Apple AirTag, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, and Tile are each location trackers that can find your misplaced possessions — we work out which is right for you.
We’ve all been there; whether it’s losing the TV remote right before a movie night or not knowing where you’re keys are when you’re already running late it’s frustrating. With the Apple AirTag, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, and Tile trackers it’s no longer necessary either. According to motoring organization, the RAC,43% of drivers regularly spend an average of two minutes 10 seconds every day looking for their car keys, adding up to hours over the year. With these devices, you can greatly cut down that time. But which tracker is best for your needs? While these small devices can all be attached to your keys, bags and put inside wallets there are some subtle differences that will make one better for you than another. We’re here to compare them all so you know if you should go with Tile, Apple, or Samsung to keep an eye on your stuff. If you’ve already decided which trackers you’re a fan of then here are the best deals we’ve found for Tile, AirTags, and SmartTags in your region. What is a location tracker? A location tracker is a small Bluetooth gadget the size of a keyfob that can be clipped or stuck to personal possessions to ensure if you misplace the item, it can be found quickly with the help of your smartphone. How does it work? The tracker forms a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone or tablet, and if you do misplace the item it’s attached to a companion app you can play a tune on the tracker so it’s easier to find, with an indicator of how close or far you are from the item displayed on your phone’s screen. If the item is out of Bluetooth range, you can see its last-known location on a map, and mark it as lost. If other users pass close to your lost item, its location will be identified and you’ll be alerted to its new location. What can it be attached to? Anything you don’t want to lose. Some location trackers have loops so they can be connected to keys or bags, while others can be slotted into wallets and some even have an adhesive pad on the back so they can be stuck to items like remote controls — the possibilities are endless. Do they require a subscription? Location trackers can be used free of charge once you’ve purchased the device itself, however, some offer a subscription service that provides a history of its movement, potentially making it easier to find. Honestly, the biggest factor at play when comparing these trackers will be what kind of smartphone you have. That’s because the Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag are only compatible with their respective brand’s smartphones. If you aren’t on an iPhone 13 (or at least an iPhone running on iOS 14.5 or later) then the AirTag will be useless to you; the same goes for the SmartTag if you aren’t on a Samsung device that supports Android 8 or higher you’re out of luck. Tile trackers on the other hand are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. This makes them perfect for platform-agnostic users who like to be able to switch smartphone brands when new tech comes out as well as those using Google Pixels and other phones from brands without dedicated trackers. Tile offers the most variety in design across their trackers which makes different models perfect for different use cases. The Tile Mate and Tile Pro have a hole punched in them meaning they’re great for attaching to keys, and they’re sturdy enough to be dropped inside a bag too. Meanwhile, the Tile Slim is shaped like a credit card — making it a perfect fit inside any purse, wallet or passport holder. Last but not least the Tile Sticker has an adhesive edge allowing you to stick it to anything from TV remotes to glasses cases. The Galaxy SmartTag comes with two fairly similar-looking designs, both of which strongly resemble the Tile Mate. This makes them perfect for slipping onto a keyring or putting in a bag but not much else. The AirTag from Apple is the only one that can’t be put on a keyring without paying extra for a keyfob attachment from Apple or a third-party vendor. They’re a disc shape that measures 3.19 x 3.19 x 0.8cm. This makes them about the size of a quarter or £2 coin so you should find space from them in a wallet, purse, or slipped into a bag.
