In April 2021, Apple unveiled the AirTag. Though tiny and inconspicuous, the AirTag is a powerful and adept tracking device that keeps an eye on your most essential and valuable items.
Starting at £29, the AirTag boasts a proprietary chip for GPS-free tracking and a Precision Mode for pinpoint accuracy in locating misplaced items.
Below, we explore what an Apple AirTag is and how the technology works. We’ve also rounded up a selection of the best AirTag cases and holders, each of which allows you to connect up an AirTag to a range of personal belongings, from car keys and wallets to backpacks and even pets.
What is an Apple AirTag?
An Apple AirTag is a tracking device that can communicate its location with the Apple Find My app. In doing so, an AirTag can help a user keep track of their items, and locate them when they are lost or stolen.
As a standalone device weighing only 11g and with a diameter of only 32mm, the AirTag can slip into a wallet or bag with ease. For more versatility, there is a range of official and third-party cases and holders available. These can anchor the AirTag to keyrings, bags or even pets.
The Apple AirTag is rated IP67, meaning that it’s sealed against dust ingress and is waterproof to a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
Related: The best Apple iPhones | The best Apple Watch cases
How does an Apple AirTag work?
An Apple AirTag doesn’t use GPS to track its location. Instead, it uses Apple’s U1 chip, a proprietary ultra-wideband technology that creates a network based on peer-to-peer communication between all Apple devices.
Apple has also included NFC Precision Finding in the AirTag. As the name suggests, this allows for precise tracking of the AirTag as the user nears its location. This allows for instructions to pop up on-screen, such as “10ft to your left.” Note that Precision Mode is only available on iPhone 11 and iPhone 12.
The AirTag also has a built-in speaker, and this can be activated to help locate an item. A CR2032 battery powers the AirTag, and Apple claims that one cell will keep the tracker running for approximately one year. Replacement batteries are both readily available and affordable.
Apple AirTag Sets
Related: The best iPads for every budget | The best mini tablets
The best Apple AirTag holders and cases:
Note: These listings are for the holders and cases only. The Apple AirTag is sold separately.
Description
The Apple AirTag Leather Loop allows you to strap an AirTag to larger anchor points, such as backpack grips, handlebars and handbag straps. The loop is made from crafted leather, and the AirTag sits snuggly inside the pouch. Available in three colours: Baltic Blue, Saddle Brown and (PRODUCT)RED.
Description
Offering the same basic functionality as the Apple AirTag Leather Loop, the Apple AirTag loop switches out the supple leather for polyurethane and, in doing so, lowers the price a little. As with the Leather Loop, this loop is ideal for attaching an AirTag to thicker and more substantial anchor points. Available in four colours: White, Deep Navy, Electric Orange and Sunflower.
Description
The official Apple AirTag Key Ring allows you to attach the little Apple tracker to luggage zips, car keys and house keys. The stainless steel keyring is robust and carries the engraving u201cDesigned by Apple in Californiau201d. The leather is supple and precisely stitched, allowing the AirTag to fit securely inside. Available in three colours: Baltic Blue, Saddle Brown and (PRODUCT)RED.
www.apple.com
Description
If price is of no object and fashion is of the highest order, then towards the Apple AirTag Hermu00e8s Range is where you should head. The range includes a key ring, bag charm and luggage tag. Each product is made with the leather craftsmanship for which Hermu00e8s is known.
Description
This AirTag case is a third-party option from Caseology, a brand known for its protective smartphone cases. The Vault Case is constructed from plastic to provide a robust and hardy home for the tracker and has a hole for the provided carabineer, which is a versatile connection method. Switching the carabineer for a keyring may provide a more permanent and secure attachment.
www.etsy.com
Description
The Tag-A-Wallet AirTag case is a discreet and secure method of keeping tabs on your cards, ID and cash. The case matches the dimensions of a credit card and slips into the slots in a wallet or purse. Itu2019s straightforward, and it works. Available in Black, Silver, White and Black with Glitter.
www.megamac.com
Description
Serving as a high-quality alternative to the official Apple cases, the Nomad Leather AirTag Keychain also provides a less conspicuous carry method for an AirTag, given that the AirTag is out of sight. The case attaches to keys and belongings via a black stainless steel key ring. Available in Rustic Brown and Black.
www.etsy.com
Description
The Roxxlyn case is made from TPU and connects to objects via a key ring. For a truly unique look, the Roxxlyn AirTag case provides a genuine slate covering for the AirTag. Not only does this look great, but it does not affect the AirTag operation.
Description
Belkin is bucking the trend slightly by releasing an AirTag case that connects to anchor points via a secure string-like strap. This lends much more flexibility and versatility to the case. The AirTag case itself is made from hard plastic with raised edges, keeping the tracker out of harm's way. Available in Black and White.
Description
This option is from the same range as the Belkin AirTag Case with Strap, with a keyring that replaces the secure strap. This allows users to take advantage of the small and discreet size for tracking keys and for the tracker to attach to a pet collar. Available in Black, Pink, Blue and White.
**William Lobley**is a Senior Content Writer and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in technology, gaming and outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.
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