The best Bluetooth trackers of 2023

5 months ago 57

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Bluetooth trackers have been on the market for more than a decade, serving as personal spies for your keys, wallet, backpacks, and other belongings. They're exceptionally easy to set up and even easier to use.

With spring fast approaching, you may want to enhance protection around your home or keep track of your keys while you venture outside more often. Whether you want to quickly find your wallet or just keep an eye on your yard décor, Bluetooth trackers can give you extra peace of mind.

The question is, which Bluetooth tracker should you buy? With dozens of brands, sizes, and price points available, finding the ideal tracker requires a bit of... information tracking. Fortunately, I've compared the very best Bluetooth-enabled offerings on the market and rounded up my favorites below.

Also: The best tablets for kids

Pros

Precision tracking Find My network is dependable Replaceable battery

Cons

Designed only for Apple users (not for Android phones) Accessory required to attach to certain items Easily scratched

Features: Precision Finding | Battery rated to last one year | Find My Network can track down wallets, keys, and more

The Apple AirTag hit the market in 2021 and has kept its foot on the pedal since. The coin-sized tracker only works with Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, but it does so seamlessly and effectively. By making use of its built-in U1 ultra wideband chip (for Precision Finding) and Apple's extensive Find My network, the AirTag can track down keys, wallets, bags, and anything else the trinket can fit into.

The AirTag's battery is rated to last one year and can be replaced with another CR2032 unit afterward. One AirTag sells for $29, and a four-pack is priced at $99.

Read the review: Apple AirTag full review

Pros

400 foot range Water resistant Compatible with iOS and Android devices

Cons

No ultra wideband precision tracking Slightly larger than other tags On the pricey side

Features: 400-foot tracking range | Features loud alarm | IP67 water protection

It's easy to get carried away with the "Pro" moniker. What exactly does that entail? For the Tile Pro (2022), it means a greater tracking range (400 feet), loud alarm, and IP67 rating to keep the tag safe from splashes and rain. For reference, competing trackers like the Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag can be detected within 200 feet via Bluetooth -- and the Tile doubles that.

The Tile Pro looks a lot like a key fob, and you might be okay with that. The size is warranted as it's equipped with a larger-than-average speaker for a more discernible alarm and a replaceable CR2032 battery. A tag sells for $35, which isn't cheap but well worth the money if you're an iOS or Android user who wants the farthest tracking range. It's among the best Tile trackers available.

Pros

Sleek design ideal for wallets Alarm feature Apple Find My integration

Cons

No ultra wideband tracking Battery isn't replaceable Not compatible with Android

Features: Connects to Apple's Find My Network | Compact size for easy portability | 200-foot tracking range

Chipolo's just-released Card Spot is shaped like a credit card, connects to Apple's Find My network, and gets my pick for best Bluetooth wallet tracker. While traditional, coin-shaped finders can also keep your wallet in check, they often create a bulge that makes stashing the accessory cumbersome. The Card Spot is designed to live in your wallet, measuring a thickness of 0.09 inches -- about the same as two credit cards stacked together.

The other key feature is Apple's Find My network integration. By dialing into the expansive, crowdsourced ecosystem, the Chipolo can be tracked within a 200-foot range via Bluetooth, and virtually anywhere else via nearby Apple devices. A card sells for $35 and fits in most wallet types.

Read the review: Chipolo Card Spot full review

Pros

Real-time location tracking Panic button for urgent situations Charger included

Cons

Requires subscription plan Needs frequent charging

Features: Real-time tracking | Compact design allows clipping on belt, collar, or backpack | Always-on connectivity

Besides locating keys and wallets, Bluetooth trackers make for handy-dandy gadgets to keep your child or pet under surveillance. If you're able to spend a little more for added safety and security features, look to the Jiobit Smart Tag. The Jiobit can be clipped onto a belt, collar, or backpack, and provides always-on connectivity and real-time location tracking.

This is all done via Jiobit's dedicated cloud subscription, which does require a monthly fee. At the basic level ($8.99 a month), you'll gain access to the standard, real-time tracking features. But by paying more -- especially for the Protect plan ($14.99 a month for the no-contract option), Jiobit gives you access to location histories, phone alerts, and unlimited location-sharing with other users.

Protect plan users can also take advantage of the tracker's built-in emergency button. When pressed, your phone will receive a ping and be given the option to call 911.

Pros

Doubles as smart home button Integrated speaker Rugged design

Cons

Only compatible with Galaxy phones Bulky design

Features: Works with smart home tools | Features a loudspeaker | Scratch-resistant design

Like the AirTag and iPhone, the SmartTag is at its best when paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Unlike the aforementioned picks, the SmartTag doubles as a trigger for smart home automation. You can press the tag to turn on lights, kickstart air conditioning, or even open the garage door. However, it's only compatible with appliances that fall under the SmartThings ecosystem, which is more limited than what Alexa and the Apple Home Kit can work with.

Also: The best Samsung phones

Still, the Galaxy SmartTag is a formidable Bluetooth tracker with a loudspeaker, a replaceable battery, and a rugged build that can handle a bump or two. The tracker sells for $29, but we've seen it go for much less, making it a great value buy for Samsung users.

Apple's AirTag is the best for its Precision Finding, long battery life, and access to the dependable Apple's Find My Network feature.

We chose other great options to fit a variety of needs. If you want a long-distance tracker, the Tile Pro's 400-foot range is fantastic. Meanwhile, if you need real-time location tracking, the JioBit Smart Tag is a wise choice for parents.

This table can help you compare the best Bluetooth trackers based on pricing and special features:

Bluetooth trackers	Price	Special features
Apple AirTag	$29	Precision Finding, one-year battery life
Tile Pro	$28	400-foot tracking range, IP67 water protection
Chipolo Card Spot	$30	Compact size fits in most wallets, 200-foot tracking range
JioBit Smart Tag	$130	Always-on connectivity, real-time tracking
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag	$25	Compatible with smart home devices, scratch-resistant design

When shopping for a Bluetooth tracker, the main factor you should consider is compatibility. The AirTag and Chipolo Card Spot, for example, only function with Apple-made devices. For more versatility, we'd recommend looking into Tile's Bluetooth offerings.

It also helps to know what you're tracking. For keys and smaller items, coin-shaped trackers will do the trick. For larger belongings such as wallets and passports, consider card-shaped options.

Choose this Bluetooth tracker...	If you want…
Apple AirTag	Best overall for precise location tracking and a battery that'll last a year
Tile Pro	Long-distance tracking with a range of 400 feet and a loud alarm
Chipolo Card Spot	A sleek, Apple-integrated tracker for your wallet
JioBit Smart Tag	Real-time location tracking and a panic alert button
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag	A Samsung-compatible tracker that can double as a smart home button

When ranked the best Bluetooth trackers, I considered several key factors precision, battery life, speaker volume, and tracking range. The best picks tick all four boxes and then some. They're also distinguished by unique selling points that make each one ideal for a specific core of users. That way if you're looking to have a Bluetooth tracker on your pet's collar or need one that works with your Samsung ecosystem, we have the choices for you.

Most Bluetooth trackers come with batteries that can either be swapped out or recharged. For offerings that don't have replaceable batteries, manufacturers often incentivize trade-ins by offering discounted renewals. Chipolo, for one, will sell you a new Card Spot at 50% off when you trade in your existing tracker.

Many batteries can last between one and two years. Your manufacturer will have this information available in the owner's manual and on the website, so you can plan when to replace it.

A Bluetooth tracker attaches to a personal item (think wallet, backpack, even belt). Next, you connect it through the manufacturer's app to enable location tracking, which you can view on your phone. Bluetooth trackers have a limited range with an average of 200 to 300 feet. You must be within the signal range to receive accurate information. And some items, such as Wi-Fi speakers, might interfere with the signal, so be sure to use the devices in a clear area to receive the strongest signal.

The Bluetooth trackers above are my top five recommendations, but the following devices can also keep your belongings in check: