The Ultimate Guide to Bluetooth Trackers in 2025 Most people picture AirTags when they think of a Bluetooth tracker. Apple’s little white discs used to be the most capable option, relying on a vast network of nearby iPhones to find lost items. But the landscape has changed. Now, both Google and Samsung have their own finding networks. Other companies like Chipolo and Pebblebee also make trackers that work with either Google or Apple’s system. With so many options for your keys, backpack, or luggage, we tested all the major brands to help you choose the best one. What to Look for in a Bluetooth Tracker Bluetooth trackers are small devices that use short-range wireless signals to communicate with your phone. Attach one to your stuff, and if it’s in range, your phone can make the tracker ring so you can find it. They also offer features like separation alerts to warn you when you’ve left an item behind. Some can even tap into a larger network of smartphones to locate your device when you’re far away. Here are the key factors to consider. Device Compatibility Like many Apple products, AirTags only work within the Apple ecosystem. However, both Apple and Google have opened their Find My and Find Hub networks to third-party manufacturers. Companies like Chipolo and Pebblebee now make device-agnostic models that work with either network, so both iPhone and Android users can buy the same tag. Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag2, on the other hand, only works with Samsung phones. Finding Network The crowd-sourced finding network is what allows you to locate items globally. Apple’s Find My network is the largest, with over a billion iPhones and iPads potentially acting as location detectors. Google’s Find Hub network is a close second in size. Samsung and Tile also have their own networks. In our tests, AirTags and third-party tags on Apple’s network were the fastest at locating lost items in real-time. Google’s network has improved significantly and now finds items in under 20 minutes on average. Tile’s network was not as consistent in our tests. Separation Alerts This feature tells you when you’ve traveled too far from a tagged item, preventing losses before they happen. Apple’s Find My app provides these notifications. Google’s Find Hub does not, but if you use a Chipolo device with its own app on Android, you can get left-behind alerts. Tile requires a yearly subscription to enable this feature. In testing, AirTags alerted us between 600 and 1,400 feet away. Connectivity and Volume The most used feature is often the key finder function, which makes the tracker ring from the app. With AirTags, you can ask Siri to find your keys. Some trackers can also ring your phone if you have the tag but can’t find your handset. Volume is also important. Pebblebee’s Clip Universal was the loudest we tested, while AirTags are known for being quieter. Design and Battery Life Design determines what you can attach the tracker to. AirTags are smooth discs that require separate accessories to attach to items. Chipolo, Pebblebee, and Tile offer trackers with built-in key rings and card-shaped versions for wallets. For battery life, AirTag, Tile Pro, SmartTag2, and Chipolo Pop use replaceable batteries that last about a year. Pebblebee Clip Universal and Chipolo Loop are rechargeable via USB-C. Stalking and Privacy Concerns Bluetooth trackers have raised concerns about stalking. In response, Apple, Google, and Tile have teamed up to standardize how unauthorized tracking detection works on iOS and Android. While trackers can be used to recover stolen goods, they are not primarily marketed as anti-theft devices. How We Tested We tested a wide range of trackers from Apple, Samsung, Chipolo, Pebblebee, Tile, and others. We recreated common scenarios like losing items at home and in the city, testing in various locations. We evaluated the app experience, connection reliability, and overall performance during regular use. The Best Bluetooth Trackers for 2025 After extensive testing, here are our top picks. Chipolo Pop: Best Overall Bluetooth Tracker The Chipolo Pop is our top choice for its versatility and performance. It works with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub networks, making it a great option for anyone, regardless of phone type. It’s loud, has a long Bluetooth range, and offers reliable separation alerts. The replaceable battery lasts for over a year, and its keyring-friendly design means you don’t need an extra accessory. Apple AirTag: Best for iPhone Users For those fully invested in the Apple ecosystem, the AirTag remains the gold standard. It leverages the largest and most effective finding network, providing near real-time location updates. Its Precision Finding feature, which uses ultra-wideband technology on newer iPhones, guides you directly to the item. The main drawback is that it requires a separate holder or case to attach to most items. Chipolo Loop: Best Rechargeable Tracker If you prefer not to deal with disposable batteries, the Chipolo Loop is an excellent choice. It’s rechargeable via a convenient USB-C port and is compatible with Apple’s Find My network. It offers a loud ring and reliable performance, making it a solid, eco-friendlier alternative to the AirTag. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2: Best for Samsung Users Samsung users should look no further than the SmartTag2. It integrates seamlessly with Samsung’s SmartThings Find network and offers a robust set of features, including a long battery life and a clear, loud ring. Its design includes a large hole for easy attachment to keys and bags. Pebblebee Clip Universal: Best for Volume and Dual Network The Pebblebee Clip Universal stands out for its incredible volume, making it easy to find even in noisy environments. It works with both Apple’s and Google’s finding networks and comes with a handy carabiner clip. It’s also rechargeable and includes a useful LED light. Other Trackers We Tested We also tested the Motorola Moto Tag and the latest Tile models. The Moto Tag proved unreliable in our location tests. The new Tile trackers, while offering a unique SOS safety feature, were slow to be discovered by the Tile network and require a subscription for key features like separation alerts. Bluetooth Tracker FAQs Which tracker has the longest range? The Pebblebee Clip Universal claims a 500-foot range, though real-world performance can vary due to obstacles. The size of the finding network is often more important for locating items far away. What is the best tracker for a car? While people have used trackers like AirTags to find stolen cars, they are not specifically designed for this. A dedicated GPS tracker is a better option for a vehicle. How accurate are Bluetooth trackers? For nearby items, accuracy is high, especially with Apple’s Precision Finding. For lost items, accuracy depends on the density of the finding network. Apple’s network currently offers the most precise and timely location data. Recent Updates This guide was updated in October 2025 to include new picks like the Chipolo Loop and the latest information on network performance and features.
