Bluetooth trackers have become essential for keeping track of personal items like keys and wallets, helping to avoid time-consuming searches. While Apple’s AirTags gained popularity, several budget-friendly alternatives exist. The guide covers options such as Tile Pro, Samsung SmartTag2, Ugreen Finder Smart, and ATUVOS card, each offering unique features and compatibility, ensuring users can find the best solution for their needs without breaking the bank.
Why Bluetooth Trackers are Essential for Your Belongings
Misplacing your keys, wallet, or bag can lead to a frantic search that steals away your valuable time, even if the item is right under your nose. To mitigate the risk of losing your essential items, Bluetooth trackers have emerged as a practical solution. These compact devices can easily be tucked away and allow you to quickly track your belongings using your smartphone.
While Apple brought this idea into the limelight with its AirTags, it is not the only player in this growing market. With an updated version expected in 2025, it may be wise to hold off on purchasing an AirTag. In the meantime, let’s explore some superior alternatives currently available.
Top Alternatives to AirTags
In this guide, we’ve curated a list of some of the best alternatives to AirTags, focusing on budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on functionality:
Tile Pro
If you’re in search of a Bluetooth tracker that works seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices, the Tile Pro (2022) is an excellent choice. While a newer model was released in 2024, it comes at a higher price due to its enhanced range and durability.
This dual compatibility is particularly beneficial if you have various devices or multiple users wanting to connect. You can easily sync it with an Android tablet (Android 12+) or an iPhone (iOS 14.5+). Plus, the location of the item can be shared among up to five users.
Functionally, it operates similarly to AirTags, allowing you to track items through the Tile app, whether at home or out and about. The device can emit up to 10 different sounds to help you locate it, provided you set it up in advance.
It’s important to note that you need to be within a 120m radius to activate the sound signal via Bluetooth (5.1). If you’re outside this range, you can still view the last known location on the app’s map. Certified with an IP67 rating, the Tile Pro is resistant to water and dust.
One of the standout features of the Tile Pro is its affordability. While an AirTag is priced at €39, you can snag the Tile Pro for as low as €17.50 during promotions—allowing you to purchase two for the cost of one AirTag.
Samsung SmartTag2
Similar to AirTags, which are designed for iPhones, Samsung’s SmartTag2 is only compatible with Samsung smartphones running Android 8.0 or newer. If you’re using a device from another brand, this tracker isn’t for you. Released in October 2023, this upgraded version boasts improved battery life, enhanced connectivity, and added features like lost mode with NFC and augmented reality for precise location tracking.
Using UWB technology, the SmartTag2 offers ultra-precise location tracking (within a 50 cm margin of error). You’ll receive visual cues on your smartphone to guide you to your lost item. However, this feature is limited to high-end Samsung devices, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
While Apple’s Find My network benefits from millions of active devices globally, Samsung’s SmartThings Find network is much more limited, relying solely on Galaxy devices. With the integrated NFC chip, if someone finds your SmartTag2, they can scan it with a compatible NFC phone to view a personalized message with your contact details—a feature not available with AirTags.
The SmartTag2 also enjoys an IP67 certification, ensuring it is fully dustproof and can withstand being submerged for up to 30 minutes in water.
Ugreen Finder Smart
Ugreen, known primarily for its chargers and power banks, has entered the tracker market with the Ugreen Finder Smart, which is a cost-effective option compatible solely with Apple’s ecosystem. It offers a similar functionality to AirTags at a fraction of the price.
Integrating seamlessly into Apple’s Find My network, the Ugreen Finder Smart operates just like an AirTag within the Find My app. You can remotely trigger it to ring when nearby, emitting a sound of up to 80 dB. If you lose the item beyond its 15-meter indoor range, the Finder Smart utilizes Apple’s crowdsourced network for long-distance tracking, allowing nearby iPhones to locate it anonymously and relay its position to you. Like the AirTag, it is also IP67 certified for water and dust resistance.
ATUVOS Card
If keychain trackers aren’t your style, consider the ATUVOS card, designed specifically for wallets and passports. This card-style tracker also connects through Apple’s Find My app.
Similar to AirTags, the ATUVOS card leverages Apple’s Find My network, enabling detection by any nearby Apple device. However, its slim design limits battery size and some advanced technologies like UWB, which may slightly reduce its tracking effectiveness.
In summary, whether you prefer a traditional tracker like the Tile Pro, a specialized option like the Ugreen Finder Smart, or a sleek card design like the ATUVOS, there are numerous alternatives to AirTags that cater to various needs and preferences.