Do you often lose your things? Get locators to avoid it!

Those of us who are clueless know what it’s like to constantly lose your keys, or not find your wallet when you need it most. And even lose the backpack at the most unexpected moment of the holidays. These are moments of stress and anxiety in which you put your head in your hands and don’t know what to do.

If you are tired of this happening to you, locators are going to become your great allies. You won’t leave home without one of them!

You will never lose anything again with these locators!

But what are these locators?, you may be wondering. They are very compact, lightweight devices with a discreet appearance that will make you know where your things are at all times. There are different types, but they all agree on one thing: they are very useful .

As you can see in the photograph, they are items that will easily go unnoticed. You can even keep them in your wallet pocket. Or in any corner of your backpack !

Its operation is very simple, since they usually require you to download an application . Once this is done, you will only have to link the locator with your smartphone and, through the app itself, you will have access to its location at all times.

Although it is true that they are very simple devices, they also require you to do some research before venturing out for them. Don’t worry, because in this buying guide we have made it easier than ever. Read on to find out absolutely everything about locators.

Two different types: Bluetooth or GPS connectivity?

The first thing you should know is that there are two very different models : locators that work via Bluetooth and those that work with GPS. And you must not make the mistake of confusing them under any circumstances, because they do not serve the same purpose!

There are two fundamental differences that make these pagers totally different, apart from the fact that they do not use the same connectivity:

1. The location range . While GPS locators allow you to find your objects regardless of how far away you are from them, Bluetooth locators have a specific distance. There are some models that do not exceed 10 meters , for example, and from there they lose the connection. This is a vital factor to consider.
2. The need to make use of a subscription . Bluetooth locators will never need you to make a monthly payment, but those that work with GPS often do. This has its explanation, and it is that you will need to get a SIM card on many occasions for the locator to work.

In the end, it all comes down to one question: do you need to be able to locate something at any distance? In that case, you will need to get one that works via GPS . If you don’t require it, a Bluetooth locator will suffice.

What should a good locator have?

Now let’s move on to another important question, and that is to see what a locator must have so that we can consider it a good investment. There are certain parameters that you should look at yes or yes so as not to make mistakes with your purchase, and we are going to break them down below.

• First of all, both the dimensions and the design itself are essential. We are talking about a device that must be very compact and have a slim, light and lightweight design. If you comply with all this, it will be much more comfortable to always carry it with you. The ideal is that it does not exceed 50 grams , although you will find other options, also very valid, that do exceed this weight. And maybe, depending on the use, you may not care.
• The material must be of good quality, if possible a hard and resistant plastic that makes you trust that any blow will not be a problem. In this sense, it is also interesting that you take a look to see if it has protection against water and dust . The more resistant it is, the better!
• As we have pointed out, it is important that you check the connectivity of the specific locator. There are two kinds:
  • Those that connect via Bluetooth, which must have at least version 4.0.
  • Those that work through GPS , in which case you should check whether or not it requires a subscription. And, of course, how much does the subscription cost per month? Perhaps you are interested in paying €2 a month but always knowing where your suitcase is, in the event that you travel a lot.
• In the event that you opt for one with Bluetooth connectivity, it is essential that you look at what connection distance it allows you. At a minimum, it must have a range of 10 meters. But the truth is that you should look for models that go further, reaching up to 20 meters. And there are even those that reach 80!
• All these locators work through an application , so it is essential that you check that it is compatible with your operating system . Only then will you know if you can download it and use it later. Be careful with this if you have iOS, as it can be a bit more problematic.
• Continuing with the theme of the app, it is important that it be intuitive . It is not something that you can see with the naked eye before buying it, but you can check it in the reviews of the item.
• It is very important that the application allows you to check the location in real time . It will be just this that will help you find anything you might have lost. In the case of Bluetooth locators, some do not allow you to do this because the range is so low that it would not be useful to you. These usually have a built-in speaker to help you find the object using sound.
• There are some devices that allow you to program alerts in case the object gets too far away, or goes out of a range that you have previously programmed. Although this is not essential, it is a plus that you should consider.
• The issue of autonomy is, however, very important. Normally, we talk about devices that have many days of autonomy, even months or years. In the end, they have no real power consumption, so the battery usually lasts a long time. But it is important that you look at it slowly in the specifications so as not to make a mistake.
• As an extra, you should know that there are some locators that help you find your smartphone . These devices have a button that makes your phone ring, thus allowing you to perform two functions: find your mobile and be found. And you know that at Topes de Gama we reward versatility!
• Finally, it is interesting that you review well how they are hooked to the specific article. Do they have a buckle or any type of hook? Analyze well what use you are going to make and, from there, choose the one that best suits your needs.

Bluetooth locators: affordable and comfortable

After having carefully seen everything you need to take into account when making locators, we are going to see some models! First of all, we are going to see some that work via Bluetooth . This implies that they are more affordable, but also that their location range is less.

Filo Tag: Affordable Locators

We start with the most affordable on the list, from the Filo brand. Although its price is quite low, its specifications will pleasantly surprise you. The first thing you should know is that it has a range of 80 meters , much higher than what you could expect in this type of item.

In addition, its dimensions are incredibly small: it measures 25 x 41 x 5 mm, perfect for taking it anywhere. It has its own hook to make your work much easier. In addition, it incorporates a speaker that emits a sound so that it is very easy for you to find anything if you have lost it.

It has a shelf life of 12 months. As for connectivity, it has Bluetooth 4.0 , so you will never have problems in this regard. It works through an app that is free for all operating systems, and through which you can control it.

The price is the most surprising factor, since it costs less than €25 .

Tile Mate: comfortable to use

We continue with a Tile brand device, also compatible with all types of operating systems. As if that were not enough, it also connects with the most famous virtual assistants of the moment: Alexa, Google Assistant and even the Apple ecosystem. That will make it possible for you to ask any of your assistants to find it using voice commands .

It has a range of 60 meters , so this should not be a problem. As for the design , it is very compact and comfortable to hook. It is specifically designed for keys , hence it has a hole to insert the keyring, but you can adapt it as you need.

Using the Tile app, you can see the most recent location of your items on the map. That will mean that, if you drop your wallet on the street, you will know exactly where the last point where it was registered was. As if that were not enough, you can ask the application for help to notify you if someone has found your belongings . You will only have to scan the QR code of your locator and you will receive a notification on your smartphone.

Its price is just €25 , which is still a very affordable device.

The Apple Locator

If you have an iOS phone, or any other Apple terminal, perhaps the AirTag is the locator that interests you the most. Because, in the end, if you are within the ecosystem, it is always a good idea to stay in it. And do not think that its price is much higher just because it is from Apple! You can have it for just €35 , a cost similar to that of other Bluetooth locators.

Connecting it to your iPhone or iPad will be quick and easy, since it will hardly require any steps on your part. It has a built-in speaker so you never lose things. Likewise, it also has a precision search that will take you to the precise point where it was last found.

It has a plus, and that is that it connects to the network of Apple devices to find your object if it is far away. It’s a great opportunity!

Nutale: a locator pack

Do you need more than one locator? In that case, we have this Nutale pack of four locators that will allow you to control more devices. Each of them has a very small size, so you can place it anywhere without being noticed and without being too annoying.

This offers a comparative advantage over other models, and the app notifies you if any of the locators is disconnected. That is what will make you realize that you have left something behind and you can retrace your steps. In addition, you can call them on the phone and they will start ringing, so you know where you are.

Like some of the devices we’ve already seen, it has a real -time location map that records the last connected location. As for the distance it allows, it is approximately 30 meters.

All four locators can be yours for just €35 . Without a doubt, the best offer we have seen so far.

The most pro locators with GPS

If you need to have your suitcase under absolute control, even if it leaves your range, or you need a locator that works through GPS. Through this mechanism, you will always know where your belongings are without any problem. We have selected some models, with very different prices and characteristics, so that you can choose the one that best suits you.

Curve: the most affordable with GPS

Curve is a locator that necessarily works with a SIM card, an expense that you will have to bear. In exchange for a monthly subscription, you can have what you need located. And do not think that subscriptions are very expensive! On this occasion, it will cost you just €2 per month thanks to Vodafone’s rates.

Not only does it allow you to track it by GPS using the SIM card, but it also offers additional technologies , including Bluetooth. As for its dimensions , these are quite small, since it measures only 40 x 40 x 15 mm. Of course, the autonomy is only 5 days, something that could be problematic depending on the case.

In the Curve app it will allow you to create safe zones , as well as restrict them. Also, the device comes with a speaker so you can emit sound signals. And it costs only €40!

A mini locator: Winnes GPS

Do you prefer the locator to be as small as possible? This one, from the Winnes brand, is a great solution for these cases. It weighs only 58 grams , so you will hardly notice that you are carrying it. This GPS tracker is designed so that you can use it wherever you need it most: bags, backpacks, cars… Whatever you want!

It has an electronic fence system that will make the device notify your mobile if it leaves the marked area. The application is available for any operating system, and is completely free . No subscriptions!

As if all this were not enough, it also has an intelligent alarm system to warn you that the battery is low. It will automatically send a message to the phone number that you configure.

It costs around €58 , which is still quite affordable.

Invoxia Locator

Invoxia is a brand that has specialized in GPS tracking devices, and has marketed very different models. This one in particular has a cylindrical shape, measures 27 x 9 x 105 millimeters and is very comfortable to use.

There are those who use this type of locator to place it in their car or on their motorcycle , thus always knowing where it is. If you live in a problem area, it is a great alternative to avoid scares! However, it can also be used to carry it in your bag or suitcase, or to hang it on your keys.

It has a real-time anti- theft alert , and allows you to receive an immediate notification if the object leaves the paused area. As for autonomy , it is one of the best you will be able to find: up to 6 months of freedom of movement . As if that were not enough, it includes a subscription for three years so you do not have to pay anything.

Its cost is around €100, but it is an investment that you will end up thanking.

High-end GPS locators: Invoxia Mini

We also have a very small tracker from Invoxia , designed above all for you to hook it to your keys. Its dimensions are very compact: 42 x 24 x 17 mm. With something this light, you can always be aware of where your valuables are.

Like the previous device, it includes three years of subscription totally free . It is true that the fact that it is more compact makes the battery last less, guaranteeing only 1 to 3 months.

Through the app, you will have access to all the movements made by the objects, even in real time. You will be the one to configure how often you want the location to be updated, something that will directly affect battery consumption. The price amounts to €119.

Our recommendation

In this case, we cannot limit ourselves to making a single recommendation because we have two very different types of devices. That is why we have chosen one of each style, so that you can guide your decision.

If you prefer it to work via bluetooth , perhaps because you don’t need a large range, the FiloTag brand is the best alternative. Not only is it very affordable, but it also has a very compact design and allows you to clip it anywhere. And it has a radius of action of 80 meters!

But we also have a favorite among GPS locators: Invoxia ‘s, the cylindrical-shaped locator. Not only because of its price , but also because of the versatility of its application and how easy it is to configure it. And, of course, for those three years of completely free subscription that they give away. It’s a bargain!