Apple's AirTags just hit their lowest price at $17.97 during early Black Friday sales, while Tile unveils new Life360 integration for Android users. With Google's Find Hub network finally catching up to Apple's dominance and fresh models from Pebblebee and Chipolo hitting shelves, the Bluetooth tracker wars are heating up just as holiday shopping begins.
The timing couldn't be better for anyone who constantly loses their keys. Apple's iconic AirTags are seeing their deepest discounts yet at $17.97 across major retailers, while the broader Bluetooth tracker ecosystem evolves rapidly around them.
The price drop comes as The Verge's comprehensive testing reveals Apple still dominates precision tracking thanks to its Ultra Wideband chip and billion-device Find My network. But the competition isn't standing still - Tile's integration with Life360 now offers emergency SOS features that AirTags can't match.
Victoria Song's testing found her lost running keys within minutes using AirTag's precision tracking, something no other tracker has replicated. "Twenty minutes had already passed, but I still was able to find my keys," she wrote after the AirTag pinged its last location through Apple's network.
But Apple's dominance faces growing challenges. Google's Find Hub network - recently rebranded from Find My Device - showed "significant improvements" in April 2025 testing, particularly in busy urban areas. The search giant added UWB support for Motorola's Moto Tag and plans satellite connectivity by late 2025.
Tile maintains its Android advantage through sheer versatility. Life360's acquisition brought meaningful upgrades including triple-tap SOS alerts and full app integration. The $34.99 Tile Pro offers 500-foot Bluetooth range and replaceable batteries - features AirTags can't touch.
The anti-stalking battle continues evolving. Apple shortened unwanted tracking alerts and created dedicated Android detection apps after disturbing 2022 tests showed AirTags could track people "to a disturbing degree." Tile responded with "Scan and Secure" functionality, though experts note it requires potential victims to actively scan their surroundings.
Subscription models increasingly separate basic from premium features. Tile locks 30-day location history and $100 loss reimbursement behind $29.99 annual fees, while Apple and most competitors include core tracking free. The math favors Apple for iPhone users, but Android households face tougher choices.
