The Evolution of Tracking Devices: Tile vs. Apple AirTag
Since its debut in 2021, the AirTag has been a significant tool for the Apple community in locating misplaced items like keys. However, Tile has been assisting users of both Android and Apple platforms in tracking down lost items since 2013. Now, over a decade later, the latest version from Tile, which has become part of Life360, is the Tile Mate. Currently, it is available at a remarkable price of $16.95 (down from $27.99) for an individual tracker, $33.99 (originally $44.99) for the two-pack, and $55.99 (discounted from $79.99) for a four-pack, marking the lowest prices recorded, according to price-tracking services. This is a fantastic opportunity for Android users to stock up on this product.
Apple users can still utilize Tile devices but might find it more beneficial to wait for the AirTags to reduce to $19 for stocking or opt for the 4-pack for $69.99, as they tend to be more effective than Tile’s offering.
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Tile trackers function similarly to AirTags and can serve a variety of purposes, limited only by the user’s imagination. While many people utilize them primarily to find items such as purses, keys, and suitcase bags, their applications extend further; users have discovered ways to track pets or monitor specific locations. Some enthusiasts even find themselves checking on remote cabin properties using these devices.
When a Tile tracker moves beyond Bluetooth range—up to 350 feet in ideal conditions (although real-world tests indicate about 30 feet)—it leverages the expansive Tile community, estimated at around 20 million users. These users help pinpoint tracker locations via their smartphones’ Bluetooth connection. In comparison, Apple boasts a significantly larger network of approximately a billion users.
The back of the Tile Mate device features a QR code that can be scanned by anyone who finds it, allowing them to inform the owner of its location. Inside the tracker lies a non-replaceable battery that Tile estimates lasts between two to three years. Additionally, for those interested, there’s an optional premium subscription available, starting at $2.99 per month, which unlocks additional features.
