Both are great products in and of themselves, being versatile and easy to use.
But which is the best Bluetooth tracker for you?
Let’s find out.
Miker Rivero/MakeUseOf andApple/Tile
Price Comparison
Unlike most products with the Apple logo on them, AirTags are remarkably affordable.
Meanwhile, the Tile Pro is priced at $34.99 and is Tile’s premium tracker.
Tile also offers various bundles if you want to buy multiple tags.
Connor Jewiss/MakeUseOf
AirTags' pricing is straightforward and affordable.
However, the variety of options you get with Tile means that we’re giving Tile the point here.
That’s the same web connection that helps you locate a lost iPhone or MacBook.
Connor Jewiss/MakeUseOf
The Tile Slim, Mate, and Sticker all have a bandwidth of 250 feet (76 meters).
Meanwhile, the Tile Pro can stay connected to Bluetooth within around 400 feet (122 meters).
When Tile trackers are outside of Bluetooth spec, they operate on Tile’s proprietary online grid.
Tile
Unfortunately, the Tile internet pales in comparison to Apple’s Find My internet.
If you plan on primarily tracking with Bluetooth, Tile’s trackers should give you more range.
For this reason, we’re giving AirTags the win in this category.
Tile
Winner:AirTag
Design Differences
There are lots ofreasons to buy Apple’s AirTags.
However, keep in mind that Apple designed the AirTag as a one-size-fits-all solution.
That means they’re not designed for any one specific tracking need.
Tile
While AirTags are small and lightweight, they don’t fit very well into most wallets.
Similarly, AirTags don’t come with a built-in keychain loop.
On the other hand, Tile designed each of its trackers to do a specific job.
As the name suggests, Tile Sticker has an adhesive back for easy attachment.
The Tile Mate and Tile Pro have built-in cutouts that let you hook them to your keychain.
We’re giving Tile another point because you could use its Bluetooth trackers in more specific places.
Durability
AirTags and Tile’s trackers are IP67 water-resistant.
Remember thatwaterproof and water-resistant mean two different things.
With this water resistance rating, AirTags and Tile trackers can withstand rain and splashes without too many problems.
Both AirTags and Tile trackers are durable and long-lasting.
That should give AirTags a leg-up when it comes to durability.
Pet Tracking
Officially, AirTags are only for tracking your physical items and not pets.
But that hasn’t stopped some people from trying.
AirTags are light and compact, meaning they won’t be too heavy for most pets.
That sound could distress your pet.
Tile markets its products as great options for pet tracking.
The Tile Sticker and Tile Mate work great as attachments to pet collars.
And unlike AirTags, Tile trackers don’t automatically play a sound or ping nearby iPhones.
Because Tile has created features designed specifically for pets, it wins in this category.
Since the initial AirTags release, Apple has released several updates to make AirTags safer.
Unlike AirTags, Tile trackers won’t automatically play a sound if separated from their owner.
However, Tile did integrate a feature called Scan and Secure into its mobile app.
Most of the bad press surrounding smart trackers has targeted AirTags.
However, Apple has strongly committed to making AirTags safer, while Tile is still largely playing catch up.
Despite the controversies with AirTags, Apple currently offers better safety features.
Which Bluetooth Tracker Is Right for You?
On the other hand, AirTags are great if you want an ultra-powerful tracker that’s easy to use.