Introduction: Focus on the cost of smart tags
With the increasing demand for smart anti-loss, more and more users are choosing dual-system tags that can be used across iOS/Android to track items such as backpacks, electronics, pets, etc. . But“Whether you need to pay a monthly fee” becomes a core concern — after all, long-term subscriptions can increase usage costs. This article will be from the label type, brand case, the additional cost of three aspects of dismantling, to help you sort out the cost of the truth.
Do iOS and Android dual Tag users have to pay a monthly fee? Cost Analysis and brand references
Type of dual-system tag and how much it costs
1. System-level dual-system tags
Use the network: rely on Apple’s“Find My” and Google’s“Find My Device”(Android + Google servers) dual network, no need to build your own servers.
Cost: no additional monthly fee/subscription fee. After hardware purchase, you can use core functions such as positioning, voice, and loss mode for life.
Plus: wide network coverage (Apple Find My supports more than 2 billion devices worldwide) , high positioning accuracy (combined with Bluetooth + ultra-wideband U1 chip) , no need to install third-party apps, and smoother native system adaptation.
Note: some brands need to bind dual system accounts (such as Apple ID + Google Account) when they first activate, but there is no activation fee.
2. Stand-alone App dual-system tags
How to use it: you’ll need to install a manufacturer’s App on your iOS/Android device, and use the App to connect to tabs.
Cost classification:
▶ free basic features: meet daily anti-lost (such as Bluetooth positioning, off-body reminders, tag sound) , 1-to-1 sharing tracking, 7-day location history (some brands) .
▶ paid advanced features: subscription or one-time unlock required, common benefits include“30-day + location history review”, “Multi-user shared cap increase (e.g. 5→20 users)”, “Remote lock/erase associated devices”, and“Battery low warning”.
Case in point: Chipolo ONE has a Premium subscription for $19.99 per year, while Tile has a Premium membership for $29.99 per year plus a $4.99 per month option for multi-label management.
Common brand payment reference (updated edition)
| Brands | Type | Is there a monthly fee | Subscription details (if any) | Compatibility Supplement |
| Apple AirTag | System level (iOS only) | No need | No subscription, dependent on Apple Find My network | Android devices can only view“Lost mode” messages, not actively locate them |
| Samsung Galaxy Smarttag | System level (Android only) | No need | No subscription, support for Samsung“SmartThings”+ Google Network | iOS devices require the SmartThings App, which has limited functionality |
| Chipolo ONE | Dual system (system + App) | Basic free | Premium subscription: $19.99 per year (location history + multiple sharing) | Find My and Android apps |
| Tile Mate/Pro | Dual system (App only) | Basic free | Premium: $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year (including equipment insurance) | You’ll need to log in to your Tile account to use it across systems |
| MYNT Tracker | Dual system (App only) | Basic free | Premium cloud services: $15 per year (unlimited location history) | iOS 12.0 + , Android 8.0 + |
| Pebblebee Clip | Dual system (system + App) | Basic free | No subscription, advanced features (such as number of shares) one-time unlock | Find My and Android native location compatibility |
Additional cost considerations (with specific numbers)
1. Battery costs
Button battery (e.g. , CR2032) : $0.40-$1.10 per unit, 6-12 months (up to 10 months depending on usage) , no technical threshold for replacement.
Rechargeable (such as built-in lithium battery) : no need to replace, 3-6 months of battery life, charging time of about 1-2 hours, no additional supplies costs.
2. accessories
Basic accessories: lanyards ($1.40 to $4.30, label-resistant) , silicone cases ($2.90 to $7.10, fall-and-scratch-resistant) , and third-party brands for better value.
Special accessories: waterproof shell ($8.6-$14.30, outdoor/pet-friendly) , keychain holder ($2.1-$5.70) , optional.
3. Check hidden costs
No activation fee, no hardware annual fee, some brand (such as Tile)“Device insurance” must be included in the Premium membership, buy alone about $10/year (protection label lost after Free Replacement Mail) .
Summary and buying advice
1. Core conclusions
90% of everyday scenarios (e.g. , locating keys, backpacks, pets) don’t require a monthly fee: system-level dual-system tags“Buy once for life”, stand-alone App tags“Basic functionality is free”.
Pay-as-you-go scenarios: Long-term location history, multi-user shared tracking, device insurance, etc. . Most pay between $15 and $30 per year.
2. three-step shopping path
Step 1: Identify compatibility requirements-if you only want“IOS-based, android-only”, choose Chipolo ONE (Find My compatibility) ; if you’re switching between two systems at high frequency, prefer pure apps (Tile) .
Step 2: evaluate functional requirements-free basic daily anti-loss option. For pets/valuables (e.g. camera) , consider a subscription with insurance.
Step 3: compare battery life costs-use the rechargeable option frequently (cheaper in the long run) and the button battery option occasionally (easier to replace) .
Final warning: check the“Feature comparison chart” on your brand’s website before you buy to avoid paying for“Advanced features you don’t need.” Some brands (such as MYNT) offer 30-day trials of advanced features, experiment before you subscribe.
The above content is only a reference for the current time point. The technical iteration and business strategy adjustment of the smart tag industry are more frequent, and the brand product function, payment model and compatibility may change at different time nodes. It is recommended to obtain the latest information through the brand website or customer service channels before purchasing, to ensure that the decision is in line with actual needs.
