Finally, I found an AirTag alternative that's cheaper and lasts twice as long

1 day ago 10
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ZDNET's cardinal takeaways

  • Ugreens Finder Tag is connected merchantability present for $14, and the Slim Wallet Finder is disposable for $26.
  • The artillery successful the tag for keys is purpose-built to beryllium hard to remove, making it safer astir children.
  • They don't person the high-precision capabilities arsenic much costly finder tags.

Apple AirTags person been a crippled changer successful my life, redeeming maine countless hours searching for my keys, wallet, and passport. But arsenic useful arsenic they are, they're not without their flaws.

From a technological standpoint, AirTags are genius. But ergonomically speaking, that tiny UFO-shaped disk isn't suited for fitting into a wallet oregon attaching to your keys. I adjacent ended up having to modify an AirTag to marque it acceptable into my wallet.

Also: I recovered the eventual accessory kit for tinkerers, and it comes with 180 modifications

Fortunately, determination are present alternatives that, portion they whitethorn not lucifer AirTags successful method features similar the precision-finding capableness of third-party astute finder tags, they connection important ergonomic advantages.

For instance, instrumentality the caller Ugreen Smart Finder tags. One exemplary is specifically designed for attaching to keys and luggage, portion different ultra-thin tag is made for slipping into wallets and purses. They're some beautifully engineered, adjacent sown to the packaging that looks astir Apple-esque. 

Let's commencement with the astute finder tag for keys. This compact polymer quadrate measures conscionable 1.42 x 1.42 x 0.29 inches (36 × 36 × 7.4 mm) and comes with customizable stickers. 

Cool, customizable stickers.

Cool, customizable stickers.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

It's equipped with a replaceable CR2032 fastener battery that lasts up to 2 years earlier needing replacement. To heighten safety, particularly for children, Ugreen has designed the artillery compartment to beryllium hard to access, requiring a tiny pin akin to a SIM paper ejector for opening. This thoughtful plan has earned the tag the UL4200A artillery information certification, reducing the hazard of accidental ingestion.

A kid   isn't getting this artillery  retired  and eating it immoderate  clip  soon!

A kid isn't getting this artillery retired and eating it immoderate clip soon!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

For casual retrieval, the tag features a large 80 dB beeper, making it elemental to find your mislaid items. 

Next, let's speech astir the ultra-thin astute finder. At conscionable 0.07 inches (1.7 mm) thick, this tag is impressively slim. It is sealed for life, boasting an IP68 standing for h2o and particulate resistance, and contains a rechargeable artillery that tin beryllium powered utilizing a wireless charging pad. A azygous complaint tin past up to a year, which is rather convenient.

This tag is super-thin, IP68 rated, and robust!

This tag is super-thin, IP68 rated, and robust!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Also: This $10 keychain instrumentality is indispensable for me, and support uncovering caller usage cases

Like the cardinal tag, it besides has a large 80 dB beeper to assistance you effortlessly find a misplaced wallet oregon purse.

ZDNET's buying advice

These Ugreen Smart Finder tags are awesome!

These Ugreen Smart Finder tags are awesome!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

I americium genuinely impressed with these tags, arsenic they bespeak the precocious prime I've travel to expect from Ugreen. The cardinal tag offers fantabulous worth at conscionable $14, importantly little than the terms of an AirTag. The wallet tag is somewhat much costly astatine $27, but with a existent 15% discount, it tin beryllium yours for lone $23

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