The best Bluetooth trackers of 2024: Expert tested

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The Apple AirTag only works with Apple devices like iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, but it does so seamlessly and effectively. Using its built-in U1 ultra wideband chip (for Precision Finding) and Apple's extensive Find My network, this coin-sized tracker can find anything it's attached to -- including keys, wallets, and bags.

Also: Apple AirTag review 

When you need to locate an item, open the Find My app on any Apple device and select the appropriate tag. The AirTag will then beep, which helps you find a missing item if it's nearby. Though it is slim enough to fit in pockets and bags, the AirTag lacks a built-in loop, so you can't attach it easily to keychains or other items. This is a common complaint among buyers since the lack of a loop necessitates buying a separate AirTag holder for some use cases. For example, I've bought wristbands for my kids to wear their AirTags at the park and keychain holders for my car keys.

The AirTag's battery is rated to last one year and can be replaced with another CR2032 unit afterward. One AirTag sells for $29; a four-pack is typically priced at $99. However, the four-pack is often deeply discounted as part of limited-time deals. 

Apple AirTag Features: Price: $29 Battery life: Over a year | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: Free | Connectivity: Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, Find My Network 

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The Tile Pro has a greater tracking range (400 feet) than its competitors -- including its sibling the Tile Mate. This tracker has a loud alarm that makes it easy to locate, and an IP67 to protect it from dust, splashes and rain. For reference, competing trackers like the Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag have a range of 200 feet via Bluetooth, half the range of the Tile Pro.

Another distinguishing feature of the Tile Pro is its design: It has an elongated shape, more like a key fob than a coin. The size makes sense since it has a larger-than-average speaker for a more discernible alarm and a replaceable CR2032 battery. It also has a hole at the top of the tile so you can easily attach the tag to your keychain. 

A Tile Pro tag sells for $35, which is well worth the money if you want the longest tracking range. That said, unreliable charging remains one of Tile Pro users' biggest complaints. The Tile Pro works with the Tile app and with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Tile Pro Features: Price: $35 |  Battery life: Up to one year | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: $8.33 to $16.99 per month | Connectivity: Bluetooth

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The Eufy SmartTrack Card has a wide 260-foot tracking range and works exclusively with the Apple Find My network, which Apple uses to help consumers locate their AirTags, AirPods, and other devices. The battery can last up to three years, and it carries battery life and Eufy describes it as "water resistant" but doesn't provide a rating on the Ingress Protection Rating scale.

The Eufy SmartTrack Card is a credit card-sized Bluetooth tracker that fits seamlessly in a wallet or passport holder. It's 2.5mm thick, about the thickness of three credit cards stacked together. In addition to working with Apple Find My, this tracker also works with the Eufy Security app to deliver features like finding silent phones and sharing items. You can ping the SmartTrack Card from your phone and vice versa, which widens the scenarios for locating your missing item. 

While SmartTrack users on Amazon say it's a perfect fit for wallets and a tracker that gets the job done, opinions are split on battery life. As a user for over two years, I've had no issues with battery life but I have found that its tracking isn't as reliable as the AirTag. Android users need to look elsewhere (Tile and Chipolo both have wallet-sized trackers).

Eufy SmartTrack Card Features: Price: $17-30  | Battery life: Up to three years | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: Free | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Apple Find My network 

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Besides locating keys and wallets, Bluetooth trackers make handy gadgets to keep an eye on your child, senior, or pet. If you can spend a little more for added safety and security features, look to the Jiobit Smart Tag, which sells for $150 (it's often on sale for $130 at Jiobit's website) plus subscription. The Jiobit clips easily to a belt, collar, or backpack, and it provides always-on connectivity and real-time location tracking.

Jiobit's required, dedicated cloud subscription is where Jiobit's magic lies. The subscription costs an additional $8.33 a month (paid annually) for the basic level, which provides access to Jiobit's real-time tracking features, 30 days of location history, location-sharing, and the ability to contact either 911 or a designated carer. Also of note: Jiobit and Tile share the same parent company, Life360.

Jiobit Smart Tag features: Price: $130 | Battery life: One week | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: $8.33 (paid annually) | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular, GPS 

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Like the Apple AirTag and iPhone, the Samsung SmartTag2 is at its best when paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. The Galaxy SmartTag2 is a formidable Bluetooth tracker with a loudspeaker, a replaceable battery, and a rugged build that can handle a bump or two. 

Also: The best Samsung phones 

The SmartTag2 Bluetooth tracker is thinner and slicker than its predecessor, with a bigger keyring and a metal insert inside that provides greater durability. Beyond its new design, the SmartTag 2 increases its battery life to up to 700 days. It also has a new Power Saving Mode, a new Lost Mode, and an improved Compass View over its prior iteration. Customer reviews are mixed on battery life, but the SmartTag has a replaceable CR2032 battery.

Unlike the picks above, the SmartTag2 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 Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home Kit ecosystems.

This tracker sells for $30, but we've seen it go for much less, making it a great value buy for Samsung users.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 features: Price: $30 | Battery life: Up to two years | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: Free | Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS