Apple AirTag vs. Tile: Which Tracker Is Best?
Reading Time: 4 minutesTile was the go-to tracking device for most users until AirTags came along. Does Tile still stand a chance against Apple’s AirTag? Let’s find out.
Apple and Tile make some of the most popular smart trackers out there, but which one is right for you? Tile dominated the market for years until Apple took the world by storm when it released the AirTag.
AirTags are easy to use, compact, and remarkably powerful. Regardless, trackers from both brands have unique features and excel at very different things.
So should you choose AirTags, or go with a Tile tracker? Read on to find out.
AirTag vs. Tile: Pricing
Unlike most things with the Apple logo on them, AirTags are remarkably affordable. AirTags come in just one version. You can get a single AirTag for just $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.
Tile’s smallest tracker, the Tile Sticker, is closest in size to an AirTag. And just like the AirTag, it costs $29.99. The Tile Mate is larger and features a keychain cutout, but it’s more affordable at $24.99. Tile’s premium Tracker, the Tile Pro, costs $34.99.
You can also choose the Tile Slim, a credit card-shaped tracker designed to slide into your wallet. It starts at $34.99.
AirTag 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 can help you locate a lost iPhone or MacBook. The Find My network utilizes the hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide to give users extremely accurate tracking data almost anywhere.
Tile’s Bluetooth range will depend on which model you choose, but the Tile Sticker can track at up to 250 feet or 75 meters on Bluetooth. Moving up to the Tile Pro can get you an impressive 400 feet or 120 meters of tracking range.
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. And while Apple devices come with Find Mybuilt-inn, you need to install Tile’s app on your phone to access the network.
If you’re planning on tracking with Bluetooth primarily, 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.
AirTag vs. Tile: Design
There are lots of reasons you should buy Apple AirTags. But 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.
Although 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 on 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, places that 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.
AirTag vs. Tile: Durability
Apple designed AirTags to be tough and durable. AirTags are IP67 water-resistant, and they can stand up to rain, splashes, and even being submerged for short periods of time. But keep in mind they’re water-resistant and not waterproof.
Tile’s trackers are also IP67 water-resistant; the company says they can survive being 3 feet underwater for up to 30 minutes. But just like AirTags, they’re not meant to be constantly submerged.
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.
AirTag vs. Tile: Pet Tracking
Officially, AirTags are only for tracking your stuff, 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 AirTags will automatically play a sound if they’re separated from their paired iPhone for too long. That sound could end up distressing your pet.
Tile actually 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 that they’re being tracked.
AirTag vs. Tile: Safety
Although the AirTag is 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 there’s even an ongoing class action lawsuit against Apple.
In response, Apple has released several updates designed 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 will not 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.
Which Smart Tracker Is Right for You?
Apple’s AirTags and Tile’s trackers are both great options for tracking your stuff, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
Tile trackers have a better Bluetooth range than AirTags. However, AirTags’ integration with the Find My network makes them much more powerful than any Tile device. But Apple’s one-size-fits-all solution means AirTags don’t work well in wallets, and clipping them to anything requires an accessory.
Both companies make high-quality trackers, but if you’re an iPhone user and want an ultra-powerful tracker that’s easy to use, the Apple AirTag is tough to beat.