Everyone has misplaced their keys at least once in their life. This is particularly annoying when things have to happen quickly. The little beasts are usually found in the pocket from the day before or under a pile of files on the desk.
But by the time you find them, your nerves are usually burned out. Clever GPS trackers like Apple’s AirTags want to save you this nerve-wracking search. They connect to the smartphone via Bluetooth and the users can always see where the trackers are using the smartphone app. It also works the other way around: Some trackers offer the function of playing a sound on the smartphone with a double click.
What sets Apple’s AirTags apart is clear: they are as stylish as usual, offer the IP67 water protection standard, meaning they are dustproof and waterproof against temporary submersion up to one meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. You get your power from a CR2032 button cell battery. According to the manufacturer, the key finders last for a year.
Range:
Up to 100 meters (without obstacles)
Water protection:
IP 67 (dustproof, protection against temporary submersion up to 1 meter, max. 30 min.)
Subscription:
Not necessary
Speaker:
Available
Community-Search:
Available
So far the competition for Apple has been manageable. Three manufacturers in particular are putting pressure on the iPhone, iPad and iMac company: Tile and Chipolo are two relatively unknown key finders. Long-term competitor Samsung, on the other hand, is familiar to most consumers. Tile offers the largest product range, followed by Chipolo.
Range:
Up to 120 meters (without obstacles)
Water protection:
“Water-resistant” (manufacturer’s statement)
Subscription:
Necessary for premium features
Speaker:
Available
Community-Search
Available
With its Bluetooth trackers, Tile offers the most extensive product range on the market. The keychains are available in two versions: Tile Mate and Tile Pro. The main difference is their range: According to the manufacturer, Mate finds objects up to a range of 76 meters and Pro up to 120 meters.
Of course, the trackers are not only suitable for a key chain, but can also be attached to the zipper of a sports bag. In addition to the large pendants, Tile also offers stickers. They are slightly smaller and can be stuck to a remote control, camera or glasses case. Its range is 45 meters and, according to the manufacturer, the battery life is up to three years.
And because both keychains and stickers are hard on your wallet, Tile also offers an AirTag alternative in credit card format that fits perfectly in a wallet. Nice: All Tile trackers work with iOS and Android smartphones. And they even work well with Google Home and Alexa.
But there is one big drawback: Tile’s standard search function via the associated app is free. But for premium features like proactive search, you’ll need to subscribe. This also includes functions such as an intelligent notification if you want to go out the door without a key or a free battery replacement. According to the manufacturer, the trackers are “water-resistant” with an IP67 certification. This means that the trackers are protected against dust and water when submerged for a short time.
Tile also offers a community search feature. If you lose the tracker and are out of its range, other Tile users can locate the tracker anonymously. If another Tile device is nearby, you will receive a message on your smartphone. Of course, the other Tile user won’t see your tracker.
Range:
Up to 60 meters (without obstacles)
Water protection:
IPX5 standard (protection against water jets from all sides)
Subscription:
No (iOS 12 and newer versions as well as Android 7 and higher)
Speaker:
Available (120 dB)
Community-Search
Available
According to the manufacturer, the Chipolo One is the loudest Bluetooth tracker on the market at 120 decibels. Of course, the AirTag alternative works with Android and iOS via the associated app. The chips are also available in blue, white, yellow, green, red or black. There should be the right tracker for every outfit.
According to the manufacturer, one battery charge per chip lasts two years. The warning function is useful: If you lose your key and move away from it, the Chipolo app sends a warning to your smartphone. And if you’re ever looking for your smartphone but only have a chip from Chipolo at hand, you can make a sound from the smartphone by double-clicking on the chip, even if it’s muted.
If the smartphone is out of Bluetooth range, you can use Chipolo’s web application to locate its last active location. Chipolo also offers a Bluetooth tracker in credit card format. Ideal for your wallet. And of course Chipolo also has a community search function like Tile.
Range:
Up to 120 meters (without obstacles)
Water protection:
IP 53 (not dustproof, protection against water jets from all sides)
Subscription:
Not necessary, but can only be used with a Galaxy smartphone (Android 8 and higher)
Speaker:
Available
Community-Search
Available
Long-term competitor Samsung not only regularly challenges Apple in the smartphone market. The South Korean tech giant also has its own AirTag alternative. Based on its smartphones and tablets, Samsung calls its Bluetooth trackers “Galaxy SmartTag”.
However, Samsung’s AirTag alternative is only for people who have a Galaxy smartphone running Android 8 or higher. The Galaxy SmartTags don’t work with other smartphones – a shame. Compared to the other AirTag alternatives, the Samsung trackers offer a maximum connection range of 120 meters. This puts them on a par with the Tile Pro trackers.
Of course, if you’re looking for a tagged item, the Galaxy SmartTags can also play a sound. The trackers can be controlled – how could it be otherwise – via the SmartThings app from Samsung. Nice: Other Galaxy devices act as a search aid if you have lost your keys or bag and are out of tracking range with your smartphone.
This function is called “Find offline” in the app’s settings menu. If this is activated, the searcher will receive a message when another Galaxy is within range of the tracker and has detected it. What the trackers all have in common: The Galaxy SmartTags also use a button battery. According to the manufacturer, it lasts a maximum of 300 days. Samsung keeps it simple in terms of color: buyers can choose between white, black, mint and pink.
Note: The article was first published in June 2021.
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