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The AirTag remains a prominent player in the item tracker market, known for its small, round disc design that integrates seamlessly with Apple's Find My app. However, it's worth noting that Apple wasn't the pioneer in this technology; Tile has been a forerunner in Bluetooth item trackers for over a decade, maintaining its status as AirTag's primary competitor even today.
![0CB23085-7AE1-40AF-AA4C-CC0002FAE5B2.jpeg](https://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2021/04/0CB23085-7AE1-40AF-AA4C-CC0002FAE5B2.jpeg)
While both AirTag and Tile continue to lead the item tracker industry, recent advancements and updates have potentially shifted the landscape, making the choice between them more nuanced than before. Our updated guide delves into these developments, providing insights to help you determine whether AirTag or Tile better suits your needs.
Overview
AirTags
AirTags are available in just a single model with a white plastic and silver metal design that features a removable battery and no direct way to attach the tracker to other items. An AirTag can be slipped into a bag or other appropriate item, but Apple also offers a range of accessories to attach AirTags to different objects and there is a burgeoning market of third-party offerings. AirTag is priced at $29 for one or $99 for a pack of four.
![airtags.jpg](https://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2021/04/airtags.jpg)
Tile Trackers
Tile makes four different trackers, each with slightly different features and form factors:
- Tile Mate: Tile's most basic small tracker – $24.99
- Tile Pro: A more premium alternative to the Tile Mate with a longer range, louder speaker, and a range of color options – $34.99
- Tile Slim: A long-range, waterproof, ultra-thin tracker shaped like a credit card to be placed within a wallet or adhered to a flat surface – $24.99
- Tile Sticker: Tile's smallest tracker, designed to be stuck to objects with an adhesive – $39.99 for two, $59.99 for four
![tile-pro-slim-b.jpg](https://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2021/04/tile-pro-slim-b.jpg)
Each Tile tracker has a different design and set of features to serve different purposes. The Tile Mate and Tile Pro are ideal for attaching to a keyring, for example. The Tile Slim is the perfect shape to slide into a wallet, while the Tile Sticker is small enough to stick to a TV remote. Ultimately, the exact way you choose to use a Tile tracker is your choice, but there are a range of designs to suit your exact needs.
Compared to the single AirTag design that doesn't include an attachment point or adhesive, Tile's selection of tracker designs is more versatile.
![tile-slim-passport.jpg](https://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2021/04/tile-slim-passport.jpg)
Comparing AirTag and Tile
Apple's AirTag and Tile's trackers share a number of important features, such as Bluetooth tracking, audio alerts, and water resistance:
Similarities
- Close-range Bluetooth tracking
- Long-range community-leveraged location tracking
- Built-in speaker for audio alerts
- Replaceable batteries (some Tile trackers only)
- One-year battery life (some Tile trackers only)
- Water-resistance
Differences
The differences between AirTag and Tile are more pronounced when it comes to Ultra Wideband features and software integration.
AirTag | Tile |
---|---|
Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth tracking | Bluetooth tracking only |
Ultra Wideband "Precision Finding" on compatible iPhones | |
Find My network integration for tracking from any in-range Apple device | "Community Find" for tracking from any in-range device |
Lost Mode for notification when found by a nearby device | Lost Mode for notification when found by a nearby device with the Tile app |
Phone tracking available | |
One design, but engraving customization available | Multiple designs, with color options for Tile Pro and Slim |
Requires accessory for adding to keyring | Accessories not required |
Uses Find My app | Requires Tile app |
iOS only | iOS and Android compatible |
Unwanted tracking alerts, with NFC for owner information | Unwanted tracking alerts, "SCAN ME IF FOUND" QR code |
One-tap setup process | Setup through Tile app |
Siri integration | |
Replaceable CR2032 battery | Replaceable CR2032 for Tile Pro, others non-replaceable |
One-year battery life | One-year for Tile Pro, three years for non-replaceable models |
IP67 water-resistance | IP67 rating, varying degrees for different models |
$29 for one, $99 for four | Varies; Tile Pro at $57, Tile Sticker at $19, Tile Mate at $19, Tile Slim at $24 |
No subscription options | Tile Premium subscription available |
Read on for a closer look at each of these aspects, and see exactly what both item trackers have to offer.
Design
AirTags have a simple convex design, with a glossy white plastic shell overlapping the front and the sides, and a polished metal disc on the back.
![Apple_airtag-front-and-back-emoji-2up_042021_big.jpg.large_.jpg](https://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2021/04/Apple_airtag-front-and-back-emoji-2up_042021_big.jpg.large_.jpg)
There is nothing built into the design to help the AirTag to attach to items for tracking. Unless you are simply placing the AirTag loose in a bag or pocket, you will need to purchase a separate accessory to attach it to the likes of keys, luggage, and more.
![Apple_airtag-accessories-042021_big_carousel-1.jpg.large_-1.jpg](https://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2021/04/Apple_airtag-accessories-042021_big_carousel-1.jpg.large_-1.jpg)
Apple offers a range of AirTag accessories, including the Polyurethane Loop, designed to be lightweight and durable, and the Leather Loop and Leather Key Ring, featuring tanned European leather. There is also a wide range of more inexpensive third-party options... Click here to read rest of article
Article Link: AirTag vs. Tile Buyer's Guide 2023
- Article Link
- https://www.macrumors.com/guide/airtag-vs-tile/
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