The best Bluetooth trackers for Apple and Android phones

Some people rarely lose things. Wallets are always exactly where they’re supposed to be, keys never go missing, and remotes never slip between the couch cushions. And then there’s the rest of us — the folks who can’t ever seem to find the thing that was right there a few seconds ago. For us, Bluetooth trackers can help. Bluetooth trackers have been around for a long time, and they all generally work the same way. You attach the tracker to an object (a key ring, tote, in your wallet, etc), pair it with your phone, and then, if you lose said object, you can go into an app and ring the tracker. These days, Bluetooth trackers can do a lot more. Some have ultra-wideband chips that enable precision tracking, so you can find exactly where in a room your item is without having to sound an alarm. Most trackers tap into large networks — like Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub — making it easier to locate lost items outside the home. Many will notify you if they detect you’ve left the device behind or come with QR codes that link to your contact information so people can easily return lost items. These features are incredibly handy but also have the potential for misuse. For example, when Apple launched the AirTag, it seems the company hadn’t anticipated they might be used to track people or stolen items — but that’s exactly what happened. It’s since beefed up its anti-stalking features, and companies like Tile have also followed suit. Apple and Google have launched a standard that enables unwanted tracking alerts across both Android and iOS devices, and major players like Tile, Samsung, and Chipolo have supported the initiative. Still, it’s worth making yourself aware of each tracker’s approach to safety when deciding the best option for you. As consummate Losers of Things, we have tested a fair share of Bluetooth trackers on wallets, keys, and luggage. Here’s what we’d recommend if you, too, have a hard time finding things. The best tracker for iPhone users Apple AirTag (second-gen) Apple’s latest AirTags features an upgraded ultra-wideband chip for more precise location tracking, a noticeably louder speaker, and an expanded Bluetooth range. Where to Buy $29 at Amazon $29 at Best Buy $128.99 $99.99 at Costco (pack of five) If you’re an iPhone owner, Apple’s second-gen AirTag offers a level of precision that rival trackers simply cannot match. The updated model leverages the company’s latest ultra wideband (UWB) chip for its nifty Precision Finding feature, which, in turn, can lead you to your lost item with an on-screen arrow in the Find My app. Plus, because AirTags can tap into Apple’s vast Find My network, a lost tracker can anonymously ping its location to Apple’s iCloud servers whenever it’s near another Apple device, extending its range beyond Bluetooth’s limitations. That level of precision proved incredibly useful during testing. Apple’s newest coin-shaped tracker consistently guided us to our misplaced items, including a spare mailroom key hidden in a closet. None of the other Bluetooth trackers we tested — including those from Tile and other third-party, Find My-compatible offerings — worked quite as well. The extended range on the latest AirTags also makes it much easier to reliably locate items in multi-story homes, while a series of iOS updates has made it possible to share a temporary map with a host of airlines (including Delta and United), which can help if your luggage should ever go missing. There are downsides, though. Although their replaceable CR2032 battery helps you save money in the long run, AirTags aren’t truly $29 for most people, since you’ll likely want to buy a separate holder to attach one to your keys or luggage. They’ve also faced criticism for being misused for unwanted tracking purposes (you can read our original testing in full here). That being said, Apple is aware of the issue and has since improved unwanted tracking alerts by shortening the time before you’re notified an unknown AirTag is in your vicinity, making chimes louder, and creating a separate app that lets Android users scan for unknown AirTags. Read our second-generation AirTags review. The best tracker for Android users Tile Pro The Tile Pro is the company’s loudest Bluetooth tracker and has the widest range at 500 feet. It also has a user-replaceable battery, unlike other Tiles. Where to Buy $34.99 at Amazon $34.99 at Life360 More trackers these days offer support for both Google’s and Apple’s Find My networks, but Tile’s trackers remain our top recommendation for both Android users and those in mixed iOS / Android households. What’s more, Tile currently offers four form factors to suit different needs: the card-shaped Tile Slim ($29.99), the square-ish Tile ($24.99), the self-adhesive Tile Sticker ($24.99), and the Tile Pro ($34.99). The keyfob-shaped Tile Pro is our personal favorite; it’s larger than the Tile, offers the longest Bluetooth range at 500 feet, and has the loudest ring. Of the four, it’s also the