There are so many different devices on the market today that it can be nearly impossible to go through the options without any knowledge or experience to back up your research. Thankfully, we have the knowledge and the first-hand experience to give you the comparison you're looking for.
Tracking is no longer something reserved for PIs or FBI agents. We all want to know where our devices, valuables, and loved ones are. Some of us put down our wallet and immediately forget where it is. Some of us live in areas where car theft isn't that uncommon, unfortunately. In cases like these, accurate and reliable tracking can make life easier and give you some peace of mind.
A question we see all the time is, "Which is better? An AirTag, or a GPS tracker?" We're here to answer that question and a couple others. Knowing the difference can keep you from paying for the wrong one.
Main Features of Each Device
The Apple AirTag is a very small tracking device that can be attached to any item to track it. You control the tracking via an app on your iPhone. You can see the item on a map, and you can get notifications if the item leaves the area you have specified.
GPS trackers, on the other hand, use satellite data to track objects or people. There are many kinds of GPS trackers that can be used for different reasons. Many businesses use GPS trackers to monitor vehicles or cargo. Personal use includes tracking vehicles, people, or possessions.
How Apple AirTags Work
Apple AirTags mostly use Bluetooth to connect to your phone from up to about 33 feet away When your iPhone comes into range of the AirTag, the position updates.
The biggest drawback is that it only updates when the AirTag is in range of an Apple device. Once the item is more than about 33 feet away, you may only have the last update to work with, unless another Apple device nearby picks up its signal through Apple's Find My network.
How GPS Trackers Work
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It's a network of satellites that are used specifically for navigation. These satellites connect to receivers on Earth through radio signals, and that data is then used to calculate locations. When you use your maps to navigate to a new location, you're using GPS.
GPS trackers are devices that use either GPS signals or Wi-Fi to find an extremely precise position of an object or person. Most GPS reports are accurate to within fewer than 4 feet. GPS is not limited by distance, and it doesn't require your phone to be connected to the object you're trying to locate, though the signal can weaken indoors or under heavy cover.
When to Use Apple AirTags
Apple AirTags are best used if you have a small personal item that you occasionally need to monitor or track. This works well for people who easily lose their items such as car keys, purses, or backpacks. You can also glance at your item's location throughout the day, which can be useful if, for example, you spend a while at the gym. Rather than having to visit your locker every ten minutes, you can just glance at the location and move on.
When to Use GPS Trackers
GPS trackers are usually reserved for people or companies that want or need to track objects consistently, especially while they are in motion. For a company, this could look like monitoring a fleet of company vehicles. For an individual, it could be your child at school or a teen driver borrowing your car. It could also be used more subtly if you need to keep tabs on a person without their knowledge.
The Main Similarities Between Apple AirTags and GPS Trackers
In many ways, these two devices are very similar. They're both easy to use, and both are meant to provide accurate location information via a handheld device that you operate individually. The interfaces of both an Apple AirTag and the different kinds of GPS trackers are typically quite intuitive, which means getting started doesn't take much time or effort.
Key Differences Between Apple AirTags and GPS Trackers
If we had to condense it down to one paragraph, this is how we would put it. The biggest difference between Apple AirTags and GPS Trackers is the technology and the functionality. Remember, GPS trackers use satellites, while Apple AirTags use Bluetooth to locate and connect to nearby Apple devices. An AirTag is limited to Bluetooth range, while a GPS tracking device can locate items and send location data from almost anywhere in the world.
What Makes One Tracking Device the Smarter Choice?
As you've seen, it isn't necessarily one or the other. Which purchase you make depends on a few things that you need to consider before finalizing your decision.
Purpose
The first consideration is: why are you buying a tracking device? What are you planning on using it for? Do you have a few personal items that you would like to be able to locate more easily? Or do you need continuous real-time tracking on a person or item? If you need to find your keys every now and again, most GPS trackers are going to be overkill for you. However, if you need to live track a pet and get escape alerts, an AirTag won't do the trick. It all boils down to the purpose of the device.
Price
No purchase decision is complete without considering the price tag. There are a great many options available in the GPS tracking world, but in general, you can consider an Apple AirTag an affordable solution to simple problems.
Features
Each tracking device has different features, of course, but generally, if you need live tracking, you should favor GPS trackers over AirTags, since they can only update you when you're in range. With GPS, you're able to get the exact position of someone or something no matter whether you're close to them or not. Battery life is another big factor because it varies so much based on the device. AirTags can last up to a year on a replaceable battery, but GPS trackers need more frequent recharging since they're working harder.
Size
Before you buy, think about which objects need location tracking. If you're tagging a car, you won't need to worry so much about the size and weight of the tracker. If, however, you're tagging something like your wallet, you really don't want the tracker to be heavier than the wallet itself. And, if your intention is to be covert, lightest is best.
Compatibility
It might go without saying, but you do need to consider compatibility. An AirTag will only work with other Apple devices, but since GPS trackers rely on satellite and Wi-Fi, there is no automatic incompatibility. You should still check that the tracking device you're considering works with the devices you have and any systems you or your company are working with.
Conclusion
Which type of device you should buy depends entirely on what you plan to do with it. However, you can know this: Whether you choose an Apple AirTag or a GPS tracker, you're in good hands. AirTags are reliable and useful in the right context, and GPS trackers can literally save your life.
If you are overwhelmed with the number of different GPS trackers, you can always reach out to us with any questions you may have. Also, every single device on our website has been tested by our team of professionals to ensure that you get a quality product. We wouldn't try to sell you something that we couldn't put our trust in. Call us today to learn more about our GPS trackers and our advanced monitoring station!