Bluetooth Trackers — Which to Choose and How They Work
A small device, a big difference
A Bluetooth tracker is a small, lightweight tile or button you attach to your keys, put in your wallet or backpack — and you never have to search for those things again. The market is full of options today, but the differences between them are important.
How Bluetooth trackers work
Each tracker pairs with your phone via Bluetooth. When an item isn't within Bluetooth range (usually 30-60 meters), the tracker uses a network of anonymous phones to locate it for you.
For example, Apple AirTag uses the network of all iPhones worldwide (over a billion devices). Tile uses its own network. This means that even if your wallet is in another city, every iPhone that passes by it sends an anonymous location to you — and the iPhone owner knows nothing and the data is encrypted.
Apple AirTag
Price: approximately 35-40 EUR (one) / 99-110 EUR (four)
- Works exclusively with iPhone (iOS 14.5+)
- Uses the world's largest Bluetooth network (Find My network)
- Precise indoor location (Ultra Wideband technology on iPhone 11+)
- Battery lasts about a year (standard CR2032 battery)
- Water resistant (IP67)
- Downside: Apple users only
Tile (Pro, Slim, Mate, Sticker)
Price: 25-50 EUR depending on model
- Works with both Android and iOS
- Multiple models for different purposes: Slim for wallets, Mate for keys, Sticker for sticking
- Tile Pro has the longest range (120m) and loudest sound
- Premium subscription (~30 EUR/year) for location history
- Downside: smaller network than AirTag in some regions
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2
Price: approximately 30-35 EUR
- Works exclusively with Samsung Galaxy devices
- Excellent battery life — up to 6 months
- Uses Samsung SmartThings device network
- Downside: Samsung users only
Chipolo ONE
Price: approximately 20-25 EUR
- Works with both Android and iOS
- Loudest alarm of all trackers (120 dB)
- Battery lasts 2 years (cannot be replaced — the entire device is discarded)
- Compatible with Google Find My Device
- Downside: smaller network than Tile and AirTag
Which tracker for whom?
- iPhone user: Apple AirTag is the clear winner
- Android user: Tile Pro or Chipolo ONE
- Samsung user: Galaxy SmartTag 2
- Wallet: Tile Slim (thinnest) or AirTag with a wallet holder
- Keys: Any model with a carabiner hole
- Dog or cat: Tile Mate or special pet tracker
Privacy and security
All serious manufacturers include anti-stalking protection — if someone else's tracker is following your movements, your phone will warn you. Apple has the most advanced system (automatic notification on iPhone and Android).
Where to buy in BiH
AirTag is available at all authorized Apple equipment stores in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar, as well as online. Order Tile and Chipolo via Amazon or similar online platforms with delivery to BiH.