisfactory tracking on a tight budget.
While prices vary from $25 up to $35 for one tracker, nearly all these brands offer bundles bringing the per-device cost closer to $20. So grab a multipack and attach these invaluable finders to all your commonly lost items!
And if you discovered your perfect Bluetooth tracker match, click to find current deals on 2 packs of AirTags, Samsung SmartTags, Tile trackers, or the Chipolo while stocks last.
