Unless you're well organized, you’ve probably misplaced something in the past month. Maybe your couch cushions swallowed your remote. Perhaps a feisty pet swiped your keys off the counter and batted them under an end table. No matter what you're prone to losing, a Bluetooth tracker is a quick and inexpensive way to make sure you can find it again.
Every Bluetooth tracker serves the same general purpose—to help you locate lost items—but the specifics vary widely, so you need to do your research before you make a purchase. We're here to help with a breakdown of the top-rated trackers we've tested and a look at how to choose the right model for your specific needs.
Which Bluetooth Tracker Is the Best?
Smartphone compatibility tops the list of things to consider when choosing a Bluetooth tracker. Tile is the only company on our list that sells trackers that work with both Android and iOS devices. Apple’s AirTag technically works with any device capable of running iOS or iPadOS 14.5 and later, but you need an iPhone 11 or later to use its Precision Finding feature. Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag 2 works only with Samsung Galaxy phones that run Android 9 or later, offer 3GB of RAM, and have the SmartThings Find app installed.
Left to right: Tile Sticker, Tile Mate, Tile Pro, Tile Slim (Credit: Steven Winkelman)Location accuracy is the next most important consideration. All the trackers on this list are relatively accurate, but the AirTag takes the win here thanks to its ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity. If you’re using an iPhone 11 or later, Precision Finding enables turn-by-turn directions to your lost item. Samsung's SmartTag 2 also uses UWB technology.
All of Tile’s trackers have proximity indicators, but they lack Precision Finding's exactitude and ease of use. Tile is rumored to get into the UWB race at some point. If it works on Android and iOS like Tile's other trackers, it should be a strong competitor to the AirTag.
Maximum range is another relevant aspect. Some Bluetooth trackers claim they can connect with your smartphone from distances of up to 400 feet, but all the trackers we've tested have a maximum range of fewer than 100 feet. If you’re using a Bluetooth tracker on items that tend to stay in one area, like a TV remote that's probably somewhere in your living room, the maximum range doesn't matter much. Range is more important if you plan to use the tracker on your keys or bag.
A robust locator network can help balance out some of Bluetooth’s technical limitations. You can place all the trackers on this list in a Lost Mode that allows other peoples’ phones to discreetly detect the tracker and direct you to your missing item. Tile has a large user network but depends on people downloading its app and properly updating several settings on their phones. Apple's massive Find My network, meanwhile, uses an app that's baked into iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS and is widely available.
Take a moment to think about how you plan to use a Bluetooth tracker before you buy one. Some models work better for certain applications than others. The Samsung SmartTag 2, Tile Mate, and Tile Pro have holes that allow you to easily attach them to your key ring. The Tile Sticker has an adhesive mount, while the Tile Slim can easily slide into your wallet. Apple’s AirTag is a standalone product that requires an accessory to affix or mount it. Several key rings on Apple's website work with AirTags and third-party accessories.
Finally, if you're concerned about eco-waste, you have a few options: the Apple AirTag, the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2, and the Tile Pro. Each of these has a battery that you can easily replace. In contrast, the Tile Mate, Tile Slim, and Tile Sticker all have non-replaceable batteries that should last about three years.
The Best Trackers for Kids and Pets
Bluetooth trackers are great tools for finding lost objects, but some trackers are designed for locating people or pets. The Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3, for example, is an LTE-enabled collar that sends updates of your pet’s location several times a minute. It's best to think of these devices as backups to adult supervision, however, because the tracking subject can likely remove or wiggle out of them.
Bluetooth trackers with small removable batteries also present a choking hazard. To be on the safe side, keep loose trackers out of the reach of toddlers and pets.
How to Protect Yourself From Tracker-Based Stalking
Bluetooth trackers join apps, computers, smartphones, tablets, vehicles, and dozens of other technologies that malicious actors can use to stalk you. Moreover, they're affordable, readily available, and small enough to slide into a bag without you knowing.
Apple improved its anti-stalking features shortly after it announced the AirTag and released an app for Android users that alerts them if an unknown AirTag is close to their smartphone. Apple also introduced additional anti-stalking measures in iOS.
Samsung added additional anti-stalking features as well, but the update, unfortunately, requires you to manually scan for its SmartTags.
Tile's app also now includes a Scan and Secure feature that lets you scan your surroundings for unassigned trackers.
For more, The National Centers for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center has a wealth of information that can help you stay safe.
