'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
Bluetooth trackers are handy for Halloween, but AirTag isn't the only one
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.
ZDNET Recommends
With Halloween coming up, worries about tricksters instead of treaters can make you want to enhance your protection around your home -- or your keys or phone if you're taking the kids out for some trick-or-treating. Whether you're wanting to avoid losing your car keys in the leaves while you're out on the spookiest night of the year or just wanting to keep an eye on your yard decor, 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 on store shelves, finding the ideal tracker requires a bit of...information tracking. Fortunately, ZDNet's team of subject matter experts have tested, reviewed, and compared the very best Bluetooth-enabled offerings on the market and assembled the top picks below.
- Precision tracking
- Find My network is dependable
- Replaceable battery
- Not compatible with Android devices
- Needs keyring to attach to certain items
- Easily scratched
Features:
- 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, and 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 afterwards. A pack of one AirTag sells for $29, and a four-pack for $99.
More: Apple AirTag full review
- 400 foot range
- Water resistant
- Compatible with iOS and Android
- 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), a loud alarm, and a new 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 ft via Bluetooth -- 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 furthest tracking range.
- Sleek design ideal for wallets
- Alarm feature
- Apple Find My integration
- 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 our 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 at a thickness of 0.09 inches -- about the same as two credit cards stacked together.
The other trick 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.
- Real-time location tracking
- Panic button for urgent situations
- Charger included
- 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 than the standard trackers 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 come at a per-month fee -- alongside the actual tracker. 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 ($16.99 a month), 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.
- Doubles as smart home button
- Integrated speaker
- Rugged design
- Only compatible with Galaxy phones
- Bulky design
Features:
- Works with smart home tools to turn on lights, open garage doors
- Features a loudspeaker
- Scratch-resistant design
Like the AirTag and iPhone, the SmartTag is at its best when paired to 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, the air conditioner, or even open the garage door. But, this is limited to appliances that fall under the SmartThings ecosystem, which is more limited than what Alexa and the Apple Home Kit can work with.
Still, the Galaxy SmartTag is a formidable Bluetooth tracker with a loudspeaker, a replaceable battery, and a rugged build that can take 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.
What is the best Bluetooth tracker?
Apple's AirTag is the best for its Precision Finding, long battery life, and access to the dependable Apple's Find My Network feature. This table helps 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 | $29 | 400-foot tracking range, IP67 water protection |
Chipolo CARD Spot | $30 | Compact size fits in most wallets, 200-foot tracking range |
JioBit Smart Tag | $129 | Always-on connectivity, real-time tracking |
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag | $27 | Compatible with smart home devices, scratch-resistant design |
Which Bluetooth tracker is right for you?
When shopping for a Bluetooth tracker, the main factor that you should consider is compatibility. The AirTag and Chipolo CARD Spot, for example, only function with Apple-made devices. For greater companionship, 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 or are… |
Apple AirTag | Best overall |
Tile Pro | Best for long-distance tracking |
Chipolo CARD Spot | Best for wallets |
JioBit Smart Tag | Best for kids and pets |
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag | Best for Samsung users |
How did we choose these Bluetooth trackers?
When testing and reviewing the listed Bluetooth trackers, we 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.
What if my Bluetooth tracker runs out of battery?
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.
How do Bluetooth trackers work?
Bluetooth trackers attach to a personal item (think wallet, backpack, even belt). Next, you connect them through the manufacturer's app to enable location tracking, which you can view on your phone. Bluetooth trackers have a limited range--the average is 200 to 300 feet. Therefore, you must be within the signal range to receive accurate information.
Are there alternative Bluetooth trackers worth considering?
Besides the top five mentioned above, here are more Bluetooth trackers that will keep your belongings in check: