Review: Belkin's Key Ring and Strap Are Affordable AirTag Accessory Options (2024)

FAQs

Review: Belkin's Key Ring and Strap Are Affordable AirTag Accessory Options? ›

I have no issues with the strap or the key ring, and both seem durable enough. The key ring is a standard silver key ring you might see attached to any keychain, while the strap is made from a braided material with a plastic lock at the top holding the two ends together.

Price. As far as cost goes, it's hard to beat the AirTag. One tracker costs less than $30, and what's more, there's no monthly fee associated with them.

Apple AirTag Specs

But this doesn't change the fact that, if you have an iPhone or an iPad, the AirTag is a sleek and delightful way to track your lost devices, and that makes it worthy of our Editors' Choice award for tracking devices.

You don't always need an accessory to use an AirTag. In some cases, you can just chuck it in, like if you want to keep track of your purse or backpack for example. In some cases, an attachment would work better, like with keys or a laptop bag where you don't want items to move around too much.

This small, circular tag can be tracked by Bluetooth, proving itself useful in various ways. For example, you can easily attach it to a purse, set of keys, a wallet or even your dog's collar, keeping track of items you frequently lose (or that tend to run off).

Airtags, on the other hand, have a range limited to the Bluetooth coverage area, which is typically about 30 meters. - Compatibility: GPS trackers can be used with any internet-connected device, while Airtags are only compatible with Apple devices.

Pros: Fully encrypts location data end-to-end, which means only the tracker's owner can see an item's location. Allows you to enable location access on your device. Cons: Concerns about the potential for unwanted tracking or stalking using the AirTag.

AirTags don't work with Android phones, but Tile's trackers, including the Tile Mate (2022), the Tile Slim (2022), and the Tile Sticker (2022) (also available in a bundle) are the best alternative. As a company, Tile has become synonymous with trackers the same way Kleenex is with facial tissue.

Do AirTags work without Wi-Fi? Yes. AirTags do not connect to Wi-Fi at all, instead using Bluetooth connection to establish location. You must use cellular data or Wifi to open and use the “Find My” app, however.

Of course, AirTags are cheaper than GPS trackers, but they cannot be deployed as a tracking device for valuable assets like cars. Evidently, AirTags are not supported in live tracking when the object is in motion. It gives you the last location where it is able to find the object with the help of nearby Apple devices.

How long do AirTag batteries last? ›

But, AirTags only work if they have enough battery power, which only lasts up to one year (a fact I learned recently when I was traveling in Europe). Here's an inside tip — instead of buying a new AirTag for $28 when the battery dies, you can simply replace the battery.

AirTags™ are popular Bluetooth trackers amongst iPhone users, but do AirTags work with Android? Unfortunately, as of right now, AirTag is not compatible with Android phones. Luckily, Tile trackers work with various smartphones and devices - including Androids and iPhones.

AirTags do not have a defined range because of how they connect to Apple's Find My network. You can locate an AirTag that's thousands of miles away or even internationally, providing it is within Bluetooth range of an iPhone.

Notification to Thieves

In addition to the Pairing Lock, AirTags are designed to alert a thief if they steal a tagged item. This feature is intended to deter theft by making the thief aware that they are in possession of a tracked item.

To alert people nearby, any AirTag separated for a period of time from its owner will emit a sound when it's moved. If you find an AirTag after hearing it make a sound, you can use any device that has NFC, such as an iPhone or Android phone, to see if its owner marked it as lost and if you can help return it.

Find your stuff with AirTag and Find My

If you misplace your keys, backpack, or other personal item with an AirTag attached, you can use Find My to find it on a map, get directions to its location, and play a sound on the AirTag's built-in speaker.

However, Apple AirTags have perhaps found the most unexpected success in tracking luggage, particularly after a few high-profile airline operational meltdowns. AirTags are a relatively cheap and easy way to keep tabs on your luggage, making them a helpful accessory for Apple-owning travelers.