These trackers compete with Apple & APOs; s AirTag service.

Apple's AirTags are used to locate items such as keys, backpacks, and suitcases. But what are the AirTag alternatives to the expensive trackers and are they as good as the expensive trackers? Three manufacturers and their products are compared and contrasted.

Everyone has misplaced their keys at some point in their lives. It's particularly annoying when things have to be done quickly. You usually discover the creatures in the trouser pocket of the previous day or under a stack of files on the desk.

Your nerves are usually gone by the time you find them, though. Apple's AirTags and other clever trackers want to spare you the tedious search. They connect to smartphones via Bluetooth, and users can use the smartphone app to see where the trackers are at any time. This also works the other way around: some trackers allow you to double-click to play a sound on your smartphone.

What's clear about the Apple AirTags: They have the usual stylishness and meet the IP67 waterproof rating, which means they're dustproof and waterproof to a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes. A CR2032 button cell is used to power the device. According to the manufacturer, the key finders last for one year.

AirTag alternative: Still little competition

Apple has managed to keep up with the competition so far. Tile and Chipolo, two relatively unknown key finder companies, are putting pressure on the iPhone, iPad and iMac group. Most consumers, on the other hand, know Samsung as a long-time competitor. Tile, followed by Chipolo, has the most diverse product offering.

1. AirTag alternatives from Tile

Tile has the widest range of products on the market with its Bluetooth trackers. Two versions of the keychain are available: Tile Mate and Tile Professional. According to the manufacturer, Mate can detect objects up to 60 meters away, while Pro can detect objects up to 120 meters away.

Of course, the trackers can also be attached to the zipper of a sports bag or to a bunch of keys. Besides the big ones, Tile has a lot of fans.Stickers available. They're slightly smaller and can be attached to things like the remote control, camera or glasses case. It has a range of 45 meters and a battery life of up to three years, according to the manufacturer.

Tile also comes with an AirTag alternative because both keychains and stickers are bad for your wallet. Credit card sized for sale, and it fits perfectly in a purse. Tile trackers are compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones, which is convenient. They are also compatible with Google Home and Alex.

There's one major downside, though: while Tile's standard search feature is available for free through its accompanying app, there's a significant cost associated with using it. Premium features like proactive search require a subscription, which you can get here. This includes features such as an intelligent notification if you leave the house without a key or a free battery change. According to the manufacturer, these trackers are “waterproof”. Tile doesn't mention any official IP certification, so it's unclear what that means.

Tile also has a feature that allows you to search for people around you. If you misplace the tracker and it's out of reach, other Tile users can find it anonymously. Receive a notification on your smartphone when another Tile device is nearby. Your tracker will of course be invisible to the other Tile users.

According to the manufacturer, the Chipolo One is the loudest Bluetooth tracker in the world at 120 decibels. The AirTag alternative is of course compatible with Android and iOS devices when used with the accompanying app. The chips come in a variety of colors including blue, white, yellow, green, red, and black. Every outfit requires the right tracker.

According to the manufacturer, a battery charge lasts two years per chip. The warning function is useful: if you misplace your key and move away from it, the Chipolo app sends a notification to your smartphone. If you're looking for your smartphone but only have a Chipolo chip, double-clicking the chip, even if it's muted, will play a sound from the smartphone.

You can use the Chipolo web application to find the last active location when your smartphone is out of Bluetooth range. A Bluetooth tracker is also available from Chipolo. Credit card sized,. The purse is ideal. Like Tile, Chipolo includes a community search function.

3. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag

Samsung, Apple's constant rival, not only regularly competes with Apple in the smartphone market. AirTag is also available from the South Korean tech giant. Samsung's Bluetooth trackers are based on the company's smartphones and tablets "Galaxy SmartTag".

Samsung's AirTag alternative, on the other hand, is only available to users with a Galaxy smartphone running Android 8.0 or later. Other smartphones don't work with the Galaxy SmartTags, which is a shame. The Samsung trackers have a maximum connection range of 120 meters, which is higher than the other AirTag options. This makes up for it with Tile Pro trackers.

Of course, the Galaxy SmartTags can also play a sound when you search for a tagged item. The trackers can be controlled via the Samsung SmartThings app, which makes sense. If you've misplaced your keys or bag and are out of range of your smartphone, other Galaxy devices can act as locators.

The app's settings menu has a feature called "Find Offline". When this option is selected, the searcher will be notified when another galaxy comes within range of the tracker and has detected them. The Galaxy SmartTags also use a button battery, something all trackers have in common. According to the manufacturer, it has a maximum service life of 300 days. In terms of color, Samsung keeps it simple: white, black, mint and pink are the only options.

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