Do you often misplace things? Do you want to track your luggage when on vacation? Do you want to find your parked car quicker?
If you already have products from the Apple family, like an iPhone or iPad, an AirTag can help you with the above scenarios.
Apple AirTag is a device that offers location-tracking services. It is only compatible with Apple devices.
AirTag uses Bluetooth to connect to nearby devices in Find My network anonymously. These devices send the AirTag’s location to iCloud, and from there on, you can locate your tracker of the Find My app.
The tracker has a good battery life. You do not have to pay any monthly fees. But it lacks basic location features like geofencing and cannot track things in motion.
Let us start with our Apple AirTag review to understand if it is a good buy.
| Product Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Apple |
| Model | Apple AirTag |
| Dimensions | Diameter - 1.26 inches, Height - 0.31 inches |
| Weight | 0.39 ounces |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth for proximity findingApple-designed U1 chip for Ultra Wideband and Precision FindingNFC tap for Lost Mode |
| Battery | User-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery |
| Sensor | Accelerometer |
| Operating Temperature | −20° to 60° C |
| Coverage | Global |
| Price | Starts from $28.00 |
| Subscription | No monthly fees |
| Warranty | 1-year Apple warranty |
| Amazon Rating | 4.7 out of 5 (132, 843 ratings) |
Our Rating
About Apple
Apple is one of the world’s largest and most famous computer and consumer electronic companies. Its wide product range consists of categories like Mac, iPhone, iPad, Watch, TV & Home, Airpods, Accessories, and more.
If we consider the US smartphone market, Apple is the leading brand with over 57.04% market share.
You can visit the Apple Support portal for product manuals, in-depth articles, or quick answers. You can visit the Apple Support Communities for answers or tips from fellow Apple users.
You can also get technical support over the phone or visit their service centers.
Who is the Apple AirTag For?
Here are the system requirements and compatibility parameters for Apple AirTag:
- Apple ID
- iPhone and iPod touch models with iOS 14.5 or later
- iPad models with iPadOS 14.5 or later
You should only buy an AirTag if you have a compatible Apple device. Android devices do not work.
You can use the AirTag to keep track of your valuables in known places. For example, you can place the tracker inside your wallet or bag. You can then ping the tracker, which will play an audible sound.
You could use the tracker to find your car in parking lots with its Precision Finding feature.
You can also use AirTag as a secondary security mechanism to keep track of your children. For example, when out in crowded places like an amusement park, fair, or concert, you can have the AirTag on your children to know they are nearby.
5 Important Factors we Tested the Product on
While compiling our Apple AirTag review, we considered several factors like design, battery, usability, features, and how the device performs. Here are our findings.
1. Design
In terms of design, the AirTag is one of the compact devices available. It has a diameter of 1.26 inches and a height of 0.31 inches. It weighs about 0.4 ounces. The device is sleek enough to be easily placed in your wallet.
The device body is splash, water, and dust resistant. It has an IP67 rating under IEC standard 60529. It may be able to withstand a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. The device has a built-in speaker.
What the AirTag lacks is a lanyard hole. If you want to hang the tracker, you must buy an accessory separately. The device can also get scuffed easily, so I would recommend buying a protective case.
2. Battery
The AirTag has a CR2032 coin cell battery. The device comes pre-installed with a battery. It can last for about a year. Your Apple device will let you know when it is time to replace the battery.
If we consider the portable trackers in the market, AirTag has one of the best battery capacities. The battery may drain quicker with frequent use, but it would still stand out from other trackers.
For example, Spytec GPS has a rechargeable battery capacity of 2600 mAh. The average battery life is around 12 days. Even with a battery extender, the tracker can work for about two months before needing a recharge.
So, Apple AirTag is one of the top devices when considering battery life as a performance metric.
3. Usability
Setting up the AirTag is pretty straightforward. Before you start the setup process, ensure you have the two-factor authentication, Find My, Bluetooth, WiFi, or mobile connection, and location services turned on.
To set up the AirTag, hold the tracker near your Apple device. Tap on Connect. Select a preset name from the list, add your custom name, and tap Continue.
Register the tracker using your Apple ID, tap Continue, and then Done. You can now locate the tracker on the Find My app.
Ensure you only have one tracker near your Apple device during setup. Because the Apple device will detect the multiple trackers and then display a message saying, ‘More than one AirTag detected.’
As an Apple device user, you may already be familiar with using the Find My app. You can use the app to ping the tracker or find its location. The assembly and usability processes are user-friendly.
4. Features
The primary use of the AirTag is to help you find your things. If you are looking for your wallet inside the house, you can find it by navigating to the items tab under the Find My app or simply command Siri to find it.
The AirTag will play a sound on its built-in speaker. The sound, though, is loud enough to hear if you are in the same room or around it.
If your AirTag is nearby your iPhone, you can use the Precision Finding feature to know its exact location. You can view how close you are to the tracker and receive directions to its more accurate location.
Like your other Apple devices, you can enable the Lost Mode for AirTag. You will receive a notification when the tracker gets detected in the network.
If you are looking for a portable GPS tracker in terms of features, you may find the AirTag limiting. For example, geofencing is a basic feature that most GPS trackers offer. The AirTag also cannot track objects while they are in motion.
If you specifically need such services, I suggest you explore other trackers like Tracki, Bouncie, or Spytec.
5. Performance
The AirTag works pretty well when tracking everyday items or pets that do not move around much. When it comes to children, I would recommend using the AirTag as a secondary tracking device because of its limited range.
AirTag primarily relies on Bluetooth. This helps it conserve battery. The tracker works best for items that are stationary or slow-moving. Thus, the tracker is best suited to track items or pets.
What Sets the Apple AirTag Apart from its Competitors?
If you have lost your bag with the AirTag behind, it can be tracked using the Find My network. As long as there is an Apple device in range, the location of your AirTag will be uploaded to iCloud.
The feature, though useful, understandably comes with a privacy concern. This is why only you can see your AirTag. Also, devices that detect and relay the location also stay anonymous.
Apple further notifies you if an unknown AirTag has made its way into your things. For example, if the AirTag is away from its owner, you will first receive a notification, and then the device will start playing a sound after a few hours.
Should You Purchase the Apple AirTag?
The Apple AirTag is an affordable location tracker. It has no monthly fees, which is a plus. It has a compact and sleek design.
Buying an AirTag, though, only makes sense if you already own compatible Apple devices. For example, you will need an iPhone 11 or later to use the AirTag. This can cost you a minimum of $599 to $699.
Here are some pros and cons you should consider before buying the AirTag.
Pros
- It is a sleek device weighing 0.39 ounces.
- It is splash, water, and dust resistant.
- The tracker is easy to set up.
- It has a good battery life.
- It is an affordable tracker with no monthly fees.
Cons
- It does not offer geofencing alerts.
- It only works with Apple products.
- The device can get scuffed easily.
Price
The Apple AirTag is priced at $28. If you choose to buy four trackers, the pack is priced at $99.
You can get a free engraving if you buy the tracker directly from Apple. You can personalize the tracker using emojis, initials, or numbers.
If you want to hang the AirTag on bags, purses, backpacks, or in person, you must buy an accessory separately.
The prices for these accessories vary significantly. For example, a secure holder with a strap can cost $12.95. A protective case with a key ring can cost $19.95. A leather key ring costs $35.00.
And if you want to up your accessory game, explore Apple’s collaboration with Hermes. You can shop for bag charms and key rings starting from $299.
FAQ’s
The AirTag has a tracking range of up to 33 feet when using Bluetooth. The tracking range is limitless with Find My network as long as an Apple device is near your AirTag.
Apple AirTags do not need WiFi or even cellular data to function. They primarily work on Bluetooth, ultra-wideband, and NFC technology.
No. The Apple AirTag is splash and water-resistant. It can handle minor spills and splashes. It may work for a few minutes under shallow water. But if the waterbody is deep, like a swimming pool, you may not be able to find the device.
Summary
The Apple AirTag is a compact tracker with good battery life. It can help you find items like your wallet or bag. It can help track your pets. And it can also help keep an eye on your kids in crowded places.
The device is water and dust resistant with an IP67 rating. You can ping the device to play a sound. You can use the Precision Finding feature to know its exact location. You can locate the AirTag you left behind using the Find My network.
It is an affordable tracker with no monthly fees. But do consider its system and compatibility requirements.
We hope our Apple AirTag review will be helpful with your purchase decision.
Carson Harris is a highly qualified author and expert in GPS tracking technology. With a background in electrical engineering and machine learning, he has established himself as a trusted source of information. Carson’s work experience at Garmin and Panasonic has further enhanced his expertise. He possesses creative skills in website design and AI applications. Known for his clear and concise communication, Carson’s articles on Trax Family’s website provide valuable insights on GPS trackers.