Tile and Apple’s AirTags trackers are the most sought-after Bluetooth trackers in today’s market. Although both Tile and AirTags share some essential features, they have different pros and cons, making it challenging to decide. Once attached to our stuff, both trackers will help us locate them quickly.
Tile trackers rely on a network system connecting one Tile device to the others through Bluetooth. Since the Tile tracker does not use GPS, you do not need internet connectivity to locate your items. In contrast, AirTags use an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology that is compatible with any iOS or iPadOS device like iPhone, iPad, or iPod to locate your items through the iCloud. The AirTag tracker sends a Bluetooth signal that is verified by your device.
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Key Takeaways
- Both Tile and AirTags share some essential features, but they also have different pros and cons that make it challenging to choose from.
- AirTags use an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology that is compatible with any iOS or iPadOS device like iPhone, iPad, or iPod to locate the location of your item on the iCloud.
- The Tile tracker app uses Bluetooth Alerts to identify when you are out of range and will enable the lost mode.
- Apple’s AirTag uses the Find My app, which is built-in in all iOS devices and draws on a more extensive network with an estimated 1.8 million active Airtag users. In comparison, tile trackers have about 425,00 paying users.
- Apple AirTag is more reliable than Tile devices, but only for iOS users. However, Tile Mate is almost as reliable as AirTags for iOS and Android users.
What Is an AirTag?
AirTag is an Apple tracking device that you can use to locate your valuable items quickly. Once you attach one to your items like bags, keys, and wallet, it automatically connects with the Find My app, where you can easily track it down using your Apple devices.
The AirTag emits a secure Bluetooth signal detected by a close-by Find My network-connected device. Then the device sends the location of your AirTag to iCloud, where you can trace it on the map. The process is encrypted to secure your privacy.
An AirTag is compatible with the following devices:
- iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 12, mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPad and iPod
- iOSmac
Specifications
- Measurement: 1.26 inches diameter and 0.31 inches height
- Weight: 0.39 ounce
- Splash, water, and dust resistance rate: IP67
- Connectivity: has a U1 chip for precise location, Bluetooth to find proximity, and NFC tap for lost mode
- Speaker: built-in speaker
- Battery: user-replaceable CR2032
- Sensor: accelerometer
- Accessibility: large text, voiceover, inverted colors, and braille displays
Pros
- Light to carry
- Resistant to water and dust
- No need to worry about charging since they are designed with replaceable CR2032 batteries
- They are secure to use since it is linked to your Apple ID.
Cons
- Accessories are sold separately, making them expensive
- Their sensors are powerful, and reports show people can use them for stalking
- They are limited to iOS users, while Android users have to add a tracker detector app to locate them
Related: Do AirTags Make Noise? – Complete Guide
What Is a Tile Tracker?
A Tile is a Bluetooth device that assists you in tracking essentials like a phone, passport, keys, laptop, wallet, pets, and more. For a Tile to work, you need to install the Tile app on your device, and the app will then identify your Bluetooth-enabled Tile and automatically connect with it.
Your enabled Tile will then use your device’s location services to transfer location details to the app. To find your Tile, you will need to ring it using the Bluetooth-enabled app and locate the last seen location using the map on the Bluetooth app. Then enable “notify when found.” The Tile tracker app will identify when you are out of range and enable the lost mode.
Tile-compatible devices include the following:
- Apple Devices – iOS 14 or newer, iPhone 6s or newer, iPad (Regular, Pro, and Mini), and Apple Watch Series 2 or newer
- Android Devices – Android 9.0 or newer, Google Pixel/XL One or newer, Samsung Galaxy S8 or newer, OnePlus 3 or newer, and Samsung Note 8 or newer
- Smart assistants or speakers – Echo, Echo Dot, Alexa, Siri, Google Nest, and Google Assistant
- Computers like HP and Lenovo
Specifications
- Tile devices have a “SCAN ME IF FOUND” QR code on the back
- Tile trackers have four designs: Tile pro, Tile sticker, Tile mate, and Tile slim
- They are small and solid for easy application
- Tile Pro has a removable CR2032 3V battery
- Has changeable Tracker’s ringtone from the factory-set version
Pros
- It has several designs for users to choose
- It has a reliable network connection that increases the chances of finding your lost possession
- It has a loud alarm audible from long and close range
- Its app has features where you can customize either name or add images of items you have attached on
- Tile Mate, Tile Slim, and Tile Sticker have a 3-year long battery life, while Tile pro have a one-year user-replaceable battery
Cons
- Apart from Tile pro, the rest have irreplaceable batteries; hence, users must recycle them once they run out
- Not easy to transfer ownership
AirTag vs. Tile Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
| Features | AirTag | Tile |
| Pricing | You can get a single AirTag from $29- $35, depending on where you shop. Available at eBay and Walmart n | Tile Pro at $57, Tile sticker at $19, Tile mate at $19, and Tile slim at $24, available at Amazon |
| Compatibility | AirTag works with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices, meaning you need to have an iPhone, iPod, or iPad to install them. The AirTag’s Precision Finding uses ultra-wideband (UWB) to give directions. | Tile trackers apps are compatible with Android, iOS, Smart assistants, and computers. Thus flexible to use. |
| Tracking system | Integrates with the Find My network to make it more powerful than Tile devices. Where they can track up to 800 ft range. Use Bluetooth | Tile trackers have a preferable Bluetooth range than AirTags With Tile mate, Tile slim, and Tile sticker tracking up to 250 ft range, while Tile pro tracks up to 400 ft. Use Bluetooth |
| Size | All AirTags have the same size measuring 1.26 inches in diameter. | It comes in four different sizes Tile sticker- 27 x 7.8 Tile mate- 37.8 x 37.8 x 7.1Tile slim- 53.8 x 85.5 x 2.5Tile pro- 58 x 32 x 7.5 |
| Design | It comes in a round design requiring an additional accessory to attach to items like keys, pets, and bags. | It has four different designs, where Tile pro and mate have cutouts to hook on items. |
| Software | AirTags use Apple’s “Find My app,” which is more comprehensive than the Tile approach. | Tile uses the “Find my Tile on the map” app, and it enables the lost mode if you’re out of range. |
| Connectivity | Connects to Bluetooth, NFC, and Apple U1 | Connects to Bluetooth only |
| Safety | There have been cases of stalking using AirTags | Tile allows scanning and secure search for any tracking device |
| Speaker | Built-in speaker | Built-in speakers in all four devices |
| Battery type | Replaceable CR2032 (one-year lifespan) | Tile Pro has a replaceable CR2032 (one-year lifespan), while the others have built-in non-rechargeable batteries with a three-year lifespan. |
| Durability | They are IP67 water-resistant, dust and splash resistant. | They are IP67 water-resistant and can withstand underwater for up to 30 minutes. |
Tile vs. Apple Lawsuit
After Apple unveiled their Find My app AirTags, Tile accused them of bullying tactics before US Congress. Tiles CEO CJ Prober broadcasted his worry about competing with Apple in the tracking devices business. It said that Tile would request Congress to investigate Apple’s Find My app AirTag trackers.
Prober accused Apple of putting Tile at a disadvantage on Apple platforms. He also claims that when Apple launched the Find My app, they imposed changes to the iOS devices that complicated Tiles operations on the platforms.
AirTag vs. SmartTag
| Specifications | AirTag | SmartTag |
| Price | $29 at Amazon | $39 at Amazon |
| Weight | 11 grams | 13 grams (SmartTag) and 14 grams (SmartTag Plus) |
| Water and dust resistance | Certified rating – IP67 | Certified rating – IP53 |
| Battery | Replaceable with a lifespan of up to 1 year | Replaceable with a lifespan of up to 300 days for SmartTag and up to 165 days for SmartTag Plus |
| Compatibility | iOS devices only | Works with Samsung smartphones only |
| Speaker | Built-in | Built-in |
| Design | It has a round design that requires an additional accessory to attach to items like keys, pets, and bags. | It has one interacting button and curved edges. |
| Pros | Suitable for tracking itemsPrecision FindingLightweight, compact, water, and dust resistant | Replaceable batteryCompact and lightweight, easy to control |
| Cons | Requires additional accessories – thus, it gets more expensive, work with Android | Works only with Samsung smartphonesMinimum water resistance compared to AirTags |
AirTag vs. Tile for Pets
Tile GPS dog trackers are lightweight devices that fit on a dog or cat’s harness. On the other hand, Apple AirTag is designed to keep track of items like keys, bikes, bags, and laptops.
The GPS on a Tile pet tracker has more features for pet owners to use and can work in places where AirTags don’t. In addition, AirTags are tinier than Tile pet trackers, which are made especially for dogs and cats.
Related: AirTags for Pets – Is It a Viable Option?
Why Do AirTags Have an Advantage Over Tile?
Apple’s AirTag uses the Find My app, which is built-in in all iOS devices and draws on a larger network with an estimated of 1.8 million active AirTag users. In comparison, Tile trackers have about 425,00 paying users despite the high sales of up to $40 million. In addition, AirTags have a user-replaceable battery compared to Tile trackers, which has a 3-year CR1632 irreplaceable battery; only Tile Pro has a CR2032 user-replaceable battery.
Tile vs. AirTags FAQs
How Far Do AirTags Work?
There is no definite range for Apple AirTags. However, their Bluetooth is trackable at a distance of around 100 meters.
Which Is Better, AirTags or Tile?
Both have pros and cons; while Tile trackers exceed the AirTags Bluetooth range and have easier placement, AirTags integrates with the Find My app network, which is more effective than all Tile devices.
Is Tile or AirTag Better for Tracking Luggage?
Apple AirTag is more reliable than Tile devices, but only for iOS users. However, Tile Mate is almost as reliable as AirTags for iOS and Android users.
Conclusion
Both Tile and AirTags may share some important features, but they also have some differences. AirTags use an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology that is compatible with any iOS or iPadOS device like iPhone, iPad, or iPod to locate the location of your item on the iCloud. The Tile tracker app uses GPS Smart Alerts to identify when you are out of range and will enable the lost mode, and is compatible with both Android and some iOS devices.
When choosing Apple AirTag is more reliable than Tile devices, but only for iOS users. However, Tile Mate is almost as reliable as AirTags for iOS and Android users. Other tile trackers are compatible with Android devices.