The 10 Best AirTag Alternatives in 2024

Apple Airtag helps users locate items and belongings. It sends Bluetooth signals to Apple devices that are close by and connect to Apple’s Find My Network. When the nearby devices receive the signal from the AirTag, they use the signal strength to determine the position and location of the device on the map.

However, Airtag has some limitations. For instance, users have reported that the device tracks them without their consent, and this can be a deal-breaker for those who are sensitive about their privacy. Moreover, the popular tracker isn’t compatible with Android devices and could be costly for some people. Read on to discover the best alternatives to AirTag and what makes them unique.

The Best Airtag Alternatives – Quick List

Running late? Here’s a quick list of the best tracking devices like Airtag in 2024:

Top 10 Alternatives to AirTag (iOS and Android) – Detailed List

1. Pebblebee Tag

Pebblebee Tag is one of the best trackers available today. Unlike many others, this Bluetooth tracking device is compatible with iOS and Android networks. With this device, users can find their lost belongings within a 300-ft radius, even in the dark, as it has a built-in light and loud buzzer to alert owners. This device also has a rechargeable battery, which may last up to 8 months on a single charge to lower its carbon footprint.

In addition, the Pebblebee Tag has an IPX6 water resistance rating. On the Pebblebee app, you can modify your data-sharing settings, opt out of targeted advertising, or request deletion of your data. Though it supports the Apple Find My and Google Find My Device networks, users cannot access the two networks simultaneously and may need to restore factory settings.

2. Eufy SmartTrack Link

One great thing about the Eufy SmartTrack Link is that it is a budget-friendly device for tracking personal items. This device offers many good features, like a loud alarm and free left-behind alerts when users move out of range from their tagged devices.

The Eufy Security SmartTrack Link is water resistant and has a QR code that finders can scan to get your contact information if your item goes missing. It also has a long-lasting, replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts up to a year. The Eufy app also has a sharing feature that lets friends and family know the location of users’ items.

However, only iPhone users can utilize this device and the Eufy SmartTrack card. This Security SmartTrack Link works with the Apple Find My, and Android users cannot use the SmartTrack card.

3. ARMODD iTag

The ARMODD iTag is another tracking device for Apple users. It is certified to work with the Apple Find My app, allowing for reliable tracking using this network.

This tag has a CR2032 battery that lasts up to a year. It offers a pinpoint location for owners to find lost items and a ringtone alarm to make their search easier. Though the ARMODD iTag is widely desirable due to its discreet design, you can only use this tag if you own an iOS device.

4. Tracker Mist

This innovative tracker is attractive because of its color and sleek design. It is small enough to slip into a wallet or your child’s pocket while you’re at the park.

In addition, Apple Find My network powers Tracker Mist, and the tracker integrates Siri so that users can find their tagged items using the ‘Hey Siri’ command feature on their iPhones.  The Tracker Mist is an excellent accessory with a durable replaceable battery; however, it is only available for Apple device owners.

5. Groov-e My Tag

The Groove-e My Tag is another AirTag alternative suitable only for iPhone users. Popularly known as the My Tag, you can easily attach this device to handbags, wallets, keys, and other valuables.

The My Tag helps to find lost items using the Apple Find My app on the owner’s iOS device and a loud buzzer with a 60 dB sound level. It is also waterproof and built to be weather-resistant. However, only Apple users can use this device.

6. Pawfit 3

This real-time GPS tracker is suitable for pets weighing up to 3.5 kg and above. It offers the latest technology and features, such as family sharing and multi-dog tracking, activity monitoring, and personalized fitness tracking for your pet.

In addition, Pawfit 3 has audio recall features that allow you to use voice commands to recall your pet if they’re out of reach and an IP68 waterproof rating that shows it is weather-resistant.

Pawfit 3 also provides an LED light and alarm that owners can use to locate their pets in the dark and a FIND mode that gets updated regularly in case the cat or dog goes missing. However, this tracker has an embedded SIM card, and owners must have a subscription to access the GPS location history and other features.

7. Tile Pro

Tile Pro is one of the latest alternatives to AirTag. It is pretty popular and durable. It has a long distance range of over 400 ft and is compatible with Android and iOS devices. On Android, it utilizes Google’s Find My Device network, while it utilizes Apple’s Find My network on iOS.

The device is high resistant to water and dust particles and has a very loud alarm which enhances tracking and finding. It has a slightly larger size compared with its competitors, and the Tile’s top has a hole for easy attachment to your keychain. It is a practical AirTag substitute for luggage.

Tile Pro also offers an Anti-Theft Mode that ensures only legitimate owners can access their devices, and the Scan and Secure feature identifies unknown trackers. Every communication between your phone and the cloud is secured with encryption in transit, which helps ensure privacy and data security.

The company claims that the user’s data is encrypted and not shared. However, Tile once faced a data breach when a hacker accessed their database and stole customer data.

8. Samsung SmartTag

Samsung SmartTag is another great tracking device similar to Apple’s Airtag. It is a top-notch Bluetooth tracker that comes with a very loud speaker and a replaceable battery.

It has a durable battery life that can last for more than 700 days. The device is durable, rugged, and can handle reasonable bumps. It is reliable in finding and tracking personal items, including bags, keys, wallets, etc.

Samsung SmartTag is only compatible with Samsung devices and works well with the Samsung SmartThings Find network, ensuring that items can be tracked even when offline. Its resistance to dust and moisture helps increase its durability, making it a worthy alternative to consider.

9. Cube Shadow

The Cube GPS Tracker offers asset protection and management. It is the perfect device for tracking or ensuring the security of a fleet of vehicles and shipping containers in transit and safeguarding heavy equipment on construction sites.

It is a portable device that easily fits into smaller items, including cardholders and wallets, and it also features an anti-theft mode. With this tracker, you can allow device access to be shared with friends and family, which can be pretty helpful in times of emergency.

With this GPS tracker, you can create virtual geo-fence zones in the official application and receive real-time updates and alerts whenever the device moves in or out of that particular area. The tracker also has a waterproof rating of IP67, a very long-lasting battery, and unanimously agreed-upon worldwide coverage regarding tracking.

The major let-downs of Cube Shadow is that your data may be shared with third parties for services. Furthermore, to access certain services on Cube Shadow, you may need to subscribe to their paid plan.

10. Chipolo ONE Spot

Chipolo ONE Spot is another practical alternative for AirTag, especially for iOS users who want to use third-party alternatives. The tracker is almost identical to Apple’s AirTag and uses Apple’s Find My network. It features a simple design and can come in different eye-catching colors. It also has a replaceable battery lasting more than two years.

With a portable and lightweight design, you can connect your Chipolo ONE Spot to items that can easily get missing for easy recovery. Furthermore, it even gives notifications when you move a certain distance without an item.

Compared to other trackers, Chipolo ONE Spot has a shorter range of 200 ft, and it is unsuitable for environments that are wet or rugged. However, it has a loud alarm of up to 120 dB, which notifies you when your device is within range, making it a top choice even among its competitors. Also, the tracker is only compatible with iOS devices.

How to Improve Your Privacy and Security When Using Trackers

Both Android and iOS devices will notify you when an unrecognized Bluetooth tracking device moves near you, whether it uses the Android Find My Device or Apple Find My network. This is the result of a collaboration between Apple and Google to improve privacy and security for their users.

The following tips should help you stay safe if you are concerned about the tracking of Apple Airtags and its alternatives:

1. Regularly update your devices: It is best to update your tracker and mobile app regularly so you won’t miss the latest software updates that help improve and increase privacy and security features.
2. Use two-factor authentication (2FA): For trackers that require you to create an account on the app, you should use a strong password and even enable 2FA, as it protects your account from unauthorized access.
3. Limit information shared: Tracking devices help you identify the location of your items, so you should know that this information is vital and should only be shared with trusted individuals.
4. Disable Bluetooth when not needed: To prevent your tracker from transmitting your location information, disable Bluetooth when not in use and turn off the tracker. Furthermore, set your Bluetooth to not “discoverable” or “visible” when there is no need to pair it with devices.
5. Be careful of public sharing features: Most tracker applications offer a feature that allows other users’ phones to track and locate your lost items, which means your device will interact with different strangers. This feature is known as the “Community Search” feature.
6. Do not lend out your tracker: Do not share your tracker with anyone you don’t know. Whenever you lend out your tracker to individuals with malicious intent, they can change the setting to make it easy to track your location.
7. Regularly examine your items and belongings: You should occasionally inspect your belongings for Bluetooth trackers. However, this may be pretty tasking since most trackers are very small and easy to miss.

What is the Best VPN for AirTag Alternatives?

Before answering this, let’s discuss “Does AirTag and its alternatives work with VPNs?” This is important because virtual private networks (VPNs) are location-centric software applications, just like the AirTag and all of its alternatives.

VPNs reroute your IP address through a specialized server to give you a new one while changing your location in the process. You may wonder whether the tracking device can track your original location or the assigned one. The answer to this is quite simple, although it can vary between different tracking devices.

Most tracking devices use Bluetooth rather than a wireless LAN. If yours operates this way, then you can connect your VPN to it without any issues and still be able to track your devices. 

You can still leave your VPN turned on for the few location-based trackers when connected to them. You won’t be perpetually connected to your VPN, so in the event that the tracker stops working, it can pick up when you disconnect. ExtremeVPN offers a premium VPN experience to its users, ensuring advanced privacy and security.

Conclusion

AirTag has proven to be an efficient Bluetooth tracker for tracking items that are easy to lose, such as keys, wallets, cardholders, etc. However, Android users and iOS users who want to use third-party options seek alternatives to access these services.

After selecting your choice from the eleven trackers discussed in this article, ensure that you also prioritize your privacy and security while using the trackers.

FAQs

Are Apple AirTags compatible with Android phones?

No. Apple AirTags works with the Apple Find My tracking feature derived from an extensive network of millions of Apple devices. Hence, AirTags are only compatible with iOS devices.

Does Google offer a similar product to AirTag?

While Google has yet to release its tracking device, it has a Find My Device network that many trackers use. The Google Find My Device network is compatible with all smartphones. 

Do AirTag’s alternative devices work with Apple’s Find My app?

Some alternatives to AirTag, like the ARMODD iTag and Groov-e My Tag, are designed and certified to work with Apple’s Find My app. However, many Bluetooth trackers do not.

What should I do if I lose my Bluetooth tracker?

The first thing to do is check your tracking app or network for it. You can also ask friends and family with whom you shared its location to find it for you or wait until another phone detects it.

Do AirTag alternatives require batteries?

Batteries are usually a standard component of Bluetooth trackers. Many trackers, like AirTag, usually have rechargeable or replacement batteries. However, you need to replace some trackers once their batteries die.

Can an AirTag alternative be used for stalking?

Sometimes, people can place a tracker on others or their belongings without consent to monitor their movements. Apple and Google are resolving this issue; hence, you will get a notification on your smartphone if an AirTag follows you.