ZDNET tests Apple AirTag vs $2 tracker: Bluetooth range varies wildly
A budget $2.50 tag has less than half the range of an AirTag – here's why.
Deep Dive
ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes compared Apple AirTags to other Bluetooth tags, including one costing $2.50. While all worked, Bluetooth range varied wildly: the cheap tag had less than half the range. The difference in performance comes down to the quality of the build. AirTags also use Ultra-WideBand for precision, but the study focused on standard Bluetooth. The article notes that many factors affect range, including battery strength, phone and tag antennas, and RF interference.
Key Points
- AirTag costs ~$29 vs generic tags as low as $2.50 – both work, but range differs by 50%+
- Cheapest tag had less than half the Bluetooth range of the AirTag in real-world tests
- Build quality and antenna design are the main factors; AirTags also have Ultra-WideBand for precision
Why It Matters
Don't trust budget Bluetooth trackers for critical item tracking – range and reliability scale with price.