Apple AirTag Review: Still the King of Tracking in 2024?

Let’s face it, losing stuff happens. Whether it’s your keys disappearing into the Narnia of your couch or your luggage taking a solo trip to Timbuktu, the pain of misplaced possessions is universal. Enter the Apple AirTag, the sleek little tracker that promised to revolutionize item-finding back in 2021. But have these tiny tech titans stood the test of time? Is it still worth attaching one (or a dozen) to your belongings in 2024? Buckle up, forgetful friends, because we’re about to get into my Apple AirTag review, and I’m going to cover the pros, cons, and everything in between.

Apple AirTag Review

Apple AirTag

$27.99

Does your stuff tend to vanish? Apple AirTags are your tiny tech detectives. Track anything with a tap, and say goodbye to lost-and-found blues. Peace of mind, at your service.

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First things first: The Good Stuff

• Simplicity on Steroids: Setting up an AirTag is smoother than buttered toast. Hold it near your iPhone, and bam! Instant pairing magic. Naming, customizing, and attaching it to your stuff (keychains, wallets, luggage, pets – yes, even pets!) feels intuitive and effortless. The Find My app seamlessly integrates your trackers, making them just a tap away.
• Precision Finding is a Game-Changer: Lost your keys in the abyss of your backpack? AirTag’s got your back. This feature uses your iPhone’s camera and augmented reality to guide you with pinpoint accuracy, like a digital treasure hunt. It’s like having a sixth sense for lost stuff, and yes, it’s incredibly satisfying.
• Privacy, Privacy, Privacy: Apple takes user privacy seriously, and AirTags are no exception. They rotate their Bluetooth identifiers regularly, making it almost impossible to track someone without their knowledge. Plus, there are built-in anti-stalking features that alert you if an unknown AirTag is traveling with you for too long. You can breathe easy knowing your tracking habits are under your control.
• Network Power: Here’s the secret sauce: AirTags tap into the vast network of Apple devices worldwide. Even if your lost item is outside Bluetooth range, the Find My network can anonymously relay its location, increasing the chances of a triumphant reunion. It’s like having millions of little digital bloodhounds sniffing out your missing stuff.

Now, Let’s Talk Turkey (The Not-So-Good Stuff)

• The Price Tag Pinch: Let’s be honest, AirTags aren’t cheap. At $28 a pop, they’re more expensive than most competitors. And if you’re a chronic misplacer, that cost can quickly add up. Plus, the optional accessories like keychains and leather loops can rack up the bill even further.
• Range Anxiety is Real: Bluetooth has its limitations, and AirTags are no exception. While the network helps extend their reach, their effective range is still around 300 feet. So, if your keys go AWOL in the Sahara Desert, AirTags might not be your knight in shining armor.
• The Not-So-Smart Stuff: Don’t expect AirTags to perform miracles. They can’t track moving objects in real-time, so forget about using them to find your runaway dog on a walk. And if your item gets stashed in a Faraday cage (like a locked car), it’ll disappear from the map until it sees the light of day again.
• The Battery Boogeyman: While the replaceable CR2032 battery promises up to a year of life, your mileage may vary. Heavy use can drain the battery faster, leaving you with the dreaded “low battery” notification and another trip to the store.

The Verdict: To Track or Not to Track?

Ultimately, the decision to embrace the AirTag life depends on your lifestyle and budget. If you’re a frequent fumbler, a professional key-loser, or a luggage-misplacing maestro, AirTags can be a lifesaver, saving you time, stress, and possibly even therapy bills. Their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, the precision finding feature, and the network advantage make them a compelling choice for iPhone users. However, if you’re the forgetful-but-frugal type or your possessions rarely venture beyond your immediate vicinity, there might be more affordable (and slightly less tech-magical) options out there.

Apple AirTag

Tony Simons

Apple’s GPS Tracker

Build Quality and Design

Battery Life

Price

Are AirTags Still Worth it in 2024?

Absolutely! They do come with a bit of a steep price tag at $27.99, but they often drop down to the $23-25 range. And either way, they’re worth the peace of mind they bring. There are cheaper options out there, but you get what you pay for, and I don’t mind paying a few extra bucks for a premium device, considering its usage case.

4.2

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Bonus Round: AirTag Hacks for the Savvy Tracker

• Personalize your AirTags: Don’t settle for boring! Use emojis, custom engravings, or even stickers to make your trackers stand out and express your inner tracker geek.
• Think outside the box: AirTags aren’t just for keys and wallets! Attach them to your bike, remote control, camera bag, or even your grandma’s purse (with her permission, of course!).
• Get creative with accessories: DIY your own AirTag holders with leather scraps, fabric scraps, or even 3D printing!

Looking for more smartphone accessories? Check out my full section of reviews to upgrade your smartphone game today!

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 11 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.