The launch of Apple‘s AirTags will make many users begin to be interested in these Bluetooth tracking devices, but also that many brands begin to launch their own proposals. Of course, Apple is not the only one that already has one of these Bluetooth beacons, there are more and that is what we are going to show you: the best alternatives to AirTags and why you should know them.
AirTag, Apple’s Bluetooth locator
As you already know and if it is not like that we will tell you, Apple finally launched its long-awaited AirTag. These mini Bluetooth beacons allow Apple users to know where their objects are at all times thanks to the integration with the Search application and the network that Apple has been creating for years.
The interesting thing about this network is that it does not need the user to install any type of application, by default and making use of those privacy measures that the company has been promoting for a long time, any Apple user could be used to locate one of these labels when they pass by with your devices.
That is undoubtedly the main value of the AirTag among other aspects that are also interesting. Although it must also be said that the density of iPhone users in the area will be something to take into account. Therefore, despite their supposed technical advantages over the competition, they may not always be the best option for everyone.
How AirTags Work
The operation of the AirTag can be explained in a simple or complex way, with many technical data that most users do not really matter. So let’s go for the first option.
AirTags make use of Bluetooth LE to reduce energy consumption, so they can be active for longer without having to change the CR2032 battery they incorporate, and emit a signal with a greater range than other similar devices.
Thanks to this signal, when an Apple device is nearby it detects the signal and sends the data anonymously to Apple servers so that the user who owns the AirTag can locate it. Of course, those who have helped to locate it does not know that it has done so, because only in certain circumstances an alert signal is issued to indicate that there is an AirTag that is far from its owner.
The latter is done to avoid misuse of these locators. So you can rest assured that no one will use it to know where you are at all times. What’s more, Android users will also be able to read the information on these AirTags if they find them to return it to its owner. Or that, at least, is the theory of what should happen. But you already know that later there are lovers of other people’s things and hopefully you will find only the AirTag.
The best alternatives to AirTags
As you can imagine, AirTags will have many brands launch their own Bluetooth locators. In particular, it will be mobile manufacturers who will want their own version, as has already happened with quantifying bracelets and smart watches, in order to give them an added value for their devices and ecosystem.
However, if you are an iPhone user, why should you be interested in knowing what alternatives to AirTags exist? Well, very easy, but mainly if you also use other or operating systems such as Android. Although also because there are solutions that, without being so advanced, comply very well with various functionalities and their price is lower.
For these reasons, compatibility with other systems and price, you should know at least what alternatives exist for AirTags.
Tile
Tile is the brand that for years has been a benchmark in this type of location solutions. Hence, it offers different types of models such as the Tile Mate, Pro or Slim . Each of them has its pros and cons, but they all share a series of characteristics and functions that allow them to facilitate the location of lost objects for the user.
It is true that, again, much of the effectiveness of Tile tags when the object is lost away from home, the office or a closed link that we can better control will depend on the network of users of the company. The more you have the Tile app installed, the more likely it is to know your location.
However, you will always have available the information with the position of the last time the application connected to that tag. Thus, if you cannot take advantage of the rest of the users that would shape the Tile network, you will always have a place to start looking.
Among all the models, the Pro is the most advanced of all and the one that offers the greatest signal range, but we better put the data of the three models:
- Tile Mate
- Tile Slim
- Tile Pro
With an autonomy of approximately one year, only the Mate and Pro models can have the internal battery changed . In the Slim model (cheaper) when it runs out you have to change yes or yes and get a new one. The most attractive is probably the Pro, but you can see in detail all the Tile options and decide which one interests you the most according to your use or the one you think you can give it.
The best
With three models and different designs, the best thing about Tile’s models is the company’s experience, which is a fairly widespread product and the possibility of two-way search. That is, you can click on the Tiles to emit a signal on your phone in case you don’t know where you left it.
Worst
If you are an iPhone user, the worst thing about the Tiles is that they cost practically the same as the new AirTags. So for the very value of the ecosystem, you may be more interested in Apple’s solution.
Chipolo One Spot
Chipolo is a brand that has managed to position itself very well among users even before the launch of the AirTag. The secret of this success has been that they achieved integration with Apple’s Search application. Therefore, despite being a natural competitor of these, it is also a great ally and alternative for the user of the Cupertino company.
In addition to the tracker function, this little piece allows integration with voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant; allows family alerts to notify other family members if, for example, keys are lost. Oh, and something very practical: it could even be used as a remote trigger for the camera app.
The best
The best thing is the integration with Search itself, which are waterproof and that voice control could make a difference from the rest. In addition to the greater support for both iOS and Android users.
Worst
It won’t be easy to get hold of one, at least initially. They are a small startup and the level of production seems that for now it will not be very great. We will see how they advance as the market and demand grow.
Cube and Cube Pro
The Cube and Cube Pro labels are very reminiscent of Samsung‘s SmartTags, although they also have an air of Tiles. At the end of the day, similarities are a normal thing to happen because there is not much to draw from in terms of design.
Of the Cube it stands out that they offer IP67 protection and the option of serving as a bidirectional tracker . That is, they allow you to find the object to which they have been added, but also to emit a signal on the phone to help locate it.
With these details and the ability to change the battery once it runs out, both models are a good alternative to AirTags. Especially if you are Android users or alternate between both platforms (Apple’s and Google’s) frequently.
The best
As it is evident, its universal support for iOS and Android, IP67 protection, warnings when you separate and the bidirectional search.
Worst
A similar price to the AirTags and a battery life that is better than Apple’s solution, although it is not something that radically different either.
Filo
The Filo locator stands out for its rectangular design instead of the square or round of the vast majority of alternatives. This is striking, it has nothing to do with how it works because neither the best nor the worse, but between that and the color range there may be users who are more attracted to it than the rest.
Regarding options and features, it is compatible with both iOS and Android and the range of action thanks to Bluetooth LE is about 80 meters. In addition, with a CR2032 battery, the autonomy is more than 12 months.
The best
Compatibility with both iOS and Android, interchangeable battery and design
Worst
The search network when lost away from home is reduced as with most alternatives since it depends on the users with the app installed.
TrackR bravo
Finally, the TrackR bravo can also be an interesting solution for both iOS and Android users. The main attraction of these location tags is that they are super thin .
Thanks to the thickness of the TrrackR bravo, carrying them in the wallet seems like it could be a better option than the AirTags. Although you may finally be more attracted to the idea of being able to use them with any system and even for its Alexa support . And you can find it by asking the Amazon assistant to tell you.
The best
The slim design and free battery replacement option along with iOS and Android support are the best of this solution.
Worst
At the range level, the signal emitted by these labels is lower than that of their rivals. So with about 30 meters or so, the moment you go a little further, it will be difficult for you to find the lost object compared to some of its rivals and the AirTag themselves of course.
Samsung SmartTags, aren’t they an alternative to AirTags?
You have probably wondered if the newly introduced Samsung labels, both SmartTag and SmartTag +, are an alternative to AirTags or not. The answer is no.
Why are they not an alternative to AirTags? Well, for the same reason that Apple labels would not be for Android users: they are not compatible. That is, Samsung’s SmartTags are intended to be used with the brand’s phones, so just as the AirTags are for Apple users, these are for those of the Korean manufacturer.
Still, it is true that they are worth knowing. In case, they offer support mainly for any Android device. Something that would make a lot of sense if it ends up happening.
Bluetooth beacons to come
As we said, there will be many brands that will launch their own alternatives to these AirTags recently presented by Apple. Mobile phone manufacturers such as Oppo have already shown their proposals.
So, if you are not in a great hurry for now, you can always wait a bit until you see how everything evolves. So you can assess and choose more calmly which is the option that best suits your needs.
