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The 4 Best Luggage Trackers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Never lose luggage again with these easy-to-use tracking devices.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

Losing luggage before (or after) a trip can put a damper on any experience. While there is no way to prevent airlines from misplacing your luggage, using a luggage tracker is one of the best travel hacks for making the process easier if your suitcase doesn’t make it on a flight.

To recommend the best luggage trackers on the market, we tested eight different devices from trusted tech brands. After flying with all of the luggage trackers, we chose the top three trackers that were effortless to set up, accurately located our luggage, and were extremely useful for offering peace of mind while traveling. Our top pick might surprise you, so keep reading to learn more about what qualities we looked for in a luggage tag.

Best Overall

Eufy smarttrack link.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Accuracy 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

It pairs seamlessly with an iPhone and costs much less than AirTags.

The locator sound on the device could be louder.

Eufy’s luggage tracker edged out the popular Apple AirTags during testing by impressing us with the same (if not slightly better) features at a much lower price point. The device came ready to go and all we had to do was open the Find My app on an iPhone and the tracker automatically connected for hassle-free setup. Throughout our four-month tests, we used the tracker on eight different flights and every time we could see that our luggage was on the airplane before take-off, providing peace of mind en route to our final destination. In between trips, we simply left the tracker in the suitcase, so it was ready for our next adventure.

The device itself is thin and small, but not too small that it could get lost easily, so you can feel safe using it in a wallet or purse on a trip. One of our favorite traits is the hole in the upper corner that can be directly attached to a keychain or lanyard to keep track of car or house keys instead. Plus, the tracker is water-resistant and didn’t get damaged during travels, even after we tucked it into the bottom of a 50-pound checked suitcase. 

The Details: 1.46 x 1.46 x 0.26 inches | Replaceable lithium coin battery | No subscription fee | iOS compatible only | Water-resistant 

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best for Everyday Use

Apple airtag.

• Accuracy 2.5 /5
• Functionality 4 /5
• Design 5 /5

The device is about the size and weight of a quarter, which makes it easy to use to track all types of items.

Over the course of our four-month tests, we did have issues with location accuracy as the AirTag can lose connection quite easily.

The small size of an Apple AirTag is ideal for keeping track of your items without noticing the device is tucked away. Since the tags are about the size of a quarter, they can fit in a suitcase, purse, or wallet with ease, and the metal material feels particularly durable compared to the other plastic models we tried. Made by Apple, the device pairs to an iPhone within seconds and is tracked via the Find My app, where users can also change the name of the device if there is more than one. With the popularity of AirTags , there are tons of compatible accessories (beyond placing them in luggage), including passport covers, wallets, keychains, and wristbands for kids. The biggest downside we experienced with the AirTag is that it didn’t accurately provide the location of the luggage and it spooked us several times with messages saying that luggage was left behind while we were taxiing on the tarmac. Although the AirTag wasn’t our top pick, we still think it’s an excellent option to help prevent lost bags . 

The Details: 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.31 inches | Replaceable lithium coin batteries | No subscription fee | iOS compatible only

Best Subscription

Tile pro bluetooth tracker.

• Ease of Setup 4.5 /5
• Accuracy 4 /5

You can use this device to track items for free, but the paid subscription offers worthwhile features for some travelers.

The device requires the Tile app and it wasn’t very intuitive to navigate for setup — even after four months of testing, we found the separate app to be annoying.

The Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracker offers the same basic functionality as the other devices we tried, including the ability to see the location of the device on an app. However, frequent fliers will appreciate the ability to upgrade the features of this device by getting one of the two premium plans offered by Tile that cost $30 or $100 per year depending on the plan (you can get the first year for free when you purchase the tracker through Tile). The premium subscription comes with smart alerts to tell you when the device isn’t in range, 30-day location history, and reimbursement for lost items that Tile can’t track with options for $100 or $1,000 reimbursement for either the premium or premium protection plan. 

For travelers who just want to use the Tile tracker as is, we were impressed with the durable and functional design of the plastic fob. It comes with a hole in it so you can use it for keys and wallets along with luggage, too. We had some slight issues setting up the device with the Tile app, but once we started messing around with it, it got easier to navigate over time.

The Details: 2.32 x 1.32 x 0.3 inches | Replaceable lithium metal batteries | Subscription fee | Android, iOS, and Smart Home compatible | Water-resistant

Best for Android Users

Samsung galaxy smarttag2.

It's easy to use and comes with a keychain that you can attach to just about any item.

The button is quite sensitive, so you may accidentally trigger the alarm if it's in a bag, purse, or pocket.

For Android users who are looking for a luggage tracker than can be used while on vacation and for everyday needs, the latest SmartTag from Samsung is a great choice. While it does require an app to use, the set-up process was easy and intuitive. Plus, there is no subscription required to use the SmartTag2 and the battery lasts over 500 days, so you really don't need to think of the device often after you attach it to your suitcase, purse, bag, or keys.

Throughout our tests, the device was very accurate for tracking location and it never lost connection. It's also small and lightweight, so you can easily attach it to just about any item you may want to track. The SmartTag also comes with a case and keychain for extra durability and convenience.

The Details: 2.06 x 1.13 x 0.31 inches | Replaceable lithium metal batteries | Android | Water-resistant

Other Luggage Trackers We Liked

The luggage tracker highlighted below didn’t quite make the cut, but we’re giving it an honorable mention after a solid performance in testing.

Dynotag Brushed Stainless Steel Smart Tag : This luggage tag isn’t technically a tracker since there isn’t a feature to locate the device, but if someone found it, the QR code would easily put them into contact with the owner of the luggage. 

To test eight luggage trackers, we traveled with every device in a checked bag over the course of four months to see how well each one performed based on ease of use, functionality, accuracy, and design. We also tested some of the trackers for everyday use to keep track of wallets, keychains, and headphones. 

First, we set up each device according to the instructions (or lack thereof) to see how easy or difficult it was to get started. After setting up the devices, we placed them in checked luggage and flew to various destinations, including routes with multiple layovers, to ensure our luggage made it onto the flights. In the end, our favorite luggage trackers were simple and intuitive to set up, accurately displayed the location of the item, and had a sleek and functional design meant for tracking luggage and other items while traveling.

Tips for Buying a Luggage Tracker

Make sure it’s compatible with your device.

The tricky thing about buying a luggage tracker is that not all of them are compatible with all operating systems. In general, most trackers can connect with just iOS or Android, but there are a few options that can connect with both. It’s almost always listed in the specifications section of the product so you’ll want to double-check before purchasing a tracker.

Consider where and how you’ll be using it

Tracking devices are ideal for luggage, but they can also work well for keys, wallets, passports, purses, and more whether you’re on the road or at home. For travelers looking for a tracking device for wallets and passports, we recommend the Apple AirTag since there are tons of travel accessories made to hold the device and they are also slim enough to fit anywhere. For keys or AirPods, consider getting a tag with a hole designed for attaching the device to keychains or rings.

Luggage trackers use Bluetooth and GPS signaling to relay the location of the device back to a phone or tablet. Even if you’re thousands of miles away, the tracker can usually display a location on a map on your device, which is particularly useful if your luggage gets lost in transit .

Although luggage trackers often have lithium batteries, they are still allowed in checked and carry-on bags. The FAA doesn’t allow rechargeable lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours per battery, but, luckily, tracking devices have less than that. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure 

T+L commerce writer Anna Popp writes most of the team’s articles where all of the products were tested in our lab or in a real-world setting. She participated in this real-world test and she still uses her Eufy, Apple, and Tile tracking devices every time she flies. Anna combed through testing notes and used her expertise of almost always checking in a bag to recommend the best luggage trackers.

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7 Best Luggage Trackers and Tags of 2024

Effective GPS, bluetooth and WiFi trackers so your bags end up where you do.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , we regularly test travel electronics , including the best luggage trackers. Our picks include tags that our Lab pros have tested in our search to find the best key finders .

Our top picks:

BEST OVERALL LUGGAGE TRACKER

Apple airtag.

BEST VALUE LUGGAGE TRACKER

Tile pro pro bluetooth tracker.

Most Popular Luggage Tracker

Samsung galaxy smarttag.

Most Versatile Luggage Tracker

BEST LUGGAGE TRACKER FOR ANDROIDS

Landairsea gps tracker.

BEST LUGGAGE TRACKER for International Travel

Tracki gps tracker.

BEST LUGGAGE TRACKING TAG

Dynotag stainless steel smart luggage id tag.

If you are looking for more smart gadgets, consult our guides to the best smart wallets and best smart luggage . For even more luggage options (that will now be tracked thanks to your luggage tag), reference our experts' top picks for the best hardside luggage .

Reliability and accuracy go hand in hand with the Apple AirTag. It's compact and lightweight, so you can track a host of things you often misplace, from keys to backpacks to, of course, luggage . Our GH experts also like that the battery is easily replaceable. Simply set up your AirTag on your iPhone or iPad's Bluetooth with one tap, then listen for the pinging from the AirTag's built-in speaker to guide you to your belongings. It's designed for those in the Apple ecosystem, so it's not ideal if you have an Android or other device.

Apple has not specified its exact Bluetooth range, but it's believed that each AirTag supports Bluetooth 5.0, which means it should be trackable within 800 feet . You can also track the device in real-time by following it in the Find My network. Activate "Lost Mode" for notifications when it is in rang e or has been located by the Find My network. Your AirTag will ping off of nearby Apple devices to gauge its location, so you can still track your bag if it ends up miles away. You can also input your phone number and email so that if someone finds a lost AirTag, they can tap it using their iPhone to display your contact info.

RELATED: 10 Best AirTag Wallets to Keep Cash Safe

Battery type: Replaceable | Compatibility: Bluetooth networks | Subscription: None | Size: 3.27 in. x 0.47 in. x 4.09 in.

Another classic Bluetooth tracker, Tile's item finder earned the top spot in our best key finder tests for its ability to t rack your personal items up to 400 feet . For items that haven't trekked too far in the airport, it sounds off 80 decibels, according to our Lab tests, so you’ll be sure to hear it. It syncs up with Google Assistant so you can ask your smart speaker to locate your Tile for you. Like the AirTag, it also boasts a one-year lifespan before you should replace the battery. As a bonus, its water resistance means you can stress less about it short-circuiting from liquids.

Download the Tile app to pinpoint when and where you left something behind. The Community Find option will notify you when any phone with the Tile app is in proximity to your Tile, allowing you to pinpoint your lost item even if it's out of range. This set of four means you can track the whole family's bags.

Battery type: Replaceable | Compatibility: Bluetooth networks | Subscription: Optional Tile Premium ($2.99 per month) or Tile Premium Protect ($8.33 per month) | Size: 2.32 in x 0.3 in x 1.32 in.

Like the Apple AirTag but for Galaxy users, this Samsung smart tag lets you track your personal belongings up to 390 feet. Once out of range, the offline Galaxy Find Network in the SmartThings app pinpoints it using scanned data nearby. It also keeps a log of where the tag's been , so you can retrace its steps. Though we haven't tested this one in our Lab, we are hoping to soon.

For now, we appreciate its replaceable battery life and that the technology is similar to other trackers we have evaluated. It also has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with over 5,500 five-star reviews that comment on the tracker's accuracy and reliability with one customer saying the tag helped locate her lost luggage after showing the attendant their phone at baggage claim.

Battery type: Replaceable | Compatibility: Bluetooth networks | Subscription: Not listed | Size: 1.54 in x 1.54 in x 0.39 in

Living up to its name, this tracker is as slim as a credit card — ideal for slipping inside your purse, wallet or pocket. In fact, our experts named it the best key finder for a purse in testing. We appreciate its waterproof design and that you can use it to track more than just luggage: Pop it inside your favorite notebook or your tablet's case.

The tile is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, and the app is available for both iOS and Android . We recommend downloading the app as it allows you to track your luggage even if the tile is out of Bluetooth range, which goes up to 250 feet. There is also added security if you add your contact information to the Tile Network, a secure and anonymous platform that will help return your lost tile to you when the QR code is scanned.

Battery type: 3-year non-replaceable | Compatibility: Bluetooth networks | Subscription: Optional Tile Premium ($2.99 per month) or Tile Premium Protect ($8.33 per month) | Size: 4.53 in x 0.41 in x 4.53 in

A bit of an upgrade from a smart tag, this GPS tracker lets you eye your personal belongings in real-time. There's no shortage of ways to keep your luggage on your radar: The LandAirSea app and website let you receive text and email alerts while tracking the device’s location on Google Maps. It also keeps a log of where the tag's been, so you can retrace its steps like how long it idled in one place.

Though we haven't tested this one in our Lab, we appreciate the GPS technology for large areas of coverage and accuracy. One Amazon reviewer named it one of the best Android-compatible GPS trackers they've used, calling it "user friendly" and praising its accuracy. They added that it gave them peace of mind about their valuables during connecting flights within the US.

Battery type: Rechargeable | Compatibility: GPS | Subscription: Starting at $19.95 per month | Size: 2.25 in x 2.25 in x 0.8 in.

Stash this pocket-sized GPS luggage tracker in your valuables for your next trip abroad. Its real-time tracking capabilities and included international SIM card work for unlimited distances , perfect for a queue of connecting flights overseas. With over 26,000 five-star ratings, Amazon reviewers praise its live tracking via Google Street View and its app alerts that let you know when it crosses a Geo boundary you set, has a low battery and more.

Though we haven't tested this pick in the Lab, we appreciate that it works with WiFi when indoors and GPS satellites when outdoors. Once you start tracking your bag, Tracki offers about five days of real-time tracking before it needs another charge. Without real-time tracking, the brand claims its battery spans 30 to 75 days using the battery save mode, and you can still check your bag's location here and there.

Battery type: Rechargeable | Compatibility: GPS and WiFi | Subscription: Required $19.95 monthly fee | Size: 1.81 in. x 1.5 in. x 0.6 in.

OK, so it's not a true GPS tracker, but Dynotag's smart ID is a major step up from typical luggage tags. The tag displays a custom QR code that lets the owner register their contact info , including a name, phone number and address, in case a fellow traveler finds it. Worried about your info falling into the wrong hands? Every time the QR code is scanned, it automatically notifies the owner via email and includes the scanner's IP address.

The website also asks the person for their location info for easier communication. We haven't tried this pick in the Lab yet, but we like that several Amazon reviewers highlighted its easy setup and durability. Its sturdy stainless construction ensures it won't be easily ripped off when chucked underneath the airplane.

Battery type: N/A | Compatibility: QR code | Subscription: None | Size: 3.15 in. x 1.73 in.

How we chose the best luggage trackers

Our Good Housekeeping Institute engineers regularly test the latest and greatest tech like fitness trackers , smart rings and even dog GPS trackers , so you know what's really worth the investment based on your needs. We haven't formally tested luggage trackers, but our recommendations come from a combination of one-off GPS tracker tests by our experts, previous testing from our Lab's best key finders guide and picks from highly rated online reviews.

Luggage trackers utilize GPS, Bluetooth or WiFi to locate an item. "A GPS tracker taps into a global satellite system that uses microwave signals to help track down the precise location of where the unit is in real time," says Good Housekeeping Institute Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman . In our test for key finders, we tried some in our Lab and sent others to consumer testers for real user feedback. We logged dozens of hours with these trackers, collecting hundreds of data points including the length of the tracking range, the loudness of the alerts according to a decibel reader, the ease of replacing the batteries and how easy it was to use the apps.

What features to consider in a luggage tracker

✔️ Battery type : Some GPS trackers use rechargeable batteries that only last a few days before needing to be plugged in, while others come with replaceable batteries that can last well over a year, Rachel says. If you're on a longer excursion, invest in one with a long battery life.

✔️ Compatibilities : "It’s ideal to look for a tracker with a couple of complimentary technologies being used," Rachel says. "That way, no matter where in the world your luggage winds up, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can track it down!" For those that only use Bluetooth, you’ll have to be in close proximity, so it’s less advantageous for luggage tracking and better suited to finding a set of lost keys in your house. Some use Bluetooth and WiFi or tap into larger Bluetooth device networks to offer more coverage, as is the case with AirTag and Tile . Those with GPS offer large areas of coverage and more accuracy but can easily be obscured indoors.

✔️ Subscription fees : Many tracking devices offer basic features free of charge, but some offer premium features like GPS tracking or real-time location services with a monthly subscription. Make sure the device you choose comes with the functionality you want before you commit to a subscription plan.

✔️ Size : Luggage trackers come in a few standard sizes, and none are particularly large (think a credit card size in terms of length and width), Rachel says. Some are smaller and can double as a keychain attachment or tuck nicely into a pocket so it stays hidden. The best tracker for you depends upon how versatile you want it to be: If it will be solely for luggage, a bit larger is likely fine, but if you want to use it for keys and wallets, too, you might want to look for a smaller form.

Are luggage trackers worth it?

Luggage trackers may not be necessary for every type of traveler, but it can be a game changer for others. Think about how often you travel, where you are traveling to and the value of the items you will be transporting. For example, if you tend to travel near and far for work, a tracker may be beneficial for keeping track of the suitcase that contains your work necessities. Or, if you travel internationally and are no stranger to connecting flights, a luggage tracker will let you virtually follow your bags between airports.

"The best case scenario is they became devices that you never need to use, but offer a tremendous sense of relief in the case you do need them," says Rachel. Plus, you can use the same tracker for non-luggage items like your wallet.

How effective are luggage trackers?

The performance of a luggage tracker depends on the technology said tracker employs. For example, a tracker that uses a Bluetooth network can track a piece of luggage to 200 feet or more. Some trackers have a greater range, or include additional smart features such as connecting to Find My Network or Apple AirTag which makes those products even more effective at tracking your luggage.

Are luggage trackers TSA-approved?

Know that the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) approves of navigation GPS devices in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, keep in mind that there are no detailed guidelines on specific TSA-approved luggage tracker models in this category, so the TSA agent at your designated security checkpoint has the authority to make any final approval on whether the item is allowed.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

As Good Housekeeping's Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director, Rachel Rothman oversees testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all labs. During her 14 years with the Institute, the self-described Gadget Girl has had the opportunity to evaluate thousands of products, including countless innovative breakthroughs in consumer tech and home improvement. She ran the testing of the above Lab-recommend picks and lent her expertise on GPS trackers to this guide. Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin teamed up with Rachel and vetted popular online reviews to round up all of the above luggage tracker picks. She regularly collaborates with the Labs to synthesize its data in putting together product reviews on the best products, according to testing.

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute . Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

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The 8 Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags in 2022, Tested by Travel Experts

Keep tabs on your baggage, wherever you go.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Best Overall Luggage Tracker

Tile tile pro powerful bluetooth tracker.

Best Premium Luggage Tracker

Invoxia invoxia real time gps tracker (with 2-year subscription).

Best Value Luggage Tracker

Tracki tracki gps tracker for luggage.

Best Global Coverage Luggage Tracker

Landairsea landairsea 54 gps tracker.

Best Midrange Luggage Tracker

Gego gps real time luggage tracker.

Best Luggage Tracker for Apple iOS

Apple apple airtag.

Best Passive Luggage Tracker

Dynotag web enabled brushed stainless steel smart luggage id tag+.

Best Luggage Tracker for Samsung Galaxy

Samsung galaxy smarttag+ plus bluetooth smart home accessory tracker.

Luggage trackers are an inexpensive way to keep tabs on your travel bags while en route. In the last decade, the technology has gotten more compact, more affordable, and more accurate. Now, the best luggage trackers are smaller than a traditional paper luggage tag and allow you to track your bags in real-time, anywhere in the world. Using Bluetooth, a cellular connection (the same one your smartphone uses), or both, you can monitor your bag’s progress from almost any mobile device. While the most premium, featured-packed models run north of $100, you can land a budget luggage tracker for under $30. So, there’s no reason not to buy one.

If you’re ready to upgrade your travels and safeguard your luggage with a legit tracker, there’s never been a better time. The long list of available features can make shopping for these little devices a little confusing. So, we did the legwork to test and compare the best-selling models. Here are our top eight picks for the best luggage trackers worth buying in 2022.

About the Expert: I’ve spent most of my life hiking, kayaking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. For more than a decade, I’ve traveled the world, including all seven continents, and covered outdoor and adventure travel, sharing my advice on Forbes , Travel + Leisure , CNET , and National Geographic . These days, I personally evaluate travel gear (like the best luggage trackers) and tech gadgets for Men’s Health from my home base south of Boston. So, you might say I’m a little gear-obsessed.

Best Luggage Brands | Best Tech Gadgets | Best AirTag Wallets | Best Travel Bags | Best Dopp Kits | Best Travel Pillows | Best Tech Gifts | Best Duffle Bags

Tile was and is still sort of the OG “thing” tracker brand. Its namesake Tile tracker is still a perennial favorite of travelers everywhere, and of ours here at Men’s Health (which is why it’s our pick for this year’s Best Overall Luggage Tracker). There’s a lot to love about it, including that it works with both Android and iOS, so it’s not tied to one smartphone operating system. It’s also water-resistant, and the included lithium-ion battery lasts up to a year before needing to be replaced. The latest Tile Pro relies on Bluetooth technology that the company claims works up to 400 feet. We like that you can even set the Tile to audibly beep, in case it’s within range but you can’t see it.

At around $25 per Tile, this is easily the best value luggage tracker for the money. We’re hard-pressed to find any real cons. Like all luggage trackers, if the battery dies while in transit, you’re out of luck. But that’s an issue with all luggage trackers, not just Tile’s.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 3,500 Amazon reviews, 85% recommend the Tile Pro Powerful Bluetooth Tracker with at least a 4-star rating.

Bluetooth luggage trackers are great for most travelers, and they’re also more affordable. But, for the best luggage tracking, nothing beats a 4G/LTE tracker. Invoxia’s Real Time GPS Tracker boasts 4G, LTE-M, and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can keep tabs on your travel bags (or car, child, or anything really) anywhere. In low-power mode, the battery lasts for months—plenty long to last for even the longest trips or vacations. It pairs with an easy-to-use companion app that works on both iOS and Android. We especially love the ability to set up custom “Zones” in the app. If your luggage or whatever you’re tracking moves or leaves that zone, you’ll be notified immediately. You can then follow the tracker in real time. The stealthy design resembles a standard USB flash drive or a spare battery, so would-be thieves will never know it’s there.

At more than $100, the Invoxia is the priciest and most premium luggage tracker in our roundup. But that price does include a two-year subscription with subscriptions available for around $3 per month thereafter.

What do buyers say? “I have used this tracker for a month and am happy with its performance … This updates well and battery life is great,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Luggage trackers are both cheaper and better than they’ve ever been. But if price is your main concern, and you’re after the most budget-friendly model, look no further than the Tracki GPS Tracker. The simply named device is roughly the size of a vehicle key fob, so it tucks neatly into your checked baggage. With almost every type of connectivity—GPS when outdoors and WiFi when indoors—it allows for real-time tracking virtually anywhere in the world. Compatibility with 3G and 2G extends the coverage beyond trackers with only 4G LTE connectivity. Through the companion app (or email or SMS text), it also provides low battery alerts, movement warnings, and SOS notifications.

On the downside, the look and feel of the Tracki GPS Tracker isn’t as polished as more premium alternatives from Tile and Apple. This is clearly a budget product. It’s also designed more for tracking things like cars and objects not buried under a massive pile of luggage inside an airport. So, it’s not quite intended to be a luggage tracker. But it still serves its purpose and, for under $20, we think it’s a great affordable option. Despite the affordable upfront cost, this tracker does require an ongoing monthly subscription to enable real-time tracking via the global cellular network. The lowest price starts at around $10 per month with a prepaid plan.

What do buyers say? “Overall, good device and good company. It's probably the best way to track anything that might not be in range of another smartphone but might be in range of a cell tower,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Most travelers can get by with a simple Bluetooth luggage tracker. But, if you’re a long-haul traveler who frequently sets off around the world, you need something more. The LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker offers global coverage via a 4G LTE cellular connection with real-time tracking as frequently as every three seconds. You can keep tabs on your luggage (or almost anything really) via the companion mobile app or through a web browser using Google Maps, and receive text or email alerts when the tracker has been moved. Plus, it’s all housed in a durable waterproof shell. So, even if your luggage gets wet, you know it’s protected.

This luggage tracker is a great deal with an upfront cost of around $30. However, like most cell-based trackers, a subscription is required. The price is based on how accurately you want your luggage to be tracked, and that’s based on how frequently you want the tracker to update you. The lowest priced plan pings every three minutes with a 24-month prepaid cost that works out to $7.98 per month. While that can add up over the course of a few years, it’s a small price to pay for real-time global tracking of your luggage. The only other downside is the battery, which many reviewers note can be a hassle to remove and recharge.

What do buyers say? “Accurate, durable, simple and reliable - The affordable tracker that's easy to use,” said one Amazon reviewer.

The best luggage trackers can run north of $125 (not including the cost of the subscription), but you don’t have to spend that much. GEGO’s GPS Global Tracker is reasonably priced at around $90. What sets this one apart from the basic Bluetooth trackers on this list is the combination of 4G and AGPS connectivity which provides real-time global coverage. You can track your luggage in the companion app, or set it up to receive location updates via SMS text or push notifications as frequently as every three minutes. Outdoor accuracy is incredibly precise, often providing exact GPS coordinates or even a street address, so you can find your lost luggage fast.

The combination of 4G with Assisted GPS (AGPS) can provide excellent accuracy. But, because this tracker doesn’t also use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, finding the exact location indoors (like inside an airport or luggage carousel area) can be tricky. Many reviewers also note a surprisingly short battery life, so expect to have to recharge this tracker every few days or so if you’re traveling with it.

What do buyers say? “This device does exactly what I expected. Tested in town and just on my recent trip to Texas a couple of days ago, awesome results,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Apple’s version of the OG Tile gets the typical “Apple Treatment.” The streamlined, ultra-compact design is small enough to fit in a wallet , so you can track almost anything bigger than the palm of your hand. One-touch setup makes pairing with your iPhone a snap—it takes just seconds. Once enabled, it uses Bluetooth 5.0 and other devices on Apple’s Find My network to provide incredibly accurate location updates. If your luggage is ever lost, simply put the AirTag into Lost Mode remotely and you’ll be notified as soon as it resurfaces on the Find My network. While it’s not as accurate as, and doesn’t provide real-time updates like, a full-fledged GPS-enabled luggage tracker, it works surprisingly well and costs less than $30. What’s more: no ongoing subscription cost. We also love the excellent battery life (many reviewers report well over a year) and the built-in speaker which makes finding your lost belongings easier.

We’re hard-pressed to find anything to dislike about the Apple AirTag. With more than 90,000 ratings on Amazon alone—including over 76,000 five-star ratings—it’s clear a whole lot of Apple owners agree. The only downside is that it works exclusively with iOS, so Android users are out of luck. Because it doesn’t use a cellular or GPS connection, it’s not as accurate or far-reaching as our more premium picks. But, for less than $30, it’s hard to complain.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 90,000 Amazon reviews, 92% recommend the Apple AirTag with at least a 4-star rating.

For a dead-simple solution that skips all the high-tech wizardry of the fancier luggage trackers on this list, there’s Dynotag’s Web Enabled Smart Luggage ID Tag+. As the name implies, this one is less of a tracker , and more of an advanced luggage tag . Still, it allows for passive tracking, even if it does rely entirely on the honesty of good Samaritans. There are no batteries or electronics or anything to set up with this passive luggage tracker. Simply register the QR code on the reverse of the tag with your contact details, and clip it to your luggage like a standard luggage tag. If it ever goes missing, anyone who finds it can scan the code, get your information, and contact you directly. The stainless steel design ensures it’s waterproof and can survive the beating that most luggage takes en route. The best part? It’s less than $30 with no ongoing or monthly subscription costs.

This advanced luggage tag doesn’t compare to a legit electronic luggage tracker, but it’s hard to compare the two. If you’re looking for a straightforward identification device that’s better than a traditional luggage tag, this is a clear step above. But, if you want real-time tracking anywhere in the world, this passive model isn’t going to cut it.

What do buyers say? “Easy to see when luggage is coming off the belt, super durable and does exactly what it should!” said one Amazon reviewer.

The Galaxy SmartTag+ Plus is Samsung’s answer to the AirTag. It does everything the Apple version does in a similar package, except that it works exclusively with Samsung’s Galaxy line of smartphones. It’s extremely compact at less than 2 inches by 2 inches, so it’s small enough to fit in a wallet or a suitcase. The technology relies on Bluetooth and Samsung’s proprietary Galaxy Find Network (which pulls information from all nearby Galaxy mobile products) to locate your goods. The Bluetooth 5.0 tech works at almost 400 feet in ideal conditions, but this can be reduced in heavy buildings with a lot of air wave “congestion.” One feature we love is the AR Finding that uses your phone’s camera to “walk” you step-by-step to your wallet, keys, or luggage.

Like the Apple AirTag, there’s little to dislike about this tracker. It’s small enough to fit just about anywhere (and track just about anything), offers excellent battery life, and is priced right at $30. About the only real downside is that it only works with Samsung Galaxy phones.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 2,200 Amazon reviews, 85% recommend the SAMSUNG Galaxy SmartTag+ Plus with at least a 4-star rating.

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For all their fancy gadgetry “under the hood,” luggage trackers are surprisingly simple devices. But there are a few things to consider before dropping your money on the first bargain-priced model you find.

Compatibility Most luggage trackers are designed to work with any smartphone, and most brands offer free Android and iOS versions of their companion apps. Still, it pays to make sure that any luggage trackers you’re shopping works with the device you own. Consider Your Travel Style How you travel can determine which luggage tracker is best for you. If you’re a frequent domestic traveler, a simple Bluetooth tracker may do the trick. But, if you’re often exploring international countries for weeks at a time, you may want a more full-featured model with GPS capability. That way, you can keep tabs on your luggage anywhere in the world. Battery Life Battery life for luggage trackers can vary widely. In our experience, the manufacturer’s claimed (ideal) battery life is often very different when their trackers are used in the real world. Look at other reviewers’ personal experiences with how long their batteries lasted. In low-power mode, the best luggage trackers can typically last for months—even years in the case of Bluetooth trackers like Apple’s AirTag—before needing to be replaced or recharged. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll likely want more frequent updates from your tracker when you're traveling. That can substantially decrease its battery life to only a few days. So for longer trips, you’ll likely need to recharge your luggage tracker along the way. Price Bluetooth trackers like Tile and Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag typically cost less than $50. For basic yet effective tracking, this may be all that most travelers ever need. Long-term and international travelers may want to invest in more feature-rich GPS-enabled trackers that often run north of $100 plus the cost of an ongoing monthly subscription.

How We Selected the Best Luggage Trackers

Among the dozens of available models, we researched and personally tested the most popular luggage trackers on the market today. We racked up thousands of miles to compare every feature and spec, including durability, user-friendliness, accuracy, reliability, battery life, and price. We also included several models with excellent reviews from the etailers we trust most, like Amazon and Walmart. The list above represents our honest picks for the best luggage trackers worth shopping for in 2022.

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The 3 best luggage trackers of 2024.

Travel is unpredictable, but these luggage trackers aren't.

The Best Luggage Trackers

Courtesy of Tile

Many travelers agree luggage trackers are worth the cost (which is typically nominal). Not only are these devices accurate, but they also provide peace of mind for travelers concerned about flight cancellations and other potential disruptions.

While there are a variety of luggage tracking devices on the market, these options are the best for the money based on consumer ratings and reviews. All of the recommended luggage trackers are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Best Overall: Apple AirTag

Courtesy of Apple

With a one-year replaceable battery life and a one-tap setup that syncs it with the Find My app, the AirTag is an easy choice for iPhone, iPad and iPod users.

In addition to Ultra Wideband technology that allows it to locate belongings, this bag tag utilizes the help of other devices when set in Lost Mode. Here's how it works: If your luggage is detected by someone in the Find My network, you'll automatically get a notification, and if you've included your contact information in settings, that someone will have access to it when they scan your AirTag with an NFC-capable smartphone. Don't worry, though – privacy features ensure you're the only person who can see where your AirTag is, and that any devices relaying its location stay anonymous.

Many reviewers agree the AirTag's technology surpasses that of the popular Tile trackers. Purchase a single AirTag or opt for a pack of four to place one in your suitcase, attach one to your key ring, stick one in your wallet and/or share one with family.

Note that you'll need an AirTag holder to secure it to your belongings. These are some great options:

• Belkin Apple AirTag Secure Holder
• Sonix Terrazzo Confetti With Keychain
• WITHit Apple AirTag Silicone Clip-on Cover

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Best Overall Runner-up: Tile Pro

Nearly a decade after Tile launched its first tracking device, its products remain some of the best on the market. The Tile Pro is especially ideal for locating luggage, as it can track items up to 400 feet away. It can also help you find your smartphone: Just double-press the Tile button to make your phone ring, even if it's in silent mode. Tile Pro owners – who agree this tracking device is easy to use and convenient for everyday use – can add their contact information in settings to be notified if someone in the Tile network finds their tag and scans its QR code.

The Tile Pro is water-resistant and offers up to one year of (replaceable) battery life. It is compatible with all operating systems as well as Amazon Alexa, Siri, Hey Google and Smart Home.

You can purchase a single Tile Pro , a two-pack or a four-pack , with the option to upgrade to a premium plan for free battery replacement and smart alerts when you leave tagged items behind. The Tile Slim , which is credit card-sized and ideal for passport holders , can also be useful for travel.

Best GPS: GEGO GPS Luggage Tracker

Courtesy of GEGO

While mainstream luggage trackers like the Apple AirTag and Tile Pro rely on Bluetooth technology, the GEGO Luggage Tracker uses GPS to provide real-time updates no matter where you are in the world. Even if you don't have an internet connection, you'll be able to see the exact coordinates of your belongings via the GEGO GPS app, which is compatible with all devices. You can also view the location history of your bag and receive text alerts when it has arrived at or departed an airport.

Perhaps the best feature of the GEGO is that it offers lost luggage compensation. If your luggage is delayed or lost by the airline within 96 hours, you'll be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $1,000 per bag (for a maximum of two bags per subscription).

As with other GPS trackers, a subscription fee is required; you can either pay $19.95 a month or a discounted annual fee of $167.40 ($13.95 a month). Roaming charges do not apply, and GEGO GPS owners can easily suspend or cancel their subscription at any time.

Recent reviewers rave about this luggage tracker, noting it's a worthy investment for frequent and/or business travelers. They also praise the company's customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Different than a traditional luggage tag , a luggage tracker is a small device that attaches to or goes inside of checked baggage and utilizes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or GPS technology to communicate its location. It is especially convenient for air and cruise travel .

The FAA permits luggage trackers as long as they meet one of the following requirements:

• The luggage tracker lithium cannot exceed 0.3 grams.
• Lithium-ion batteries with a Watt-hour rating cannot exceed 2.7 Wh.

Luggage trackers that utilize GPS technology typically require a subscription. This includes the GEGO GPS Luggage Tracker and the LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker .

You might also be interested in:

The best carry-on luggage.

• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on?
• Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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The best luggage trackers of 2024 according to reviews

For $30 or less you'll never lose track of your luggage again!

Updated December 14, 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Few things are more demoralizing than staring at an endlessly rotating baggage carousel and realizing your bag didn’t make it with you to your destination. Whether you’re heading off to a hard-earned vacation or returning home with only half your belongings, lost luggage is a serious buzzkill.

A luggage tracker can help give you peace of mind when checking bags and it can help you track down your items when they’ve gone astray. If you’re considering one, we scoured consumer reviews (and tested a few ourselves) to find the best luggage trackers of 2024.

• Luggage trackers with lithium metal batteries are only permitted if their lithium content does not exceed 0.3 grams
• Luggage trackers with lithium-ion batteries may only have a Watt-hour rating not exceeding 2.7 Wh

Not sure what that all means? No worries, we’ve found the best-bet options that meet these requirements and get fantastic reviews. TSA won’t bat an eye and you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your luggage is only a phone app away from being found at all times.

The Best Luggage Trackers

Apple airtag: best luggage tracker for ios function ga4_link122() { window.datalayer.push(json.parse('{"event":"default_event"}')) }.

Compatibility: iOS | Location Tech: Bluetooth, iOS network | Good for: International travel | Battery life: Up to 3 years | Attachment design: Coin

An extensive network and excellent accuracy make the Apple AirTag the most popular luggage tracker on the market.

Also—our favorite feature—the AirTag allows you to track a bag that's up to 20 feet away—so if you suddenly realize you dropped your wallet, the FindMy app will show a big arrow letting you know if it's to your left, right, forward or ahead and how many feet away it is.

About the size of a quarter, Apple AirTags easily slip into bags and wallets without taking up too much space. We also like that you can rename the airtags in the Find My app, so you can identify and differentiate if your luggage and your partners are heading in two different directions.

Eufy: Best budget luggage tracker function ga4_link126() { window.dataLayer.push(JSON.parse('{"event":"default_event"}')) }

A QR code, an affordable price-point, and tracking accuracy make this a terrific luggage tracker.

Compatibility: iOS | Location Tech: Bluetooth | Good for: International travel | Battery life: Up to 3 years | Attachment design: Standard loop or credit card

This well-priced tracker works with Apple’s Find My app. It allows you to track your belongings even if they take a trip around the world while you're sitting on a couch in Poughkeepsie. If luggage goes missing, a QR code on the back lets the finder contact you using whatever information you choose to share. The compact shape, water-resistant exterior, and a hole for attaching the tracker to a keychain make the Eufy tracker a top choice amongst shoppers. Plus, it runs about $10 cheaper than an Apple AirTag.

It's worth noting that the Eufy is iOS-specific. If you have an Android, we have other suggestions, but if you have an iPhone, it's a great option. I have both the Eufy and the AirTag. While I love the Eufy for the QR code and the keyhole design, I love that the AirTag gives a real tracking option that tells you when you're getting "warmer" or "colder" depending on how close you are to your item. That said, the Eufy will let you see exactly where the item is and if it's moving. It has the location accuracy to say, "Yes, your bag is here with you at Terminal C." It just doesn't have the location accuracy to tell you, "Hey, your bag is actually behind you and only 6 feet away."

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag: Best luggage tracker for Galaxy users function ga4_link129() { window.dataLayer.push(JSON.parse('{"event":"default_event"}')) }

The Samsung SmartTag and SmartTag 2 will alert you the minute your Galaxy device is separated from you, for faster tracking of misplaced (or pickpocketed) items!

Compatibility: Galaxy | Location Tech: Bluetooth LE, Galaxy Network | Good for: International travel | Battery life: Up to 500 days in “normal mode” | Attachment design: Keyring

If we were to find one flaw with these tags it’s that they are exclusively for Galaxy users. They obviously don’t work on Apple products, but you should also know they won’t work on Android devices either.

Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracker: Best luggage tracker for Andriod and iOS function ga4_link132() { window.dataLayer.push(JSON.parse('{"event":"default_event"}')) }

A highly versatile tag with standout features, the Tile allows for real-time tracking of items and tracking history. Plus, it works equally well with Apple and Android devices.

Compatibility: iOS, Android | Location Tech: Bluetooth, Tile Network | Good for: International travel | Battery life: One year | Attachment design: Standard loop, credit card, key ring

The extra loud alarm comes in handy when you’re trying to locate a bag in a noisy airport or train station. Reviewers say the alarm on the Tile is the loudest of any luggage tracker, making it useful to those with hearing impairments.

Because the Tile accommodates both iOS and Android devices, it doesn’t force you to be specifically devoted to one operating system. You can keep the tracker whether you decide to trade your iPhone for an Android or vice-versa. And if you’re tracking family luggage, you and your partner don’t have to worry about being on the same OS—both of you can shoulder the mental load of tracking down your pieces (mom swoon).

The “community find” feature functions in the same way as an Apple AirTag’s “Find My” feature does. The Tile connects to others using the app. While it’s not quite as robust as the Apple Find My network, keep in mind that the Tile Network is on both Apple and Android devices, so it’s still very effective and allows you to track the movement of your belongings accurately.

While the aforementioned features are free, a paid subscription allows for a Smart Alert, which lets you know when you leave a belonging behind—or if it’s been separated from you, like forgetting your wallet in a cab or if you’ve been pickpocketed. With this subscription, Tile will also reimburse you $100 if your Tile can’t locate your items.

Pebble Bee: Best sustainable luggage tracker function ga4_link135() { window.dataLayer.push(JSON.parse('{"event":"default_event"}')) }

Compatibility: iOS, Android | Location Tech: Bluetooth, iOS & Android | Good for: International travel | Battery life: About 5 to 6 months | Attachment design: Standard loop, credit card

Affordable and with accurate tracking, the Pebble Bee also minimizes e-waste with its rechargeable battery.

It’s also an equal-opportunity tracker. If you’re on an Android and can’t connect to the Apple network, Pebble Bee has its own app that Android users can connect to. The downside is that the network is far smaller than the Apple Network or even the Tile Network, so it’s not quite as effective for real-time tracking.

Dynotag: Best battery-free smart tag function ga4_link138() { window.dataLayer.push(JSON.parse('{"event":"default_event"}')) }

Compatibility: N/A | Location Tech: N/A | Good for: Domestic travel | Battery life: No battery | Attachment design: Credit card with standard loop

For the one who shirks technology (but still wants to keep tabs on their bags).

A QR code houses whatever contact info you are comfortable revealing. When scanned, the person who has found your luggage can access that information to get your luggage back to you. If they scan the QR code and don’t bother to connect—that’s no problem—you’ll get their location and IP address.

It’s important to note that this is not a luggage tracker but a smart tag that can simplify the return process if your bag gets separated from you.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Luggage Tracker

Battery life: There are all sorts of GPS trackers out there. The luggage trackers we’ve listed above all have a long battery life. Remember White Lotus season 2? Cam’s luggage was missing for the entire trip to Sicily. While most luggage will be found in a few days, it’s not unheard of for luggage to turn up weeks after first going missing. Do yourself a favor and don’t stress over battery life. All of our recs have long-lasting batteries that can be replaced and refreshed before a big trip.

Location Tech: Of course you’ll be buying a luggage tag that is compatible with your device—but be sure to take into consideration the location technology. Non-GPS-specific trackers use tracking apps to keep tabs on your belongings. Just like a cell phone requires a tower to connect to the network, these trackers require an in-device app to geo-locate your luggage tag. All of the tags recommended here connect to a robust tracking network.

Attachment designs: All of the devices we’ve recommended are about the size of a quarter or a silver dollar for the keychain designs and the size of a credit card for wallet designs. There are larger options, but they didn’t rise up to the recommendation level. Decide if you prefer a device that will hook onto your keychain or luggage tag, or if you want to just slip it into your bag. Many of these devices come in a variety of options.

Are luggage trackers worth it?

Luggage trackers may not be for everyone, but when I inadvertently dropped my favorite fanny pack at LAX I wished I had had one. Many airports require you to pay a fee to track down and return misplaced items, so the small cost of my Air Tag was undeniably worth it should something like that occur again.

Still other times I’ve stood by the luggage carousel for over an hour waiting for my items, only to find out they were likely still at my layover location. What I wouldn’t have given to have headed home and gone to bed after hours in the air.

Travel can be hectic. Whether you’re crossing your fingers as you hand luggage off to your airline or sleep deprivation leaves your attention to detail highly compromised, it’s nice to have something as simple as a luggage tracker to help the journey be less stressful.

Plus, none of these trackers are over $30. For us, that money is a drop in the bucket compared to the invaluable peace of mind they provide.

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Adrienne So

The Best Trackers to Help You Find Your Keys, Dog, or Kid

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Most Versatile Jiobit Smart Tag Read more

Best for iOS Apple AirTag Read more

Best for Android Chipolo One Read more

Best for Kids Apple Watch Series 8 Read more

“Systems!” My friends and Marie Kondo’s internet shout. “All you need is a system. As long as you always put your things down in the same place, you’ll never lose anything again,” they say, as I stagger in the door carrying children’s backpacks, a bag of dirty laundry, my waist pack , and a sack of dog food.

Like Elizabeth Bishop, I have developed losing into a fine art . I hid my Kindle from the 5-year-old, and now I can’t find it. My husband borrowed my wallet to grab the car insurance card; while I was looking for that, the dog got out of the yard. You may feel ambivalent about possibly stalking your friends or loved ones (please resist the urge to sew a tracker into your shady boyfriend’s coat), but without Bluetooth and GPS trackers, I would barely be able to function. I’ve listed my preferred uses for each of my favorite trackers, but many of these are multipurpose—if you can stick it on a dog, you can also stick it on a kid, and vice versa.

For more ideas, check out our roundups on kids travel gear and our many other buying guides , such as the Best Strollers .

Updated July 2023: We added Apple AirTags, updated information about several products, and updated links and pricing.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Most Versatile

The most precious things to keep track of? Your people. The Jiobit smart tag ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is one of the most versatile ways I know to do that. It's simply a small tracker, smaller than an Oreo, that connects to an app on your phone and uses a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS data to keep track of your pet, child, or elderly parent with dementia wherever they go.

The app is incredibly easy to use. You can track your person in real time, geofence them, or make sure that they're in the company of trusted people. It's incredibly durable and waterproof and comes with a huge array of accessories—and if you don't want to use those, I found that a little hair tie worked just as well to attach it to my daughter's backpack. The most important part, however, is that Jiobit also has rigorous security protocols, like including a dedicated chip to access the Jiobit servers and burning away part of the circuit board, so you can’t steal it and physically reprogram it.

Best for iOS

If you have an iPhone , you probably have one, or several, AirTags. Apple's long-awaited Tile competitor came out in 2021 and uses Bluetooth connectivity and Apple's special U1 location finding chip to help you pinpoint its location via the Find My app. As long as you and your AirTag are near Apple products, you will find your lost keys.

AirTags are about the size of a quarter and have zillions of beautiful, if overpriced, accessories with which to attach them to your keychain or purse. You can also throw them into your luggage when you travel. The Find My network is giant, anonymous, and encrypted end-to-end, and in the app you can walk around with your phone and use the phone's accelerometer, camera, and gyroscope to direct you towards your missing object. Of course, the downside here is that the ubiquity and ease of use of the AirTag means that evil people can use it to find you as well. Here's how to check if you're being tracked .

Best for Android

In the competition between Tile and Chipolo for the most ubiquitous tracker, I would not have guessed that Chipolo would be the one to land exclusive collaborations with both Apple and Google (cough, antitrust congressional hearings , cough). Yet here we are. Now Chipolo has three separate product lines: the Chipolo One, card, and bundle that works with the Chipolo app; the ONE Spot, card, and bundle that works with Apple's Find My; and most recently, the ONE Point, card, and bundle that works with Google's Find My.

My colleague Julian Chokkattu and I have tested several of these lines, with the Android Find My coming soon. They're a similar price point to Tile's and come in a variety of cheerful colors. Setup is simple, especially if you use your phone's native app. I currently have a CARD Spot in my wallet and it's loud enough for me hear even when it's in my wallet, inside my purse, and in another room. Like the Tile, you can choose to get alerts if you leave the house without your keys. As with many Bluetooth trackers, the connection can get wonky—I do sometimes have to walk around a bit—but it's usually able to find an accurate last location.

Best for Kids

I used the Jiobit when my children were smaller. Now that they're in elementary school, however, I track them with Family Setup on two old Apple Watches. It's more effective to strap an Apple Watch onto their tiny wrists than to pin a Jiobit onto their backpacks, as I did when they were much less mobile.

When her Apple Watch is on, I can track her location via Apple's Find My app, which I have found to be pretty accurate; for example, I can see her walking around a corner, coming back from the playground, and time my head to face her so that she can bear witness to Mom's All-Seeing Eye. The major benefits of an Apple Watch are that she can also text and call me and her other family members. We can also use Apple's Walkie Talkie function to talk from Apple Watch to Apple Watch so that we can keep in touch with each other on a minute-to-minute basis, but this drains the battery within a few hours.

I would go with the smallest and lightest case size possible with the iPhone SE, but whichever old Apple Watch you have at home is clearly the best one. We also do not recommend smartwatches marketed exclusively for kids, as these tend to have glaring security holes .

Nena Farrell

Christopher Null

Best for Dogs

I’ve tested several dog trackers on my patient pups, but the Fi is my favorite, if only for the battery life. While other trackers need to be recharged every week or so, the Fi only needs to be charged every three months .

You don’t need to fiddle around with attaching or reattaching it to a collar when you charge it, since it comes with its own collar, and the unit is IP68-rated and waterproof. It also uses a combo of Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular connectivity to keep 24/7 tabs on your dog. Use the app to designate a safe zone around your house and alert you if your dog wanders off the property. It also includes a dog activity tracker and a collar light for walks at night. I've used the Series 1 and been happy with it; I'm currently testing the Series 3 on my 70-pound heeler mix. It's much smaller and lighter, and the charging base is also smaller, with a new real-time GPS tracking (yup, there she is, at my feet again).

Best for Remotes

Tile doesn't have exclusive contracts with anyone, but its Bluetooth thing-finders are still everywhere and come in an even wider variety of forms. After years of being in circulation, the latest models are even more durable and waterproof, and the batteries are replaceable. Now there are even Lost and Found stickers ($15) that you can put on your not-so-valuable items that have a tendency to walk off (of course, this requires that the person who finds your item knows to scan a random QR code).

However, I still think the most useful form factor are the Tile stickers, which are great for remotes and the back of my Kindle Paperwhite . Each sticker is waterproof, has a three-year battery life, and offers a 150-foot range, which is pretty impressive for a tool that’s so small. After a year, the small bump did get knocked off my much-abused Kindle; however, I still think this is a fair price to pay for being able to read my requisite soothing 10 to 15 pages of Naomi Novik before going to bed every night.

Best for People

As many of my colleagues have noted, the best people-tracker is the device that many of us keep nearby at all times. It's also the one I use the most often. Google Maps, Life360, and Apple's Find My are just three popular ways for people to share their location with close contacts.

I use Apple's Find My all the time, whether to reassure my kids their dad will be home soon or to meet up with family members while traveling. Apple's Find My is the safest, as both Google Maps and Life360 require you to store location history. However, location sharing can be turned against you . You can also restrict the length of time that you share with a contact, or turn off location sharing in the app itself.

Parker Hall

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The 4 Best Luggage Trackers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Never lose your bags again with these tried-and-tested favorites

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Marcus Millan

Picture this: You’re standing in the arrivals hall at the start of your long-awaited vacation with a sinking feeling because they’ve just switched off the luggage carousel and your bags are nowhere to be seen. One way to reduce the chances of a lost luggage fiasco ruining your trip is to invest in a luggage tracker. These small devices fit inside your suitcase and use Bluetooth (or occasionally GPS or GSM) technology to send real-time location updates to your phone so that you can track its progress as you travel.

Other features range from left-behind alerts that notify you if you’ve accidentally abandoned your suitcase in a departures café to a find-my-phone function that lets you use the tracker to activate your ringtone. To help you find the most effective luggage tracker for your smartphone model and operating system, we tested eight of the most popular brands for ease of setup, accuracy, functionality, design, and overall performance. Our winner was the affordable yet feature-packed eufy SmartTrack Link . Read on to discover the other luggage trackers we tested.

How We Tested

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, eufy smarttrack link.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Accuracy 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

Simple to use with pre-installed app

Accurate tracking

Keychain hole for easy attachment

Not compatible with Android devices

Audible alarm isn’t very loud

The eufy SmartTrack Link is a more affordable alternative to AirTags for Apple users, and yet we (as AirTags converts) preferred this product to the Apple original. It works in conjunction with your pre-installed Find My app, meaning you don’t have to download a third-party app or pay any subscription fee. Setup took us less than 15 seconds, with no need for any instructions. We tested it on four flights across the U.S. and found it very accurate for the most part. We were able to track our luggage continuously except for one brief lag when we lost service while boarding.

The tracker has an audible alarm to assist with locating your suitcase; however, we found it to be a little too quiet for full functionality. Other useful features include left-behind alerts that create a notification when you travel over a specified distance from the tracker and the ability to make your phone ring even on silent with a simple double tap. If your luggage does go missing, a QR code on the back lets the finder access whatever contact information you choose to share. We liked the tracker’s compact, square shape; water-resistant coating; and the hole for attaching it to a keychain. Battery life seems good and the battery itself is replaceable.

Compatible Devices: iOS, iPadOS, macOS | Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.3 inches

TripSavvy / Anna Popp

Best for Apple Users

Apple airtag.

• Accuracy 2.5 /5
• Functionality 4 /5
• Design 5 /5

Tracking is extremely accurate

High-quality construction

Incredibly easy to set up

Can issue false left-behind notifications

Not possible to turn it off

If you’re a die-hard Apple fan, then you may want to stick with the brand for your luggage trackers, too—in which case, the Apple AirTag is your best friend. Not much bigger or heavier than a quarter, the tag slips into your suitcase’s interior pocket (there’s no other way to attach or install it). Setting it up is as simple as removing the security tag to allow it to automatically pair with your device. You’ll find it in your pre-installed Find My app and can rename it there as you wish. Once on, there’s no way to turn it off until the battery needs replacing, which we found a little inefficient.

Nevertheless, we were impressed with the accuracy of its tracking, which remained consistent throughout two flights between Chicago and New York, one with a hardside suitcase and the other with a softside suitcase. The only issue? On both flights, the tracker issued an erroneous left-behind notification on take-off, which had us panicking the first time it happened. It features a built-in speaker for audible alerts and offers Precision Finding via Apple Maps. You can also ask Siri for help finding your tracker (and therefore, luggage). It seems very sturdy and stood up well to our water-resistance tests.

Compatible Devices: iOS, iPadOS | Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.31 inches

TripSavvy / Taylor Fox

Best for Android Users

Samsung galaxy smart tag.

Great battery life

Can view tag’s location history

Small, lightweight, and easily attachable

Limited device compatibility

No instructions included

Compatible with all Samsung Galaxy phones running Android 8.0 or higher and with a RAM of 2GB or more, the Bluetooth-powered Samsung Galaxy SmartTag is the best option for Android users. We found it a little tricky to set up at first due to a lack of instructions, but once we figured out which app to download (SmartThings), it was quick and easy. We found the tracking accurate, with timely updates and the ability to view the tag’s location history. We also liked that we could share this info with other devices. The tag uses the Galaxy Find Network to locate lost items, even when they’re out of range.

If you think your item is nearby (within a 130-yard radius), you can also tap the ring button on your phone to generate an audible alarm and track it down. We liked the tag’s small, lightweight build and the fact that it has a keychain hole for attaching it to smaller items or securing it to your suitcase so that it doesn’t get lost. We felt it was durable, with impressive battery life that still showed 100 percent even after a few weeks’ use. Available in black or oatmeal colors, you can use the tag to control registered smart features (like lights) in your home as well.

Compatible Devices: Android | Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.4 inches

TripSavvy / Gabrielle Renslow

Best App-enabled

Tile pro bluetooth tracker.

• Ease of Setup 4.5 /5
• Accuracy 4 /5

Extra-loud audible alarm

Keychain hole for external attachment

Multiple colors to choose from

Some features require upgrading to a paid subscription

Some delay in updating location

If you like the idea of an app-enabled tracker that’s compatible with most Android and Apple devices, consider the Tile Pro with its Bluetooth range of up to 400 feet. Despite being pretty tech-savvy, we had to resort to the instructions to figure out how to set up and navigate the app. But, once we were up and running, we did like the many different features offered, including the ability to view the tracker’s location history and the option to ping it to make a noise. We loved the extra-loud volume of the audible alarm, which makes it easy to track down even from several rooms away.

We used the tracker on four domestic flights and each time it fulfilled its key purpose (letting us know our luggage was on the airplane with us). But we did find the tracking to be somewhat delayed, and often got error messages saying the tag was out of range or that the signal wasn’t strong enough. When offline, the location updates automatically on the app whenever the device comes within range of another member of the Tile community. Other features include a keychain hole, voice-assisted finding, a find-my-phone function, and a replaceable battery. For further services, you can upgrade to a paid, premium version of the app.

Compatible Devices: Apple, Android | Dimensions: 2.3 x 1.3 x 0.3 inches

First, we set up and installed the tracker, noting how long it took and how difficult it was to do, how clear any included instructions were, and how secure the tracker felt once attached to our luggage. Then, we downloaded any necessary apps and paired the tracker with our smartphone, noting how easy this process was, the overall design and functionality of the app, and whether any subscription fee seemed reasonable.

We then took a flight with the luggage tracker attached to our checked bag. We evaluated the accuracy of live tracking updates throughout our journey and whether connection was maintained the entire time. We also noted whether the tracker issued an alarm if it went out of range, and whether that range was similar to what was claimed in the product description. Where relevant, we tested the Lost Luggage feature by placing the tracked bag in another room and seeing how accurately its location was reported.

We also tested the battery life, the process of setting up a virtual fence (if applicable), and the functionality of any other special features, from audio alarms to lights. Finally, any trackers that were advertised as being waterproof were splashed or sprayed with water to check the truthfulness of this claim. Trackers were given a score of one to five for ease of set up, accuracy, functionality, design, and overall performance. Averaged totals were used to determine our category winners.

What to Look for in a Luggage Tracker

Device compatibility.

Before purchasing any luggage tracker, you need to make sure that it’s compatible with your device. Many are designed exclusively for either Apple or Android devices, although there are some third-party, app-enabled trackers that you can use with either. Beyond Apple versus Android, some trackers also have minimum RAM and/or operating system requirements. Usually, a quick scan of the product description shows basic compatibility requirements and/or a complete list of compatible smartphone and tablet models.

It’s worth noting that Apple AirTags offer a Precision Finding feature that can locate your tracker to within a few inches. However, this feature relies on ultra-wideband (UWB) technology that requires your iPhone to have a U1 chip, making it only compatible with certain models.

Helpful Features

The most important feature for any luggage tracker is the ability to link it to your smartphone so that you can view location updates in real-time. Other nice-to-haves include the ability to ping the tracker so that it makes an audible noise (great for finding it inside your luggage or for tracking down smaller items you may have attached it to). Left-behind alerts reduce the likelihood of losing your luggage in the first place, while a find-my-phone function lets you use the tracker to trigger your phone’s ringtone. The ability to view location history is also useful.

While there are luggage trackers that use GPS or GSM to ping their location, all of the ones on this list use Bluetooth. This technology is less expensive and works well over shorter distances, allowing your tracker to provide real-time location updates as long as it is within range of your phone. When it’s out of range (sometimes called offline), the location won’t update until the tracker comes within range of the Bluetooth signal of another device in the same community. This could be the Find My network for Apple devices, the Galaxy Find Network for Android devices, or a third-party community like Tile.

Ask someone who has experienced the stress and frustration of trying to resolve a lost luggage issue and their answer to this question would undoubtedly be “yes.” After all, there’s nothing worse than spending your vacation trying to replace your wardrobe or battling with uncaring airline officials. And while in the past, this technology was expensive enough to make sense only for frequent fliers or those with particularly valuable checked luggage items, it’s now so affordable and accessible that it really is a worthwhile investment for any traveler.

Whether your luggage tracker uses GPS, GSM, or Bluetooth technology, you shouldn’t have any problems getting it through airport security. And, although there are restrictions on lithium batteries with over 100 watts of power, luggage trackers use batteries that fall within this limit. Therefore, the vast majority of airlines allow them in both carry-on and checked luggage; however, it’s advisable to check directly with your airline as rules are always changing. In the past, some airlines have placed temporary bans on trackers that cannot be fully switched off.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and Commerce Updates Editor, with a total of more than 50 countries under her belt. The products in this article were selected from eight luggage trackers tested on real-life flights by our expert travel team. Jess also carried out in-depth research for each product by reading official brand descriptions, industry write-ups, and the reviews of previous customers.

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Best Luggage Trackers in 2023 (GPS, GSM & Bluetooth)

Smart GPS luggage trackers are super popular right now and for a good reason. Who wants to lose their luggage and be at the mercy of the airline!

With so much tech available to us today, there are a lot of smart luggage trackers out there that can help us keep our luggage safe and put the power back in our hands. After all, you don’t want to lose all your clothes, or an expensive travel laptop (if you checked it in that is). After all, you are not out on a survival expedition with your backpack and tent!

At A Glance: Our Favorite Luggage Trackers

• best gps tracker for international travel Tracki GPS Tracker Jump To Review
• Best Bluetooth Tracker Apple Air Tag Jump To Review
• Bluetooth & QR Tracker Tile Pro - Smart Tracker Jump To Review
• Best Android Luggage Tracker Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag Plus Jump To Review
• Luggage Tag QR Tracker DynoTag Jump To Review

But you might be asking yourself how do these luggage trackers work and which one is the best?

So, with those questions in mind, this post will show you the technology available and in use in luggage trackers and which one is best for you!

Note: If you want to understand how the tech works, scroll all the way to the end of the review section where I go into details.

In this guide:

Top Product Overview Smart Luggage Technology Do Luggage Trackers Actually Work? Any TSA Approved Luggage Trackers? Is A Luggage Tracker Worth It? Does Android Have A Luggage Tracker? Our Verdict

Top Product Overview

Best smart luggage trackers in 2022 (gps & bluetooth), tracki gps tracker.

Since the majority of the dedicated luggage trackers have gone out of business, I have been testing small trackers like Tracki GPS Tracker instead. The results have been fantastic.

This is a tiny tracker that weighs only 1.26oz and is 1.75 x 1.5 x 0.55 inches! You can put in any suitcase without taking up space and it comes with a worldwide SIM that covers 190 countries so that you get updated on its location no matter where you go.

What I love about this kind of tracker device is its simplicity. You just charge it, turn it on, throw it in your bag and you are good to go. Of course, you need to make sure it is working when you get it, but there is not much else to do!

There are some useful features you can set that help track your luggage too:

• Indoor tracking with wifi & Bluetooth
• Alerts for geofencing (alerts when your luggage goes outside an area), speed & movement
• Save battery life by only showing its location less often

All of this can be set up on the dedicated Tracki App which is where you can watch where your luggage is too.

Tracki App luggage tracking

You do have to be a bit careful with such GPS trackers because the battery only lasts max 3 days when it is moving all the time (when you travel). So adjusting the position updates on the app helps stop this from happening so fast.

You need to be aware that there is a monthly or yearly subscription . It costs anywhere from $9.95-19 per month depending on how long you subscribe. Of course, if you are a frequent traveler I recommend getting the 2-year option as that is the cheapest.

You have to pay for mobile network access because the device talks to the cellphone towers to update its position. This is always going to be the case for any tracking device except for a Tile or Apple Air Tag – because they just use Bluetooth

Apart from that, there are few downsides! And in my opinion, this is best GPS tracker for luggage money can buy.

• Small GPS tracker
• Very accurate
• Lots of useful features
• Battery life is not great for travel

Product Information

• Uses: GPS & GSM
• Indoor Wifi & Bluetooth tracker
• Subscription Options:
• - monthly, yearly
• Rechargeable batteries - 3 days (my testing has found this to be true)

Apple Air Tag

When Apple designs something, you know it is going to work and work well!

I bought my Air Tags to track a bunch of things (bike, campervan, luggage) and it is one of the best solutions for a Bluetooth luggage tracker for a variety of reasons.

It is super compact and can fit and hide almost anywhere. It is always on (once activated) and the battery lasts for a very very long time (some claim over a year). And when it does go flat, you just have to replace it with a standard CR2032 battery, not something fancy or expensive.

Air Tags are also super affordable and reliable, so are the best suitcase tracker for iOs.

They work by “pinging” any Apple device they see via Bluetooth. So, if your luggage passes another passenger, or airline worker with an iPhone (or iPad or Macbook) it will register its location. This is done anonymously, but its power is the network of Apple devices around the world!

The downside is limited accuracy in terms of “where” it is (until you go looking for it with a modern iPhone). This is something the more expensive trackers help with by using both GPS, Bluetooth and cellphone towers.

Here is a screenshot I took while tracking my just-checked-in luggage at Sydney Airport while flying domestically. I could tell me roughly where it was in the airport. So, if you want to know has it arrived, or is it close, then it does a good job.

Air Tag tracking luggage in Sydney Airport

When the luggage is getting closer, if you have a newer iPhone, you can also directionally track it with Bluetooth. So, if you don’t know which belt it is on, you can find it. Or if it has been stored in lost luggage perhaps.

Air Tag luggage tracking with bluetooth at luggage belt

However, an Air Tag does not require any subscription or yearly fee either. Just buy it, activate it and you are good to go.

They also come with some other useful features like alerting you when you leave something behind – which is not what you want with luggage, but might work with your carry-on!

If you want a solution that is cheap and simple, this is the one.

• Simple and affordable
• No subsriptions
• Light, compact and easy to hide
• Not as accurate
• Lacks options for tracking
• Size: 3.27 x 0.71 x 6.02 inches
• Battery: CR2032

Tile Pro - Smart Tracker

The Tile Pro  was not built as a luggage tracker but it’s so small and versatile it can certainly be used as one.

It only uses Bluetooth technology so you need to be quite close to the device to find it – 150m or 400ft. However, they do allow you to make use of the “tile network” which means that other tile users can anonymously tell if when they are near your device . So, even if your luggage goes “wild” you might still be able to find it. This is the functionality Apple more or less copied for the Air Tag.

This is  more of a “specific location” device  and not so much of a “did my luggage arrive” device like the others above. In that way, it really depends on what you want a tracker for.

Or, you could use this as a bit of extra security to the Trakdot above which does not come with Bluetooth. Especially since Tiles are pretty cheap (around $20-30) .

The Tile system is quite simple and again comes with an accompanying app to help you locate the “thing” it is used with. Its accuracy varies depending on who you talk to, but it’s a good addition to your luggage security, especially if you have expensive equipment. (Think camera gear, drones, skis, surfboard, etc).

Because it is meant to be used as a phone, keys, or pet tracker it also comes with an alert sound  that you can activate to help you find what you have placed the Tile on.

The battery lasts about a year and is replaceable – they use a CR2032 battery, which is a standard size you can get almost anywhere.

You can also get them in 1, 2 or 4 packs, or if you want to spend a little less, you can get the standard model which has less range (around 200ft).

They also have a QR code like the Dyno Tag (more on that below) so if you hang it on your luggage tag, you have two ways it can be found!

• Uses Bluetooth technology
• Battery life of one year
• Android or iPhone App
• QR Code for more security
• Very affordable
• Ideal for when you are nearby
• Not for luggage tracking specifically

Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag Plus

When the Air Tag came out it was only a matter of time before Samsung released the Galaxy Smart Tag Plus. It is also a very small plastic tag that uses the Samsung Galaxy network together with Bluetooth to track anything you like.

I won’t bore you with the details because if you have read the Air Tag review above you know how it works. However, it is a good suitcase tracker for a low cost and a great option for Android users who have a Sumsung Galaxy.

Warning: This only works with the Samsung Galaxy and not all Samsung phones or Android phones.

There is also the issue of Bluetooth range with a limit of 800ft, and as I experienced with the Air Tag, it is great for “rough” locating, but nothing super accurate. So, if you just need to know your luggage arrived in the plane with you, it’s a great option.

• Cheap and easy to use
• Works with Samsung Galaxy
• Limited Range
• Not compatible with other Androids
• Uses: Bluetooth tracking
• Dimensions: 1.54 x 1.54 x 0.39 inches
• Weight: 0.54 oz

LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker

The LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker is another option people often buy, but for me, it is not ideal for air travel.

First, it does not turn off when you are flying, which is often against airline rules.

Second, it has a strong magnet which is not something you want around other electronics, especially when you travel.

It is actually designed to track things on the ground and certainly works well, but it is not the luggage tracker of choice.

• Decent battery life
• Good tracking capabilities
• Not suited for airline travel
• Magnetic - which could ruin electronics

The DynoTag , is more of an old-school method. Like a luggage tag, only a lot more reliable. Luxury luggage brands like Tumi actually use this kind of thing on their luggage to help their customers find their luggage.

The DynoTag is not connected to the web/GPS – instead, it requires someone to find your bag, scan the code, and then you can see where it is online. So, not really a luggage tracker, but rather a way for anyone to register your bag as found.

This is of course the least you can do to ensure your luggage does not get lost, but you are still left waiting. I would combine it with an Air Tag or Tile given how cheap they are.

Smart Luggage Tracker Technology

There are a few different technologies to consider when looking at GPS tracker for luggage and they are:

• Mobile networks (GSM)

Most suitcase trackers use one or two of these technologies and they each have their pros and cons.

Let’s take a look at each one so you know what to be on the lookout for.

GPS Luggage Trackers

GPS luggage trackers might seem one of the best options because they include a GPS chip and can be tracked anywhere in the world.

GPS works almost anywhere and is incredibly accurate, but it does have a downside – it can be blocked quite easily by natural objects (trees, mountains etc) and also by buildings.

And this is where the  major disadvantage of GPS luggage trackers  comes in…

When you need your tracker to work you are probably standing in the airport terminal wondering where your luggage is.

So, you are in a building. And, unfortunately, you might not be able to track your luggage because of poor GPS coverage!

The upside is that GPS tracking devices are not dependent on any local technology (ie. whether your tracker works in the country you are in) or on proximity (like with Bluetooth – more on that below).

Mobile/GSM Luggage Trackers

Mobile or GSM luggage trackers get around the GPS coverage problem by using the local mobile network to help track your luggage.

The same way the FBI can pinpoint a criminal via cell towers ( triangulation ), these devices can be found when they are in the range of mobile towers.

And, it will work inside the airport terminal – just like your phone does!

The downside is that the country you are in has to support the SIM chip in the device (usually a GSM-based chip).

Currently, two countries that don’t support GSM are:

• South Korea

The rest of the world should not be a problem!

Bluetooth Trackers

Some trackers use only these technologies or use them in combination with Mobile to try to give you more options and accuracy.

Bluetooth typically only works within 30 meters (100 feet) of your phone, although some devices have ways to boost this.

So this is a great option when you are close to your luggage but trying to pinpoint it. When GSM or GPS is not accurate enough, this is a great addition.

However, most Bluetooth trackers are only that, and are really meant to be used at home to find your phone or lost keys. I would not use them alone to keep track of my luggage!

How Do Luggage Trackers Actually Work?

Depending on which of the three main technologies your tracker has, they all operate a little differently.

GSM trackers use mobile towers to locate and triangulate the device, so are not super accurate. But they do give you a rough idea of where the tracker is.

GPS trackers are far more accurate because they use very dependable satellites just as your car and phone do. However, when tracking your luggage specifically it depends on the software/app and tech used by the manufacturer. GPS itself can be accurate down to a number of feet, however, you are likely to need Bluetooth to locate your luggage inside an airport hall.

Bluetooth only works with hundreds of feet at best. So, either you use it in combination with GSM and/or GPS or you can only use it when your luggage is in the vicinity.

TSA Approved Luggage Trackers?

There are not currently any specifically TSA-approved luggage trackers. However, the TSA does allow GPS technology onto a plane and has not listed luggage trackers as something you cannot bring aboard.

Is A Luggage Tracker Worth It?

If you have expensive items in your luggage or your luggage itself is worth a lot of money then a luggage tracker is worth it. If you just want peace of mind, then you can buy a cheaper Bluetooth tracker like an AirTag or Tile as they are a lot cheaper.

Does Android Have A Luggage Tracker?

Most luggage trackers with an App work on Android devices. This includes both the Lugloc and Trackdot trackers as well as the Bluetooth tracker from Tile.

Other Options (Not Really)

Yes, there are other products and options on the market, but from what I have been able to find, nothing really worth adding to this review since I wrote it a year ago (today is April 2018).

Various companies have come out with trackers, but there are too many bad reviews –  Victorinox  & 1st Anti-Theft Tracker . I am surprised that Victorinox was unable to come up with something good as they are well-known here (in Switzerland where I am) and around the world for their quality knives and products.

I have even reviewed  one of their suitcases  and  passport wallets  before.

You could also try something like a GPS tracker that is not specifically designed for luggage tracking. They are relatively cheap and do the job, they just don’t have the extra features like proximity tracking (Bluetooth) and Airplane mode to put it to sleep until you land.

Here is an example, the LOC8ING :

The Verdict

At about the same price, the Lugloc and Trakdot are quite similar. However, given the limited battery life and lack of Bluetooth tracking (for closer tracking) for me, the Lugloc is the better bet .

Both the Lugloc and Trackdot devices are only meant to keep approximate track of your luggage and not follow it like the FBI in the movies. Keep that in mind. We are still not quite at that level of technology.

If you just want a cheap and easy tracker without all the fills, you can’t beat an Air Tag.

• #1 Worldwide Luggage Locator: Automatic Worldwide Tracking with Cell-tower Connected Technology

• Trakdot luggage tracker is designed to provide specific location information for your tracked luggage

However, for simple peace of mind, especially when dealing with lost luggage or expensive items (golf clubs, ski bags, etc) it might be worth the investment of a dedicated tracker. And, you can always throw in a Tile or Air Tag to give you a little more security using their Bluetooth app!

Related Post:

Best luggage locks for travelers.

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Check Out The 9 Best Luggage Trackers & Smart Tags of 2023

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Losing luggage while traveling can be a nightmare scenario for anyone. The inconvenience and stress of lost luggage can ruin a trip, and it can take weeks for the bags to be returned. Luckily, with the advancement of technology, luggage trackers and smart tags have become game-changers for travelers . These devices provide real-time updates on your luggage's location, making it easier to keep tabs on your bags and avoid the frustration of losing them during transit.

However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. That's where we come in. In this article, we've researched and compiled a list of the top 9 luggage trackers and smart tags of 2023 to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a frequent traveler or just planning a vacation, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to choose the perfect luggage tracker or smart tag for your travels.

How Does Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags Work?

Luggage trackers and smart tags use a combination of technologies in travel to help you locate your bags. They typically use GPS, Bluetooth, or cellular networks to provide real-time location updates. Some models also come with additional features like geofencing, motion sensors, and alarms. When you attach a luggage tracker or smart tag to your bag, you can use a smartphone app or web portal to track its location, receive notifications, and even set up alerts if it gets lost or stolen.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Luggage Tracker or Smart Tag

When choosing a luggage tracker or smart tag, here are some key features to consider:

• Battery life : Look for a device with a long-lasting battery that can last for the duration of your trip.
• Range : Check the range of the device to make sure it will work in the areas you're traveling to.
• Size and weight : Make sure the device is compact and lightweight enough to fit inside your luggage without adding too much extra weight.
• Compatibility : Check to see if the device is compatible with your smartphone or other devices.
• Price : Consider the cost of the device and whether it fits within your budget.

The 9 Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags of 2023

Here are our top picks for the best luggage trackers and smart tags of 2023:

1. Tile Pro

The Tile Pro is a small, waterproof tracker that attaches to your luggage or other valuables. It uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your smartphone and provide real-time location updates. The Tile Pro has a range of up to 400 feet and a battery life of up to one year. It also comes with a loud ringtone that can help you locate your luggage quickly.

2. Trakdot Luggage Tracker

The Trakdot Luggage Tracker is a compact device that uses cellular networks to provide real-time location updates. It has a range of up to 100 feet and a battery life of up to two weeks. The Trakdot also comes with a built-in SIM card and works in over 200 countries worldwide.

3. Dynotag Smart Luggage ID Tag

The Dynotag Smart Luggage ID Tag is a versatile device that allows you to store all your travel information in one place. It uses QR code technology to provide access to your contact information, flight details, and more. The Dynotag is also waterproof and comes with a lifetime warranty.

4. LugLoc Luggage Tracker

The LugLoc Luggage Tracker is a device that uses cellular and Bluetooth technology to provide real-time location updates. It has a range of up to 200 feet and a battery life of up to 15 days. The LugLoc also comes with an app that allows you to track multiple bags at once.

BAGTAG is a smart luggage tag that allows you to check in your luggage remotely. It uses e-ink technology to display your baggage information and works with over 250 airlines worldwide. The BAGTAG also comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to six months.

6. Trackimo Travel Tracker

The Trackimo Travel Tracker is a GPS device that allows you to track your luggage in real time. It has a range of up to 50 feet and a battery life of up to two weeks. The Trackimo also comes with a panic button that sends an alert to your smartphone if your luggage is lost or stolen.

7. Chipolo ONE Spot

The Chipolo ONE Spot is a Bluetooth tracker that attaches to your luggage or other belongings. It has a range of up to 200 feet and a battery life of up to two years. The Chipolo ONE Spot also comes with a loud ringtone and an app that allows you to track the location of your luggage.

8. LugLoc Luggage Tracker

The LugLoc Luggage Tracker is a powerful device that provides real-time updates on the location of your luggage. This tracker is compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into your luggage without adding extra weight. The LugLoc Luggage Tracker comes with a free app that allows you to track your bags from anywhere in the world. The device uses GSM technology to provide accurate location information, and it's rechargeable with a battery life of up to 15 days.

9. Tumi Global Locator

The Tumi Global Locator is a high-tech luggage tracker that offers a wide range of features. This device is compact and durable, making it perfect for frequent travelers. The Tumi Global Locator comes with a free app that allows you to track your bags from anywhere in the world. It uses GPS technology to provide location information, and it also has a built-in Bluetooth speaker that can be used to find your bags in crowded places. The device is rechargeable and has a battery life of up to 12 days.

Luggage trackers and smart tags are essential devices in travel for anyone. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. The Tile Pro, Trakdot Luggage Tracker, Dynotag Smart Luggage ID Tag, LugLoc Luggage Tracker, BAGTAG, Trackimo Travel Tracker, and Chipolo ONE Spot are all excellent choices that offer a range of features and price points. By considering the key features of each device, you can find the perfect luggage tracker or smart tag for your next trip.

Can I use a luggage tracker or smart tag on any type of luggage?

Yes, most luggage trackers and smart tags can be attached to any type of luggage or bag.

Do I need to pay a subscription fee for luggage trackers and smart tags?

Some devices may require a subscription fee for cellular data, but most do not.

Can I track my luggage if it gets lost or stolen?

Yes, most luggage trackers and smart tags allow you to track your luggage in real-time and receive notifications if it gets lost or stolen.

How long does the battery of a luggage tracker or smart tag last?

The battery life varies depending on the device, but most can last for several weeks to a year.

Can I use multiple luggage trackers or smart tags at once?

Yes, some devices come with apps that allow you to track multiple bags at once.

Can I use an AirTag to track my luggage?

Yes, you can use an AirTag to track your luggage. Apple's AirTag is a popular option for tracking items, including luggage, due to its small size and integration with the Find My app. Simply attach the AirTag to your luggage and you'll be able to see its location on a map in the Find My app. 

However, it's important to note that the AirTag does have limitations in terms of range and compatibility with non-Apple devices, so it may not be the best option for everyone. It's also important to check with your airline to ensure that the use of such devices is permitted during air travel.

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Home » Gear » The BEST Smart and GPS Luggage Trackers & Tags (2024)

The BEST Smart and GPS Luggage Trackers & Tags (2024)

If you’ve never spent the afternoon trying to keep your cool while speaking to apoplectic baggage handlers, let me save you the trouble. It’s only a matter of time before your bag slips off the back of a luggage cart. You’ll be at the mercy of an overworked and underpaid employee who may or may not care about getting your bags back without doing your research.

Taking matters into your own hands is logical, especially when traveling with sensitive gear. I don’t think I could stomach the idea of packing expensive electronics into a bag, handing it off to someone else, and having no receipts.

Smart GPS luggage trackers won’t add any weight to your pack, but they’ll take a load off your shoulders. Great trackers can provide up-to-date information and keep you posted on where to find your bags before you can even clear customs. Use this guide to keep tabs on your bags from international travel to days crossing the grasslands on the bus.

We’ve tracked our luggage across the globe and spent a few days waiting for our luggage to show up. When you’re living out of your backpack, it can be excruciating to spend a week without it, so GPS luggage tags have become a natural line of defense.

Read on to explore the best luggage trackers for movement across town and the Pacific.

We Found The Best Luggage Trackers – Here Our Top Picks:

#1 best overall luggage tracker – apple air tags, #2 runner up – gego worldwide tracker, #3 best tracker for international travel – tracki lte mini gps tracker, #4 best real time luggage tracker – landairsea 54 gps tracker, #5 best value luggage tracker – loxigstar gl310mg, #6 best for android – samsung galaxy smart tag bluetooth tracker, #7 cheapest luggage tracker – eufy security smarttrack link.

Apple Air Tags

• > Easy To Use with Apple devices
• > 1 year warranty

Gego Worldwide Tracker

• > Contract free SIM connection
• > Battery saver mode

Tracki LTE Mini Gps Tracker

• > Replaceable battery
• > Records and stores up to 5 years of movements

Landairsea 54 GPS Tracker

• > Lifetime hardware replacement
• > Water-proof guarantee

Logixtar GL310MG

• > Magnetic attachments
• > Comes with a lifetime warranty

Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag Bluetooth Tracker

• > Easily removable back compartment
• > Smart Tag Bluetooth Low Energy signal

EUFY Security SmartTrack Link

• > Compatible with Apple’s Find My app
• > With the eufy Security app

These Are The Best Luggage Trackers – GPS, Smart & More

Final thoughts on the best luggage trackers.

Luggage Trackers are two-part systems. On one end, you’ll have a physical unit that you place inside the gear you want to track. This beacon will communicate with GPS, cellular data, or Bluetooth systems to continuously send signals. It’s not much more than a tiny tracking chip, but it brings a wealth of data. 

You’ll want to look for either a GPS or GSM luggage tracker to take advantage of real-time tracking, but you won’t find any of those that won’t require a subscription fee. The best luggage tags will use a combination of these signal types to make sure you’re never out of service. You can find trackers that send a probe out every few seconds or ones that can update you once or twice a day to save battery life. 

The second part of the parcel is often a smartphone app that receives your bag’s beacon and translates it into up-to-date statistics. These apps can show everything from luggage top speed to the amount of time spent idle at each stop to paint the complete picture. 

As long as you fully charge your luggage tracker before your travel days, every option on this list will last for weeks of movement and can pinpoint your bag to a precise location every few minutes, hours, or days. 

Keeping track of your gear can be a hassle, especially when left up to the airlines. These luggage trackers can draw you a map to your equipment and place it in the palm of your hands, as long as you solemnly swear you’re up to no good. Take it from us, GPS luggage trackers have fast established themselves as a go-to modern travel accessory .

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#1 Apple Air Tag

Battery Type: Replaceable CR2032 battery

Compatibility: Apple devices only

Subscription: Apple ID only

Size:3.27 in. x 0.47 in. x 4.09 in.

We presume that Apple needs no introduction to you by now and you will probably NOT be surprised to find us ranking as the number 1 best luggage tracker – in fact they have proven such a hit that they are often sold out in many locations. If you’re part of the Apple ecosystem, setting up your AirTag is a breeze. Simply tap your iPhone or iPad’s Bluetooth and you’re good to go! Listen out for the AirTag’s built-in speaker and let it guide you straight to your belongings.

Reliability and accuracy are the name of the game with the Apple AirTag. It’s a compact and lightweight tracker that’s perfect for keeping tabs on all the things you often misplace while out on the road, from your keys to your backpack to, of course, your luggage.

One of the coolest features of the AirTag is Lost Mode. This nifty setting sends you notifications when your device is in range or has been located by the Find My network. Even better, your AirTag will ping off of nearby Apple devices to gauge its location, so you can track your bag even if it’s miles away. And if you’re ever unlucky enough to lose your AirTag, you can input your phone number and email so that anyone who finds it can tap it using their iPhone to display your contact info. How’s that for peace of mind on the road?

• Tracks in real time
• Battery guaranteed for a year under Apple Warranty
• Most popular air tag on market
• Can only track on apple devices

#2 Gego Worldwide Tracker

Battery Type: Rechargeable lithium battery

Compatibility: iOS 9.3 and Android 5

Subscription: Monthly plan starts at $6.50

Size:3.15 x 1.77 x 0.63 inches (80 x 45 x 16 mm)

Gego’s real-time tracker will let you watch your bag travel from the hold to the taxi trunk without a blip. The tracker communicates with your cell phone, so you don’t need to add more complicated electronics to your luggage. Just slip the thin reader into the corner of your luggage, charge and connect the tracker before your voyage, and travel with peace of mind.

The Gego Worldwide isn’t called that for nothing. This travel tracker utilizes TSA compliant battery to stay on and stay off any x-ray machine’s radar. You can set your own proximity radar for customized alerts if you’re bag starts wandering off and check back over the bag’s history to see how it got there. 

Anywhere you’ve got a cellular connection, you’ll have your hands on minute-by-minute baggage updates to keep you from wasting time at the carousel. This is the pick of the GPS luggage trackers which we tested.

• Contract free SIM connection – only activate it when you’re ready to travel
• Battery saver mode helps the tracker last through long haul trips
• Bluetooth connection can keep you notified of your baggage before you connect to airport wif
• You’ll need a monthly subscription to get everything out of this device

#3 Tracki LTE Mini Gps Tracker

Compatibility: iOS 1 and Android 6 or later

Subscription: Monthly plan starts at $9.95

Size:3 1.8 x 1.6 x 0.7 inches (47 x 40 x 18 mm)

This mini tracker is a great daily GPS that’s always ready to go on vacation. The long-lasting battery and low monthly subscription cost make this tracker perfect for dog collars, carburetors, and international travel.

Tracki uses GTM/LTE Service to connect in over 180 countries and provides up to one month of constant updates on your luggage’s whereabouts. You don’t need convoluted equipment to keep an eye on things. The Tracki mini is one of the lightest luggage trackers out there, but that tiny packaging is more than capable of tracking your gear.

• Replaceable battery brings backup without buying an entirely new system
• Tracki records and stores up to 5 years of movements
• 3-month battery life tracking once a day, 2-3 days tracking at once per minute
• Expensive monthly subscription fee unless you opt for a long-term contract
• Being tossed around in the luggage compartment rarely accidentally activates a panic button

#4 Landairsea 54 GPS Tracker

Compatibility: iOS 7 and Android 4.4 or later

Subscription: Monthly plan starts at $25.95

Size:2.25 x 2.25 x 0.8 inches (57 x 57 x 20 mm)

This Conveniently storable cookie-sized tracking device slips into your daypack or checked bags and draws a map of their movements 24/7. Over 50 hours of movement battery stays with you through the red eye and helps you relax a bit while dealing with delays. This product brings several deluxe features that have it fighting for top dog in the market. 

Lifetime hardware replacement and a water-proof guarantee bring peace of mind to your purchase. Your GPS luggage tracker can trace its design and manufacture origins to the USA and provide pinpointed live location for your luggage and loved ones. 

• HIstorical reports provide speed, stops, and idle time information
• Low Power Mode brings six months of battery life
• The longest interval you can select is every 3 minutes
• Magnetic trackers can set off alarm bells

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

#5 Logixtar GL310MG

Compatibility: iOS 9 and Android 4.4 or later

Subscription: Monthly plan starts at $14.99

Size:3.62 x 1.85 x 0.87 inches (92 x 47 x 22 mm)

This luggage tracker is all about monitoring objects in motion. The sensor can provide minute-by-minute updates for up to three weeks on one battery charge and a monthly subscription. Logixtar’s daily tracker goes above and beyond the capabilities of most baggage tags. 

Get instant alerts if your baggage starts to break speed records or gets too far out of hand. The tracker uses a sim card and magnetic attachment to bring versatile full-time location sharing international. 

• No extra charge for more frequent updates
• Magnetic attachments holds on in cars and boats
• Your purchase comes with a lifetime warranty and an accompanying app that receives frequent updates
• Good luck remembering how to spell Logixtar
• Not specifically designed to beat TSA requirements

#6 Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag Bluetooth Tracker

Battery Type: Replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery

Compatibility: iOS 1 and Android 9 or later

Subscription: None

Size: 1.54 x 1.54 x 0.39 inches (39.1 x 39.1 x 10.0 mm)

Our last Smart Luggage Tracker is also one of the simplest. This thin black square easily loops across keychains and stows away inside a pocket to fit any suitcase with an extra security splash. Connect the Bluetooth tracker to your cell phone and make sure your bag gets on the same plane that you do. 

There is one eerie piece of technology that helps this Smart Tag stand out in a crowded field. The Smart Tag Bluetooth Low Energy signal will communicate with any nearby Galaxy devices. That means if someone with a participating device walks past your lost luggage, it can update you on the location of lost luggage. 

If you already have your hands on a Samsung Galaxy, this additional tag comes with no subscription fees or monthly contract requirements, making it easily the most GPS luggage tracker out there. Unfortunately, it’s useless if you don’t already have the proper cell phone setup. 

• Easily removable back compartment allows you to replace the battery without replacing the product
• Loud tones can help your bag screech up to 89 dB
• Slightly too large to fit in your wallet
• Can only be used with a Samsung Galaxy

#7 EUFY Security SmartTrack Link

Size: 1.46 x 1.46 x 0.26 inches

The SmartTrack Link is compatible with Apple’s Find My app, which comes pre-installed on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. To add the SmartTrack Link to the Items tab, simply use the Find My app. This feature allows you to track the location of your item anywhere in the world using Apple’s extensive network of devices. It is important to note that Apple Find My features are only available when used with an iOS, iPadOS, or macOS device.

Finding your phone in silent mode is made easy with a double tap, which triggers a loud ringtone that can be heard even when the phone is on silent mode.

With the eufy Security app, you can share the location of your items with friends and family.

The Link device comes with an alarm that is so loud that it cannot be missed, even if it’s covered or in the next room.

• Can share location with friends and family
• Has a silent option
• Not the smallest
• Cheap price tag but does that mean low quality?

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Have your choice of any of these fantastic luggage trackers and keep your security in your hands. Travel insurance can only recover a fraction of the financial burden and inconvenience of lost or stolen luggage. Don’t let your expensive equipment travel without some essential back-ups. 

Hopefully, these luggage trackers will never come in handy, but it only takes one disaster averted to more than justify the investment. Connect to the accompanying application before your travel day, and you’ll be sitting at the controls in no time. 

Every tracker on our list can fit inside handbags or larger backpacks and even keep track of mobile equipment at the push of a button. 

Luggage tracking technology has gotten easier and easier. We don’t need military satellites to take advantage of global positioning systems, thanks to our cell phones. One chip is all it takes to get to your destination at the same time as your fresh pair of underwear. 

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Luggage Trackers Are More Reliable Than Your Airline

By Tyler Chin and Timothy Beck Werth

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Until you can afford to fly by private jet, modern air travel follows the 50/50 rule, as in there’s a 50% chance something will go wrong. But Luggage trackers can at least help you solve one of the following problems: epic delays, unruly passengers, and lost luggage that are all common hazards of flying commercial.

In fact, luggage trackers are becoming increasingly important these days, what with bag transfers persistently bungled by labor shortages in the post-COVID travel boom. According to the Department of Transportation's most recent Air Travel Consumer Report , in April 2023 more than 219,000 bags were mishandled—i.e. damaged, delayed, stolen, or otherwise lost.

As frightening as those numbers are, those with checked bags can rest easier knowing that a cheap luggage tracker in the sub-$30 range can help them keep tabs on their precious travel bags wherever they go. Buying a luggage tracker should really be a no-brainer for anyone who's checking luggage. A five-pack of underwear, some old clothes, and extra toothpaste may cost next to nothing, but when a full suitcase worth of your stuff is spinning out into the ether, your whole trip can be ruined. If your airline ever inexplicably loses track of your checked bags, a GPS luggage tracker can help you locate it.

Just leave the little device in your bag, and if (when?) it goes missing, you'll be able to locate it lickety-split. If you're getting the gnawing feeling that something's amiss—a sensation multiple people have reported as travel kicks back into high gear—they're worth every cent. Even the best tracker, though, won't miraculously teleport your missing items to you. You'll still have to navigate the infuriating bureaucracy that is airport security to reunite with your lost goods. But hey, at least you'll know they're not floating out in the middle of the ocean. Peace of mind typically costs a whole lot more.

The Best Luggage Trackers, at a Glance

Even the very best trackers for luggage typically cost less than $30, and all of our top picks are available via Amazon Prime. So even if your trip is just days away, you still have time to toss one of these trackers into your suitcase.

• The Best Overall Luggage Tracker : Apple AirTag , $29
• The Best Budget Luggage Tracker : Tile Mate , $23
• The Best Luggage Tag for Android Users : Samsung SmartTag+ , $60
• The Best Battery-Free Luggage Tag : Dynotag Luggage Tracker , $23
• The Best Luggage Tag for Real-Time Tracking : Tracki , $16
• The Best Trackers for Forgetful Folks: Tile Mate Essentials , $80

How do luggage trackers work?

Before AirTags and GPS luggage trackers were around, all travelers had were luggage tags, those little paper tags you'd affix to your checked baggage with personal info like your name, address, and phone number. If you were to lose your bag, you'd hope that some kind soul would find your tag and contact you with your bag's location—and hopefully not keep your cargo for themself. Now we have luggage trackers, which utilize Bluetooth, WiFi, and/or cellular data to give you virtual updates on your bag's location.

GPS luggage trackers utilize cellular networks to show you your item’s location in real-time no matter where it is, which is why GPS devices like Tracki are the best luggage trackers for international travel. But what about popular Bluetooth trackers such as Apple AirTags or Samsung Galaxy SmartTags? These work a little differently.

Bluetooth trackers work with an accompanying app to track your items. When the tracker is outside your phone’s Bluetooth range, it pings other devices running the same app or technology. So, if you slipped an AirTag into your spinner suitcase and it’s now thousands of miles away at the wrong airport, the AirTag will look for nearby devices running Apple’s Find My network. And because Apple devices are everywhere , there’s a good chance that someone’s iPhone or Apple Watch will be in range. Tile uses its own network, as does Samsung. If there are no devices in range, the app will show your item’s last-known location.

How do you use a luggage tracker?

Luggage trackers are fairly dummy-proof: Make sure it's on, toss it in your carry-on bag or checked luggage, and ensure it's connected to your phone or computer. GQ shopping editors have tested the most popular luggage tracking devices and apps from brands like Apple and Tile, and the setup process really is that simple. As long as your luggage tracker's battery isn't dead, it should give you its location whenever you request it from your device.

Are luggage trackers really worth it?

Check online and you'll find numerous frustrated travelers have extolled the use of luggage trackers for helping them locate their missing baggage. In short, they do work—just make sure they have enough juice in their battery and, if there's a subscription fee, that you've paid for as much coverage as you would think you need. So, are luggage trackers worth it? The cheapest one we recommend is less than $30, and that's a whole lot cheaper than springing for a whole 'nother bag (and replacements for the personal items within) in case your stuff is gone for good.

Now, the best luggage trackers to keep your sights on your bag even when you're miles apart.

The Best Overall Luggage Tracker: Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag

Air Tag (4-Pack)

Apple debuted its AirTags in April of 2021, and they quickly became popular thanks to their ability to track your lost items. Slightly larger than a quarter, AirTags help you track your missing gear—like a wallet , jacket , or backpack —through a Bluetooth connection. If you lose something with your AirTag affixed to it, you can use your phone to trigger a sound effect letting you know its location; the only caveat is that the missing item has to be within 800 feet of you. But given you'll be using your AirTag to track your lost luggage—which is probably miles away—that feature isn't as relevant.

Hundreds of millions of people own Apple devices, though, and those strangers' gear will actually help you find your stuff. When someone else's iPhone is near the AirTag, encrypted Bluetooth technology will help you locate your lost stuff in the Find My app. Plus, an AirTag has a battery life of one year, so you don't have to worry about it dying on you while you're on the search. And although it's an Apple product, AirTags sync up with Androids too, provided the product in question has the corresponding Tracker Detect app. (For the real neurotics, Apple also builds in a safety feature to let you know when an unfamiliar AirTag has been following you for a long time.) In our experience using Apple AirTags for travel, these Bluetooth devices couldn’t be easier to use.

The Best Budget Luggage Tracker: Tile Mate

Tile Mate bluetooth tracker

Tile became a standout name in Bluetooth tracking way before Apple released the AirTag, and the water-resistant Mate works in very much the same way. It boasts a Bluetooth range of 250 feet, and when it's farther away than that, it'll bounce off of other Tile devices to help you approximate its location. Its battery life is around three years long, which is a huge bump up from the AirTag's. You don't need a Tile subscription to tap into the network of Tile users, but an optional Tile Premium membership offers perks like a Smart Alert—for when you leave something behind—and a $100 reimbursement fee if Tile can't find what you're looking for.

The Best Luggage Tag for Android Users: Samsung SmartTag+

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+

The best luggage trackers for Android users, Samsung SmartTags are essentially AirTags for Samsung Galaxy users. Their Bluetooth range is 120 meters, or around 393 feet, and you can tap into the Galaxy Find Network to find your stuff when things are out of range. The SmartTag+ has a very cool feature that lets you use augmented reality to give you step-by-step directions to your tracker. Basically, you can use your phone's camera to give you real-time directions to locate your tracker, which'll glow green once you're nearby. The only downside, as you might expect, is that SmartTags are made exclusively for Galaxy users so they're largely useless to everyone else.

The Best Battery-Free Luggage Tag: Dynotag Luggage Tracker

Dynotag luggage tracker

Dynotag's tracker relies solely on good Samaritans. (Trust us, they still exist.) You can't track it remotely, but if someone else finds it they can scan the QR code, which will trigger an email sent to you with the tracker's whereabouts. It's essentially a teched-out version of an old-school luggage tag, and unlike the other options on this list, it doesn't require batteries.

The Best Luggage Tag for Real-Time Tracking: Tracki

Tracki looks like an old-school beeper, and it's built for those who are super anxious when it comes to their checked baggage. Using 4G LTE and WiFi networks (both in the US and globally), Tracki will give you real-time, precise updates to wherever your bag may be. If you're wondering why these GPS trackers for luggage are so cheap though, it's because you can only take advantage of this pin-point accuracy by paying a $20 monthly fee. If you're going away for a weeklong trip, that months-long tracking might actually be worth it to offer you some peace of mind. Unlike the AirTag or SmartTag+, the battery on the Tracki is rechargeable, but it drains quickly when in use, or any time you activate it to give you those real-time updates.

The Best Trackers for Forgetful Folks: Tile Mate Essentials

Mate Essentials 4-pack

Although Apple’s Find My network is widely considered the gold standard for item recovery, Tile also boasts a global network of users, which increases the likelihood of recovering your lost luggage. And unlike Apple luggage trackers, you can use Tile devices with iOS or Android. We’ve tested the standard Tile Mate, Tile Mate Essentials, and the premium Tile Pro , and all of these products proved incredibly easy to set up and use. So far (knock on wood), we haven’t seen our luggage or tagged items disappear from GPS while using the Tile App to track real-time location.

Tile Mate Essentials comes with four individual trackers, so you can virtually tag your carry-on and other travel accessories. If you’ve ever left your wallet at home or forgotten your keys at airport security, then the Tile Mate Essentials bundle was made for you. Plus, if you sign up for a paid Tile Premium subscription, the Tile app will also send you proactive smart notifications when you accidentally leave a tagged item behind. The next time you forget something at home in your rush to get to the airport or to leave for work on time, these notifications can be a lifesaver. Of course, if you’re determined to buy luggage trackers with no monthly fee, this is an optional add-on.

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11 Best GPS Trackers for Luggage: Top Picks for Secure Travel in 2024

We understand the importance of keeping track of your belongings while traveling, which is why we’ve curated a list of the best GPS trackers for luggage.

These devices offer peace of mind by providing real-time location data, so you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about your bags. Our selections stand out for their reliability, ease of use, and features that cater to every type of traveler’s needs.

1. GEGO Luggage Tracker

We found this tracker to be a reliable travel companion, ensuring our luggage is never out of sight, even when out of hand.

• Offers a comprehensive baggage recovery service
• Tracks globally without the need for internet
• Complies with TSA, FAA, and IATA regulations
• Requires an ongoing subscription
• Moderate battery life necessitating frequent charging
• Subscription details could be clearer

Traveling can often be a source of anxiety, especially when it comes to the safety of our luggage. We recently tried out the GEGO Luggage Tracker on our international trip and were pleasantly surprised at the peace of mind it offered. Its baggage recovery service proved invaluable; thankfully, our bags stayed with us, but the added assurance was comforting.

The real appeal of this device lies in its global tracking capabilities. We experienced firsthand how this tracker kept our belongings pinpointed in real-time, across different countries, without relying on any internet connection. It was especially handy when we were in transit and had no Wi-Fi access.

We appreciate a product that takes out the complexity of compliance, and GEGO does just that. It saved us the hassle of wondering whether our tracker met all the legal requirements for air travel. That it aligns with TSA, FAA, and IATA standards gave us one less thing to worry about at the airport.

That said, we were slightly set back by the need to subscribe for the tracking service. While understandable for maintaining real-time updates, it’s an ongoing cost to consider. Another word of caution; the battery life could be better. We had to charge the device the night before our flights to make sure it lasted through the journey.

Clearer information on managing the subscription service would have been beneficial. We were left a bit in the dark about whether we could pause our subscription between trips, a feature that could potentially save some money.

In sum, the GEGO Luggage Tracker is a robust choice for the frequent traveler. It demands a balance between the reassurance of constant connectivity and the effort of maintaining the subscription and battery. But for those who value keeping a vigilant eye on their belongings, it’s a worthy investment.

2. SAIJINZHI GPS Trackers

If you’ve ever stressed over misplaced luggage, these trackers offer a slice of peace of mind, functioning well within short ranges.

• Easy to tag onto personal items for quick location
• Long battery life reduces frequent maintenance
• User-friendly app interface enhances the tracking experience
• Limited tracking range may not suffice for distant tracking
• Sound alerts are low, posing challenges in noisy environments
• The tracker’s size may be cumbersome for smaller items

In our quest to keep a better eye on personal belongings, we’ve looped these trackers onto our luggage, offering a convenient way to locate our things. They cheered us up by chirping back via a smartphone app whenever our bags wandered too close to the edge of a 15-meter safety bubble. The app’s setup was quick and intuitive, spurring our devices to announce their presence without much fuss.

The unexpected joy sprouted from their endurance — a fresh battery could see us through months of travels without a whimper of power loss. This stamina meant we rarely reached for our stash of CR2032s, the sojourn of changing batteries delightfully infrequent.

However, embarking on adventures far from the beaten track, we found the 15-meter range restrictive. When the crowd’s clamor rose, the device’s faint sound strained our ears. We also grappled with conceiving ways to attach the tracker discreetly, as its physical form cried out when tucking into the snug corners of our sleek gadgets.

Laptops with smaller equipment generally benefit from these trackers, particularly when objects are likely to remain within short distances. Yet, when venturing far or threading through clamorous spaces, the limitations become tangible.

3. Galaxy SmartTag2

Owning the Galaxy SmartTag2, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind knowing your prized possessions are just a tap away from being found.

• Water- and dust-resistant design enhances durability.
• Integration with SmartThings Find provides an intuitive tracking experience.
• Extended battery life is ideal for long-term use without frequent replacements.
• Limited to Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet users.
• Bluetooth range limitations could be an issue with obstacles.
• The need for a Samsung account and app registration may deter some users.

We recently tried the Galaxy SmartTag2 on a trip, where attaching it to our luggage made locating our bags a breeze. The feeling of watching our luggage being loaded onto the plane through the app was a new experience for us, giving us an added layer of security.

We found the water-resistant feature to be a standout, especially after a bit of a splash mishap on a boat ride; the SmartTag continued functioning impeccably. The compact design fit perfectly in the smallest of pouches, and the long battery life meant we didn’t have to worry about it dying mid-trip.

However, while the tracking experience was seamless, we did feel the limitations of the product being exclusive to those in the Samsung ecosystem. Friends who didn’t have a compatible Samsung device couldn’t tap into the SmartTag’s functionalities. The Bluetooth range was great in open areas, but walls and drawers posed a slight challenge.

For those within the Samsung fold, the Galaxy SmartTag2 is an excellent choice – it’s reliable, well-designed, and the battery longevity means one less thing to worry about. Whether it’s daily use for keeping track of keys or for peace of mind during travels, it’s a gadget that we’ve now integrated into our everyday lives.

4. GECAP Mini Tracker

We’ve found that the GECAP Mini Tracker is a reliable companion for anyone needing to keep tabs on their valuables without recurring charges.

• No ongoing fees after purchase
• Works globally with proximity to any Apple device
• Petite and sturdy build with waterproof feature
• Requires proximity to Apple devices for optimal tracking
• Battery requires eventual replacement
• Limited to Bluetooth range for immediate location

Lately, we’ve been trying out the GECAP Mini Tracker on various items; its performance is impressive. The device links seamlessly with the Apple Find My app, making setup a breeze. Our first test was slipping the tracker inside a suitcase. During the trip, we enjoyed peace of mind, knowing we could locate our luggage instantly, thanks to real-time tracking.

The global tracking capability of the device truly came in handy during our international travels. By enabling Lost Mode, we could relax, confident that any nearby Apple device would detect our tagged items. The waterproof design also meant we didn’t fret about the tracker getting damaged during a downpour on one of our outings.

The one caveat we noticed is while the tracker works globally, it does depend on the presence of Apple devices nearby to relay its location. In less populated areas, this could be a limitation. Replacing the battery, although infrequent, is another step you’ll have to remember. Close to your smartphone, its accuracy is unbeatable, but venture beyond the Bluetooth range, and real-time updates are not as instant.

Despite these few points, our overall experience reinforces the value of the GECAP Mini Tracker. It’s discreet, durable, and most of all, it relinquishes the worry of potentially lost luggage or valuables. We’re keeping a few of these tucked into our must-carry items, knowing they’ll come in handy when we least expect it.

5. Gark Smart Tracker

We find this tracker to be a straightforward solution for keeping tabs on personal items, ensuring peace of mind during our travels.

• Simple to set up and use with a user-friendly app
• Versatility in tracking everything from luggage to pets
• Compact design makes it easy to attach to various items
• Limited to Bluetooth range for real-time tracking
• Dependent on having the paired smartphone within reach
• Beeping sound may not be loud enough in noisy environments

As seasoned travelers, we understand the importance of keeping our belongings secure and easily locatable. With the Gark Smart Tracker, we experienced the ease of locating our luggage and personal items. The setup was hassle-free, and the app’s interface was intuitive, making it quick to get started.

The versatility of the tracker impressed us—it was not just a luggage tracker but also worked well with keys, wallets, and even as a precautionary measure for pets. The compact and discreet design meant it didn’t draw attention, and it could be conveniently attached to almost anything we needed to keep an eye on.

During our use, we appreciated the additional feature of the remote camera function which allowed us to capture group photos without leaving anyone out. However, the tracker’s reliance on Bluetooth technology limited its tracking to a certain range, and we had to ensure our smartphones were within that range to keep track of our items.

One minor quibble we had was that the beeping sound emitted by the tracker could sometimes be drowned out in busy, loud environments like airports or train stations. This could make it tricky to find your items by sound alone in such situations. Additionally, if you are out of the Bluetooth range, locating items can become a challenge.

In conclusion, the Gark Smart Tracker is a handy companion for keeping your belongings accounted for during day-to-day activities or travel. Despite the few limitations associated with Bluetooth technology, the pros significantly outweigh the cons, especially in terms of the convenience and security it offers.

6. Copkim GPS Tracker

After our hands-on experience, we find that these trackers are best suited for casual users needing basic tracking abilities for their belongings.

• Multi-pack with diverse colors aids organization and identification
• User-friendly interface compatible with iOS and Android devices
• Effective within a 25m/82 ft range, supporting prompt item location
• Limited to manual measurements and size inaccuracies
• Potential color variation due to different screen displays
• Modest customer rating may indicate quality or reliability concerns

On testing the Copkim GPS Tracker, we found the variety of colors very practical for attaching to different items, ensuring they’re easy to distinguish at a glance. We’ve tried attaching them to multiple everyday items, including keys and wallets, which proved to be a hassle-free way to avoid misplacing essentials. The compact size meant they tucked away neatly without adding any noticeable bulk.

The setup process using the companion app was straightforward, and pairing it with our smartphones took virtually no time. We’ve tested the range, and within the specified distance, the devices were quick to respond, emitting a loud enough beep to locate our belongings. While we appreciated the simple operation, we noticed the volume might be less effective in a noisy environment.

Despite the ease of use, we faced slight inconsistencies in color compared to the images. The modest customer ratings are something to consider as well, potentially reflecting on the product’s long-term reliability. Overall, we find these trackers adequately perform the basic functions of locating personal belongings, albeit with a few minor drawbacks.

7. DoHome Key Finder

We found that investing in the DoHome Key Finder is a wise choice for anyone who wants to keep tabs on their belongings effortlessly.

• Seamless integration with Apple’s Find My app
• User-friendly setup that’s practically effortless
• IP67 waterproof rating for peace of mind
• Some users report inconsistent signal strength
• The build quality may not match that of higher-end competitors
• Customer experiences suggest varying battery life

Having recently had the chance to tag our luggage with the DoHome Key Finder, we were quite pleased with its seamless integration with the Find My app on our Apple devices. Setting up the trackers was a breeze, and before we knew it, they were ready to safeguard our belongings. The built-in speaker feature proved to be handy when locating objects just out of sight.

While on the move, we were impressed by the tracker’s user-friendly setup. A quick attachment, a few taps on our iPhone, and our items were secure. Being waterproof with an IP67 rating also meant we didn’t fret about the trackers being exposed to the elements during a downpour or accidental spills.

Throughout our use, however, we noticed that the Bluetooth signal did fluctuate occasionally, especially when we tested the trackers beyond typical indoor conditions. And although the product is undoubtedly a solid choice, some users might find the build quality a step behind the top-range alternatives they might be accustomed to.

In summary, our firsthand experience with these trackers gives us the confidence to say they function well for daily use. Keep in mind, though, that performance can vary, and it’s important to have realistic expectations about the battery life and build quality compared to some pricier options on the market.

8. Flutesan Key Finders

We think these trackers are best for keeping tabs on nearby items, though they aren’t true GPS trackers.

• Handy for everyday items like keys and wallets
• Connects to multiple smartphones for shared use
• Useful remote camera trigger for easy selfies
• Not suitable for long-range tracking
• Instructions may be challenging to understand
• Potentially difficult battery replacement process

We recently had the opportunity to use the Flutesan Key Finders and found them to be a convenient solution for keeping track of personal items around the house. Their portable size made them almost unnoticeable when attached to our keychains and wallets, helping us locate these essentials quickly.

The simultaneous connection to multiple smartphones is a benefit for families or groups. We shared the tracker with our friends, and we could all keep an eye on shared items without fuss. Organizing possessions has never been so straightforward, and this shared functionality earned our collective nod of approval.

Moreover, with a quick setup, we were taking group selfies using the Flutesan as a remote shutter. It’s our new go-to method for capturing memories without leaving anyone out of the shot. However, when venturing beyond the proximity of our smartphones, the limited range of these trackers proved to be a drawback. We were reminded that these are Bluetooth-powered and not equipped for GPS-level tracking.

Additionally, when it came to setting up, some of us struggled with the small print instructions. Thankfully, once operational, the device itself was smooth sailing. Replacing batteries did prove to be a bit of a challenge, with the back cover being snug and secure—perhaps a little too much so. But our perseverance paid off, as subsequent use of the devices posed no such frustrations.

For short-range item tracking, the Flutesan Key Finders have shown themselves to be an asset. As long as you’re aware of their limitations and not expecting GPS capabilities, they can certainly make locating everyday items a breeze.

9. Konohan Smart Tracker

Given the mixed reviews and our experience, we suggest considering your specific needs and these insights before purchase.

• Fits effortlessly in small spaces due to its compact design
• Remote shutter feature adds fun to capturing group photos
• Multi-connectivity allows pairing with several devices at once
• Connectivity issues may arise, affecting reliability
• Some units have poor battery life, requiring frequent replacements
• The sound level might not be loud enough for noisy environments

In our journey to keep track of our luggage, the Konohan Smart Tracker promised a convenient solution for our belongings. Its compact size made it a perfect companion for our travels, tucking neatly into various luggage compartments without adding bulk. Slipping it onto a keychain or inside a wallet was a breeze, ensuring that we always had a way to locate our essentials.

One feature that stood out during our use was its remote camera function. In our gatherings, we snapped group selfies effortlessly, turning the tracker into an impromptu remote shutter. This feature added an unexpected layer of fun to our expeditions.

We found the simultaneous connection with multiple smartphones particularly helpful when coordinating with fellow travelers. Such functionality meant that anyone in our group could locate missing items, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for our belongings.

Encountering some hiccups, however, the Konohan Smart Tracker’s performance sometimes fell short. We noticed moments when our items drifted out of the tracker’s range, causing temporary disconnections which were a nuisance. Furthermore, some units had batteries that didn’t last as long as we hoped, and we found ourselves changing them more frequently than anticipated.

Additionally, in crowded and noisy places like airports, the sound from the tracker didn’t always cut through the clamor, making it a bit challenging to locate our items by sound alone.

Overall, the convenience of the Konohan Smart Tracker presented a mixed bag of attributes. While it was practical and feature-rich, certain aspects like intermittent connectivity and sound volume could use improvement. Our experience leads us to urge prospective buyers to weigh these factors carefully against their personal requirements.

10. Gari Smart Tracker

After thorough testing, we can confidently recommend the Gari Smart Tracker for anyone needing to keep tabs on their belongings easily.

• Quick item location with clear audio signal
• Lightweight and compact design for easy attachment to items
• Long battery life with simple replacement
• Limited range of Bluetooth connectivity
• GPS accuracy can vary depending on the environment
• Can require frequent app access for full functionality

In our recent travels, we’ve found the lightweight design of the Gari Smart Tracker to be a game-changer. It’s so inconspicuous that slipping it into a suitcase or attaching it to a pet’s collar is a breeze, without adding any notable bulk. The convenience it brings when you need to find your possessions in a pinch can’t be overstated.

The clarity of the audio signal when searching for items is impressive. There’s no mistaking the beep the tracker emits, making it easier than expected to locate misplaced luggage in a crowded airport. The beep of the device cuts through noise, sending a clear call out for your attention.

One downside we noted is the range limitation inherent to Bluetooth devices. While the Gari Smart Tracker is reliable within its specified range, anyone needing a broader search radius might experience some hiccups. Additionally, the GPS accuracy can be less reliable in densely built environments, but that’s typical for most wireless technology.

Maintaining functionality means being proactive with the product’s app. Regular access ensures it works when you need it most, which can be a minor inconvenience. Despite these nuances, our overall experience with the Gari Smart Tracker remains positive. It’s a practical choice for everyday use, aiding significantly in loss prevention without recurring fees.

11. Hoolerry Key Finders

We think these GPS trackers provide a functional range of uses from keeping track of personal items to pet monitoring, despite a few connectivity hiccups.

• Multi-pack offers trackers for various items
• Audible alarms aid in quick retrieval of items
• The app records the last known location of tagged items
• Some issues with Bluetooth connectivity
• Not universally compatible with all devices
• The alert volume might be insufficient in loud environments

Having recently had the chance to track several items while on the move, we found the Hoolerry Key Finders particularly useful with their multiple trackers, each one a different color. Their compact size made them unobtrusive and perfect for slipping into a wallet or attaching to a pet’s collar. A few seconds is all it took to connect each tracker to our phones, and we appreciated the automatic recording of their last known locations when out of range.

However, our experience wasn’t entirely smooth. We must point out that while these trackers claim a working distance of about 25 meters, walls and obstacles did affect their range significantly. At times, keeping a stable connection proved challenging, which might be a concern in densely populated or structurally complex locations like airports or hotels.

Our advice reflects a balanced view of their usefulness against the concerns we encountered. For casual use—such as finding misplaced keys around the house or keeping tabs on pets in the yard—these trackers could be very practical. Just be aware that they might not fare as well in more demanding situations or with particular phone models, as compatibility was hit and miss with newer devices.

With a bit of patience for setup and understanding their limitations, you might find these Hoolerry Key Finders to be a worthy investment. If keeping constant, unfaltering track of items is the main concern, researching more specialized or advanced alternatives could be beneficial.

Buying Guide

Key features to consider.

When choosing a GPS tracker for luggage, we must consider several critical features to ensure we make the most informed decision.

• Battery Life : Long battery life is crucial for tracking our luggage over extended periods.
• Size and Design : The tracker should be compact and sleek to fit comfortably in any luggage without taking up much space.
• Location Accuracy : A good tracker should offer precise location tracking, so we know exactly where our luggage is at all times.
• Durability : Since luggage is often handled roughly during travel, the tracker must be robust and durable.

Connectivity Options

Trackers come with various connectivity options, and we should decide which one suits our travel needs the best.

• Global Coverage : For international travel, a tracker with global GPS coverage is a necessity.
• Network Service : Check if the tracker connects over cellular networks and the associated costs.
• Bluetooth Capability : Some trackers offer Bluetooth connectivity for short-range location updates.

Alert Systems and Notifications

The alert system is another important aspect we need to take into account.

• Movement Alerts : Certain trackers can send alerts when our luggage is moved or tampered with.
• Proximity Alerts : Some devices notify us if our luggage gets a certain distance away.

Additional Considerations

Lastly, there are some additional features we might find useful in a GPS tracker.

• Water-Resistance : To protect against the elements, a water-resistant tracker can be very beneficial.
• App Integration : A user-friendly app interface can help us monitor and manage the tracker efficiently.
• Cost : We should balance between the features we need and the price we are willing to pay.

Using these criteria, we can be more confident in finding a luggage GPS tracker that meets our travel needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we cover some of the most common inquiries regarding GPS trackers for luggage to help travelers make informed decisions for their tracking needs.

What are the top-rated GPS trackers for keeping tabs on personal luggage?

Our research shows that the SpyTec GL300 and the Tile Mate may be considered top-rated options for tracking personal luggage due to their accuracy, range, and additional features like geofencing and smartphone compatibility.

Is it possible to find a high-quality luggage GPS tracker that doesn’t require a subscription fee?

Yes, the Tracki 2023 Model Mini is a multifunctional GPS tracker for luggage that offers real-time tracking capabilities without a mandatory monthly subscription, although certain optional features might incur a fee.

How do Eufy trackers perform in tracking luggage, and are they a reliable choice?

Eufy Smart Trackers are known for their good performance in luggage tracking, offering a user-friendly experience with features such as a loud ring and a long-lasting battery, making them a reliable option for identifying the location of your belongings.

In terms of compatibility and ease of use, which luggage tracker models have the best reviews for Android users?

The Dynotag Smart Luggage Tag and the Cube Shadow are commonly suggested as highly compatible and easy-to-use trackers for Android users, thanks to their straightforward set up and seamless integration with Android devices.

What are the pros and cons of using a Tile Pro tracker for travel bags and suitcases?

The Tile Pro offers a pro being a wide Bluetooth range and a user-friendly app, which are ideal for short-range luggage tracking. A con is relying on the Tile community for location updates, which can be less effective in less populated areas without many Tile users.

Can Samsung’s tracking technology be effectively utilized to monitor the location of checked luggage during transit?

Samsung SmartThings Tracker is designed to effectively monitor the location of checked luggage during transit featuring real-time tracking powered by LTE-M network and its usage through an easily navigable app.

6 Best Luggage Trackers That Will Safeguard Your Precious Cargo

Take control of your personal belongings with these stellar luggage trackers.

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

“Mishandled,” in airline parlance, means the bags were “lost, delayed, damaged or pilfered.” American Airlines was the worst offender, mishandling an average of nine bags for every 1,000; Allegiant was the best at delivering bags, according to the Air Transportation data crunched by The Points Guy. (Allegiant only mishandled 1.8 bags per 1,000).

In response, many travelers are taking control of their luggage themselves via luggage trackers. We found the best on this growing market of smart travel devices, below.

Best Luggage Trackers

Easiest To Use

Dynotag web enabled luggage tracker.

Unlimited Distance

Tracki gps tracker.

UVO TAG Location-Enabled Smart Tags

Best Real Time Information

Landairsea gps tracker.

Best for iPhone Users

Apple airtag (pack of 4).

Best Splurge

Americaloc 300 mini portable tracker, what to consider.

Finding the right tracker can mean the difference between going off on a vacation stressed, or in a state of blissful anticipation. Keep the following in mind and you’ll be sailing away on a cloud of joy in no time.

• How Is It Activated? Some trackers are only activated if scanned by a Good Samaritan or luggage handler who is trying to track down the owner. While this will ensure that most luggage gets found (the tags are attached to the suitcase on the outside), it isn’t bulletproof.
• Battery: Most — but not all — tags include batteries. You'll need to make sure the battery will last for the duration of your trip. One of our picks also has a 17-day battery life (one of the longest in the market), which is something to keep in mind if you're going to a faraway place.
• Subscription Fee: Some of the most effective trackers require a monthly subscription fee. For regular travelers it may be worth it. For a special occasion, check to see if you can do a short-term subscription.

From Apples famed AirTag tracker to devices made specifically for traveling with a checked bag, these are the best luggage trackers on the market right now.

Looking for more luggage products? Check our the best luggage brands , our guide to the best carry-on , and suitcases made for kids .

• Subscription Fee: None
• Material: Polymer-coated steel
• Batteries Included: None required

This luggage tracker offers peace of mind for any item you attach it to. It's built to last, and doesn’t require batteries or a subscription service to operate it.

Instead, it works via web browser, and you simply set it up on your phone or computer. The tag itself has a QR code, and you'll receive an email when someone scans the code. Info includes times and locations where the tracker was viewed.

Reviewers say the “durable” and “easy to set up” tag ensures they “never worry about losing” their luggage when traveling. Others like it so much, they bought more tags for valuable items, and use them as tracking devices for their pets too.

• Subscription Fee: $19.95 per month
• Material: Plastic, metal
• Batteries Included: Yes, rechargeable

This Tracki has no limits on distance, thanks to 4G LTE technology. A monthly fee of $19.95 is required to activate and use the tracker. You can trace locations on vehicles, equipment, valuables, and people.

The tracker comes with an embedded SIM card that works worldwide, and can be attached via the included magnet, silicone cover, belt clip, keychain, or lanyard.

The rechargeable battery life lasts up to 5 days when tracking every 1-5 minutes; if real-time tracking isn’t necessary, it lasts 30-75 days when tracking one to three times per day. While Tracki works with GPS satellites, it can also utilize Wi-Fi routers when GPS is not available.

You’ll get alerts when the tracker crosses a Geo-fence zone you pre-set, plus low battery warnings, via text or email. The Tracki includes a lifetime warranty.

More: Packing Cubes That Will Make Your Luggage More Organized

Subscription Fee: None Material: Stainless steel, plastic Batteries Included: Not necessary

These location-enabled tags feature a unique QR code that captures and reports the GPS location of the item you have tagged. The location is then communicated back to you via email, text, or voice message.

The UVO comes with two separate tags so you and a family member can keep your bags secure. When you set-up an account you can update it at any time, which means you never have to worry about changing a tag again.

Reviewers give the company high marks for ease of use, customer service, and effectiveness.

• Subscription Fee: $24.95 per month
• Batteries Included: No (1 Lithium Ion Battery required)

This tracker leverages 4G LTE technology to track luggage, vehicles, or other important assets, all over the world. The waterproof, compact tracker can be attached to a vehicle via magnet, slipped in a pocket, or hidden in a backpack, case, or purse.

You can track the luggage with Google Maps in real time with the SilverCloud App. Sign up for text or email alerts, set geo-fencing and boundary alerts, and get consistent updates on an item’s whereabouts.

The tracker is compatible with iPhones, Androids, Macs and PCs. A monthly subscription fee of $24.95 is required to activate, but you can get up to one alert per minute once you activate it.

Key Specs Subscription Fee: None Material: Plastic, metal Batteries Included: Yes (1 lithium metal battery required) Apple's AirTag allows you to track your luggage in real time . The one-tap setup is easy—even for the tech averse. You simply connect your AirTag to your iPhone or iPad, and can track luggage (or any other item you attach it to) via Ultra Wideband technology.

You can put the AirTag into Lost Mode, and be automatically notified when it’s detected through the Find Me Network. Communication on the Find Me Network is encrypted for privacy, and location data is not stored.AirTag is compatible with iPhone models 11 and 12. More than 84% of over 55,400 users on Amazon give the AirTag 5 stars.

More: Essential Luggage Sets for Traveling This Year

• Subscription: $25 per month

This GPS tracker is pricey, but extremely effective. It can be used for luggage, vehicles, people, and assets of all kinds. There is a subscription fee that costs $25 per month, but the more time you buy, the cheaper the fee is.

The tracker offers a 17-day battery life before needed a recharge, real-time information, and the ability to track the item from any computer or phone with the Android or IOS App installed.

Reviewers say this product is “reliable” and helps “you track anything that is important to you.”

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Best Luggage Trackers for 2022 (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

There’s nothing worse than starting your vacation or business trip by finding out your luggage has been lost in the airport. If you’ve ever experienced this before, you’ll know how frustrating it can be to wait around for hours, hoping your bag will appear. Oftentimes when luggage is lost, it’s a slow and annoying process to retrieve your items, which may not appear until halfway through your vacation if they arrive at all. That’s where luggage trackers come in handy. Today we’ve compiled our guide to the best luggage tracker options on the market at the moment. You’ll never have to worry about where your bag is on your next trip, making for a stress-free travel experience.

Best Luggage Trackers to Buy in 2022

1 – tile mate bluetooth tracker.

How It Works

The Tile Mate works in two different ways, depending on how far away you are from your luggage. For nearby items, you can use the Tile app to call your Tile device. This feature only works within 200 ft of your luggage. For further away items, you’ll use the Tile app to see your luggage’s last location, whether that was on a baggage carousel or another airport location. You can also use it to find your mobile phone, even if you have your phone on silent.

Size & Design

We love the small and compact design of the device, which can easily be attached to items of any size. It’s a discreet yet stylish product that will just look like a regular keyring on your bags. It’s attached with a sturdy metal ring, so you won’t need to worry about it going missing while in airport terminals. It is water-resistant and comes with a one-year user-replaceable battery.

• It can be used without a subscription
• Great value for money
• Compact design
• Easy to attach to any size bag
• Works better as a short range luggage location device

2 – Tile Pro High Performance Bluetooth Tracker

These Bluetooth trackers work in two ways to offer nearby tracking and distance tracking. Find nearby items with Bluetooth technology, which enables you to find backpacks, keys, or any other items which are within 400 ft. of your location. When you are further away, you’ll use the free Tile app to track the most recent location of your luggage tracking solution. They use the Tile Network, which helps to keep track of items around the world to offer the most recent updates.

This is a stylish and compact bag tracker which you’ll barely notice on any bag. It’s a water-resistant product and comes in a black design and one size. These compact luggage tracking devices are ideal for professionals who want a sleek and subtle addition to their work luggage. The device comes with a 1-year user-replaceable battery, so you’ll be able to take advantage of its features for many trips during this time.

• No need to subscribe to a smartphone app service, so you won’t have to worry about cancellation fees
• Free to download and use app
• Bluetooth technology works for up to 400 ft
• Compact and sleek design
• These devices are best used as Bluetooth trackers, as they are not as accurate when used from a distance
• You may want to upgrade to the subscription on the tracking app for additional features

3 – Trackimo 3G Travel Tracker Device with Light Detector

In comparison to other trackers, this tracking device uses unique technology with 3G coverage. You’ll enjoy move alert functions and an SOS button. The device uses fifty percent less battery than other GSM trackers, so it is ideal for long-distance journeys. It has four different tracking models, including GPS, a GSM tracker option, A-GPS, and wi-fi. There’s no limit to the distance you can track, and the battery will last between five and thirty days, depending on its use. It’s easy to track on your phone, and you can check where your luggage is at any time and follow its journey.

While it may look like a larger tracking device, it’s actually the same size as a credit card. This slim GSM tracker is ideal for adding to your laptop or camera case and also features a light sensor to know if anyone has opened your bag. The tracker is also water-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about it getting damaged on the go. It offers worldwide coverage within the US and 190 other countries.

• No subscription plan needed for GSM tracking
• A compact design – the same size as a credit card
• Four tracking module options
• Full coverage across the US and 190 countries
• One of the most expensive options on the market today
• Not possible to attach via a keychain

4 – Kimfly Key Finder Smart Tracker Item Finder

To connect your new luggage tracker, you’ll press the button on the suitcase tracker and hold it for a few seconds. You’ll then be able to connect it to your phone via Bluetooth. For avid travelers, you can add up to four different devices to your phone, so it’s great for anyone needing location updates on multiple items. It offers updates within a 25-meter distance, so it’s best for just finding luggage within your home or hotel.

This small device is ideal for traveling, and you can choose one of a few colors to match your luggage. It’s just 1.5 x 1.5 inches in size, so it can fit in most bags without getting in the way of your belongings. You’ll find a replaceable battery within the device, so you can take advantage of its tracking capabilities for years to come.

• Just 1.5 x 1.5 inches in size
• You can add up to four luggage trackers to one phone
• Very accurate within a short range
• Not suitable for long-range use, unlike GPS tracker options
• The battery will need regularly replacing to ensure the recovery process is smooth

5 – Tile Sticker 4-pack – Small, Adhesive Bluetooth Tracker

These small luggage trackers feature adhesive backs, so you can stick them directly onto your luggage and personal belongings. You’ll need to download the free app, which is suitable for both iOS and Android devices. When you are using these trackers within a short range, they will use the Tile app to call your Tile Stickers. This works within just a 150 ft range. For distance tracking, the Tile app notifies you of your luggage’s most recently noted location, and the Tile Network assists with this.

These luggage trackers are the smallest on our list today, at just 1.26 x 0.29 inches. You don’t require a keyring to attach these trackers, and instead, they come with an adhesive sticker on the back of each device. For the price, you’ll receive four trackers, so it’s a good multipack option for large families. Each tracker has a three-year battery that is built into the device and is waterproof.

• Just 1.26 x 0.29 inches
• These luggage trackers can be stuck to any piece of luggage or item
• Good for distance tracking and close-up tracking via Bluetooth
• Device is waterproof
• Best for use within a close range, as they aren’t GPS trackers

6 – Samsung Galaxy SmartTag Bluetooth Tracker & Item Locator

This luggage tracker only works with a Galaxy phone that’s running on Android 8.0 or higher. You’ll start by downloading the free SmartThings app, which you’ll need to use this device. It offers a Bluetooth range of up to 130 yards and will need to be set up with your phone before its first use.

This Bluetooth tracker measures just 1.54 x 1.54 x 0.39 inches and weighs only 0.54 ounces. It’s ideal for use around the house and can easily attach to any bag you may be concerned about. The device uses one CR2 battery, and that is included with your purchase.

• A compact Bluetooth tracker with a stylish and professional design
• Only weighs 0.54 ounces
• Easy to set up and connect to your phone
• It can only be used by people with a Samsung Galaxy phone
• Best for short-range tracking, so it is not as effective as GSM trackers

7 – Dynotag Web Enabled PROTAGZ MEGA Size Luggage ID Tag

This smart luggage tracker uses a QR code to show your contact information if your luggage is lost. You can set up this tracker within just minutes, and any person who finds your lost luggage can contact you directly or the support team for the tag. It can be used around the world, and the team has offices within the US, Canada, and Europe. No battery or maintenance is needed for this smart luggage tag, so you won’t have to worry about downloading an app or keeping your battery charged. The features just need an internet connection to work, and there’s no maintenance or fee involved in using this tag. You’ll be contacted by email each time your tag is viewed, so you can enjoy security and peace of mind when the luggage is out of range of your home.

This smart luggage tag is designed to offer good visibility, so luggage handlers can see the tracker if they find your luggage left unattended. It’s made from laminate material, which has three layers and is highly durable. The tag is quite large, at about the size of a postcard, so is easy to see from a distance. You can write on your tag with permanent markers, so your smart luggage tag will last for years to come. Two stainless steel loops are included in the price, so you won’t have to worry about these tags falling off your bags during air travel.

• A low-cost smart luggage tracker
• Lifetime use included with the price
• Large tag which is highly durable
• Two steel loops included to ensure your luggage tracker doesn’t fall off
• No smartphone app to track your luggage throughout your journey
• A basic tracking solution, unlike other GPS tracker options which give you constant updates

8 – Dynotag Web Enabled Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage ID Tag

Upon purchasing this tracker, you don’t need to use Bluetooth or GPS to set it up, and instead, you’ll simply add your contact details on Dynotag’s website. You’ll then activate your tag, and it will be ready to use without a SIM card or any other technology in just minutes. It’s up to you how much personal information you want to add to your tag, and you can just add an email address or a few more personal contact details if you prefer. Password security is included with the tag, so you’ll feel confident using these tracking devices for your next adventure.

Keep track of your bags with this stylish keyring that will look great on any bag. It’s a maintenance-free option, which doesn’t rely on any temperamental technology to get started. The tag is constructed from steel and then has a protective layer. It is attractive to add to your bag while also being waterproof and weatherproof, so it can be used in any location in the world. It’s a large tag, so it won’t easily get lost and measures 2.56 inches in diameter. It’s perfect for a large suitcase or briefcase, and the braided stainless steel loop will ensure it doesn’t fall off in any airport location.

• Made from stainless steel and has a stainless steel loop to ensure it doesn’t fall off
• Easy to set up within minutes and doesn’t require any further payment via credit card
• No technology or SIM chip required to get started
• Can add as little or as much personal contact information as you like
• It doesn’t offer as many features as GSM tracking devices
• You’ll only find out your luggage’s location when lost, as opposed to tracking via GPS during the journey

9 – Tracki 2021 Model Mini Real time GPS Tracker

To use this GPS tracking device, you’ll need to sign up for their plan, which can either be paid monthly or via a long-term prepaid option. Add the mini tracker into the pocket of your luggage, and then you’ll be ready to travel. To track your luggage on the journey, you can use your iPhone or Android device, or alternatively, you can also track your bag with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. When you are inside, you can also use wi-fi tracking, where it will send an alert to your tracker.

This GPS luggage tracker is 30% smaller and lighter than most other options on the market, and you’ll also receive a free tracker replacement if it does get lost. You can easily replace the battery when it dies, but it should last a month when used twice a day. You’ll receive real-time alerts when your device crosses various zones you set, as well as when you have a low battery. With over five years’ experience in the field, you’ll be in good hands with this tracking device.

• A small and light GPS tracking device
• Free GPS tracker replacement if your device is lost
• It can be tracked with many different phones and devices
• Low upfront cost for the device
• Costly subscription needed to use this device
• You’ll need to keep an eye on battery levels during long trips

10 – LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker

This discreet device can be put in any small pocket within a backpack, purse, or suitcase. You can track your luggage with Google Maps in real time on the company’s app or web software. Alternatively, you can also receive alerts via a text messaging service or email, and there’s location reporting and playback available. A SIM card is included with your GPS tracker, but you’ll need to purchase a subscription to the service. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including Apple and Android phones and Mac and PC computers and laptops.

This is one of the most compact GPS luggage trackers on the market and offers a sleek design for users. It’s 100% waterproof, so you’ll feel confident traveling anywhere in the world while using this GPS service. Within the device, there’s a super-strength magnet, making it easy to add to a vehicle if needed. The battery on this device can last at least a week, so you won’t need to regularly recharge this GPS luggage tracker. You can disable the 54 included LED lights when needed, so you won’t alert anyone to your luggage or vehicle.

• Compatible with most personal devices
• SIM card included with purchase
• Super strength magnet for attaching to cars
• 100% waterproof
• Subscription needed to use
• In some areas, it’s not the most reliable device

11 – Cube Pro Smart Tracker Bluetooth Tracker

The Cube tracker can be attached to almost any item, and it will help to find your item with Bluetooth. The Cube Tracker app is free to download and shows the location of your item on a map so you can easily identify where it was last seen. It uses Bluetooth to show you how far away from your item you are but also has an alarm feature in case you leave your luggage behind at home.

These compact smart luggage trackers are ideal for adding to any item of luggage as they are so small. It’s a hardwearing device, but you’ll want to avoid accidentally getting it wet. The battery will just need to be replaced once a year to ensure the technology keeps working to the best of its ability. An extra battery is included with your purchase.

• Great for short-range tracking
• The battery only needs replacing once a year
• Good value for money
• Only for short-range tracking, but will help keep track of belongings in your home or hotel

12 – Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker

These tracking devices are quick and easy to set up, and you’ll be ready to put them into your luggage within just minutes. After you’ve removed the device from the box, you’ll set up the smartphone app and be ready to go. You don’t need to plug in the device while it’s being used, and it’s easy to fit into any bag. Included in the price is a free two-year smartphone app subscription. It can work anywhere in the USA and Hawaii with AT&T service and uses 4G and wi-fi for tracking.

This sleek design is easy to fit into any piece of luggage, and it’s lightweight and compact. The battery lasts a few months, which is one of the top features of this device. When you do need to recharge the battery power, it will only take one hour to charge.

• Anti-theft alerts
• Two-year subscription included for the price
• Compact size will fit into any baggage compartment
• Very high upfront price to pay
• Not suitable for location updates outside of the US or Hawaii

13 – Samsung SmartThings Tracker

To use these tracking devices, you’ll start by downloading the SmartThings app. This allows you to see the location of your item using LTE-based technology. With the price, you’ll receive one year of free service from AT&T, which allows you to track your luggage on your smartphone. After that, you can subscribe to a monthly or annual plan to keep your device operating. There’s an SOS button included with this device, which also means it’s suitable for tracking children. You’ll be able to set zone alerts with the tracker and app, and it can be connected to other devices within your home using this smart technology.

This tracker measures just 1.7 x 1.7 x 0.5 inches in size and weighs 0.05 lbs. It’s easy and light to fit into your luggage and isn’t much bigger than a credit card. The tracker has a water-resistance rating of IP68, which means it’s protected from rain, dust, and water for a short length of time. You can use these smart luggage trackers in a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 0°F up to 95°F. The included battery offers one week of charge, and then you’ll just need to recharge it before using the tracker again for your next adventure.

• Very small tracker which weighs only 0.05 lbs
• Water-resistant and can be used in a wide range of temperatures
• SOS button included on this luggage tracker
• One year free service plan included
• This luggage tracker isn’t compatible with all smartphone models
• Many users find this luggage tracker disconnects easily from the smartphone app

14 – ZEERKEER Mini GPS Tracker Magnetic Mini GPS Locator

It’s important to note a SIM card is not included with this purchase, so to begin using this device, you’ll need to purchase a GSM (2G) SIM card. You can then put this into your GPS chip tracker, and you’ll be ready to go. Ensure you live in an area that supports 2G, or you may have issues using this device. Use either the web platform or the app to track the journey of your luggage. You’ll also benefit from an SOS call feature, so it’s ideal for children or teens. There’s also the option to add an electronic fence, where you can set limits for movement out of an area, and it will alert you if the fence is crossed. You can track your luggage tracker from any phone, tablet, or computer, and there’s also an app for Android and Apple devices. It can be used in the US, Europe, and Canada, and most other countries globally.

This device is just 1.85 x 0.94 x 0.71 inches in size, so it is small for adding to your luggage. It has a large magnet built into the device, so it’s ideal for adding to cars if you are on a road trip. It can fit easily into your bag or suitcase and is created with an anti-theft design. The black casing means it’s a discreet option, so it’s ideal for professionals who regularly travel for business.

• Small and discreet black design, which is ideal for business and leisure travel
• SOS call feature included with the device
• Electronic fence feature
• It can be used in the US, Canada, Europe, and most countries in the world
• Enjoy free real-time tracking
• You’ll need to purchase a SIM card before you can use this device
• Some users find this device time consuming to set up initially

15 – GEGO Global Tracker – Worldwide Real Time Bag Tracking Device

To use these best luggage trackers, you’ll simply add the device to your bag or suitcase before your journey. It offers a global range, thanks to the global tracing technology, which is better than other GPS trackers. Before your journey, just download the app for your Android or Apple device, and then you can track your bag twenty-four hours a day. You can set up instant phone alerts, so you’ll see if your bag moves outside of the range you set. You’ll need to subscribe to a plan after your first month, but you can cancel the smartphone app plan at any time.

This compact device includes a rechargeable battery but is designed for long-term use. You’ll simply place the luggage tracker in a pocket within your bag, and it will barely take up any space. You’ll be relieved to know this tracker is compliant with FAA, IATA, and TSA regulations, so you won’t experience any issues at baggage claim.

• Compact design for adding to your suitcase or bag
• Includes a rechargeable battery
• Can track your bag 24 hours a day with this luggage tracker
• This luggage tracker requires a service plan after the first month
• This tracker isn’t as effective in some countries as others

Buyer’s Guide for the Best Luggage Tracker

When it comes to buying any gadget, there are certain things you’ll want to look for with your purchase. Luggage trackers offer a whole host of features, and there are some incredibly advanced GPS luggage trackers on offer. These are the key features you should consider when choosing your new tracking device.

A Durable Luggage Tracker

Your suitcase or bag is going to travel from your home, through the airport, and onto the plane, before arriving at your final destination. During this time, it’s going to be thrown about everywhere, so you’ll need to find a durable luggage tag that will stay in place even when it’s piled high with other luggage. Look at the material the luggage tracker and strap are made from to find a long-lasting and durable item that you can use for frequent travel. Also, try to find a medium or large luggage tag, as a smaller one is far more likely to get lost on your journey.

GPS or Bluetooth Technology

You’ll notice two options mentioned on our list today of the best luggage tracker devices. Bluetooth trackers are often used for tracking keys and purses, but GSM trackers work by using a local mobile network. Bluetooth trackers are generally recommended for tracking close items, whereas GPS trackers can locate a bag or suitcase in another country or city. Many keen travelers like to have both items, but you will probably just want to start by choosing one. A GPS tracking device shares your bag’s location with a server, and you can then track it straight from your phone. They are a very accurate option for luggage tracking but are sometimes restricted depending on obstructions such as buildings. If you are looking for a simpler option, consider a luggage tag with a QR code.

When choosing a new luggage GPS tracker, you’ll want to ensure it is strong enough to withstand many journeys. Most tags on the market are attached to your suitcase with metal rings, which are the best option for a frequent traveler. On the other hand, buckles are a poor choice for attachment, as they are more likely to fall off during air travel.

Price and Fees

You’ll see a wide range of prices on our list today, with the best luggage trackers available for all budgets. By comparing the features on offer and finding a durable tag for your needs, you’ll be able to track your luggage for years to come. One consideration you’ll want to review is whether there is a subscription fee for the service. While some cover this with the purchase cost, others may charge you for long-term use. Double check if the app you’ll need is free to download. You’ll also want to ensure the app is compatible with your phone, whether that’s an iPhone or Android device, to avoid issues setting up your luggage tracking device.

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Best personal GPS trackers 2024: never lose your valuables again

The best personal GPS trackers will help to keep you, your loved ones, and your possessions safe

Personal security and safety are important, and the best personal GPS trackers offer just these things. Simply put, they’re tags that use the orbiting network of GPS satellites to pinpoint their location at all times. Place the tag on something precious to you, and you’ll know where it is all the time too.

While in some ways appearing the same, these are different to in-car GPS systems like sat-navs, or some of the best fitness trackers , which also log GPS data to tell you how far you’ve run. Personal GPS trackers do one thing: report their location to you when you ask.

Stick one on your phone or wallet, and never lose them again. Conceal one in your purse, put one in your car, on your pet’s collar, maybe even in your backpack if you’re out hiking - and leave instructions for how to track it with a trusted friend or relative. Battery life and detection range can vary, with some relying on relatively short-range Bluetooth signals to phone home with, so it’s worth checking out the full specifications when you are looking to buy one.

Those devices with a longer range sometimes come with a subscription to make them work, but it can be worth the extra expense, especially if geo-fencing - an alert if the tracker moves outside or into a particular area, is valuable to you. If you’re concerned about keeping elderly relatives safe at home, the best medical alert systems might be a more suitable option. 

Best personal GPS trackers

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Spot Gen 4: Best personal GPS tracker overall

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Spot Gen4 is designed for hikers that want to know they can be found when heading out into the most remote locations. Thanks to satellite GPS and messaging functionality this will keep you safe and others aware of your location with ease. The battery life is worth shouting about as it is good for a whopping 436 hours and with the use of replaceable AAA batteries these can be extended even further.

The Spot Gen4 is a little bulky but features a carabiner for easy attachment to a pack. It's also tough and built to withstand the great outdoors. The mapping functionality is custom so you can track the GPS from this locator using the dedicated app. This can be viewed live or in history mode with data stored for up to three years after it's recorded. The SOS feature which contacts emergency services is a real stand out spec of this unit.

Pricing varies for the device itself as do the plans for data service. The longer you commit, like for an annual plan, the more savings can be made. 

2. Apple AirTags: Best GPS tracker for personal possessions

Apple AirTags

If you use an Apple device, like an iPhone 12, and you're already within Apple's 'Find My' ecosystem, then the AirTags will feel like a natural fit. Simply peel off the plastic at the back to activate them, hold next to your iPhone to pair it, and you're good to go. You can then add the AirTag to any personal item (keys, wallet etc), and your phone will be able to track exactly where this item is.

Apple's AirTags use the Find My network to help you locate lost items. If you're worried you've lost something, put the AirTag into Lost mode (via your phone), and it'll ping a location whenever it comes within Bluetooth range of another Apple device. It's an extremely effective solution if you lose something in any kind of populated area, although may fall down in more rural locations.

Oh, and there's even a feature to (kinda) stop unwanted tracking. If you're an Apple user, and you have an unfamiliar AirTag near your device for any period of time, you'll get a notification. The battery of an AirTag lasts over a year, and these GPS trackers are waterproof too. The only downside? It isn't really for someone who has an Android phone.

3. Tile Mate: Best budget GPS tracker

The Tile Mate is an alternative option that is not technically a GPS device. Rather it uses Bluetooth and a connection to your smartphone to detect if it is lost. This works the other way too since the Tile has a button - double tap this and the app on your connected phone will emit a noise so you can find your phone.

The Tile Mate comes with a replaceable battery, which is good for around a full year, depending on how much use it gets. This is super affordable to replace. All in all, when you consider this also doesn't require a subscription, this is a very affordable option. But this is more for keys, bags and items like that, rather than people. Since the idea is that this will let you know where the connection to your phone was lost, if the items moves after that point it may no longer be there. The Tile does emit a sound when needed, making finding it easier.

4. AngelSense Guardian: Best for vulnerable kids and the elderly

AngelSense Guardian

The AngelSense Guardian is the ideal GPS tracker for children and the elderly. This is because it can be attached to the person and only removed using a key. It also offers a useful two-way talk mode, allowing a person to talk to the wearer in an emergency. The use of 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi combined with GPS means you can see the person's location on a map, indoors too, which can easily be shared with emergency services if needed.

Auto alerts are useful, letting the guardian know if the wearer has left a boundaried location, is late home, and for checking bus trip progress. This even has a step counter built in for health monitoring. While the price might be higher than some, with a regular payment commitment needed, this offers more services and in depth controls than most of the competition. 

The battery life, at 24 hours, isn't the longest but since this is rechargeable and offers so many connected features that does make sense. 

5. Samsung SmartThings Tracker: Best GPS tracker for valuables

Samsung SmartThings Tracker

The Samsung SmartThings Tracker is a fantastic tracker that does it all in one small package. This offers 4G LTE and GPS for live tracking inside an IP68 case that's good for all weather and wet. While a parent can live track a child, for example, using the app with map, this is also good for pets, the elderly and more. Usefully, this can be used to send an SOS if needed.

Geofencing can be setup with the app so that you are notified if the tracker leaves the designated area you've set - ideal for parents that want to keep their child's school boundaries as limits during the day.

Battery life is up to an impressive week, but real world use will likely be less, but it depends on how regular you setup the device to ping you a location. The very rare offering that sets this apart from the competition is the include of a year's 4G LTE service with the frankly affordable purchase price.

6. BrickHouse Security Spark Nano 7: Best vehicle GPS tracker

BrickHouse Security Spark Nano 7

The BrickHouse Security Spark Nano 7 is purpose built for tracking cars. This is a super compact unit that is battery powered so can be placed in the car glove box or attached to its underside as needed. The optional magnetic and waterproof case is useful here. 

The 4G connection means accurate and instant location on demand using the dedicated smartphone app. The Rapid Track mode is a nice feature that follows in even more rapid real-time for turn-by-turn clarity.

Battery life is good for 15 days in standby or continuous use for 15 hours at a time before needing a charge. Geofencing and custom alerts can be setup so you have peace of mind about the vehicle without the need to check up. A panic button is another useful feature, allowing it to be used by a person too.

Why buy a personal GPS tracker?

According to a 2020 report there were over 600,000 missing people in the US unaccounted for in the preceding year. A massive 448,000 of those were under 21 years of age. A GPS tracker is one step parents can take to prevent that number from being any higher.

Jeannie Callahan, a customer service representative for AngelSense, said she got involved with the company because her son has autism and she uses the product. She called the first time her son wandered off "the worst 15 minutes of my life."

"If you take it in a car it will tell you the speed," Callahan said. "It will tell you where it is and where it has been. Once you have some history in your menu you can always tap on a previous location and it will show you the exact route taken there."

Whether it’s AngelSense or any other GPS tracker, accuracy and consistency are important.

How much does a personal GPS tracker cost?

Our research shows the average GPS tracker costs $123 for the device alone, but service plans vary. You can often pay less overall if you buy more months of service at a time as opposed to buying month-to-month. Some GPS trackers do come with some service included, which is a great deal.

When looking at plans on some of our best trackers above we found that you can pay between $20 and $50 per month, depending on the features you use. That does add significantly to the cost of using the more feature-rich and specialized trackers.

How does a GPS tracker work?

GPS trackers work using cell phone, satellite and WiFi signals and the best ones will show you in real time where the tracker is on your desktop and smartphone. Bluetooth trackers like the Tile Mate work by sending a signal between the tracker and your phone or computer, so the range is going to be much shorter. Some GPS trackers can even use different WiFi signals within a large building to triangulate what room someone is in. 

That being said, these little gadgets are handy but they’re not magic. If you live somewhere with poor cell phone reception, your GPS tracker reception will also most likely be poor. If that’s the case, you can opt for units that are better in the great wide open but know you’ll be sacrificing some of the detail and speed you get from trackers that perform well in urban areas.

Are they suitable for your business?

GPS trackers can be incredibly useful if you own and operate a business. They can help you keep track of your products, property and staff, all from the comfort of your phone or computer screen. There are a variety of trackers available to suit your business needs. We suggest picking a company that allows you to use as many trackers as possible at once. For example, the BrickHouse tracker we tested shows you where several trackers are at one time. Many companies, including BrickHouse Security, also make trackers specifically for vehicles. 

These trackers let you know where your employees are, and you'll get an alert if the devices are uninstalled. The trackers tell you not only the vehicles' locations but also the speed at which the cars are traveling. However, our research indicates that these trackers are a little more difficult to install than regular GPS trackers. Trackers can also be useful for keeping an eye on valuable company assets or for making sure your employees have reached their destinations. 

Just be aware that you may violate some state and Federal laws if you keep data on your employees' movements, so we strongly recommend consulting a lawyer before using GPS trackers for your business.

Tracking your child

Using a GPS tracker with your child can put your mind at ease, but there are several things you should keep in mind. GPS trackers with two-way communication mean you can listen to your what your child is doing whenever they’re wearing the device, but we strongly encourage you not to abuse this feature and constantly check the app. Instead, we recommend setting up predetermined safe zones so you’ll receive alerts when your child leaves that area. That way you’re not checking the app every five seconds and the device’s battery will last longer. 

You can also work with your child’s teachers and school officials to come up with a plan for when it’s appropriate for the GPS device to be on at school. Just remember a GPS tracker is no substitute for good parenting. We encourage you to talk to your children about safety, avoiding strangers and when to dial 9-1-1.

GPS trackers vs. smartphones

Why choose a GPS tracker over a smartphone? Now that cellphones have GPS receivers built into them, you may think you don't need a separate tracker. And that's fine, if you're ok with sending your location from your phone yourself. Trackers, on the other hand, are meant to be tracked, and a relative with access to your tracker can do so easily if you fail to get home at the right time without calling ahead. You also can't use a smartphone as a discreet tracker in a car or bag.

GPS trackers also have the advantage in terms of battery life, as they last a lot longer than your average smartphone. So, if you’re out hiking in the wilderness, you are better off with a GPS tracker as you know they’ll last for a while. However, if you have access to a power source and you’re staying in a fairly populated area, a smartphone tracker will do just fine and is also a lot cheaper than a GPS tracker.

GPS works best with an unobstructed view of the sky and can be restrained if a user is located in a building, surrounded by dense trees, or if there is a heavily clouded sky.

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Luke is a veteran tech journalist with decades of experience covering everything from TVs, power tools, science and health tech to VPNs, space, gaming and cars. You may recognize him from appearances on plenty of news channels or have read his words which have been published in most tech titles over the years. In his spare time (of which he has little as a father of two) Luke likes yoga, surfing, meditation, DIY and consuming all the books, comics and movies he can find.

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HOW A TRACKING DEVICE—LIKE AN AIRTAG, SMARTTAG, OR TILE—CAN HELP SAVE YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE

April 16, 2024 | 3 min read.

Whether from unfortunate personal experiences or news stories from years past, many travelers have become leery about using checked luggage when flying. Concerns of delays in getting your bag back, or getting it back at all, are at the forefront of travelers' minds.

To soothe their fears, many have reverted to bringing more carry-on into the aircraft or slipping small tracking devices into their bags before handing them over to the airline.

TRACKING DEVICE OPTIONS The gold standard in luggage tracking devices is the AirTag by Apple . These retail at $29 each or 4 for $99. The tags are small, lightweight circles, a little larger in diameter than a quarter. No charging is required, though occasionally, you may receive an alert on your phone that the CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery  inside needs to be replaced. These are very inexpensive batteries and can easily be found at Walmart or a similar store.

(ProTip: Don't buy batteries with a bitter coating designed to prevent child ingestion. These may not work in the AirTag.)

AirTags intuitively pair to your iPhone and can be dropped into any bag. Many third-party cases and clips are available to help secure your AirTag in various locations inside or on your bag.

If you aren't an Apple user or need a cheaper option, Samsung SmartTag and Tile have made similar products, though features may vary .

USING TRACKING DEVICES You can usually follow the journey of your checked bag  from the ticket counter to the plane in the airline's app. However, this status only updates each time an airline employee scans the barcode on your bag.

For more real-time updates, or in the case of a truly misplaced bag, your personal tracking device will be the only available source of information.

Tracking devices can also come in handy if your bag is stolen from the airport, your hotel room, or perhaps from hotel storage if you must check your bag before your room is ready.

The best place for a tracking device is inside the bag you intend to check. If you have extra tracking devices, add one to your carry-on in case you are forced to check it at the gate. Consider placing a third inside in your personal item.

If you bought Apple's 4-pack, the 4th AirTag can be clipped directly onto essential or expensive items, such as your camera bag, passport case, or laptop sleeve.

ARE LUGGAGE TRACKERS WORTH IT? At under $30, an AirTag is a justifiable cost when it's potentially protecting electronics, a week's worth of clothing, and a suitcase—which in and of itself can be valued at $700 or more.

When you aren't traveling, the AirTag can be easily repurposed and attached to your car keys, purse, bicycle, or any other item you might misplace or want to protect against theft.

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Never Lose Your Precious Things

Trackimo allows you to track anything, anyone, anytime anywhere in the world

Trackimo 3G Travel Tracker Device with light detector

• More Information

                 Device price:  $239.98  $139.95

1 year worldwide cellular service: $60

                                Total price: $199.95  

What is so unique about Trackimo?  A reliable tracker that actually works.

Using proprietary  Patented  technology +  3G coverage, others use only 2G.

Working out-of-the-box  worldwide both indoors and outdoors. 

Track Suitcase, vehicles, equipment, shipments, drones, people & more. 

Move alert, speed alert, geo fence crossing alert+ SOS  panic button

Faster more expensive CPUs, n ewest GPS chip drain 50% less battery.

30 days money back guarantee, live c ustomer support: 1-800 888 7799

Trackimo is used by: Vodaphone, Telefonica, UPS, US military and more. 

4 tracking modules, indoors and outdoors:  GPS, A-GPS, GSM, Wi-Fi.

Trackimo works for unlimited distance. Don’t be fooled by Bluetooth trackers like: Tile & TrackR who falsely claim to be GPS, and will works for 50 feet only.

Description

• Same great features as the Trackimo™ 3G Universal
• Slim, water resistant design with shape and size similar to a credit card
• Battery life up to five days - 30+ days in batt save mode
• NEW! Light Exposure Sensor - detect/alerts when package or luggage is opened
• Comply with FAA regulation for  lithium ion batt cell to be  less than 0.3 grams lithium metal per cell or less than 2.7 watt-hours per lithium ion cell in oder to be allowed on cargo. 

Trackimo allows you to

• Track down the location and movement path of shipments and packages
• Track your assets and valuables
• Know where your bags are when you travel
• Track your luggage or suitcase in the airport
• Locate your purse or wallet
• Get an immediate alert if someone opens your luggage, purse or package, by the unique light exposure sensor
• Know immediately if your bag or package has crossed a boundary of an area which you define

Best Suitable for

• Sports equipment

Technical Specifications

• Size: 86mm x 54mm x 6.5mm (3.38” by 2.12” by 0.25”)
• Network bands: GSM 850 / GSM 900 / DCS 1800 / PCS1900, WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100
• Battery: 750 mAh Li-lon
• Update rate: up to 1 per minute
• Wi-Fi: 802.11g
• Bluetooth: BLE V4.0

What's in the Box

• Trackimo 3G Travel Tracker Device
• Built-in sim card preloaded with 1 year of free service
• Magnetic USB charging cable
• Documentation

Click here for more product Specifications

What is so unique about Trackimo?  A GPS tracker that actually works.

5 tracking modules, indoor and outdoor:  GPS, A-GPS, GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.

Latest technology ceramic antennas and  robust hardware and software.

Trackimo works out of the box worldwide in all countries, no roaming charges.

Battery last up to 30 days in bat save mode, up to 1 Year with extended battery

Trackimo® is an intelligent, GPS-GSM tiny device allowing you to find and track your precious things in real-time, automatically alerting when sensing distress signals exceeding speed settings, leaving or entering a fenced zone. Trackimo's location is accessible through any computer or mobile device from any spot in the world. With unique Revolutionary GPS/GSM/Wi-Fi/BT Hybrid tracking, Trackimo use 4 different technologies to accurately Locate anything Worldwide. GPS utilizing Global Positioning Satellite technology to locate outdoor within 30-150 feet (10-50 meters) accuracy. Wi-Fi is used for indoor tracking and Bluetooth for the last 10-60 feet (3-20 meters).

Trackimo 3G GPS Tracker is including SIM card loaded with 1 year international worldwide cellular service. Device is working out of the box easy to use, up and running within minutes.

How does it work?

Simply attach your Trackimo to the person or thing you wish to locate and see their location information from the website or mobile app. GPS and cellular technology sends the location information to Trackimo's servers where you can access the information from anywhere  Secured  and in  Real-Time

Trackimo allows you to:

• Track down the whereabouts & driving path of vehicles, boats, planes
• Track your drone flight path and find it if it gets lost
• Manage and track fleet, boats and employees activity
• Track stolen motorcycle, bicycle, construction equipment etc.
• Locate your children, pets, or elderly relatives at any given time
• Know when your child has exited a set safety zone
• Find a lost family member with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease
• Follow up on lost luggage or a business shipment
• Aid your loved ones in distress

Special Features

• Speed alert -   get alerts once device exceeds preset speed
• Fence alert - get alerts once device leaving geo-fence you set
• Move alert -   get alerts once device starts moving
• SOS alert once SOS button pressed + 2 more preset alerts buttons
• Get app, email and/or SMS alerts
• Live tracking of device path with 1 minute updates
• Long battery life: 1 month in battery save mode (6x updates/day)
• Smallest and lightest tracker, only 1.4 Ounce
• Manage and a dd up to 100 devices to one account
• Keep history for up to 5 years showing complete device path history
• Can set a link to share by email of website embed the device's live path
• Attach with the supplied magnet to bottom of a car
• Attach with the supplied clip to pets, belt, bag, pocket
• Water resistant: product comes with silicon cover
• Unique   Wi-fi tracking   for indoor tracking

Key Benefits

• Low Monthly Service Cost - Only $5 per month after the first 12 month service period is over. Trackimo offers the lowest monthly service cost of any consumer tracking device worldwide. No roaming fees.
• Worldwide Coverage - Trackimo device can be tracked via web or smartphone app anywhere GSM cellular reception exists worldwide
• SOS Button - With one press of the SOS button, the location can be broadcast via app notification, email, or text
• Real Time Tracking - GPS and GSM provide instant, highly accurate current location and one year of history
• Smart Alerts - User alerts via text, email, and app notifications for location change, customized speed thresholds, and sudden movement or impact. (Text messages are limited to 10 messages per month)
• Free Android and iPhone APPS
• Full customer service and phone support by dedicated experts.

*The monthly service pays for the worldwide SIM card using the GSM network to report the real time positioning of the device (just like AT&T etc. has monthly fee)

IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS IS A 3G DEVICE AND IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL IN THE US.  Please see here for a 4G device compatible with US.  https://store.trackimo.com/products/trackimo-4g-gps-tracker-with-1-year-lte

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RS Recommends: The Best Tracking Devices for Locating Your Gear, Luggage and Pets

By Joshua Kanter

Joshua Kanter

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

When it comes to personal trackers, the first thoughts that likely come to mind are often spy movies and detective dramas. But the reality is that these little tech devices offer a whole lot more, from preventing theft of personal belongings to keeping track of outdoor pets. But those are just a few uses for the best personal trackers. If you’re in the market to purchase one, we suggest taking a look at these areas first.

What to Know About the Best Personal Tracker Devices

From your device’s connectivity to its battery life, here are all the features we took into consideration.

Connectivity: GPS is best for tracking things like keys or pets that are outdoors, but once you get indoors the signal can be lost. That’s why a lot of these trackers have additional backup options, including cellular service (3G/4G LTE/5G), as well as WiFi. For physical connectivity, most of these are magnetized, allowing you to slap it onto a metal surface and have it securely hold there.

App:  The app is your main control center when the tracker is out in the world doing its thing. This gives you the options of viewing things like location, speed, battery life, and a history of where it’s been.

Coverage:  Typically these are ready to travel the globe, and work in upwards of 185 countries. You’ll still most likely need to change out the SIM card though to connect to each country’s local network. Also keep in mind how far you’ll be tracking, as some have a limited amount of distance they can cover. But others are accurate enough to send you a location that’s within mere feet of the tracker, even tracking the real-time activity on Google Maps, and letting you set a GeoFence that alerts you whenever the tracker has left the area.

Battery Life: In sleep or standby mode, these should last long: sometimes about two to three months when pinging once a day.

Subscription: Most of these require a monthly fee, especially to use the GPS service, and this can be as low as $9.99.

Extras: A waterproof unit can be especially helpful if you know it’ll be exposed to puddles and splashes, particularly when going off-grid.

What Are the Best Personal Trackers?

Here, we’ve picked the top personal tracking devices for keeping tabs on your gear, pets, and more.

1. Garmin GPSMAP Communicator

With a colorful three-inch screen, this button-operated GPS device fits comfortably in your palm, and comes pre-loaded with Garmin’s topographic maps as well as InReach Tech for two-way messaging and SOS alerts. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GLONASS) is included, and the battery can provide up to 200 hours between charges. Bluetooth, antennae, and WiFi are all built-in, and this operates on the Iridium Satellite Network, which is one of the largest on the planet.

Buy Garmin GPSMAP Communicator $414.99

2. SafeTrack PrimeTracking GPS Tracker

This device’s location is precise, down to 100 feet, and battery life is nicely long. Coverage extends to all of North America, and the app gives you the options of GeoFencing, speed tracking, and works from a computer, tablet, or phone. It also updates every 10 seconds, keeping you current on where your tracker is at all times. With the subscription, GPS and 4G LTE data use is unlimited. It’s small enough to fit into tight pockets and compartments of things like bags and strollers.

3. Tracki Mini GPS Tracker

This simple tracker gets the job done. It’s also one of the lightest (at 1.26 ounces) and most compact trackers we found, easily fitting into pockets and purses, or onto a pet’s collar. Along with GPS, this tiny device uses WiFi and Bluetooth too, making tracking indoors even easier. An international SIM card is included, allowing it to work in 188 countries around the world. You will, however, still need a subscription to the service though.

Buy Tracki Mini GPS Tracker $7.88

4. Motosafety OBD GPS Car Tracker

With this device, you’ll never lose track of your vehicle. You can also use it to review your routes, as well as set a GeoFence boundary. Installation takes only seconds, and the accompanying mobile and desktop apps are easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy. There are no activation or cancellation fees, and a subscription costs around $20 per month.

Buy Motosafety OBD GPS Car Tracker $29.99

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Lose your knack for losing things.

AirTag is a supereasy way to keep track of your stuff. Attach one to your keys, slip another in your backpack. And just like that, they’re on your radar in the Find My app, where you can also track down your Apple devices and keep up with friends and family.

Let the search party begin.

iOS 17 lets you share AirTag with up to five people. So items that everyone uses — like an umbrella, a bike, or the family car keys — can be tracked by friends and family.

Ping it. Find it.

Misplacing something like your wallet doesn’t have to be a big deal when it has AirTag attached. You can play a sound on the built-in speaker by going to the new Items tab in the Find My app. Or just say “Hey Siri, find my wallet.” If it’s hiding nearby — like under the couch or in the next room — just follow the sound and your search is over.

Cold. Warm. Warmer. Hot.

If your AirTag is nearby, your iPhone can lead you straight to it with Precision Finding. 1 – which shows you the exact distance and direction to head in – thanks to built‑in Ultra Wideband technology.

Get by with a little help from hundreds of millions of friends.

When youʼve left something far behind, like at the beach or the gym, the Find My network — hundreds of millions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices around the world — helps track down your AirTag. And itʼs designed to protect your privacy every step of the way.

How does it work?

Your AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My network. These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud — then you can go to the Find My app and see it on a map. The whole process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy. And itʼs efficient, so thereʼs no need to worry about battery life or data usage.

Lost Mode makes finding things even easier.

Just like your other Apple devices, AirTag can be put into Lost Mode. Then, when it’s detected by a device in the network, you’ll automatically get a notification. You can also set it so someone can get your contact info by tapping your AirTag with their NFC-capable smartphone — that’s the same technology that lets people pay for things with their phones.

Privacy is built in.

Only you can see where your AirTag is. Your location data and history are never stored on the AirTag itself. Devices that relay the location of your AirTag also stay anonymous, and that location data is encrypted every step of the way. So not even Apple knows the location of your AirTag or the identity of the device that helps find it.

AirTag is designed to discourage unwanted tracking. If someone else’s AirTag finds its way into your stuff, the network will notice it’s traveling with you and send your iPhone an alert. If you still havenʼt found it after awhile, the AirTag will start playing a sound letting you know it’s there.

Of course, if you happen to be with a friend who has an AirTag, or on a train with a whole bunch of people with AirTag, don’t worry. These alerts only get triggered when an AirTag is separated from its owner.

Beautifully simple.

A one‑tap setup instantly connects your AirTag with your iPhone or iPad. Enter a name for your AirTag, attach it to the item you want to track, and youʼre good to go. Want AirTag notifications on your Apple Watch, too? No problem.

Learn more about the Find My app

Long live the battery.

AirTag is designed to keep going more than a year on a standard battery you can easily replace. 2 And your iPhone lets you know when itʼs time to pop in a new one.

Splish, splash.

Let’s say you’ve tagged your keys and — oops — drop them in a puddle. Or they’re in the path of a colossal spill. Hey, that’s okay. Your AirTag is water resistant. 3

Initial it. Emoji it.

When you buy your AirTag from the Apple website or Apple Store app, you can have it personalized with your initials. An emoji. Or both. Itʼs free and easy, and it adds some fun.

Use AR to see it from every angle.

Open this page using Safari on your iPhone or iPad.

More color. More fun. More you.

It’s easy to attach AirTag to just about anything with colorful key rings and loops from Apple. AirTag comes individually or in a 4 pack. Happy tagging.

Shop Apple AirTag accessories

AirTag Hermes

A partnership based on meticulous craftsmanship and shared values continues. Three handmade leather pieces — a luggage tag, bag charm, and key ring — each come with an exclusive AirTag Hermès etched with the iconic Clou de Selle signature. This is form and function at their finest.

Shop AirTag Hermès

AirTag Tech Specs

Diameter: 1.26 inches (31.9 mm)

Height: 0.31 inch (8.0 mm)

0.39 ounce (11 grams)

• Rated IP67 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529
• Bluetooth for proximity finding
• Apple-designed U1 chip for Ultra Wideband and Precision Finding
• NFC tap for Lost Mode

Built-in speaker

• User-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery
• Accelerometer

The Find My app is compatible with these iPhone accessibility features:

• Invert Colors
• Larger Text
• Compatibility with braille displays
• iPhone and iPod touch models with iOS 14.5 or later
• iPad models with iPadOS 14.5 or later

Operating ambient temperature: −4° to 140° F (−20° to 60° C)

• AirTag with CR2032 coin cell battery installed
• Documentation

AirTag and the Environment

Apple takes a complete product life cycle approach to determining our environmental impact. Learn more

AirTag is designed with the following features to reduce environmental impact:

• 100% recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board
• Mercury-free
• Beryllium-free

Apple and the Environment

Learn more about Apple’s dedication to reducing the environmental impact of our products and process. Or read our Product Environmental Reports for detailed information on the environmental performance of every Apple product.

Apple takes a holistic view of materials management and waste minimization. Learn more about how to recycle your AirTag

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Best Car GPS Trackers for 2024, Tested

Keep track of your most valuable automotive assets with the best GPS trackers you can buy.

This article was updated in March 2024 with new products and information.

Car GPS trackers are changing how we monitor essential aspects of our lives. Whether you're a parent, a fleet manager, or someone who values their security, you will likely see value in a car GPS tracker. These devices have evolved beyond simple tracking; they now offer apps, reports, and alerts, all customizable to your needs.

We've tested and reviewed some of the top trackers on the market to help you make the best decision for your needs. Which one should you buy?

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Best for Families

No-Frills Option

Landairsea 54.

Best No-Subscription Option

Apple airtag.

Best Advanced GPS Tracker

Spytec gl300.

Best Hardwired Option

Brickhouse security livewire volt.

Best for Fleet Management

Optimus 3.0 gps tracker.

Honorable Mention

Kayo gps tracker, things to consider when shopping for a gps tracker for cars, subscription cost.

In most cases, a GPS tracker will require a monthly subscription cost. Some companies offer discounts for up-front bulk payments, so select the subscription that best suits you and your budget.

Battery Life

A GPS tracker will only report if there is power, so battery life is a key consideration. While this will vary widely, the general rule of thumb is that the more often the GPS reports, the shorter the battery life. We suggest setting the low-battery alert on your GPS tracker to avoid the no-battery problem.

Desired Use

You likely have a good idea of how you wish to use your GPS tracker. Let this inform your purchasing decision—consider what you are tracking and what you'd like to know. Hardwire options are for vehicle use only; battery-powered products provide monitoring solutions for all your belongings.

How We Evaluated Car GPS Trackers

When we ran these trackers through our Gear Team testing gauntlet, we noted the following parameters:

• Reliability for triggering speed and geofence alerts
• Data and features the tracker provides
• Ease of Use

We tested each tracker on a test route featuring a gamut of possible GPS-tracker triggers, including an underground structure. (Interestingly, none of the trackers we tested dropped its signal, even five stories down.)

Next, we dug through each product's app and desktop versions, noting the alerts, reports, and notifications. To gauge the user experience, a tester familiar with the apps compared user-experience notes with another tester who had zero experience using them, evaluating each app's user interface and learning curve to usability.

We settled on a 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands (with a manual!) for this test. On our planned testing route, we had to navigate five stories in an underground parking garage, which proved a bit tricky thanks to the size of the Badlands but gave us the testing data we needed. That's right: We tested small, discreet devices in a vehicle that is anything but. Fitting, right?

Which GPS trackers performed best for various types of users? Here's what we found.

The Best Car GPS Trackers

Bouncie's effortless user experience makes it our choice for the Best Overall. Activating the device took mere moments since it has a true plug-and-play setup. After a quick 10-minute drive, we were good to go.

With a range of alert options like impact detection, curfew, and erratic driving, it was clear Bouncie has given sincere thought to what a typical person is looking for in a GPS tracker. The real star was its intuitive, easy-to-use app, which displays fuel levels, engine and battery health, and vehicle specs. It even features a space for insurance details.

One benefit to an OBD-connected GPS tracker is you don't have to worry about its battery dying. However, that convenience comes at a cost, since the Bouncie will only report while the car ignition is on.

• Impact Detection
• Rapid Acceleration
• Hard Braking
• Trip Start and End
• Distance Driven
• Trip Fuel Economy

Key Features:

• Chronological Trip Log
• 15-Second Updates
• Vehicle Health Monitors

With a belt clip, key chain, and magnetic accessory, the Tracki is as versatile as it is reliable. During the test we were delighted with the steady influx of alerts we received via email and text; the push notifications were less predictable.

This device has powerful reporting options, and you can easily customize the data that is important to you through the app or desktop. But what stands out about the Tracki are three physical buttons that send a manual alert to designated contacts, acting as a means of communication in an emergency or as simply a primitive text message.

We were impressed at the Tracki's power, which provides an elegant solution for different needs: car, kids, pets, keys, and more.

• Moving Alert
• Geofence Entrance/Exit
• Right Key Pressed
• Left Key Pressed
• Low Battery
• Power On/Power Off
• Multiple Accessories
• Free Device Replacement (Lifetime Warranty)
• Tracks in One-Minute Intervals
• Worldwide Coverage (Up to 190 Countries)
• Tracking via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
• SOS Panic Button
• Five-Year Tracking History
• Live Phone Support

For those looking for a straightforward tracker, the LandAirSea 54 is our pick. Keeping it simple, LandAirSea only offers the three standard alerts: speed, battery, and geofencing. In spite of its simplicity, there are plenty of reports that can give you clarity on the whereabouts of your item within any specified time.

The app is rather plain but no sweat to navigate. We especially enjoyed the historical playback feature, which allows you to view your trips in intervals. While we found the email alerts to be dependable, the push notifications were fickle at best.

• Internal Magnet
• Historical Playback Feature
• Dark Mode Options (to reduce flashing lights)
• ShareSpot (allows you to share location with designated contacts)
• Customizable Subscriptions

The Apple AirTag isn't technically an automotive GPS tracker, but through Apple's Find My network, it's easy to keep tabs on your car.

There's no option for geofences or departure notifications, but through Apple's iCloud web interface, it's possible to track your vehicle as long as it's in proximity to someone using an iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.5 or later. Drivers who aren't in the owner's network may also be alerted to the AirTag's presence, undermining its stealthiness.

No subscription is required, making this one of the more affordable options out there—even if that comes at the expense of more precise tracking features and alerts. As a bonus, the battery life is fantastic, with an AirTag able to work up to a year on a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery.

It's also available in four-packs ( $82.99 at Amazon )

• No Subscription
• Year-Long Battery Life

The battery-powered Spytec GL300 is one of the more capable tracking units we tested. While it's designed for fleet-level tracking, it's also intuitive enough to use for personal needs.

Both the web interface and mobile apps ( Android , iOS ) are simple to navigate. While setting up alerts requires a learning curve, the push notifications were fast and reliable, updating within seconds of entering and exiting the geofences we set up.

The Spytec is IPX5 compliant, meaning it can handle the elements should it be mounted outside the vehicle. The integrated 2600mAh Li-Po battery can power the device for seven to 10 days, based on two hours of movement per day; in Standby mode, it can go up to 25 days on a single charge.

• Geofence In/Out
• Trip Start/Finish
• Charging Start/Stop
• Online/Offline
• North America Coverage
• Battery Life of Seven to 10 Days
• Cancel at Any Time (Unless on Annual Plan)
• Android, iOS Compatible

Brickhouse Security's LiveWire Volt proved to be the best hardwired option in our testing, reporting back reliably with the geofences and other alerts we set up.

Its hardwired design means you don't have to worry about battery life, and its extensive options for alerts and notifications make it one of the most versatile options we tested. That said, there is a learning curve to setting up notifications.

• Connection Loss
• Maintenance
• Temperature Sensor
• Humidity Sensor
• 4G Coverage across North America

This device isn't for keeping tabs on your teenager's car or a grandparent's whereabouts. The Optimus 3.0 is an industrial-grade GPS tracker with features ideal for keeping tabs on fleet vehicles.

The device itself is fairly straightforward to turn on and set up, but both the online and mobile interface proved convoluted. The back end is clearly designed for detailed fleet management, and the reporting is far more detailed and thorough than the typical driver would need.

Notifications were reliable, and the sheer number of alert types you can define is impressive, but it seems excessive for all but the most commercial of uses.

• Harsh Acceleration
• Harsh Braking
• Harsh Cornering
• Lost GPS Signal
• Power Not Available
• Schedule Alert
• Extensive Reporting Options
• One-Minute Reporting by Default (up to every 10 seconds for no additional cost)
• Standby Mode

The Kayo GPS Tracker didn't excel in any one area and lacks the detailed reporting and notification alerts of other trackers, but it did prove reliable in real-time tracking. At just $5/month, it was also the cheapest subscription of the bunch, with no separate activation fees or annual contracts.

The Kayo uses an integrated SIM card that works within the United States, and the company offers a 14-day free trial. In addition to reliable real-time tracking, you can also set up manual maintenance reminders within the app so you won't forget the last time you rotated your tires, changed your oil, or swapped out your air filter.

We would've liked to see a geofence function and more robust alerts, but this bare-bones approach does keep cost and complications down. The Kayo mobile app (Android, iOS) is available to download for free.

• Vehicle Low-Battery Alert
• Check-Engine-Light Alert
• Tamper Alert
• Real-Time Tracking
• DTC Scanner
• Maintenance Reminders
• Trip History

During this test, our office resembled a hacker hideout from a heist film. With each interface pulled up across several screens, and every app running, we set out to determine the following parameters:

• Ease of use

To test alert reliability , we set each tracker with a geofence around our office in Ann Arbor. Next, we set each to notify the team whenever we exceeded 65 mph. Additional alerts that we set—but varied from tracker to tracker—included hard braking, rapid acceleration, harsh cornering, and fuel levels. Finally, we installed the trackers into a Ford Bronco, where tester Collin Morgan ran through the gamut of tall city buildings, underground-parking ramps, highway driving, and tunnel runs.

During his route, Collin Morgan triggered as many alerts as possible and called us whenever he did. While Collin drove the Bronco, we furiously recorded alerts and monitored each device for signal drops back at the office. Dozens of emails and text messages later, we were impressed to find we never witnessed a drop of signal on any of these trackers, even when the Bronco went five stories underground.

To evaluate all the data and features each tracker offered, we scoured the apps and desktop versions of each, taking notes on what types of alerts could be triggered, what reports could be run, and methods of notification (SMS, email, or app).

We ran a tiered approach to our ease-of-use evaluation. First, Katherine Keeler spent several days familiarizing herself with the interfaces. The second round came on testing day, when Gannon Burgett assessed the apps as a complete newbie. After that, we compared notes on the user interface and its learning curve.

What is the best way to track my car?

OBD-II port-powered GPS trackers offer extensive data and draw power from the vehicle, eliminating the need for charging. Hardwired trackers are more discreet and also don't require charging. Internal battery-powered trackers can also be used, but have a limited power lifespan

Is it legal to install a GPS tracker on someone else's vehicle?

Installing a GPS tracker on someone's vehicle without their consent is illegal in most states . If you suspect this has occurred, check the OBD-II port, look for suspicious wires from the battery, and inspect other areas like under the seats, wheel wells, and dashboard. If you find any suspicious devices, contact the police immediately.

Where do you put a GPS tracking device on a car?

The placement depends on the type of tracker you use. OBD-II trackers are limited to your OBD-II port. Hardwired trackers will likely connect directly to your car's battery, and battery-powered trackers can be placed anywhere you prefer. For battery-powered trackers, many come with a strong magnet and are waterproof if you decide to track the vehicle from its exterior.

Do all car GPS trackers require a monthly fee?

Most do, and the ones that don't typically lack essential features. Expect to purchase your tracker along with a subscription plan.

How long can a GPS tracker last on my car?

OBD-II-powered and hardwired GPS trackers can last as long as the vehicle's battery—which can be many years as long as the car is driven at least every couple of months. In contrast, internal battery-powered trackers have a limited lifespan, which depends on how often the tracker reports its data—a setting that the user can adjust. The lifespan can range from just a few days to a few months.

Will I receive a discount on my insurance if I have a car GPS tracker?

Using an aftermarket GPS tracker won't necessarily get you a discount on your insurance, but it's always worth asking your insurance provider. Many insurance companies use devices, like Progressive's Snapshot , that utilize GPS and driving habit-tracking to determine optimum rates. But it's important to remember that that tracking information is monitored by, and belongs to, the insurance company, and they reserve the right to raise your rates should you drive recklessly.

Will a jammer be able to block my car GPS tracker's signal?

It is possible that a high-quality signal jammer may block your GPS signal. None of the devices tested here claimed to be immune to signal jamming, and we didn't test for that here. While we wish it weren't true, a determined thief with the right tools is a risk that's hard to prepare for.

Why Trust Us

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. The Gear Team has tested a wide variety of automotive products, parts, accessories, and gear, such as dash cams , portable jump starters , and snow brooms and ice scrapers . We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers.

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products. We're more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Car and Driver , Autoweek , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations.

Visit our Tested & Trusted page to see the very best in automotive gear. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

Collin Morgan is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors.

Katherine Keeler is Associate Testing Editor at Hearst Autos. By day she evaluates tools for your enjoyment; by night, she Frankensteins her ever-changing fleet of rustbucket oddities back to repair. Her dream is to open a roadside attraction where the public can view, drive, and learn repairs at her emporium of curious cars.

Gannon Burgett loves cameras, cars, and coffee: a perfect combination for his Hearst Autos work. His byline has appeared in USA Today , Gizmodo , TechCrunch , Digital Trends , the Detroit Free Press , and more.

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9 trackers that support Google's Find My Device network

Google recently announced its Find My Device network , which allows Android users to track down lost items, such as keys, phones, earbuds or even a pet using Bluetooth trackers. Several brands have revealed compatible Bluetooth trackers and devices set to support this upgraded service. To access Google's advanced tracking features, simply use the Find My Device app on any device running Android 9 or later. You can already use the app to locate your Android phone and other Google products like Wear OS smartwatches .

Some of these newly compatible devices are set to launch soon, while others are already available. If you're uncertain about which devices to choose, we've got you covered. We've put together a comprehensive list of all the tracker tags, headphones, and other existing and upcoming devices that will be compatible with Google's Find My Device network.

How to find your lost iPhone, AirPods, or Watch with the Find My app

Some of the items liked below, such as trackers from Chipolo and Pebblebee, are currently available for preorder. Both companies have similar trackers you can buy from Amazon or Best Buy, but those are older models that aren't compatible with Google's Find My Device network. As for the earbuds and headphones below, you may have to wait for software updates to fully roll out before the Find My Device features are enabled. We anticipate that more Bluetooth trackers and audio devices will be added to this list over time.

All the Find My Device compatible trackers you can preorder (or buy) right now

Chipolo one point.

The Chipolo One is ideal for tracking keys, wallets, and phones. It boasts a 120 dB ring volume, replaceable battery, water-resistant design, and compatibility with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri. Though its 200 ft range falls short compared to some competitors, it offers customization options and fun features like remote selfie-snapping.

Chipolo Card Point

The Chipolo Card, a sleek Bluetooth item tracker resembling a credit card, assists in locating various items like wallets and remote controls. With a 95dB loud sound and water-resistant design, its slim profile and matte black finish provide discreet placement, though its battery life is slightly shorter than the Tile Slim.

Pebblebee Card

The Pebblebee Card, a rechargeable item tracker designed for wallets and small items, offers easy setup and fits seamlessly into credit card slots. With water resistance and compatibility with Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, its loud speaker and slim design make it a practical choice for those seeking a durable tracking solution.

Pebblebee Clip

The Pebblebee Clip, a rechargeable item tracker suitable for pets, keys, and bags, offers a distinctive sound and LED flashing for attention. With a rechargeable battery, USB-C charging, and IPX6 water resistance, it provides practical features. Its matte black finish and curved LED panels add to its aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Pebblebee Tag

The Pebblebee Tag rechargeable item tracker offers convenience and peace of mind for keeping track of small items. With a battery life of up to 8 months on a single charge, its loud buzzer and bright LED assist in quick item retrieval. Attachment options include a double-sided adhesive tab and a collar/strap attachment.

JBL Tour Pro 2

The JBL Tour Pro 2 true wireless earphones deliver a rich audio experience with powerful bass and crisp highs. Noise cancellation allows users to immerse themselves in music without distractions. With a sleek and secure fit, these earphones offer comfort for extended wear, while the long battery life ensures uninterrupted enjoyment throughout the day.

JBL Tour One M2

The JBL Tour One M2 headphones offer an immersive listening experience with full-bodied bass and bright highs, enhanced by above-average noise cancelation and a comfortable over-ear design. With hands-free support for Alexa and Google Assistant, they provide convenient voice controls. Despite the finicky touch controls, these headphones deliver reliable performance and come with quality accessories.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones offer a comfortable and stylish design, along with intuitive on-ear controls. With up to 30 hours of battery life and customizable noise cancelation features, they offer a premium listening experience tailored to individual preferences, making them a top choice for both music enthusiasts and professionals.

Which tracker we're most excited about

It's hard to say, because they will all change the game for Android devices. The Pebblebee Tag and the fact that it's rechargable is an exciting feature to have, but the size of the Chipolo One Point is also appealing because you can attach to more objects or hide them in more places. Until all of these tags are actually shipped, we can't say which one will definitely be the best. We're more excited about the fact that the Find My Device network has finally launched, and we now know when we can start tracking our lost items.

How did we choose these items?

Truth be told, we didn't have much of a choice. Every item listed above is Google's complete list of compatible trackers and gadgets with its Find My Device network. We simply listed all of them for you in one convenient place.

How to use Google's Find My Device to track your devices

Q: when will more devices support find my device.

While Google hasn't unveiled an exact timeline for when specific devices will support Find My Device, the company says it will soon incorporate the Pixel Buds Pro into the network. Other devices that will eventually work with Find My Device include:

• Eufy SmartTrack Link
• Eufy Smart Tag Card

Google will also continue adding new features to improve the service. For example, if you have a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro , the Find My Device network can find your phone even if it's turned off or has no battery. Google is actively extending this capability to other Android devices.

Q: What is the best Bluetooth tracker tag?

The Chipolo One Point and Eufy SmartTrack Link rank among the best Bluetooth trackers , and both will support Google's Find My Device network. Tile makes a number of great trackers including the Tile Pro,Tile Slim, and Tile Sticker , but it's not yet known if or when they will support Find My Device. The Apple AirTag is another popular choice, but it's not compatible with Google Find My Device; instead, it relies on Apple's Find My network .

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Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible Getaway

By Syren Nagakyrie

Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent person, I take road trips every year and have learned some tips and tricks along the way.

Renting a vehicle

Most major car companies offer adaptive driving devices for their vehicles at no additional cost. Enterprise , for example, offers hand controls, left foot accelerators, pedal extenders and spinner knobs to facilitate steering. Budget can provide hand controls, spinner knobs, a panoramic mirror, swivel seats and transfer boards. Be prepared to request adaptive devices at least three business days in advance.

For a wheelchair-accessible van with a ramp or a lift, rent from a mobility company like BraunAbility , one of the largest builders of wheelchair-accessible vans in the country, with rentals at many locations. MobilityWorks , an accessible-vehicle and adaptive-equipment dealer, has rental locations in 34 states. AccessibleGO , which offers a one-stop shop for adapted rental cars and wheelchair-accessible vans, has agreements with 100 wheelchair van rental locations nationwide; request a quote on their website. For accessibleGO’s rental cars, you can request hand controls and a spinner knob at checkout.

Route planning

You can use Google Maps, Waze and MapQuest for initial accessibility research using photos and street view. Google Maps provides directions for some wheelchair-accessible pedestrian and transit routes.

Sites such as Roadtrippers and Furkot can plot an entire itinerary. While these websites are not disability specific, they are invaluable tools. (Roadtrippers does have a wheelchair-accessible check box in the search function.) You can filter by types of destinations such as national parks or museums, and search for hotels and campgrounds. Furkot allows you to input how long you want to drive each day, whether you want to travel on Interstate highways or take more scenic roads. The app will determine the best route and length of time between stops, and suggest where to stay overnight.

Finding lodging

While hotels and other accommodations are required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, many hotels do not meet all accessibility needs. Most of the booking sites list hotels with accessible rooms for those with mobility, hearing and vision needs, but this information is not always verified. Do additional research on review sites and look for photos. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and Fairmont hotels offer allergy-friendly and scent-free rooms in some locations. Call the hotel to verify accessibility and to make sure a specific room is reserved for you.

Vacation rentals are typically not required to be A.D.A. compliant, but some do provide accessibility information. Airbnb recently rolled out an adapted category with accessibility search features and homes that have been scanned for accessibility. Review photos and contact the host for more information. Some hosts will make accommodations, such as changing the cleaning supplies or shifting furniture, but document your request using the in-app messaging system so that customer service can help if you run into issues.

Wheel the World is an accessible travel agency offering bookings at over 3,000 verified accessible hotels in the United States. The hotels have been reviewed in person by trained assessors; only those that meet the criteria are listed. Sign up as a disabled traveler or a companion and complete a personal profile that includes options for a variety of disabilities and accessibility needs. The site will provide listings that match your profile with partial, adequate and outstanding match options.

Food and medication

There are a variety of options to keep food or medication cold while traveling. Electric coolers can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, but pay attention to the type of cooling mechanism — the less expensive versions are usually thermoelectric and will cool only to about 30 degrees below ambient temperature (if it is 70 degrees in the car, it will cool to 40 degrees). Compressor coolers are more expensive but maintain normal refrigerated temperatures.

Many hotels provide mini-refrigerators. When you know you will be stopping somewhere with a fridge almost every night, layer large ice packs and supplies in a cooler, then top them with another insulating layer like a cooling bag. This keeps everything cold for a couple of days at a time.

It’s also a good idea to travel with a single-burner cooktop — electric to use inside, or propane to use at rest areas and campgrounds — and a camp mess kit so that you can safely cook meals.

Some of the best apps to find food, restaurants and grocery stores that accommodate dietary needs are Fig for allergy-specific options, Happy Cow for vegan-friendly options and Find Me Gluten Free for celiac-safe spots. Add your favorite options to the route-planning app so that you know where to stop.

Finding activities

In addition to the apps mentioned in the route-planning section, state and local tourism organizations are good sources for accessible destinations.

National parks and monuments, which are required to meet federal accessibility guidelines, typically have visitor centers and recreation sites with accessible features. Each park website has information, as well as programs and services within the park. While accessibility varies, you can usually find information on wheelchair-accessible trails and campsites, tactile and audio features, assistive listening devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.

At state parks, accessibility features may not be consistent, but you can usually find some information on each park’s website.

Apps like AllTrails list wheelchair-friendly trails across the country, but the information may not be verified, so contact the park or land manager for verification. Among the parks with notable accessible trails are Redwood National and State Parks, North Cascades National Park, Badlands National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Syren Nagakyrie, the founder of the nonprofit Disabled Hikers and the author of “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon” and “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California,” among other guidebooks, leads group hikes and conducts assessments throughout the United States.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .