The Best Luggage Tracking Devices 2023
It seems like airlines and airports are misplacing passenger suitcases most often than ever. Using the best luggage tracker will help to always know your suitcase location. The guide below reviews top-rated trackers at this moment and shows how to find a product most suitable for your needs!
Contents:
- Is a Luggage Tracker Worth It?
- Types of Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags
- 8 Best Luggage Trackers of 2023
- Best Overall: Tile Pro
- Best Real-Time Tracking: Spytec GPS GL300
- Best for International Flights: GEGO GPS Global Tracker
- Best Value Luggage Tracker: Tracki
- Best Multi-Pack Tracker: Tile Mate Essentials 4-Pack
- Best Luggage Tag: Dynotag
- Best for iOS: Apple AirTag
- Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag
- How We Chose the Best Luggage Trackers
- Take It a Step Further and Keep Your Family Safe with Find My Kids App
- FAQ
Is a Luggage Tracker Worth It?
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The short answer is yes, a luggage tracking device is a smart investment. These gadgets have different price ranges, making them suitable for frequent travelers and those who only move locations several times yearly.
If you don’t travel often, you can go with an affordable luggage tracker. But what if you change cities or countries frequently or carry valuable items in your suitcase? That’s when you should consider a high-end tracker with advanced features and performance.
Types of Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags
At their core, all luggage tracking devices have a similar working process. The idea is to place the tracker on your suitcase. It’s imperative to ensure the device can’t fall out from the luggage or suffer damage easily.
The tracker goes everywhere with the suitcase. It uses modern technology to send information about the bag’s whereabouts to your phone or another device. That’s how you know where your luggage is at any moment.
The difference lies in the technology used by luggage trackers. Here are the top product types to consider!
GPS Luggage Trackers
GPS technology is widely present in smartphones and cars. You’ve surely used it to navigate to a certain location when walking or driving.
The biggest advantage of GPS trackers is that they work worldwide. You don’t have to worry whether the country supports the technology—it works equally well anywhere. These devices use a satellite network, which is quite reliable in pinning your location.
GPS luggage tracker can locate your suitcase within a few feet of its exact location. But the problem is that obstacles might disrupt the signal.
If you are in the mountains, trees can cause GPS problems. And the fact that you are in a crowded building at the airport can also make locating your suitcase problematic. It’s why some trackers combine GPS with Bluetooth to deliver the best of both technologies.
GSM Mobile Trackers
GSM devices rely on local mobile networks. They identify the luggage location via the available cell towers. That’s cool since you use the same technology as authorities when tracking the location of criminals via their phones!
The technology performs well indoors and outdoors. However, it does rely on the quality of the mobile network signal. Some countries require using their local carrier card for the device to work.
It’s also worth noting that South Korea and Japan don’t use GSM technologies in their countries anymore. These trackers aren’t a wise choice for these countries, but they’ll work in all other locations.
Bluetooth Mobile Trackers
Bluetooth is another technology you are familiar with, as you’ve probably used it to transfer files between devices. But you also know that Bluetooth requires devices to be close. And that’s the main disadvantage—Bluetooth will best work if the range is within 100 feet.
It’s why you won’t find many trackers that solely rely on this technology. Bluetooth is excellent for maximizing accuracy at short distances. But at long ranges, it’s better to go with GSM or GPS technology.
8 Best Luggage Trackers of 2023
The best luggage tracker is the one that best answers your requirements. There’s no one-size-fits-all, which is why we categorized top-rated devices into different categories. Check the review section below and find your favorite unit!
Best Overall: Tile Pro
Tile Pro is among the most potent Bluetooth trackers out there. It can track luggage at up to 400 feet. The actual range depends on the surrounding structures, but the tracker is usually reliable.
The app is available on iOS and Android. It’s even compatible with Smart Home devices, which can locate the lost item for you. The gadget works great with Siri, Hey Google, and Alexa.
If the luggage is out of range, you can list it on the Tile Network. Other users can help you find it by scanning the QR code on the device.
Tile Pro is incredibly durable, but it’s not that tiny. However, its strong construction contributes to a long lifespan. It’s even water-resistant, which is helpful if your suitcase falls into the water. The only downside is that battery life isn’t great, and you might need a replacement in 4-6 months.
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Best Real-Time Tracking: Spytec GPS GL300
Spytec GP is a versatile real-time tracker that’s only one inch thick and convenient to position in a suitcase. The product has Android and iOS app versions, but you can also use a web portal. It’s accessible from any internet browser.
The portal offers an intuitive interface that allows monitoring of the device in the past and present. Time Machine allows you to see any location changes and alerts that you might have missed.
Spytec GP GL300 allows setting custom boundaries. That ensures you receive a notification if the device leaves planned areas. The manufacturer offers affordable subscriptions, and the device itself isn’t expensive. You get a lifetime warranty, but it’s only active if you have a subscription.
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Best for International Flights: GEGO GPS Global Tracker
GEGO GPS Global Tracker isn’t the smallest device to track your baggage. However, it’s the most reliable unit if you travel internationally. It uses GPS technology to pinpoint the luggage’s location. The subscription is affordable, and the manufacturer uses worldwide 2G-4G GSM networks. It ensures maximum global coverage.
The battery life isn’t impressive when the device is in use. However, the recharging time is short, which is convenient. Android and iOS apps are available and free to download.
GEGO GPS Global Tracker allows setting safe zones. If your bag leaves that area, you receive an immediate alert. Thanks to compliance with international regulations, the device shuts off before takeoff and doesn’t interfere with avionics. It also ensures immediate updates after landing to confirm the luggage has arrived with you.
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Best Value Luggage Tracker: Tracki
Tracki is the smallest and lightest suitcase tracker on the market. It weighs only 1.26 ounces, but it’s surprisingly durable. The silicone cover is waterproof, and you also get a keychain, belt clip, and lanyard with the device.
The app uses GPS to track the device’s location worldwide. But if you are in a building, such as an airport, it activates Wi-Fi tracking. It has a Wi-Fi database to maximize location accuracy when indoors.
Tracki has different monitoring settings. It can track the location every 1-5 minutes or log it 1-3 times daily. If you choose the latter, the battery life can go up to 75 days!
A subscription is necessary, but it’s not expensive. The phone app offers convenient features, such as “safe zones,” email, push, SMS notifications, etc.
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Best Multi-Pack Tracker: Tile Mate Essentials 4-Pack
If you travel somewhere with your family, you might have multiple luggage pieces. It’s why Tile Mate Essentials offers a four-pack box. It ensures you can track each suitcase and backpack you carry with you.
The chosen Tile product selection for this multi-pack includes a couple of Mate units, a Slim, and Stickers. You can use these for large suitcases, but also small backpacks and purses. The Tile Network helps find the suitcase at large ranges.
All Tile devices are compatible with iOS and Android. You can also use Smart Home devices and voice assistants to locate your items when inside a house. The IP67 resistance rating contributes to overall durability. Batteries are surprisingly durable, and it’s a shame they are non-replaceable. On the plus side, they can last up to three years, depending on your frequency of use.
If you’ve used Tile, you know this is a reliable tracker. And having the opportunity to buy an entire set for a lower price is a deal you shouldn’t miss.
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Best Luggage Tag: Dynotag
The first thing to clarify is that this unit is different from a tracker tag. It doesn’t have advanced systems and technologies that help you pinpoint the baggage location. Instead, it relies on the people factor.
Dynotag is a durable ID tag made of top-quality stainless steel. It’s durable and has a color combination to be noticeable easily. The device also has your luggage’s personal QR code. The person who finds the suitcase scans it, and you get notified immediately about that action.
The tag doesn’t require any electronics or batteries. You get a lifetime warranty, and there are no additional charges. The manufacturer advises using glue to make it tougher for people to remove the tag.
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Best for iOS: Apple AirTag
If you want a smart tracker that works with iOS devices, there’s no better choice than going for a unit designed by Apple. AirTag features impressive construction quality and a battery that lasts over a year while ensuring you can replace it later.
AirTag relies on Bluetooth, and select iPhone models also use the Ultra-Wideband technology to help pinpoint your device. Find My Network includes other Apple users in the search, and you get a notification once your device is found.
The setup is surprisingly simple and only takes seconds. Even if you don’t have previous experience with trackers, you’ll be comfortable using this unit immediately.
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Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag
Just like Apple has its iOS version, Samsung Galaxy created a smart tag for its Android devices. The first thing you notice is that it’s tiny, and it only weighs 0.54 ounces.
The tracker relies on Bluetooth, but there’s a Galaxy Find network that helps locate lost items from far away. The tracker is hardly visible, which is convenient since it’s easy to hide and ensure that potential suitcase thieves don’t notice it.
If you register an account with Samsung, you’ll activate cool features like AR finding. It allows a visual way to locate your device. While this doesn’t contribute to functionality, it’s an innovative and fun addition to luggage trackers.
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How We Chose the Best Luggage Trackers
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Our team thoroughly researched each product and made sure it delivered what was promised. The experts we gathered analyzed and compared features to single out the top products in each category. We relied on user feedback on every detail and compared each characteristic, from the technology used to price and durability.
What Features to Consider in a Luggage Tracker
Features are the core of each product, but what are the major luggage tracker characteristics? If you are still on the hunt for the best tracking device for luggage items, consider the following:
- Technology. We mentioned that the technology used by the tracker could be GSM, GPS, or Bluetooth. Many units combine two different location techniques for maximum precision.
- Battery. Luggage trackers use batteries as a power source. Some units have a recharging option, and these usually come with a battery life of several days or weeks. Other devices have long-term batteries that last 12 months or longer. Some manufacturers even provide a replacement with the product, making them a worthy investment if you are a frequent traveler.
- Compatibility. Tracking devices send signals from the suitcase to your gadget. It’s most convenient for that device to be a smartphone, although you can also use a tablet or other gadgets. The important thing is the tracker is compatible with the operating system used, such as iOS or Android.
- Size and form. Manufacturers give their best to keep luggage trackers as tiny as possible. That primarily refers to thinness, and most devices are no thicker than credit cards. Another common form is a keychain, which ensures they attract minimum attention as they don’t even look like a tracker. Some trackers are multi-functional, and you don’t have to limit their use to suitcases. You can also track wallets or keys, so consider the form that best fits your needs.
- Price and other fees. The default cost of a luggage tracker can be anywhere from $10 to $50. Suitcases with integrated tracking devices could cost up to $150 or more. Some providers require paying a subscription to activate real-time tracking services, which means recurring fees might be another factor worth considering.
Take It a Step Further and Keep Your Family Safe with Find My Kids App
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While knowing the luggage location is important, the safety of your family remains a priority. And it might happen that you go separate ways while on a trip. If you are in a crowd, it could happen your child disappears from your eyesight.
And let’s face it—even while you are at home, you’d have peace of mind knowing your child’s whereabouts at all times. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Find My Kids app!
Find My Kids – How it Works
Find My Kids is a mobile app that works on iOS and Android devices. It has a simple setting process since it only requires installing apps on your and your kid’s smartphone.
And if they are too small to have a smartphone, you can use a special GPS watch as an alternative. Kids will love wearing this accessory and taking them anywhere they go.
Upon installation, connect the devices and activate the service. It’s as simple as ABC and could be imperative for your kid’s safety!
Find My Kids – Crucial Features
The app is incredibly useful and can be an integral asset to keeping your child safe. Find My Kids has the following features:
- Get information about the child’s location. You’ll receive an alert when they arrive at home, school, or another entered address. It eliminates the necessity to check the app for the kid’s location often.
- Location history information. You can see which routes your kid took during the day and the locations they visited. It’s imperative to know they aren’t hanging around at the wrong places.
- Audio signal from the kid’s surroundings. It’s possible to activate a loudspeaker and listen to everything happening in the child’s surroundings. However, this feature doesn’t work on iOS devices.
- Receive SOS signal. Your kid can let you know they are in potential danger. The SOS button triggers an alert and starts automatic audio monitoring when possible.
- Monitor screen time. The device will reveal how much time your kid spends using different apps on their phone.
Download the Find My Kids app right now to be calm for your child both at home and when traveling. You can also choose a GPS watch for a child from an official retailer, and get a subscription to the Find My Kids app as a gift!
FAQ
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Do Luggage Trackers Actually Work? How do Luggage Trackers Work?
Yes, luggage trackers are gadgets that serve their purpose well. You put them in the suitcase, and they use various technologies to send their location to your smartphone or another device. Luggage trackers are easy to set up—you don’t have to be a tech expert, and the entire process only lasts a few minutes.
How Much do Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags Cost?
The price depends on many factors, such as technology, size, durability, etc. You can expect the most affordable trackers to cost anywhere from $10 to $20. The medium range is from $20 to $40, but you’ll find those that cost more than $50. You can even purchase a suitcase with an integrated smart tag, but these products are considerably more expensive.
Are Luggage Trackers TSA-approved?
You won’t find an actual list of luggage trackers approved by TSA. But if you check the official website, you’ll discover that GPS navigation is allowed for both checked and carry-on bags. That means you can put trackers on small bags you take on the plane and other suitcases that you check in at the airport. However, please note that TSA officers have the right to decide whether you can carry a particular item with you.
Does Android Have A Luggage Tracker?
Android is the most popular mobile phone operating system. That’s why most luggage trackers have Android apps and secure maximum compatibility with this OS. Always check the product description, but it shouldn’t be a problem to find a tracker compatible with Android.
What Technology Does the Luggage Tag Use?
Luggage tags are somewhat different than classic trackers. It utilizes RFID—radio frequency identification—chip located in the device. Some tags have an NFC chip to scan with a smartphone or a QR code that you can scan.
Luggage Tracker Is a Necessity for Travels
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Your luggage is imperative when traveling. Even if you’re only going on a short vacation, losing personal stuff can be inconvenient.
Imagine having to go buy things for you and the children once you arrive at the destination. It’s not only a hassle but a big expense. And if you have valuable items in the bags, it’s even more important not to lose them. And that’s where luggage trackers come into play.
These devices help you know where your luggage is at any point. It provides parents and other travelers peace of mind. Tracker prices are relatively affordable, making them a smart investment. You can pick from different sizes and features, so it’s easy to find a suitable option.
Check the reviews and find the best tracker for your needs. And don’t hesitate to share your opinions or recommend other products in the comment section. We look forward to discussing things and ensuring everyone finds a tracker that exceeds their expectations!
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