AirTag Alternatives for Android and iPhone

12-May-2024

If you’re the kind of person who frequently misplaces their things, then the functionality of Apple’s AirTag device may hold considerable benefit for you. This nifty little accessory can be attached to all kinds of personal items and uses GPS and Bluetooth to communicate its whereabouts to nearby devices, offering a convenient way for you to locate your lost belongings. This can be great for finding your keys around the hours, and can also be a lifesaver when traveling, as putting the tracker in your bags can help you to track down lost luggage with ease.

However, there may be a reason why Apple’s AirTag is not the right tracking device for you. You may be an Android user, for instance, in which case your personal device won’t be compatible with an AirTag. Likewise, you may want the utility of the AirTag at a lower price point, or with additional features. In that case, you will want to know what the best alternatives to AirTag are.

If so, look no further, because we’ve compiled a shortlist of the five best Airtag alternatives out there today.

• Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2

If you are unwilling to step into the Apple ecosystem and happen to own a Samsung smartphone, then the Galaxy SmartTag2 might be the perfect AirTag Android alternative for you.

This device comes in at a similar price point to Apple’s AirTag at approximately $30, has a sleek, low-profile design, and has an impressive working range of around 120 meters, or 394 feet. The SmartTag 2 also has an incredible battery life of 500 days, extending to 700 days in Power Saving Mode, ensuring that you can attach it to important personal items without fear that you might lose them as a result of the battery giving out. Additionally, it also boasts convenient location history tracking.

The device is only suitable for Samsung users, unfortunately, but those who do own a Samsung device can enjoy extensive compatibility with Samsung’s SmartThings app and wider ecosystem. This enhances its functionality considerably, giving you the ability to control smart home devices directly from the SmartTag 2 itself with just the click of a button.

• Tile Pro

Outside of the two leading smartphone manufacturers, Tile is probably the most well-established brand for tracking devices, and there’s for good reason for this. The company has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality trackers, and their latest, the Tile Pro, is no exception.

First off, this device offers competitive pricing, with a single tracker costing around $30. It offers combines a study design with simple, intuitive button controls, and a slightly larger effective range than the SmartTag 2, at 400 feet. This device is reliable and robust and is fully compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Additionally, it also works with other smart devices, including Alexa and Google Nest. 

Additionally, when you register your device, you gain access to Tile’s extensive community network, enabling you to connect with millions of users to help you locate lost items more easily. While the Tile Pro can be used for free, some of its more useful features are tied to its subscription service, Tile Premium, including functions like smart alerts and location history, enhancing the overall tracking experience for users. While the subscription is fairly priced at $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year, it is something to consider before picking up the device. 

• Chipolo One

The Chipolo One is a compact and stylish tracking device that is compatible with both iOS and Android. It comes in at around $25, and it has plenty to offer in terms of features. 

Chipolo’s device has a handy phone ringing feature, is water-resistant, and also comes with a user-friendly companion app, with can allow you to change settings and set up notifications or distance hints to customize your device’s functionalities to your preferences. Moreover, it offers voice control compatibility with popular digital assistant applications like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, and can even function as a camera remote. One downside to this is that the device is made of plastic, making it potentially less durable than some other trackers.

What sets the Chipolo apart, though, is its ringer. It comes fitted with a ringer capable of volumes of up to 120 dB, which is considerably higher than most of its contemporaries. This makes it useful for finding objects in loud, busy environments, or where belongings have found their way into hard-to-reach places.

• Atuvos Tracker

The Atuvos Tracker offers a stylish tracking option for Apple device users. Like the AirTag, it is only compatible with devices running Apple’s OS, but it is available at a much more accessible price point, coming in at around $17 for a single tracker.

Despite its pricing, the Atuvos tracker is surprisingly feature-rich. It has an alarm capable of 100 db volume, a 1-year battery life, and a 400-foot range as well. It also comes with an intuitive native app, complete with customizable settings that allow you to tailor it to your specific needs. It also offers convenient functions including lost mode notifications and left-behind alerts.

All in all, the Atuvos Tracker’s competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for iOS users who want something cheap and cheerful. While some users have remarked on its lower build quality, that’s to be expected to some extent from what is essentially a budget device. While it might not offer the durability of Apple’s own device, it’s a great alternative for light, everyday use. 

• Cube Shadow

The Cube Shadow combines an ultra-sleek design with powerful tracking capabilities to offer a powerful and equally stylish AirTag alternative at around $25. Just 2mm in width, this device is extremely lightweight and versatile for discreet use.

Cube’s device is compatible with iOS and Android and works with Google Assistant, Alexa, Google Device Finder, and Phone Finder apps. It has an effective range, of around 200ft, which is less than some other tracking devices, but comes with a loud 100-dB alarm for ease of location in busy public places and also boasts IP67 water resistance for good measure. 

The Cube Shadow’s device stands out for having a conveniently rechargeable battery, which can last an impressive 2 months between charges. While it may not pack quite the same punch as some other trackers, it more than makes up for it in versatility, convenience, user-friendliness, and style. 

Conclusion

While Apple’s AirTag may be the go-to choice for a great many iPhone users, it certainly isn’t the only game in town. In fact, there are a wide variety of alternatives available with extensive compatibility for both Android and iOS devices alike. Whether your priority is range, battery life, additional features, or just plain affordability, there’s a tracking device out there to suit your needs.