Tile
Losing your keys or wallet can throw a wrench in your day. And no one wants to be tied up looking for something for hours. Enter smart trackers. They’re small pieces of tech that keep our stuff safe, from your purse to the TV remote that usually falls in between the couch cushions. There are tons of them on the market, though. From Apple AirTags to Tile trackers, finding the perfect match to protect your prized possessions can be rough. That’s why we’ve stepped in.
Whether you’re an iPhone user or an Android faithful, we’ve sifted through some of the best smart trackers you can find. That includes those that you can place inside of items like bags, plus keychain-friendly offerings, and even card-shaped trackers meant for adding to your wallet. All of these trackers have one goal in common: making sure you know exactly where your stuff is at all times. And most of them are affordable, too, so you can make sure the whole family has one when they need to find their backpack. Or their keys. Or whatever it is that they’re searching for.
Related: How we select our products
Read more for our picks on the best smart trackers in 2023.
Best smart trackers in 2023
Apple AirTag: $29
Amazon
The Apple AirTag is still the gold standard when it comes to smart trackers. Launched in 2021, its dominance hasn’t waned. Designed exclusively for Apple users, this compact tracker syncs flawlessly with devices like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. It may be about the size of a quarter, but that doesn’t keep it from being a powerful tracker.
With the U1 ultra wideband chip, the AirTag offers Precision Finding, making the search for your lost items pinpoint accurate. And with the expansive Find My network, whether it’s a wayward wallet or elusive keys, they’re within your grasp, even if you’re searching for a device that may be off. Because sometimes thieves think they’re being clever, and that’ll keep you from finding your phone.
Plus, there’s no constant scramble for a charger. The AirTag’s battery life lasts up to a year per tracker. When it’s dead, you can just replace the internal CR2032 battery. You’ll also receive alerts if you happen to walk off without something with an AirTag attached to it — and warnings if your phone happens to detect an unknown AirTag traveling with you, too.
The only real caveat with the AirTag is the fact that only Apple ecosystem users will be able to utilize one, so if you’re an Android user, you’ll have to look for a tracker solution elsewhere. Everyone else using iPhones would do well to grab a few of these and drop them in bags, wallets, or attach them to keychains.
Why we like this smart tracker:
- It seamlessly integrates with Apple’s Find My network for precise tracking.
- Its battery lasts up to a year and is replaceable.
- Its Precision Finding feature utilizes the U1 chip for pinpoint accuracy.
Cube Tracker: $25
Amazon
The Cube Tracker is a surprisingly efficient alternative to some of the other mainstream trackers out there. It comes already on a keyring, so it’s super simple to attach to whatever you want to keep safe.
Can’t find your phone? Use the Cube Tracker to trigger your phone to ring, vibrate, or flash. Just secure it to anything you value, and the easy-to-use Cube Tracker App will guide you right to it — though you’ll need to keep in mind that it’s a Bluetooth tracker in contrast to AirTags, so it has a bit of a different range and mode of operation. But it’s reliable and works well — and even doubles as a shutter button for your phone’s camera.
Here’s how it works. It displays the last known location of your item on a map. Press a button and the Cube Tracker chimes, guiding you to your item. And for those days when you’re in a rush, the separation alarm is super helpful, altering you if you accidentally leave an item behind.
And if the tracker ends up running out of battery, you’re still covered. Instead of discarding your Cube Tracker annually, you can simply replace the battery yourself. It also comes with an extra battery so you don’t have to buy one yourself.
The Cube Tracker is a compelling alternative for those outside the Apple ecosystem. It’s a gadget that’s easy to use, multifunctional, and, most importantly, helpful for keeping your belongings at your side where they belong.
Why we like this smart tracker:
- The Cube Tracker can act as a remote shutter for your phone’s camera.
- It has a separation alarm that notifies if an item is left behind.
- Rather than a yearly replacement, its battery can be easily changed by the user, with an extra one included.
Tile Pro: $32
Amazon
The Tile Pro is the best tracker from popular seller Tile, which you’ve probably heard of just as much as AirTags. And the “Pro” title isn’t just for show — that quickly becomes obvious when you try one out. It’s also pricier than many of the other trackers on the market, but for good reason.
This rugged tracker can easily fit into most spaces or hang from a keyring, but either way, it’s built to last. Its choice of black or white combined with the protective metal framing means it’s going to hang in there for the foreseeable future.
While most of its functionality is managed via app, it has a button that lets you quickly locate misplaced items or phones, which is super useful if you’re in a hurry and you just want to see where your things are — because they’re not lost, after all. It has a loud, clear speaker as well, so you can hear the tone ring out when you need to locate your lost item, whatever your Tile Pro is attached to.
There are also plenty of other ways to use the Tile, from location histories to alerts that prompt you when you may have left an item behind somewhere.
If you need a tracker that puts in work, every day, with an easy-to-use app and rugged exterior, the Tile Pro was made for you. It’s best served as an item finder for those serial key misplacers, and even younger kids who need something a bit larger to hold in their hands, because everyone loses something now and then.
Why we like this smart tracker:
- It’s rugged and down for anything with a larger build and metal frame with keyring.
- Its quick locate button will be able to alleviate stress for many users.
- It’s reliable and ready to go at a moment’s notice with a plethora of app-based features.
Chipolo Card: $30
Amazon
Not all trackers are slim enough to fit in your wallet. But the Chipolo Card is another great option that can slide right into a pocketbook, a purse, or affix to a flat surface. This card-shaped smart tracker is a great, reliable way to track items without having to add via keychain, loop, or other accessories.
It has a connection that extends up to 200 feet, and plus it boasts IPX5 water-resistance. But one of this tracker’s greatest features is its proactive approach to keeping your stuff safely near you.
Instead of ensuring you realize hours later that you’ve left your wallet behind, the Chipolo Card promptly sends a notification to your phone, reminding you to grab anything you forgot. Super simple, super easy. And it can save you from some awful mishaps.
However, on the off chance you’re beyond the immediate Bluetooth range, the Chipolo app lets users to pinpoint their item’s last known location on a map. If that wasn’t enough, the expansive Chipolo community can also band together to help track things down, similar to the AirTags’ functionality.
The Chipolo Card also has a suite of additional features. Users can share access with loved ones, ensuring everyone stays in the loop. Voice commands have been seamlessly integrated with the likes of Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri, too. It also doubles as a remote selfie button.
Unfortunately, it does use a non-replaceable battery, so you’ll have to get a new card once a year is up. But for that year, you’ll get great service out of your Chipolo Card, and it’s a fantastic alternative to the big names on the market.
Why we like this smart tracker:
- It can stay connected from up to 200 feet away.
- Its slim design means it fits into wallets or attaches to flat surfaces easily.
- Its proactive notification system sends timely alerts so you don’t leave your stuff behind.
Tile Slim: $35
Amazon
The Tile Slim fits right in your wallet, much like the Chipolo Card. Its form factor is just like your everyday credit card, so it slides into your wallet. And presto! You’re good to go whenever you leave for the day.
This tracker’s two-way finding feature can be a day-saver. If you’re having a crisis about where your wallet might be, a quick double-tap on the tracker’s logo, subtly located at the bottom left, will have your phone ringing out, even if it’s on silent. The tracker connects to your phone via Bluetooth, signaling its presence with an audible alarm, so you can just give a listen when you’re looking for something.
Thanks to its IP67 rating, the occasional splash won’t hurt it, so if you happen to take your wallet and drop it in a puddle or something, your tracker won’t be ruined.
Perfect for safeguarding wallets or documenting travels, this tracker is a blend of elegant design and practical utility. And people might think you have a really cool-looking black business card in your wallet, too.
And for those wondering about battery life, Tile Slim boasts an enduring three-year lifespan. But do note: due to its ultra-slim design, when the time eventually comes, you’ll nee dto switch out the entire device, not just the battery.
Why we like this smart tracker:
- It fits into wallets with since it’s credit card-shaped.
- It’s rated IP67 for water resistance and accidental falls/splashes.
- Its two-way finding feature locates phones by ringing them, even if set to silent.
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