What are the anti-loss devices like AirTag? Full inventory and buying guide
After Apple AirTag launched the concept of“Crowdsourced location-based anti-loss”, a large number of anti-loss devices with similar functions have emerged in the apple ecosystem, Google Ecosystem, Samsung and other Android camps. Not only do they address the pain points of not finding your keys and wallet, they are also morphologically optimized for different scenarios such as pets, luggage, and bicycles. What’s more, Apple Find My and Google Find My Device, the two major networks, support a huge number of third-party Smart tags, which are highly compatible with native brands such as Apple and Samsung in terms of functionality and price, they’re also cost-effective. In addition, as cross-ecosystem users grow, dual-system Smart tags are emerging as a new trend — one that’s more flexible and can be adapted to both iPhone and Android devices without having to differentiate between device brands. The following from, ecological adaptation, category inventory, with practical shopping advice to help you find the most suitable anti-lost device.
Part 1: anti-drop devices for Apple Find My (iPhone users preferred)
Apple’s Find My Network, a crowdsourced network of more than 1 billion iphones, ipads and Macs around the world, is highly accurate and covers a wide area. Third-party devices need Apple’s MFI credentials to access them, and not only does it work seamlessly with the iPhone’s find App, it doesn’t require an additional download, and the core features (positioning, loss mode, NFC scanning) and AirTag are exactly the same, some third-party products in the form, duration or price is more advantageous.
Mainstream brands and core features
Apple AirTag
Advantages: perfect fit with Apple ecosystem, small size (31.9 mm in diameter) , support for U1 chip (iPhone 11 and above models can be“Precision find”, similar to“AR navigation” find device) , battery life about 1 year (replace CR2032 Button Battery) , IP67 waterproof (can be short-time immersion in 1 meter deep water) , single price about 29, four-piece set about 99.
The downsides: it’s only round and requires a hook to hang on your key/backpack (official hooks are about 39-59, third-party hooks are about 10-20 more affordable) ; it only supports Apple Find My and doesn’t work on Android devices.
Chipolo ONE Spot/Card Spot (flexible and cost effective)
Chipolo is Apple’s favorite eco-3rd party anti-drop device. It comes in two useful forms, costs 10% to 20% less than AirTag, and doesn’t shrink:
One Spot (round) : 34mm in diameter, slightly thicker but lighter than an AirTag, lasts about a year (CR2032 battery) , IP67 is waterproof, supports“Beep alerts”(when you can’t find it close enough to ring) , and costs about $24.99, perfect for hanging keys and backpacks.
Card Spot: just 2.1 mm thick, fits in your wallet slot/Passport Holder, doesn’t bulge, lasts about 6 months (CR2025 battery) , IP54 is dustproof and spill-proof, and costs about $24.99, solve the wallet-in-the-restaurant/hotel pain spot.
Pebblebee Card & Clip
Featuring“Sustainability,” it’s a rare, rechargeable MFI anti-drop device that functions like an AirTag and adds practical features:
Pebblebee Card: Type-C rechargeable battery lasts about 3 months on a full charge and doesn’t require frequent battery changes; IP67 waterproof, printable personalized logo (e.g. pet info, contact info) ; $29.99, perfect for wallets and children’s backpacks.
Pebblebee Clip: comes with a metal Clip that attaches directly to the handle of your pet’s collar or luggage. It lasts about four months on a battery charge, $29.99.
Nomad Tile (vintage look preferred)
Made by accessories brand Nomad in partnership with the old anti-throw device manufacturer Tile, the shell is made of retro leather and metal. It has the same function as the AirTag, but with decorative features: support for Find My network, circular design (diameter 32 mm) , about 1 year (CR2032 Battery) , IP67 waterproof, with Nomad’s own leather lanyard (about 39.95) , hanging on the backpack both practical and beautiful, anti-lost device itself price about 29.95.
More cost-effective third-party Smart tags
In addition to these brands, Apple Find My ecosystem has a number of third-party options, all MFi-certified, with the same functionality as AirTag, but at a lower price or in a more niche format:
Eufy SmartTrack Card: Card-like design, 2.3 mm thick, about 1 year of battery life (CR2032 Battery) , IP67 waterproof, support for“Silent search”(phone vibration notifications only, do not disturb others) , Price about $19.99, it’s one of Apple’s most eco-friendly cards.
Spigen AirTag Alternative: comes with metal hooks, no extra accessories, a round body (33mm in diameter) , lasts about a year, is IP67 waterproof, costs about $22.99, and fits directly on your keys and your pet’s collar.
Belkin Soundform Freedom Wireless headsets (with built-in anti-lose feature) : the headsets come with a Find My module, so you can Find them even if you lose them. You Don’t have to carry an anti-lose device. They cost about $149.99, for“Minimalist” users.
VanMoof electric bike (built-in location module) : some models (e.g. , S5, X5) have Find My chips built in, which not only locate the bike, but also remotely lock it. Prices start at about $2,498, addressing the core needs of stolen electric bikes.
Part 2: anti-lost Device for the Google Find My Device Network (Android generic first choice)
When Google officially opened its Find My Device network in 2024, Android users finally had a“Cross-brand universal” crowdsourcing solution-one that relied on more than 800 million Android devices worldwide, without the need to be tied to a specific phone brand, just install the find my device App. Like Apple’s ecosystem, Google’s ecosystem also supports a number of third-party Smart tags that are identical to native brands like Samsung and Motorola in terms of core features such as missing mode, NFC scanning, and crowd-sourcing location, they’re also more competitively priced, making them a great value proposition.
Mainstream brands and core features
Tile Mate 2024/Slim 2024
Tile is the elder of the anti-drop devices, and from 2024 it will support Google Find My Device, which features Samsung SmartTag2 and longer battery life:
Tile Mate: comes with key ring, lasts about 3 years (CR1632, more durable than normal button batteries) , IP67 is waterproof, support for“Long-distance reminder”(phone away from the anti-lost device more than 10 meters when the alarm, to avoid forgetting the key) , the price is about $24.99.
Tile Slim: 2.4 mm thick, fits in your wallet, lasts for about 2 years, IP54 is dustproof and spillproof, fits in a stationary passport, and has a flat cover. It costs about $29.99.
Chipolo ONE Point/Card Point
Designed for the Google ecosystem, it functions just like Apple’s Chipolo, and is paired and wake-up optimized for Android:
One Point (round) : supports“Quick-pairing”(near auto-pop-up connections on Android phones) , lasts for about a year, IP67 is waterproof, has a louder ringtone (80 decibels) than the iphone, and is great for outdoor scenarios (like locating camping gear) , about $24.99.
Card Point: lasts for about 6 months, supports“NFC Quick Look”(no App required) , wallets for high-frequency use, tags for about $24.99.
Motorola Moto Tag (native adaptation, stronger protection)
Motorola’s official anti-lost device, more closely linked with the Moto Phone, features the Samsung SmartTag2, and a higher level of waterproofing:
It is small (28 mm in diameter) , lasts about 1.5 years (CR2032 battery) , and is IP68 waterproof (it can be submerged in 2M of water for 30 minutes, which is more protective than most competitors) , support for“Motorola voice assistant wake up”(say“Hey Moto, find my keys” to trigger the ringtone) , price around $29.99.
Samsung Galaxy Smarttag 2(preferred by Samsung users, based on dual ecosystem compatibility)
Samsung’s new anti-drop Device supports its own SmartThings Find network (Samsung devices crowdsourced) and is compatible with Google Find My Device. It’s full-featured, but doesn’t support Apple Find My yet:
Support U1 chip (Samsung Galaxy S23 and above models can“Find”) , battery life of about 7 months (rechargeable, Type-C interface) , IP67 waterproof, can be bound to Samsung account, remotely erases the associated information in the anti-lost device (with better privacy) for about $39.99.
Third-party cost-effective model (equivalent functionality, lower price)
Third-party Smart Tag options in the Google ecosystem are equally plentiful, with core features in line with native brands but generally 20-30 per cent cheaper, for those on a budget:
Anker Soundcore Smart Tag: two-year button battery life with Anker battery life, IP67 waterproof, Bluetooth 5.2 remote location (30% wider than normal) , $19.99, perfect for locating luggage and backpacks.
Case-mate Find My Tag: stylish, multicoloured case (replaceable) , round body (32mm in diameter) , 1-year battery life, IP67 waterproof, Find App quick wake-up, $22.99, for those looking for a better look.
Logitech Pop Smart Tag: works with Logitech Smart Home (like triggers light alerts to find devices) , lasts about a year, IP65 is waterproof, supports“One-click reverse find phone”(presses anti-drop button to trigger ringtones) , costs about $24.99, for those with multiple Logitech devices.
Part 3: dual-system Smart tags (preferred by cross-ecosystem users)
As more and more people hold both iPhone and Android devices (e.g. , iPhone + Android tablet, multi-brand phones in the home) , dual-mode Smart tags, compatible with both Apple Find My and Google Find My devices, are becoming a necessity. This type of device does not need to switch ecology, one can adapt to the two major platforms, and the core functions (positioning, loss mode, NFC scanning) and single system device no difference, both flexibility and practicality, particularly suitable for frequent cross-device use.
Mainstream dual system brands and core features
Tile Mate 2024dual Connect/Slim 2024dual Connect
Tile’s“Dual Connect” line of Dual-system anti-drop devices are both apple MFi-certified and google-compatible, and don’t require a manual switch in ecology:
Compatibility: seamless access to the iPhone find App and Android find my device App, syncing updates to location data (like lost tag on iPhone, Android device can see location in real time) .
Core features: consistent battery life (Mate about 3 years, Slim about 2 years) , IP67 waterproof, support for“Cross-device voice alerts”(use Android phone to trigger anti-drop ringtone, iPhone can also receive feedback notifications) .
Price: Mate 2024dual Connect for $29.99, Slim 2024dual Connect for $34.99, only $5-$10 more than the single-system version.
Insufficient: does not support U 1 chip accurate search, suitable for daily scenarios (such as keys, wallets) that do not require high positioning accuracy.
Pebblebee Dual Smart Tag
Pebblebee dual smart tag for eco-friendly charging and dual platform:
Compatibility: supports Apple Find My and Google Find My devices, automatically recognizes the phone system on first connection, no need to manually select eco.
Core features: Type-C charge, full battery life of about 4 months (button)/3 months (card) , IP67 waterproof, support for“Personalized lost information”(in the two ecological synchronization display owner contact, others can scan NFC view) .
Features: it comes with a metal buckle that can be fastened to your pet’s collar or luggage. It also supports a“Teardown alarm” that alerts both your iPhone and Android phone when your pet breaks the collar.
Price: about $34.99 for the snap-on model and $32.99 for the card model, for sustainability and scenario-based features.
Anker Soundcore Dual-Mode Smart Tag
Anker’s first dual-system anti-lose device, featuring long battery life and low price, is suitable for cross-ecosystem users with limited budgets:
Compatibility: dual-os compatibility with simplified features, support for iPhone“Find” App location and android“Find my device” basic features (lost mode, voice alert) , positioning accuracy is the same as the single OS version (Bluetooth 5.2 with a range of about 200 meters) .
Key Features: Button battery life of up to 2.5 years (50% longer than most dual-system devices) , IP67 waterproof, compact size (30 mm in diameter) , can be used with a universal buckle.
Price: about $22.99. It is one of the lowest-priced models in the current mainstream dual-system anti-lost device, suitable for locating high-frequency mobile items such as luggage and backpacks.
Disadvantages: does not support NFC Quick View, lost after contact with the owner through the App; no personalized decoration design, focusing on practicality.
Case-mate Dual Eco Smart Tag
Case-mate Dual Eco Smart Tag is a dual system anti-drop device designed for the beautiful:
Compatibility: supports Apple Find My and Google Find My devices, provides visual bootup during the adaptation process (the phone screen shows the status of the current connection) , and is easy for white users to navigate.
Core features: Battery Life about 1 year (CR2032 Battery) , IP67 waterproof, offer 6 kinds of replaceable color shell (such as matte black, cherry blossom powder) , thickness of only 3.2 mm (round model) , can be stuffed into the side pocket of the backpack or hang on the key.
Features: the case is made of recycled plastic, which makes it environmentally friendly; it supports“Eco-reverse find phone”(press the anti-drop button to trigger a ringtone, regardless of whether you’re currently connected to an iPhone or Android phone) .
Price: about $27.99(includes 2 cases) , suitable for users who are looking for fashionable appearance and environmental protection concept.
Dual system Smart Tag shopping tips
Compatibility depth differences: some dual-system devices only support“Basic function dual adaptation”(such as positioning, voice) , higher-level features (e.g. , U-1 Precision Finder, smart home linkage) may only work with single ecosystems (e.g. , Pebblebee dual OS with mute vibration on the iPhone and only ringtones on Android) , make sure you know what you need.
Battery life compromises: dual-system adaptations add a small amount of power, and most dual-system devices have 10% to 20% less battery life than their single-system counterparts (e.g. Tile single-system Mate lasts 3 years and dual-system models last about 2.8 years) , button batteries are preferred in scenarios where frequent battery replacement is not required, and rechargeable in high-frequency scenarios.
Price range: dual-os devices typically cost $5 to $15 more than single-os models, and if you only use cross-ecosystem features occasionally (like positioning once or twice a month with an Android tablet) , you’ll probably be able to get a lot more bang for your buck, consider buying two single-system models (Apple Find My Eufy, Google Tile) for a lower total cost, or a dual-system model for a better deal if you switch devices frequently.
Part 4: key factors in choosing anti-lose devices
Choosing a device like AirTag, the core is“Ecological adaptation”+ “Scene requirements”, single-system users focus on functional matching, cross-ecosystem users need to give priority to dual-system compatibility, at the same time, we should pay attention to the cost-effective advantages of third-party devices. Here are four dimensions to help you make quick decisions:
1. Prioritizing the identification of ecological needs (single vs. dual system)
| Type of user | Recommended device type | Core reasons and cost-effective recommendations |
| iPhone/iPad users | Apple Find My single system | Seamless access to the“Find” App, support U 1 chip accurate search; limited budget choose Eufy Smarttrack Card (about $19.99) , the pursuit of native choose AirTag |
| Android-only (not Samsung) | Google Find My | Generic across brands, with global coverage; prefer Tile Mate 2024(about $24.99 for 3 years) or Anker Soundcore single system (about $19.99) |
| Samsung mobile phone users | Google Find My/Samsung native | Samsung users can choose Smarttag 2(about $39.99, precision search) , other Android users choose a third-party single-system version of the better value for money |
| Cross-ecosystem (iPhone + Android) | Dual-os devices | No repeat purchase required, one compatible dual-platform, Anker dual-system ($22.99) for a limited budget, Pebblebee dual-system ($34.99) for full functionality |
2. Choose a form factor based on usage scenarios
Keys, backpacks, pet collars: choose round/Buckle Type (with key ring or buckle, not easy to fall off) , priority IP67 + waterproof, dual-system users recommend Pebblebee Buckle Type (anti-disassembly alarm) , mate Tile 2024(long battery life) for single system.
Wallet, Passport, badge: choose Card type (thickness ≤3 mm, not bulging bag) , priority to see dust spill (IP54 +) , dual system users recommend Pebblebee Card Type (rechargeable) , single system users recommend Eufy SmartTrack Card (low price) .
Bicycles, luggage: choose built-in/durable models (e.g. , VanMoof bike with built-in module, Anker dual-system Model (2.5 years)) , prioritize long range (over 1 year) and high protection to avoid frequent battery changes.
3. Battery life and charging methods
Button Battery: 1-3 years, easy to replace (supermarkets can buy CR2032/CR1632 Battery, single saving 1-2) , suitable for“Do not want to frequent charging” users, models: Tile Mate 2024(3 years) , Anker dual system (2.5 years) .
Rechargeable: 3-7 months, Type-C port, no need to change the battery, suitable for“High-frequency use and easy to charge” scenarios, representative models: Samsung Smarttag2(7 months) , Pebblebee dual system model (4 months) .
4. Additional features (optional)
Precision Finder (U1 chip) : native single-system devices (Apple AirTag, Samsung Smarttag2) , dual-system devices are not supported, iPhone 11 +/Samsung S23 and above users can be preferred.
High waterproof grade (IP68-RRB- : outdoor enthusiasts, pet owners, representative modeMotorolarMotoMTag Tag (single systIP68IP68) , Pebblebee dual system buckIP67IP67, closeIP68IP68 protection) .
Privacy: select models that support“Remote wipe” or“Anonymous scan,” single-system recommended Samsung SmartTag2, dual-system recommended Pebblebee dual-system (two major ecological wipes) .
Smart home linkage: multi-device users optional, single system recommended Logitech Pop Smart Tag (Linkage Logitech Lights) , dual system does not support the function, need to be alone with ecological equipment.
Part 5: Summary: the best choice for different users
iPhone-only users: for a Native Experience, Apple AirTag (about $29) , Eufy SmartTrack Card (about $19.99) , Nomad Tile (about $29.95) .
Android-only: Samsung Galaxy Smarttag 2($39.99) for Samsung, Tile Mate 2024($24.99) or Anker Soundcore ($19.99) for other Android users.
Cross-ecosystem (iPhone + Android) : Anker Soundcore ($22.99) for a limited budget, Pebblebee ($34.99) for full functionality, tile Mate 2024dual Connect ($29.99,3 years) .
PET/outdoor scene users: Motorola Moto Tag (IP68 waterproof, about $29.99) for single-system, Pebblebee dual-system buckle (anti-removal reminder, about $34.99) for dual-system.
No matter menu system or dual system, the core is“Match its own device ecology + fit use scenario”ー third-party single system device can achieve the same function as the native brand, and the price is lower; Dual-system devices offer a more flexible choice for cross-ecosystem users without having to pay for multiple devices. The ultimate value of the anti-lost device is to turn the anxiety of“Not being found” into the ease of“Being able to locate at any time”, without having to pay more for unnecessary features or brand premiums.
