Life360 Tile vs GPS Tracker Comparison
If you're trying to decide between a Life360 Tile and a GPS tracker, you're probably asking the wrong question. Instead of asking, "Which one is better?" consider asking, "What do I want to track?"
Both devices have incredible features that are useful in certain contexts. Still, it's possible that your use for one of these devices will fall outside the normal applications, and that's okay. By the end of this article, you'll know the ins and outs of each and will be able to make a great decision based on your unique situation.
What is a Life360 Tile?
A Life360 Tile Pro is a Bluetooth tracker that you attach to something to help you find it when it gets lost. People tend to use them for car keys, luggage, wallets, and so forth. The Tile device connects to your phone through the app so that you can pinpoint the location of your item as long as it's within 500 feet of you. When your phone is out of range, you can connect to the Tile Network to get an updated location. The Tile Network is the key factor that allows for a Life360 Tile to work. One of the most common limitations is regarding a lost Life360 Tile. Let's say you have the Tile in a wallet that you accidentally left at a restaurant. The Life360 Tile will not update its location unless someone within 500 feet also has the Life360 Tile Pro App. So if the wallet is moved or worse, taken, there will be no way for the device to update unless someone with the app is close by.
What is GPS Tracking?
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It uses satellites to determine the location of a tracker or object. If you're using a real-time GPS tracker, the network will use a combination of signal types such as satellite, cell signals, and fallback networks to update the location in your tracking app, which means it doesn't matter if your phone is nearby or not. GPS works over fantastic distances, which means its application is often much broader than a Life360 Tile. This allows for location information even in remote, low-coverage areas, and even has the ability to compile and release information if coverage is lost.
Tracking Distance Comparison
The Life360 Tile comes in a Pro version and a standard version. The standard version can track items up to 350 feet, and the Tile Pro can detect location from up to 500 feet away. This can be hindered by walls, doors, trees, and people; however, keep in mind that if you're somewhere busy like an airport, that distance may be shortened.
A GPS tracker has no real limit when it comes to distance. As long as there is satellite and cellular service in your area, you'll be able to see the location of a GPS tracker.
If you're trying to keep tabs on personal belongings, Tiles work well. Even if you're traveling, you're not likely to get far from something important before you notice that it's missing. However, if you're tracking a mobile item, such as a car or a piece of equipment, GPS is going to be better for you, simply because the range isn't limited.
Location Update Speed Comparison
GPS is the clear winner here. Since it relies on cellular service to send locations to your phone, location updates are far more reliable through GPS than the Life360 Tile, which depends on Bluetooth range and the Tile Network.
In fact, GPS can give you real-time tracking, while Life360 relies on interval-based updates. Once again, which one you need in your life depends heavily on what you're tracking.
Battery Life Comparison
In general, the Tile Pro is going to last longer. It has a simpler battery, and it doesn't run continuously as GPS does. With a Tile Pro, you're going to get somewhere around a year of battery life, and it's replaceable. One of the main factors that allows a Tile to maintain such a long battery life in a small size is that the Tile doesn't transmit independent data but instead transmits a short-range Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal that acts like a digital license plate. Basically, communication of its ID number alone to a nearby smartphone using the Tile Pro App,
With a GPS tracker, the battery life depends entirely on which tracker you purchase. GPS trackers can last for years on a single charge under the right conditions. For most trackers, you probably won't get more than 3 weeks of battery life if it's continuously reporting locations every few seconds. So these devices have a built in Accelerometers, and Gyros designed to identify movement and non-movement to place the device in a passive state and extend battery life. This allows for even small GPS trackers to last for months on a single charge. Most real-time GPS trackers will require more regular recharging because they work harder and are active independent communication devices.
Once again, however, there are features and brands that can extend that battery life to impressive lengths.
Location Data Comparison
Not even the Tile premium options store location data. It's not the purpose or the design of the Life360 Tile. That device's function is simple: tell you where a lost item is. It isn't meant for tracking kids on the road or pinging you with reliable location updates when family members leave their usual locations (which is known as geofencing).
If you want location data, you need a GPS device. Many of them don't just give you real-time GPS tracking, but some of them also give you up to 400 days of location history.
Installation Comparison
Even the most involved step with this device, which is installing the Life360 app, is genuinely simple. All you have to do is attach your Tile to your item and make sure it's connected to the app. There is no complex wiring involved or thick instruction manuals. The Life360 Tile Pro is essentially a plug-and-play device.
A real GPS tracker will require a little more time and effort, simply because it uses both cellular and satellite signals. You might have to set up a service plan for your tracker, depending on the model you purchase. You might also have some customizing to do. Smart alerts (speed and movement changes), geofencing, update intervals, and location history are all up to your discretion. All those extra features are useful, but they do require more setup.
Which Device is Better for Theft Recovery?
When it comes to theft recovery, there is a clear distinction.
With a Tile Pro, you have a chance, as long as you move quickly. But once your device is out of range or the signal gets spotty, you're probably out of luck.
If you're concerned about keeping tabs on a valuable item, you will want to have access to the GPS tracking network. You need to be concerned about what happens after your item leaves your vicinity. You can't exactly walk around trying to get it to make a noise from your Tile app. You need precise data that you can count on.
Final Thoughts
At SpyCentre, we're all about finding the right fit for you. Remember, your application of the technology matters as much as which thing you buy. If you want vehicle tracking for monitoring family members or if you're a business and large fleets are under your supervision, what you need is a GPS tracker that can endure anything. If you need to be able to find your keys when you're running late, a Tile tracker will work well for you.
It's very easy to get overwhelmed in this market. There are so many options, and all of them claim to be the best. Our solution to this problem is simple: We've tested countless devices, pitted them against one another, used them in our lives, and now we only recommend the best. In short, we've done the legwork for you. We know what's worth the hype, and what isn't.
When you shop this site, know that you're looking through products that have been put to the test by professionals. Anything you pick will get the job done. We've done our best to make features and limitations clear for each device so that you can make a purchase that suits your needs. As always, if you have any questions at all, feel free to pick up the phone and give us a call. We're happy to have a chat about your situation and help connect you to the right technology.