AirTag-like trackers for Android phones are finally here

Finders keepers, losers weepers (The Independent )

It’s been a very slow rollout for Google’s Find My Device network. First announced more than a year ago, Google’s new and updated tracking network works in a similar way to Apple’s Find My network, letting Android users call on the billions of Android devices worldwide to help them track down their lost stuff.

While headphones, earbuds and tablets have been added to the Find My Device app, the first batch of Bluetooth trackers, attempting to compete with Apple’s AirTag, have left much to be desired.

While Eufy, Chipolo and Pebblebee’s item trackers are good Bluetooth trackers in their own right, working with Google’s Find My network to help you locate everyday items like your keys, wallet and luggage, they aren’t as smart as Apple’s AirTag or the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2, which have ultra-wideband (UWB) tech inside for really precise tracking.

Now, Motorola’s here to answer Android user’s praises. The tech firm has announced a Bluetooth tracker of its own, and it’s filled with the ultra-wideband smarts that many Android users were hoping for. Essentially working like an AirTag for Android devices, you’ll be able to track down your lost items with precise turn-by-turn directions thanks to the inclusion of ultra-wideband in the Moto Tag (if your phone has a UWB chip).

Even designed like the AirTag, Motorola says it will be fit with third-party cases already on the market, presumably meaning AirTag accessories. There are more features on the Moto Tag that are even better Apple’s version, such as reverse finding. Soon Android users won’t have to feel left out when they see their iPhone friends pinging their wallets from across the room. Here’s how to buy the Moto Tag, plus the Chipolo, Pebblebee and Eufy trackers.

Motorola moto tag: £34.99, Motorola.com

The moto tag is the most AirTag-like Bluetooth tracker announced for Google’s Find My Device network. As well as being able to call on the billions of Android devices to pinpoint its exact location, the moto tag also features UWB tech. When paired with a UWB-supported Android phone, you’ll be able to utilise precision tracking to get exact turn-by-turn directions to your stuff. The really neat thing about the device is that it features a dedicated multifunctional button. Press it once to ring your smartphone if it’s ever lost. It also doubles up as a capture button for taking pictures on your Android phone. It has a one-year battery life, is water resistant and can fit into most third-party accessories.

Motorola says the Moto Tag will go on sale in the UK in late July, and cost £34.99 for a single tag and £119.99 for a pack of four. It will be available to buy from Motorola’s own website and at John Lewis & Partners.

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Chipolo one point: From £30, Chipolo.net

The Chipolo one point is the device most similar to the Tile Mate or the Tile Pro. It’s a round disc with a keyring hole for easy attachment to your keys. It works with Google’s Find My Device app, letting you see your item’s live location thanks to the power of millions of other Android devices, ring the tracker and see distance hints. It Features a loud 120dB speaker, a replaceable CR 2032 battery and IPX5 water resistance. It doesn’t have any UWB tech, however, so doesn’t support precision finding like the AirTag.

It launched in May, but the first batch sold out fast, so you’ll have to wait until July to receive your tracker. It can be purchased as a one-pack (£30, Chipolo.net) or a four-pack (£89, Chipolo.net). The company also sells a bundle of two Chipolo One Points and one Chipolo Card Point (£80, Chipolo.net).

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Chipolo card point: From £35, Chipolo.net

If you want a Bluetooth tracker that will slot neatly into your wallet or purse, the Chipolo card point is the tracker for you. Much like the one point, it works exclusively with the Google Find My Device ecosystem, utilising the millions of Android devices to help pinpoint your wallet. You can see the location on the in-app map, ping it so it plays a sound and see distance hints. It doesn’t have any UWB tech, however, so doesn’t support precision finding like the AirTag.

It’s 2.4mm thick, has a (slightly quieter) 105dB speaker and has an IPX5 waterproof rating. However, there’s no reusable battery in this one, but it is rated to last up to two years and is eligible for Chipolo’s renew and reuse programme, meaning you can replace it after two years for half the price.

While it launched in May, the next batch of trackers won’t start shipping until July. You can get it as a one-pack (£35, Chipolo.net), two-pack (£60, Chipolo.net) or pack of four (£112, Chipolo.net). And, of course, there’s the same bundle containing two Chipolo one points and one Chipolo card point (£80, Chipolo.net) available.

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Eufy smarttrack link: £19.99, Eufy.com

Best known for its home security cameras and robot vacuum cleaners, tech brand Eufy recently launched its own key finder to rival Tile and Chipolo.

The smarttrack link is a small, square-shaped keyring that closely resembles the identically priced Tile mate, but with a grippier design and a replaceable CR2032 coin battery. It’s also compatible with the iPhone’s Find My network.

The device has a loud alarm, works at ranges up to 80m and is water resistant. At £19.99, it’s also one of the cheapest key finders on the market. It doesn’t have any UWB tech, however, so doesn’t support precision finding like the AirTag.

Pebblebee tag for Android: £29, Pebblebee.com

The Pebblebee tag is the company’s Google-y answer to Tile’s sticker. It has an adhesive that you can attach to remotes or your luggage and comes with an LED light so you can see it in the dark. Unlike the Tile sticker, the Pebblebee tag is USB-C rechargeable, and it lasts eight months on a single charge. It has a range of 300ft, has a loud melody and is IPX6 water resistant. It doesn’t have any UWB tech, so doesn’t support precision finding like the AirTag.

You can buy the Pebblebee Tag as a one-pack (£29, Pebblebee.com), two-pack (£53, Pebblebee.com) and four-pack (£98, Pebblebee.com). It starts shipping in May.

Pebblebee clip for Android: £25, Pebblebee.com

The clip is Pebblebee’s answer to the Tile pro, it runs on rechargeable batteries, so you plug it into a USB-C cable when it runs out of juice (estimated to last 12 months). There’s a keyring hole on the side for easy attachment and LED lights so you can easily spot it in the dark. It has a 500ft Bluetooth range, IPX6 water resistance and weighs 8g. It doesn’t have any UWB tech, so doesn’t support precision finding like the Apple AirTag.

It’s cheaper than the Chipolo one point, and it can be bought as a pack of one (£25, Pebblebee.com), two-pack (£45, Pebblebee.com) and four-pack (£81, Pebblebee.com).

Pebblebee card for Android: £29, Pebblebee.com

And lastly, there’s the Pebblebee card, which can be easily slotted into a wallet or purse. It’s rated to last up to 18 months on a single charge before needing to be recharged and has LED lights, a speaker and works with Google’s Find My network of devices. Again, there’s no UWB tech, so there’s no precision finding.

You can buy it as a one-pack (£29, Pebblebee.com), two-pack (£53, Pebblebee.com) and a four-pack (£98, Pebblebee.com).

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Want to find out how Tile trackers compare to the Apple AirTag? Check out our comparison