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Head-to-head · Tech

Apple AirTag vs. Tile Mate (2024)

One works with the biggest finding network on earth and only on iPhones. The other works with any phone, has a hole for a key ring, and finds things mostly when they are within earshot.

By Karen Verified EditorsUpdated Sep 25, 2026

As an Amazon Associate, Karen Verified earns from qualifying purchases. That never changes our verdict.

Overall winner: Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

Overall winner for most people: Apple AirTag — for iPhone owners the Find My network makes a checked bag show up in another airport within minutes. On Android the AirTag is not an option and the Tile wins by default.

Best for iPhone owners who check bags and lend things to teenagers

Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

Best for Mixed-phone households and keys that vanish inside the house

Tile by Life360 Mate Bluetooth Tracker (2024), 1-Pack, White

Where to buy

Apple AirTag (4-Pack) on Amazon
Tile by Life360 Mate Bluetooth Tracker (2024), 1-Pack, White on Amazon

The primary tradeoff: Network versus compatibility. The AirTag finds a lost bag across a city; the Tile finds keys across a room and works on either phone.

Apple AirTag vs. Tile Mate (2024) comparison
AttributeApple AirTag (4-Pack)
Karen Verified
Tile by Life360 Mate Bluetooth Tracker (2024), 1-Pack, White
Worth It
Best forLuggage, keys, bikes, anything that leaves the houseKeys and remotes that go missing at home
Phone compatibilityiPhone onlyiOS and Android
Finding networkEnormousThin; needs a Tile user to pass by
Finding it in the housePrecision arrows on recent iPhonesLoud ring, easy to hear
AttachmentNo hole; needs a holder for everythingKey-ring hole built in
BatteryCoin cell, replace about yearlySealed; the whole tracker is disposable in about three years
AppBuilt into iOS, no account beyond Apple IDSeparate app that pushes a subscription
Water resistanceIP67IP67
Range (manufacturer claim)Bluetooth plus the Find My networkUp to 350 ft Bluetooth
Biggest annoyanceBuying holders for all fourThe sealed battery
BatteryCR2032, user-replaceable, about 1 year (manufacturer states)Built in, about 3 years, not replaceable (manufacturer states)
Water resistanceIP67IP67 (manufacturer states)
RangeBluetooth plus the Find My networkUp to 350 ft Bluetooth (manufacturer states)
Warranty1 year limited1 year (manufacturer states)

✓ marks the category winner. Rows with identical values are hidden by “Show only differences”.

Final recommendation

Buy Apple AirTag (4-Pack) if…

Buy the AirTags if you own an iPhone and want to put one in every bag you check and stop worrying.

Buy Tile by Life360 Mate Bluetooth Tracker (2024), 1-Pack, White if…

Buy the Tile Mate if someone in the house uses Android, or your losses are keys in the sofa rather than bags in a taxi.

Buy neither if…

Buy neither if you are on a Samsung phone; Samsung's own tag rides its own network and will find things far better than a Tile.

Both products

As an Amazon Associate, Karen Verified earns from qualifying purchases. That never changes our verdict.