Are you looking for a reliable tool that can help you to track your valuable assets or loved ones? In this search, you will come across various options- AirTag, GPS tracking devices, Bluetooth trackers, etc.
So which one should you choose? Well, it depends upon your tracking needs and expectations. If you want a tracker to locate objects nearby, AirTag can be the one for you. But if you want to protect your valuable possessions from theft and enjoy real-time tracking, then look for no other than a GPS tracker.
In this article, we will compare the Airtag v/s GPS tracker. to give you a broad idea of how it works and which would be the right option.
What Is GPS Tracking?
A network of 27 satellites orbit the planet and make up the Global Positioning System. Of these 27, 24 are active satellites, and three serve as backups if one of the other 24 should fail. These satellites broadcast signals to GPS receivers every 12 hours as they orbit the Earth.
Initially created in the 1960s for military purposes, GPS technology ended up with the general public in 1983, and developments and use cases have grown over the years.
Today, the use of GPS trackers like the Family1st portable tracker has become common. Everyone uses this technology to serve their various needs, for example, tracking their loved ones to protect their valuable possessions from theft.
The more people talk about GPS tracking, the more non-GPS-based companies enter the market daily. Early last year, Apple, the cellphone mogul debuted the stylish, compact AirTags to keep tabs on your key and purses, even cars and pets! Given the firm's record of developing goods that spur broad adoption, like the first iPhone, AirTags may convince users to constantly track everything's whereabouts to ensure that nothing is ever lost. But, can an AirTag effectively replace GPS trackers? Let's examine the distinctions between AirTag and GPS trackers in more detail.
A guide on GPS devices, In this article you can find how they work and what are their applications.
What Is An AirTag?
AirTag tracker makes it easier to find lost objects. It is simple to attach to laptop bags, keychains, and other little items you could misplace. You can utilize the Find My network to track down any lost belongings. Around 1 billion gadgets that can detect Bluetooth signals from a lost AirTag are registered with the network. All iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch models running iOS/iPad 14.5 or later are interoperable with AirTags. However, the Precision Tracking function, which uses ultra-wideband technology to deliver precise distance and direction, is only available on iPhone 11 and 12 models with a U1 chip.
How Do They Work
GPS Tracker:
A GPS tracker is a powerful technology that connects to global satellites enabling you to track a commodity, vehicle, person, or object's whereabouts throughout the globe with high accuracy. GPS trackers rely on a system of many satellites in Earth's orbit that broadcast identifying signals continually. GPS tracking devices utilize data triangulation to gather signals from satellites, determine the instrument's position on Earth, and enable users to visualize that position on a map using a computer or a phone.
AirTag:
AirTag utilizes Bluetooth capabilities and can assist in finding lost things. If an object is within the Bluetooth signal's range, i.e., typically about 200 feet, the device can help you locate it. The Find My app has an AirTag that uses Bluetooth signals from those other unidentified iOS and iPadOS gadgets on the planet to find itself on a map. Trackers which depend on Bluetooth fail to function independently. The strength of the Bluetooth connection between your smartphone and the AirTag plays a role in how they work.
Range
AirTag:
Apple has not yet disclosed the precise distance, although several obvious cues can be helpful. An iPhone and any Bluetooth device must be within 33 feet of each other for an iPhone to connect to an AirTag using Bluetooth during the initial setup procedure. Therefore, the operational distance of an AirTag is 10 meters, regardless of its actual range.
GPS Tracker:
Contrarily, GPS trackers function as independent devices since they provide a constant link to the thing you want to track by capturing signals directly from satellites. They can locate the thing anyplace on Earth where GPS signals are present and have an infinite range.
For instance, if your car is missing from the parking spot but holds a GPS Tracker, you can access the GPS device's mobile app and view the precise location of your vehicle. But with the AirTag, the car is untraceable after it leaves a specific range.
However, you will be able to find objects within Bluetooth range. Suppose you can't find your wallet or keys. For instance, you may launch the Find My app and see the initial position of your possessions with AirTags. The built-in speaker of AirTag will then emit a sound to help you find the products. Although the precise information is unclear, it has a maximum range of about 100 meters. It is also resistant to dust and water.
Cost
GPS Tracker:
Generally, a GPS tracker costs between $50 and $200. However, some vendors like Family1st offer their feature portable GPS trackers at a lower price. Additionally, depending on the type of device, frequency of use, and the company's regulations and programs, the user must pay a membership fee monthly or annually. The subscription fees typically range from $12 to $40 based on usage type, i.e., personal usage or fleet tracking.
AirTag:
AirTags comes in one pack for $29 and a four-pack for $99. There is no monthly subscription fee with AirTags. It costs nothing extra to use and monitor your stuff on Apple's Find My network once you've bought an AirTag. There is only one time-based purchasing fee for each AirTag.
Compatibility
GPS Tracker:
One can quickly access the tracker information from any device thanks to the fact that GPS trackers can work with different operating systems, including Windows and Android on computers and iOS and Android on mobile devices.
AirTag:
AirTags, on the other hand, is restricted to iOS users. If you are an android user cannot be used to configure AirTags. However, they can track AirTags using the Tracker Detect app. Install a Bluetooth scanner on your Android device and search for an unidentified Bluetooth device made by Apple, Inc. to locate a lost AirTag.
Battery
AirTag:
AirTag does not require charging because Apple built them with user-replaceable CR2032 batteries. We won't know how true Apple's promise that an AirTag's battery should last around a year is until a year has passed since the device's release. Additionally, your iPhone notifies you to need to replace the old one with a new battery.
GPS Tracker:
These Trackers typically use Lithium-Ion batteries. A GPS tracker's battery needs to be recharged periodically and lasts for about three to six months. Most devices come with rechargeable batteries with battery life lasting up to several weeks. The battery life can vary according to your usage and the company.
Safety Of The Tracker
GPS Tracker:
To assist with discreet and safe tracking, vendors design a portable GPS tracker not to look like one. It ensures that no one will tamper with the device, and even if someone steals it, it will take time to locate and disable the tracker, giving you enough time to track it.
AirTag:
Because of their distinctive and well-known designs, AirTags are more likely to be stolen. Since no wires are attached, it is simple to steal. Due to its only Bluetooth-based system, once the tag exits the traceable area, you cannot follow it.
Alert
GPS Tracker:
GPS Tracker allows you to create your tracker to send custom alerts when it leaves the geofenced zones.
AirTags:
You can use the "Lost" mode feature and receive a notification when the item is inside the Find My network range if you are beyond the Bluetooth range.
History
GPS Tracker:
With GPS Trackers, you can access the location history of the tracker to keep transparency between the owner of the tracker and the tracker.
AirTag:
One can use the FindMy app to view the present location of any AirTag associated with the account. But the user or the tag can access the path taken by an AirTag over time or its location history.
Final Words
GPS and AirTag trackers each have different practices and objectives. It is a safe option to determine which one you require in a given case. You can use AirTag to keep track of personal belongings like your laptop, keys, or wallet. A GPS tracker is appropriate to find assets that are valuable items or loved ones. They provide services beyond navigation and location tracking, giving you complete security.
To conclude, it comes down to your requirements, needs, and budget. We hope that this information assists you in reaching a decision. We suggest you take a look at Family1st Portable GPS trackers, we are sure you will find them perfect for your need.
If you liked this guide on GPS and AirTag trackers, check out our comparison of GPS Trackers vs. Bluetooth Trackers for more insights.