AirTag alternative: These trackers take on Apple

Everyone has misplaced their keys at least once in their lives. This is particularly annoying when things have to be done quickly. Usually the little beasts can be found in the trouser pocket from the day before or under a pile of files on the desk.

By the time they are found, however, the nerves are usually burned out. Clever trackers like Apple’s AirTags want to save this nerve-wracking search. They connect to the smartphone via Bluetooth and via the smartphone app, users can always see where the trackers are. This also works the other way around: some trackers offer the function of playing a sound on the smartphone with a double click.

What defines Apple’s AirTags is clear: they are stylish as usual, offer the IP67 water protection standard, so they are dustproof and waterproof against temporary submersion of up to one meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. You get your electricity from a button cell battery of the type CR2032. According to the manufacturer, the key finders last for a year.

Now Apple AirTags buy from Amazon

AirTag alternative: Still little competition

So far, the competition for Apple is manageable. Above all, three manufacturers are putting pressure on the iPhone, iPad and iMac group: With Tile and Chipolo, these are two relatively unknown key finders. On the other hand, most consumers are familiar with permanent competitor Samsung. Tile offers the largest product range, followed by Chipolo.

1. AirTag alternatives from Tile

With its Bluetooth trackers, Tile offers the most extensive range of products on the market. The key rings are available in two versions: and . The main difference is their range: According to the manufacturer, Mate finds objects up to a range of 60 meters and Pro up to 120 meters.

Of course, the trackers are not only suitable for a key ring, but can also be attached to the zipper of a sports bag. Aside from the big followers, Tile also has on offer. They are slightly smaller and can be attached to the remote control, camera or glasses case. Their range is 45 meters and the battery life, according to the manufacturer, is up to three years.

And because both key rings and stickers are unfavorable for the wallet, Tile also has an AirTag alternative in the on offer that fits perfectly in a wallet. Nice: All tile trackers work together with iOS and Android smartphones. And they even harmonize with Google Home and Alexa.

But there is one major shortcoming: Tile’s standard search function is free of charge via the associated app. But for premium features like proactive search, you need to get a subscription. This also includes functions such as intelligent notification when you want to go outside without a key or a free battery replacement. According to the manufacturer, the trackers are “water-resistant”. It is not clear what that means, at least Tile does not state an official IP certification.

Tile also offers a community search function. If you lose the tracker and are out of range, other Tile users can anonymously locate the tracker. If another Tile device is nearby, you will receive a message on your smartphone. The other Tile user will of course not see your tracker.

2. The ransom

Jetzt Chipolo One buy from Amazon

According to the manufacturer, the the loudest Bluetooth tracker on the market at 120 decibels. Of course, the AirTag alternative works with Android and iOS and that via the associated app. The chips are also available in blue, white, yellow, green, red or black. The right tracker should be available for every outfit.

According to the manufacturer, one battery charge per chip lasts for 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 are looking for your smartphone but only have a Chipolo chip at hand, you can emit a sound from the smartphone by double-clicking the chip, even if it is muted.

If the smartphone is out of the Bluetooth range, you can locate the last active location using the Chipolo web application. Chipolo also offers a Bluetooth tracker in the . Ideal for the wallet. And of course Chipolo also has a community search function like Tile.

3. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag

Now Galaxy SmartTags buy from Amazon

Long-term competitor Samsung not only regularly challenges Apple on the smartphone market. The South Korean tech giant also has its own AirTag alternative on offer. Based on its smartphones and tablets, Samsung calls its Bluetooth trackers “”.

However, the AirTag alternative from Samsung is only for people who have a Galaxy smartphone with Android 8 or higher. The Galaxy SmartTags do not work with other smartphones – too bad. Compared to the other AirTag alternatives, the Samsung trackers offer a connection range of a maximum of 120 meters. This puts you at eye level with the Tile Pro trackers.

If you are looking for a tagged item, the Galaxy SmartTags can of course also play a sound. The tracker is controlled – how should 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 your smartphone is out of the tracking range.

This function is called “Find offline” in the settings menu of the app. If this is activated, the searcher receives a message when another Galaxy is within range of the tracker and has recognized it. What the trackers all have in common: A button battery is also used in the Galaxy SmartTags. According to the manufacturer, it lasts for a maximum of 300 days. Samsung keeps it simple in terms of color: Buyers can choose between white, black, mint and pink.