How does this type of gadget finder like Airtags and others generally work?
They connect via bluetooth to devices in the vicinity, mainly phones then. The tags themselves therefore have no connection, but they benefit from the phone’s connection and GPS to be able to report their position to the network. As an iPhone user, you thus contribute to the effectiveness of the Hitta network, and the same for Android users. As soon as you approve it, your phone periodically reports the position of tags connected to the same network. This allows the tags to have as good a battery life as they do, often around a year.
What is the difference between Apple’s Find and Google’s Find Hub?
How does this type of gadget finder like Airtags and others generally work?
They connect via bluetooth to devices in the vicinity, mainly phones then. The tags themselves therefore have no connection, but they benefit from the phone’s connection and GPS to be able to report their position to the network. As an iPhone user, you thus contribute to the effectiveness of the Hitta network, and the same for Android users. As soon as you approve it, your phone periodically reports the position of tags connected to the same network. This allows the tags to have as good a battery life as they do, often around a year.
What is the difference between Apple’s Find and Google’s Find Hub?
Basically, they work the same way. Apple was first with its system and therefore had an effective network earlier. When Google started its network in addition to phones with standalone tags as well, the Motorola Moto Tag was first out. Back then, Google didn’t yet have an efficient way to activate phones so they contributed to the network, but they’ve fixed that now, which means that Google’s Find network, after a shaky start, is now almost on a par with Apple’s. This of course depends on how many users of each phone system are in the vicinity at any given location, so there’s never a guarantee. But in our tests, both Google’s and Apple’s systems performed excellently, so you always have an up-to-date position on your gadgets. Samsung’s Smarttag, on the other hand, is noticeably less efficient and has on several occasions taken hours between updates. If we compare Google’s HItta Hub with Apple’s Find, Google lacks the ability to give a warning when you leave your tag, but Apple has it. Chipolo, which supports both networks, has added warning when you walk away from your tag as an extra feature in its Android app to make up for that drawback.
How are competitors like Samsung Smartthings Find doing?
Today, Apple and Google dominate and perform by far the best, simply because they have by far the most connected devices that collectively report the position of tags. Samsung’s own Android phones, for example, help Google’s Find network precisely because they run Android, even though Samsung’s tags use Samsung’s own system where only a selection of Galaxy phones can report positions. In addition to Samsung’s own alternative, there is also previously dominated Tile, which was the forerunner of the whole phenomenon of tracking tags. In this comparison, we haven’t tested Tile, but when we’ve done it in the past, it’s underperformed the dominant systems simply because the number of users who can contribute is in constant decline. When we compared Samsung Smarttag with Apple and Google’s alternatives this spring, Samsung has consistently performed worse, with sometimes gaps of several hours where we get no position at all while Apple and Google continuously report. For example, in an intermediate charge at Beijing airport for several hours, the Samsung tag was not found at all, while both Apple and Google reported regularly.
Has Google’s Find Network gotten any better now?
Yes, since it launched with Motorola’s Moto Tag in the summer of 2024, Google has made significant improvements. In the beginning, reliability and updates were sparse, but now that Google has made it easier for new phones to be activated on the Find network, performance has become excellent. This then applies to both the Moto Tag and all other devices that can connect to the network.
Why should I have a tag that supports both Apple’s and Google’s networks?
Since none of the tags that can handle both systems can be connected to both systems at the same time, the benefit is not as great as one might first think. The advantage is therefore mainly that you can buy such a tag as a gift for someone, without knowing for sure what phone they have. It will work regardless. And then you can buy for yourself and then be sure that it works even if you have to change your phone to another brand in the future. A way to avoid locking yourself into a manufacturer’s ecosystem of products.
Which tags stand out in the comparison?
Especially those from Chipolo. Two of them (Loop and Card) can be charged (wireless and with usb-c respectively), so you don’t have to replace disposable batteries. Then there are several tags that have extra functions, so that, for example, with a tap on the tag they can help you find your phone or that you can use the tag as a remote trigger when you want to take a photo with the mobile’s camera.
Any difference between Apple’s own Airtags and other gadgets that use the same network and app?
Yes, we have noticed a little difference. It’s basically the same feature, but when I open Apple’s Find app, the location of Apple’s Airtags is updated instantly, while third-party tags take a few extra seconds to show their location.
Can tags do more than just be found?
By double-tapping the tag, Moto Tag and Samsung Smarttag can make your nearby phone ring, so you can easily find it. Chipolo has a similar function and it is also possible to press the tag to take a card with the phone if you want to be in the picture yourself.
What are the different formats of the tags and which are the best?
The most basic design is the one used by Apple and Motorola, just a round slightly bumpy cylinder. The advantage of that is that they both fit in the same accessories as key rings and to attach to the bag, but the disadvantage is precisely that an accessory is required, often an expensive one, to even attach the device. Other trays have a built-in loop so that they can be easily attached directly and without accessories to the key ring. The Chipolo Card is a flexible design if you want to keep track of your wallet or perhaps your passport.
Will they withstand being outdoors, if I for example attach a cover to my bike?
Yes, most tags have IP67-rated protection against water and dirt and they should be able to be outdoors. There are also accessories that help you lock the tag easily on just one bike. IP67 means that they should be able to be temporarily immersed in water and get splashes and dirt on them. We can also point out that when they are under water, they cannot be found, bluetooth does not go through water.
How long does the battery last? Do they use disposable batteries?
Generally, in almost all devices, the battery called CR2032 is used. It is about the size of a coin and usually lasts a year before it needs to be replaced. Chipolo, which is included in the comparison, also has rechargeable tags where you don’t have to change the battery and they also last a year between charges.
Are there any downsides, risks or security issues with tags like these?
Tags near your phone can use your connection to report their location, but manufacturers promise it will have minimal or no noticeable impact on things like battery life or data usage. Contributing is also voluntary and you can opt out if you wish.
When tags like those from Apple, Google and Samsung became more common a few years ago, the problem that they could be used to track people illegally was also raised. As a response to this, Apple, Google, Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy Security and Pebblebee have agreed on protective measures so that you receive warnings on your iPhone or Android when an unknown tag follows you. Then you will also receive instructions on what you can do to prevent it.