Tile vs. AirTag™: Which Bluetooth Tracker Should You Choose?
Tile and Apple both have the capability of helping you keep track of your keys, car, luggage, purse or anything that you’re not wanting to lose with the Apple AirTag™ and the Tile Pro, Slim, Mate, and Stickers. Through an app on your phone, you can track down the lost items you’ve attached your Bluetooth tracker to. Trackers from each brand will do the job, but there are some important differences to be aware of before you make your decision.
Apple AirTag vs. Tile Trackers: Bluetooth Tracker Comparison
“Unlike AirTags™, which all look the same, Tile’s locators start at $25 and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some look like credit cards and are flat enough to slide into the pocket on luggage tags. Tile Stickers are the size of three stacked quarters and have an adhesive backing to hold them in place. You can use Life360's mobile app for Android and iOS to set up your tracker and find it if it is within Bluetooth range—up to 400 feet depending on the type you have.” – By Dalvin Brown, The Wall Street Journal
AirTags™ | Tile | |
Compatible Devices | Apple devices | iPhone + Android |
Price | Starting at $29 | Starting at $24.99 |
Bluetooth Range | Bluetooth range unconfirmed | Bluetooth tracking up to 500ft |
Design | 1 device design | 4 device designs |
Battery Life | Around 1 year | Up to 1 year battery life on replaceable models, up to 3 year battery life on non-replaceable models |
Water Resistant | Splash, water, & dust resistant + 3ft plunge in water up to 30 mins | Splash, water, & dust resistant + up to 5ft plunge in water up to 1 hour |
Accessories Required | Required to attach items | Accessories not required |
**Note: Apple AirTags™ have Ultra Wideband “Precision Finding”, which works with iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max+
What are Tile Trackers? A Review
Tile Bluetooth trackers can accurately help you find your keys, wallet, phone and everything that matters. Available on both iOS and Android devices.
Tile Tracker Features and Software
Compatible Devices
Tile is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Price
Depending on what Tile device you are wanting, Tile Bluetooth trackers start at $24.99 and go up to $34.99 for single devices.
Bluetooth Range
Tile Bluetooth trackers have a Bluetooth range of up to 250-500 feet.
Design
Tile Bluetooth Trackers come in a range of designs from limited editions to seasonal colors, you’re sure to find a Tile device to match your aesthetic.
Battery Life
Tile’s battery life lasts up to 1 year on replaceable models and up to 3 year battery life on non-replaceable models.
Water Resistant
Yes, all 4 models are water-resistant up to 5 feet for up to 1 hour.
Accessories Required
For a Tile device, no additional accessories are required. Just download the app and get started tracking your lost items
What are AirTags? A Review
AirTag is an easy way to keep track of your stuff. Attach to your keys, backpack, wallet, etc. and track them in the Find My™ app, along with all of your Apple devices. Available only on Apple devices.
AirTag Features and Software
Compatible Devices
AirTags are compatible on all Apple devices: phone, iPad, and iMac.
Price
Prices for AirTags start at $29.
Bluetooth Range
Unfortunately, Apple has never officially confirmed the Bluetooth range for their AirTags.
Design
AirTags are available in one single design, with white plastic and silver metal.
Battery Life
AirTags have a battery life of over one year, according to Apple.
Water Resistant
AirTags are splash, water, and dust resistant. They can also be plunged into water of up to 3ft for no more than 30 minutes.
Accessories Required
Accessories are generally required for attaching AirTags to items like key chains or luggage.
Location Accuracy
Apple AirTags have Ultra Wideband “Precision Finding”, which works with iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max+
How does Tile work?
Tile helps you keep track of your wallet, car keys, backpack, bike, and so much more. Find your misplaced items nearby and far away with Tile trackers and the Life360 app that works on both iOS and Android devices.
You can find items nearby and faraway
Find your items
With Tile, you can tap “Find” in the Life360 app and the Tile on your lost item will ring. Watch the Tile Detector’s green rings fill in as you get closer to your lost item.
Sync your Tile to a smart home device
It’s an easy set up and hands-free makes finding your lost item easy and fast.
Find your phone
If you’ve lost your phone, you can use any Tile device like the ones on your car keys or wallet to make your phone ring. Double press the Life360 Swircle logo button and this works even if your phone is on silent.
Lose something out and about?
Tile can help you locate it by viewing its most recent location on the map. The map will show you the last time your lost item was with you or the last time your Life360 app was able to locate it.
Tile vs. AirTag: Making the Right Choice
Tile offers a range of more versatile and practical design options, is available for iPhone and Android users, and starts at just $24.99.
Learn about the differences between Tile and Chipolo.
AirTag™ is a trademark of Apple Inc.