ᐅ Why is the Apple AirTag the MOST USEFUL Gadget of 2025? Reasons that will CONVINCE you
Locate everything, anywhere in the world!
SI’ve always been one of those people who, before leaving home, waste time looking for my keys, wallet, or even my backpack. Who hasn’t been there? I came across the Apple AirTag a while ago and, although at first I thought it was just a “nice gadget”, after trying it out I realized that it is one of the best purchases I have made within the Apple ecosystem.
Not only has this little Bluetooth tracker saved me from losing important items, but it has also given me a peace of mind that I didn’t have before. Being able to locate my things from the “Find” app on my iPhone in a matter of seconds has completely changed the way I organize my daily life.
But is the Apple AirTag really worth it? In this article, I’ll tell you all about my experience, its features, its best uses and whether it’s really a useful investment for everyday life.
What is the Apple AirTag, and how does it work?
The Apple AirTag is a small Bluetooth tracker designed to help locate personal items through the “Find” app on Apple devices. It pairs easily with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and allows you to track anything you attach it to, whether it’s keys, backpacks, suitcases, or even pets (yes, there are those who use them on dog or cat collars).
The Apple Air Tag’s operation is based on two key technologies:
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): To connect to nearby devices.
- Apple “Find” Network: Uses millions of Apple devices worldwide to anonymously and securely locate the AirTag.
One thing I love is that it doesn’t rely on built-in Wi-Fi or GPS, but instead uses Apple’s infrastructure to find your location. If your AirTag is near someone else’s iPhone or iPad, it will send its location to the cloud in an encrypted manner without the user knowing it is helping to find it.
In addition, iPhone models with U1 chip (such as iPhone 11 and up) can use ultra-wideband technology to track the AirTag with incredible accuracy over short distances. The “Precise Search” feature literally tells you with arrows and vibrations on the screen where your Apple Tag is.
Key features of the AirTag
When I first held it in my hands, I was surprised at how compact and sleek the AirTag’s design is. It is about the size of a large coin (31.9 mm in diameter) and has a stainless steel finish on the back, although I must admit that part scratches easily.
These are some of its most important features:
- Easy setup: You bring it close to your iPhone and in seconds it’s ready to use.
- Replaceable battery: Uses a CR2032 type battery that lasts more than a year, and you can change it yourself without special tools.
- Water and dust resistant: It is IP67 certified, which means it can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Integrated sound: If you lose it, you can make it emit a sound to find it faster.
- Guaranteed privacy: The AirTag does not store personal data or allow others to track it without your consent.
- Compatibility with accessories: Apple and other brands offer key rings, holders, and cases to attach it to various objects.
If you plan to buy more than one, Apple sells the Apple AirTag 4 Pack, which is less expensive than buying them individually. There is also the Apple AirTag 2 Pack, an intermediate option if you only need one pair.
Use cases: What is it really for?
In my experience, the Apple AirTag has been useful in more situations than I imagined. Here some of the more practical uses I’ve put it to:
1. Locate keys or wallet
My main AirTag is on my keys. Before, I wasted at least 10 minutes every morning looking for them. Now, I simply open the “Search” app and, if they are nearby, I activate the AirTag sound to find them in seconds.
2. Tracking backpacks and bags
I have another AirTag in my work backpack. Not only does it give me peace of mind, but if I forget my bag somewhere, I will receive a notification on my iPhone that I left it behind.
3. Tracking bags at airports
This is where it really shines. During one trip, I placed an AirTag on my suitcase and when I landed, I checked the “Find” app and saw that the bag was already at the same airport. There is no worse feeling than losing a bag on a trip, so having an Apple AirTag in your luggage can save you a big headache.
4. Monitor valuables in a car
If you leave a bag with valuable items inside a car and someone takes it, you can track the last location of the AirTag and see where it is.
5. Use it on pets (although Apple does not recommend it).
While Apple did not design the AirTag to track pets, there are owners who put them on collars to locate their dogs or cats. While it is not a real-time GPS, it can be useful if your pet gets lost in an area with Apple devices nearby.
My personal experience with the Apple AirTag
Since I started using the Apple AirTag, my stress level about losing things has decreased considerably. At first, I saw it as an unnecessary accessory, but now it has become an essential part of my day-to-day life.
It has saved me from losing my keys at home, given me peace of mind at airports and, above all, allowed me to track my belongings effortlessly. The fact that the battery lasts more than a year and I can easily replace it is another plus.
What I like the most
✅ The accuracy of “Precise Search” with iPhone.
✅ The total integration with the Apple ecosystem.
✅ The peace of mind of knowing that I can locate my objects at any time.
What could be improved
❌ It does not have real-time GPS.
❌ It scratches easily on the back.
❌ In areas without Apple devices nearby, it takes longer to update.
Comparison with other Bluetooth trackers
Before purchasing the Apple AirTag, I researched other similar options on the market. There are several brands of Bluetooth trackers, but the best known are Tile, Samsung SmartTag and Chipolo One Spot.
Here is a comparison between the Apple AirTag and its main competitors:
| Feature | Apple AirTag | Tile Mate/Pro | Samsung SmartTag | Chipolo One Spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Only Apple | Apple and Android | Samsung only | Only Apple |
| Tracking network | Apple’s “Search” network (1 billion devices) | Tile users (fewer devices) | Galaxy Find Network (Samsung users) | Apple “Search” Network |
| Precise search | Yes (U1 chip in recent iPhones) | No | Yes (in models with UWB chip) | No |
| Battery | CR2032 (1 year, replaceable) | CR1632 or CR2032 (depending on model) | CR2032 (replaceable) | CR2032 (replaceable) |
| Water resistance | IP67 (submersible) | IP67 (submersible) | IP53 (limited resistance) | IPX5 (splash resistant) |
| Location sound | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Apple AirTag price $29 (single) / Apple AirTag 4 Pack $99 | $25 – $35 depending on model | $29.99 – $39.99 | $28 – $35 |
What is the best option?
After testing the Apple AirTag, it is clear to me that if you are an Apple user, there is no better choice. Its integration with the “Search” network is superior to any other tracker, especially in cities where there are thousands of Apple devices.
For Android users, Tile and Samsung SmartTag are good options, but the tracking network is not as large as Apple’s.
AirTag accessories and customization
One of the most interesting details of the Apple AirTag is the variety of accessories you can buy to customize it and wear it in different ways.
Here are some of the best accessories available:
Keychains and brackets
Since the AirTag doesn’t have a hole to attach it to, you need a keychain or holder. Apple sells its own accessories, but there are cheaper options on Amazon.
- Apple leather keychain – Stylish but expensive.
- Silicone holders – Cheaper and sturdier.
- Wallet cardholders – Useful if you use the AirTag in your wallet.
Adhesive and backpack holders
If you want to attach it to your laptop or purse without a key ring, there are adhesive mounts. There are also padded cases for backpacks and suitcases.
Pet collars
Although Apple does not recommend the AirTag for tracking pets, there are collars with built-in brackets that many owners use for dogs and cats.
If you plan to buy several for different objects, the Apple AirTag 2 Pack or Apple AirTag 4 Pack are good money-saving options.
Evaluation of the Apple AirTag
Localization performance - 90%
Battery life - 89%
Design and size - 96%
Security and privacy - 94%
Ease of use - 91%
92%
Very Good
The Apple AirTag is a practical and accurate tool to track your objects, with a compact design and easy integration with Apple devices. Its long battery life and security measures make it a reliable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Apple AirTag battery last and how do I change it?
The battery lasts approximately one year and is easily replaced by turning the back cover of the AirTag. It uses a CR2032 battery, which can be purchased at any store.
Can the AirTag location be shared with another person?
No, currently, Apple does not allow you to share the AirTag tracking with another user. Only the primary iCloud account can see it.
Can I use an Apple AirTag with an Android phone?
No. The AirTag only works with Apple devices. However, if someone with an Android finds a lost AirTag, they can scan it with NFC to see the owner’s contact information.
Does the AirTag have real-time GPS?
No. It works through Bluetooth and Apple’s “Find” network. If you are in an area with no Apple devices nearby, the location will not update until someone with an iPhone passes nearby.
How far can I track an Apple AirTag?
The Apple AirTag range does not have an exact distance, as it depends on how many Apple devices are in the area. At home, the accurate search works within a radius of up to 10 meters. If lost on the street, it depends on the number of iPhones nearby.
Is it worth buying an Apple AirTag?
After using it for several months, I can say without a doubt that the Apple AirTag is worth every penny, especially if you are someone who constantly loses items such as keys, backpacks, or wallets.
📌 Reasons to buy it:
✅ Works seamlessly in the Apple ecosystem.
✅ The “Search” network is the largest in the world.
✅ Easy setup and long battery life.
✅ Perfect for tracking suitcases at airports.
✅ Accessories available for different uses.
📌 Reasons NOT to buy it:
❌ Not useful if you use Android.
❌ No real-time GPS.
❌ Need extra accessories to hold it.
If you are considering buying more than one, I recommend the Apple AirTag 4 Pack because it has a better price per unit. If you only need one pair, the Apple AirTag 2 Pack is another good option.