AirTags used to be the best trackers in Apple’s Find My network, but that is no longer the case. The ecosystem has expanded, and there are now many more devices to choose from. Here is how the AirTag lost its crown as the top Bluetooth tracker—and what you should buy instead.

Third-party accessories don’t take all the cake

Although AirTags are not currently the best Bluetooth trackers on the market, they still have features that other Find My trackers do not.

The most useful feature included with AirTags, but not other Find My-compatible trackers in the Find My app, is Precision Finding. This feature, thanks to the U1 chip or later in an iPhone, guides you directly to your item.

With Precision Finding, a large arrow points in the direction of your item. In the lower-left corner of the screen, it shows how far away you are, while haptic feedback and sound indicate whether you are getting closer.

Another advantage of AirTags over third-party trackers is their ease of setup. All you have to do is bring the AirTag close to your device, and a menu will automatically appear.

From there, you tap “Connect” to name it and add it to your account. Once that is done, the AirTag is ready to use and will appear on all your Apple devices. Additionally, while all devices in the Find My network benefit from baseline encryption and anonymity, the AirTag still offers stronger privacy protections because it is built directly into the Apple ecosystem.

To prevent unwanted tracking, AirTags use unique Bluetooth identifiers that change frequently. This works alongside end-to-end encryption. While all devices in the Find My network support end-to-end encryption, some trackers require a manufacturer’s app for initial setup, which may still collect user data.

Even though AirTags excel in these areas, there are still several reasons why third-party Find My trackers may be more beneficial.

The crown is still slanted in several areas

While AirTags are superior in several areas, they still fall short in others. As a result, their status as the best tracker is not entirely certain.

Credit: Justin Duino / How-To Geek

The biggest drawback of the AirTag is the lack of a keyhole. This means you must buy a separate holder to attach it to items. Even though you do not need one to use all of its features, a holder is necessary for most ways you will use the AirTag. Holders can be found cheaply on Amazon, but it is still an extra purchase required with the AirTag.

Battery

Over a year

Water Resistance

IP67

Building on the issue of cost, AirTags are also more expensive than other Find My trackers. While they are among Apple’s more affordable products, they are still considered costly compared with other trackers.

For example, you will likely want more than one tracker—such as one for your bag and another for your keys—so a pack of four AirTags costs $99. This is far more expensive than a pack of four on Amazon, which costs only $16.

Unlike most of Apple’s other devices, the AirTag’s battery is interchangeable. It uses a CR2032 3V lithium coin battery, which is easy to replace. However, this means you must have a spare on hand if the battery dies, adding an additional cost to using the AirTag.

Furthermore, AirTags are only compatible with Apple devices. While this may not be an issue for many users, it becomes a problem if you switch from an iPhone to Android, rendering the AirTag unusable on your new device.

Fortunately, while AirTags have these downsides, third-party Find My-compatible devices address them and offer alternatives where AirTags fall short.

Third-party accessories fill in the gaps

You can find the right one for your needs

Unlike Apple’s one-size-fits-all AirTag design, many third-party trackers come in a variety of bodies to suit different needs.

There are various keyhole options

It is easy to find a third-party Find My accessory with a keyhole in its design. Several models include this cutout, eliminating the need for an extra purchase to use the tracker to its full potential.

For instance, UGREEN’s Finetrack Find My device features a cutout in the top-left corner, allowing you to attach it to keys, a bag, or any item without an additional case or holder. You can use it right away as intended.

Different designs and sizes available

Regarding design, many Find My trackers come in different sizes and formats to fit the items you want to track, making them more versatile for their intended use.

If you want to track your wallet, you can use a card-shaped tracker from UGREEN that fits among the other cards in your wallet. Additionally, if you need a tracker for your glasses, the ORBIT tracker attaches directly to them.

Uses rechargeable batteries rather than replaceable ones

Since third-party trackers come in different designs, they also offer various power options. While some do use replaceable batteries like the AirTag, others use rechargeable ones.

Credit: UGREEN

Going back to the UGREEN’s FineTrack device, it has a rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C. When not in use, an included dust plug covers the port.

Other trackers, such as MSEBENT’s Slim Smart Tag Wallet Tracker Card, use Qi wireless charging. This allows them to charge on any compatible pad simply by placing them on top.

Credit: 

MSEBENT

By using rechargeable batteries, these trackers eliminate the need to replace batteries whenever one dies. This is more cost-effective and ensures you can recharge your tracker wherever you are with the appropriate cable or charging pad.

Dual operating system compatibility

While the Find My network is limited to the Apple ecosystem, some trackers can be used with Android through their companion apps. This allows you to continue using them if you switch from an iPhone to an Android device.

Battery

Rechargeable (12-month)

Water Resistance

IP66

The Pebblebee Clip 5 is compatible with both Apple Find My and Google Find Hub, allowing you to use it with either platform, regardless of your device.

You’re not stuck with Apple

The AirTag is far from a bad tracking device. If you own an iPhone, need Precision Finding, and are comfortable with the price, you’ll likely be happy with your purchase.

However, the AirTag is not compatible with all use cases, and that’s where third-party options come in. With different designs, broader compatibility, and often significantly lower prices, these alternatives challenge the AirTag’s crown as the best tracker for iPhone users.

The next time you consider buying a tracker, don’t automatically choose the AirTag—there may be a third-party option that better fits your needs at a fraction of the price.