If you’re looking for your keys as you rush out the door, the Tile Pro could be the answer to your problems. The Tile Pro is an elongated tracker that measures 2.3 x 1.3 x 0.3 inches (HWD). It is available in black or white. The device is made of plastic and has a thin metal frame with an opening for your keychain. On the front, there is a large rubber button that you can use to locate your phone. The speaker grille and replaceable battery cover are on the back.
The Pro’s rugged plastic casing is durable. The tracker has an IP67 rating, which means you can submerge it in just over a meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. The tracker won’t bend, and thanks to the metal frame, you won’t have to worry about the key ring hole cracking over time.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]According to Tile, the Pro’s battery lasts about a year. We think that’s a conservative estimate if you don’t use the device all the time. We have not yet had to replace the battery on an older model that we used for several years. Still, it is advisable to be on the safe side and replace the battery annually.
Apple’s AirTag only works with iPhones and iPads. Tile is a great alternative for Android users or for iOS users who don’t want to be trapped in Apple’s “walled garden.” Setup is simple. Download the Tile app, create an account, and follow a few prompts to change the settings on your phone. Then, on the main app screen, simply tap Add Tile and press the button on the front of the Pro. The pairing process only takes a few seconds.
Most tracking devices are meant to be attached to objects. It works with both Android and iOS devices and has a battery that lasts for years. It’s not quite as versatile as the similarly priced Tile Pro, which attaches easily to a keychain, but it fits better in a wallet or other tight spaces. It only works with Apple devices. For Android users, the Tile Slim is a good choice for tracking down your lost wallet.
The Tile Slim is about the same height and length as a credit card, but twice as thick. It measures 2.1 x 3.4 x 0.1 inches (HWD) and slips easily into a wallet or purse without adding bulk. It’s available in black, though Tile tends to offer limited edition seasonal colors.
The Tile Slim is made of textured plastic and has small holes for the speaker and an internal button that lets you locate your phone. Despite its plastic body, the Slim is quite durable. It has an IP67 rating, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet, and we bent it back and forth several times and it felt fine.
Tile states that the Slim’s non-replaceable battery will last about three years; from our own experience, we’d say that’s a fair estimate if you rarely use it. However, once the battery dies, you’ll need to buy a new tracker. If you’re looking for a model with a replaceable battery, the Tile Pro is a better choice.
All of Tile’s products work with Android and iOS and are easy to set up. To activate the Slim, download the Tile app, create an account, tap Add Tile in the app, and press the button on the front of the tracker. It takes less than 10 seconds for the app to recognize the tracker. Once it’s connected to your account, you can customize it by giving it a different name, changing the ringtone, and creating a Siri shortcut if you’re using an iPhone.