Experience with Wallet-Sized Airtag Options / BLE Device Trackers

timmypete on 25/09/2024 - 10:02
Last edited 25/09/2024 - 10:02

I'm looking to get a thinner-than-Airtag bluetooth tracker to store in my wallet, and am keen to know if anyone on OzBargain has experience or feedback on the options out there.

While I'm primarily an Android user, I have an iPhone which I use for AirTags and am comfortable with having to switch devices, given how many more end users are on the Find My network in Australia than competitors. I'm narrowing in on the credit card format ones, as anything with a coin cell seems to be too bulky for my wallet.

KeySmart Smartcard

Shortlisted, but expensive - $60AUD ea / $138 3pk on Amazon AU, but is cheaper direct depending on $US exchange rate.
Fairly well reviewed in consumer tech space (often rehashed press releases, one-week tests, and don't deal with longevity), but also has 3.9 stars from 797 reviews on Amazon. Most sub 5 star reviews are upset it's iPhone only, requires a Qi pad to recharge, or because it doesn't have the UWB features of an AirTag. I can live with this - it's a common pitfall for the equivalents - and the reported DOA rate anecdotally appears lower than other products
Can be fulfilled by Amazon AU (ie. good return options), can or purchased direct from US (greater potential for sales - especially Cyber Monday?)

AliExpress clones in card shape

eg the Wallet Anti-loss Card Location Tracking GPS Smart Tag with iPhone Find My Bluetooth Device Ultra-thin Card Wireless Charge IP67 - here or the Wireless charger charging tracking card wallet GPS locator smart mini tag iphone for apple device find my airtag replacement - here.
These are profoundly cheaper, but I worry about reliability and am keen for any practical experience.
They also have a physical power button - which might be prone to accidental power-off if stored in a wallet, which negates the purpose of a tracker.

Chipolo Spot and Tile Slim

Not shortlisted
Neither have a rechargeable or user replaceable battery
Fairly meh reviews for both
Tile not as slim as other options.

Have I missed any other options?

Poll Options

1
KeySmart
1
Chipolo
3
Tile Slim
1
AliExpress Card
2
Something else
1
Once had a wallet tracker, but stopped using

Electrical & Electronics Bluetooth Tracker Smart Tag

Comments

RichardL on 25/09/2024 - 10:09

+1
Other Card Size Tracker to consider:

Rolling Square AirCard - Not rechargeable/battery replaceable & Apple's Find My Network

Rolling Square AirCard E - Replaceable batteries & Apple's Find My Network

Pebblebee Card - Rechargeable battery & Apple's Find My Network

Pebblebee Card for Android - Rechargeable battery & Google's Find My Device Network

Note: the above are difficult to find in Australia/expensive.
- timmypete on 25/09/2024 - 10:42
  
  Thanks for sharing! Will have to look closely but the AirCard E in particular looks good.
coffeeinmyveins on 25/09/2024 - 10:15

+5

Haven't carried a wallet ever since Service NSW had digital licences.
- Bignudge on 25/09/2024 - 10:33
  
  -3
  
  Name checks out. Reminds me of the typical tap and go with a coffee cup in the hand.
  - coffeeinmyveins on 25/09/2024 - 12:01
    
    Name checks out. Reminds me of the typical tap and go with a coffee cup in the hand.
    
    Weird observation mate
- timmypete on 25/09/2024 - 10:42
  
  Ha! It's partly due to digital licenses and train tickets that I can never find my wallet these days either!
- DingoBilly on 25/09/2024 - 11:19
  
  The need for a wallet becomes less and less every day. I still prefer having things like my Medicare card around me, but can't wait to dump it entirely as it's just not needed.
  - coffeeinmyveins on 25/09/2024 - 12:01
    
    I still prefer having things like my Medicare card around me
    
    Why? When you can just use the medicare app.
  - ricadam on 25/09/2024 - 12:27
    
    Medicare is digital as well…
bluyu2 on 25/09/2024 - 11:18

+1

I have various trackers, and in regards to one for a wallet, I use the Pebblebee for android on the Google Find my Device Network..
- timmypete on 25/09/2024 - 12:45
  
  Will have to have a look - thanks!
87percent on 25/09/2024 - 12:25

+1

Tile is shit, pretty much useless
- timmypete on 25/09/2024 - 12:46
  
  Have heard this in a few channels, but good to have Ozbargainer validation
timmypete on 25/09/2024 - 12:49

Have also discovered that a Canadian tinkerer is de-packaging AirTags from their 8mm standard bulbous format, into flat 3mm enclosures with a smaller battery - sold as the SlimTag. Looks like the only option that has UWB as a feature, but not sure I'd either want the expense of the premade set, or the faff of the DIY kit. Very cool option regardless.