Apple AirTag Tops $2.50 Bluetooth Trackers With 100-130 Foot Range
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 6
Apple AirTag Tops $2.50 Bluetooth Trackers With 100-130 Foot Range
3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 6
Summary
ZDNET’s test found Apple’s second-generation AirTag delivered the strongest performance, reaching 100-130 feet in clear sight and 50-65 feet indoors, ahead of both a Nomad tracker card and a $2.50 no-name tag.
Nomad’s $39 Tracker Card Pro came close at 85-100 feet outdoors and about 50 feet indoors, while the cheap tag struggled beyond 50 feet outside and about 30 feet inside.
Signal readings helped explain the gap: AirTag and Nomad hit about -35 dBm, but the budget tag never rose above -50 dBm and sometimes fell to -70 dBm even near the iPhone.
Build quality also separated the devices — the cheap tag failed a simple tap-water test despite an IP67 claim, and teardown checks showed fewer protections and more aggressive cost-cutting.
The review concluded that low-cost tags still work for noncritical items, but pricier trackers offer better range, durability and odds of recovery for valuables.