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.
Features Precision FindingBattery rated to last one yearFind 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 tracking rangeFeatures loud alarmIP67 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.
Connects to Apple’s Find My NetworkCompact size for easy portability200-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. More: Chipolo CARD Spot full review
Real-time trackingCompact design allows clipping on belt, collar, or backpackAlways-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. More: Best GPS trackers for kids
Works with smart home tools to turn on lights, open garage doorsFeatures a loudspeakerScratch-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. 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.
