Key Takeaways

• Tile and AirTags are both excellent smart trackers, but both come with their share of pros and cons.
• While AirTags and Tile have the same IP67 water-resistance rating, AirTags feel more durable due to the metal and plastic construction.
• Tile's trackers have a bigger Bluetooth range, but AirTags benefit from Apple's comprehensive Find My network.

Tile dominated the smart tracker market until Apple took the world by storm with its AirTags. 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.

Price Comparison

Unlike most products with the Apple logo on them, AirTags are remarkably affordable. Only one version of AirTags exists; you can get a single AirTag for $29 or a four-pack for $99.

While Apple created AirTags as a one-size-fits-all tracking solution, Tile has an entire range of products designed to suit your needs. The Tile Sticker ($29.99) is the smallest tracker, while the larger Tile Mate—which features a keychain cutout—costs $24.99. Meanwhile, the Tile Pro is priced at $34.99 and is Tile's premium tracker.

You can also choose the Tile Slim ($34.99), a credit card-shaped tracker designed to slide into your wallet. Tile also offers various bundles if you want to buy multiple tags. For instance, you can get the Tile Sticker 2-pack for $44.99 or the Tile Pro 4-pack for $99.99.

AirTags' pricing is straightforward and affordable. However, the variety of options you get with Tile means that we're giving Tile the point here.

Winner: Tile

Find My vs. Tile Network

Many people have questions about the range of Apple AirTags. Apple hasn't officially revealed AirTags' Bluetooth range, but after about 30 feet, they will start hopping on Apple's Find My network.

That's the same network that helps you locate a lost iPhone or MacBook. The Find My network utilizes hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide to give users extremely accurate tracking data almost anywhere.

Tile's Bluetooth range depends on the model you choose, but all of them have a bigger initial Bluetooth range than AirTags. 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 network. Unfortunately, the Tile Network pales in comparison to Apple's Find My network. While some estimates put almost a billion devices on the Find My network, the Tile Network only has around 35 million devices on it.

It's also worth noting that while Apple devices come with the Find My app built-in, you need to install Tile's app on your phone to access the network.

If you plan on primarily tracking with Bluetooth, Tile's trackers should give you more range. However, if you're like most people and want to track your items anywhere on the globe, AirTags will be much more accurate. For this reason, we're giving AirTags the win in this category.

Winner: AirTag

Design Differences

There are lots of reasons 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.

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. That means if you want to hook one to your keys or a carabiner, you'll need to pay extra for an accessory. 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. You can easily stick one on your remote or headphones or in places where it would be difficult to attach an AirTag.

The Tile Mate and Tile Pro have built-in cutouts that let you hook them to your keychain. And because the Tile Slim is shaped like a credit card, it's a fantastic option for tracking your wallet.

We're giving Tile another point because you can use its Bluetooth trackers in more specific places.

Winner: Tile

Durability

AirTags and Tile's trackers are IP67 water-resistant. Both should survive being three feet underwater for up to 30 minutes but aren't meant to be constantly submerged. Remember that waterproof 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. However, all of Tile's trackers are made of plastic, while AirTags have a plastic and stainless steel construction. That should give AirTags a leg-up when it comes to durability.

Winner: AirTag

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. However, you should remember that they will automatically play a sound if they're separated from their paired iPhone for too long. 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. That means pet thieves are less likely to notice they're being tracked, and your pet is less likely to become distressed in challenging situations.

Because Tile has created features designed specifically for pets, it wins in this category. If you plan to use a Bluetooth tracker with your pet, read these tips for attaching trackers to your pet.

Winner: Tile

Safety Measures

Although AirTags are one of the most innovative Apple products of the 21st century, they have also been a huge PR nightmare for Apple. There have been dozens of police reports involving AirTag stalking, and in March 2024, the Los Angeles Times reported that a class action lawsuit against Apple would proceed.

Since the initial AirTags release, Apple has released several updates to make AirTags safer. AirTags now play a louder sound if they get separated from their owner, and they send messages to nearby iPhones if they're within range for too long.

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. So, if you think someone may be using a Tile to stalk you, Scan and Secure lets you search for any trackers that may be nearby.

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.

Winner: AirTag

Which Bluetooth Tracker Is Right for You?

To quickly summarize, below is a table of how AirTags and Tile's trackers compare in key areas:

If we tally up the scores for each section, AirTags and Tile trackers received three points each, and there wasn't much between them. Tile's trackers are better for versatility and use with pets, while AirTags have durability and the more popular Find My network going for them (even if the Bluetooth range is much less than Tile).

Since AirTags' one-size-fits-all nature doesn't work well in wallets, and you also need an accessory to clip them to anything, you should pick Tile if you have specific needs for your smart tags. On the other hand, AirTags are great if you want an ultra-powerful tracker that's easy to use.