By Harriet Morphy-Morris
Bluetooth trackers, the tiny tech gadgets that let you track the every move of the belongings they’re attached to – from suitcases, to handbags, wallets, and passports – can be a life saver.
Apple’s popular AirTag has dropped to one of the cheapest prices it has been thanks to an early Amazon Prime Day discount – and it’s one I recommend to all my friends and family having used it travelling on trips to France, New York, Italy and Botswana.
Apple’s AirTag uses the Apple Find My Network which allows users to track its every move, reports The Mirror.
Usually just under €40 for one, it’s now available for €32.78 on Amazon. The early 2025 Prime Day discount makes it cheaper than Apple’s own site.
The trackable gadget is simple to set up for iOS users. Once the AirTag has been opened, simply move it near to your iPhone or iPad and it’ll appear with a ‘connect’ notification. Then choose a name for it (which is what you track) and register it with your Apple iD. I did this back in 2022, and since using an AirTag to travel I’ve never lost my luggage.
The AirTag emits a personal network that can be detected by other AirTag users within close proximity to the tag. It will ping its location to nearby users who can then share the location with you, anonymously.
Apple users may already be well aware of the ‘Find My’ app, and the AirTag is tracked similarly to if you were to look for a lost phone in the ‘Find My iPhone’ days.
On the Find My app, I can see straight away where my bags are and how long ago they’ve been in that location – a feature I find great to check when boarding the plane; I always see if my bags have been loaded too.
AirTags do have a limitation for many travellers and mobile users, as they are iOS only, so Android users miss out. This is where rival devices like the Tile tag and select models from the brand Chipolo can come in handy. As we highlight below.
Chipolo, Tile and Samsung alternatives
The Tile by Life360 is available to buy on Amazon for €40.76, a slight increase to the current price of the on-sale AirTag.
It also tracks belongings its attached to with an app, but instead of opening it up and seeing the location of the tracker straight away (like with the AirTag) you have to click ‘location history’.
I’ve previously used the Tile tracker up against the AirTag while flying on holiday, and it does offer a slightly more precise location on the map, with a view of nearby shops and attractions iOS doesn’t have. Another option is Chipolo.
The Chipolo Card Spot, which only works with iPhones, is currently available on Amazon for €33 and it offers a slimmer alternative that can be slotted into purses and wallets.
During a recent holiday, I decided to put Chipolo’s CARD Spot to the test. Its slim design, like a bank card, is perfect for slipping into a wallet, passport, or ID, similar to the Tile by Life360 or Eufy SmartTrack Card, though I opted to place it in my suitcase pocket for tracking during my flight.
It comes with a catch, though, as it operates solely on Apple’s Find My network, not its own app. The CARD Spot boasts features that set it apart from the AirTag and Tile pack. However, if you’re an Android user, this gadget won’t be suitable as it lacks compatibility.
The Apple AirTag is available on amazon.ie for €32.78.
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