Never lose your luggage again with these affordable trackers
Worried about losing your luggage on your next domestic or international flight?
Do you lose your keys often?
Wondering where you left your wallet, backpack, purse?
Item locators are one of the simplest inventions that really can be a game changer for those of us frustrated by where we left that thing.
They're not new, though Apple's entry into the market with the AirTag really did shine a light on how amazing they can be.
Frankly, I don't have a single set of keys that don't have an item locator on them, and the same goes for bags and luggage!
What to consider when buying an item locator
In reality, the key to an item locator is how easy it makes it for you to find your missing thing. For the purpose of this guide, let's focus on keys mainly.
Lose your keys under the couch cushion, and you'll be a while trying to find them. Using your phone with most of these devices, you can open an app, press a button, and it will play a sound to guide you to the item.
Some will go further and point you in the right direction too.
On top of that many of these products create a "network" of users, which makes finding your keys, if you left them at another location, a possibility too.
In reality, if you're an iPhone user, it's hard to go past the AirTags, but for everyone else there are great options for at home or out and about location finding.
Affordable item locators to consider
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Apple AirTag
Pros:
- Huge network to help you find things
- Easy to use
Cons:
- iPhone only
The Apple AirTag is now the benchmark for this kind of device, the power of the AirTag is that every single Apple device becomes part of the search party for your lost item. Without knowing it, or alerting the user – anyone carrying an iPhone for example that walks past your lost keys will allow the location of your keys and AirTag to be updated in your "Find My" app. Apple call this the Find My network and it means that you can basically find any item with an AirTag down to a very precise location.
AirTags have replaceable CR2032 batteries, which in my experience last around 15-18 months each – depending on how much you use both the item in question and the Find My service.
Critically, AirTags are the only device which have an app associated that will literally point you in the direction of your item if you are within range of it.
One amazing use for AirTags is luggage – you'll know for sure which city your luggage is in, even if it's not with you.
Tile Mate
Pros:
- Impressive network of users over many years
- Year long battery
Cons:
- Network relies on all users having app installed and working
- Non-replaceable battery
Well known as the item tracker for many years, Tile has a strong network of users with tags on keys, bikes, cameras anything else you can imagine.
The Tile app on both iPhone and Android devices is used to locate your items, and everyone with the app is helping to find your Tile.
It does require users to continue to use and update the app, which means the network isn't as big as it might be, but still, the Tile is a fantastic item locating solution, particularly for those out of the Apple ecosystem.
Key Finder Chlovoe
Pros:
- Simple
- Sound based
Cons:
- Works only in close proximity
These are not at all like the others. They don't require a smartphone, they don't use an app.
Instead, the key finder 'remote' is programmed to make your keyring chime at the press of a button. Find six different devices with ease in your home, just by pushing the button.
Batteries are replaceable, and should last a full year. A great non-tech solution that's actually packed with tech.
Six locator keyrings for the price of just one of the above items.
EvoTag Circle
Pros:
- Affordable
- Simple to use
Cons:
- Don't expect a network to help you find things
EvoTag is one of many spin off companies that are making these item locators, perfect for those looking for more devices at a better price, and not too fussed about losing items out and about, as it relies on you being nearby with the app.
The battery is replaceable meaning you get a long life from your original purchase.
Chipolo Card Spot
Pros:
- Thin to fit in a wallet
- Works just like an AirTag on the Find My Apple network
Cons:
- iPhone only, though a white coloured version exists for other platforms
This credit card sized device has all the same features of the AirTag except the battery cannot be replaced.
It fits easily into a wallet, or passport folio, making finding a lost wallet a breeze.
Because it uses the Find My network, every iPhone and connected Apple device is your search party, but it is only compatible with iPhones.
There is an alternate and slightly cheaper version which uses the Chipolo app for locating your items.
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