Best Luggage Trackers for Android and Apple Travelers

Track your bags with ease! These are the best luggage trackers for Android and Apple users planning their next trip.

Misplaced bags, delayed flights, and long queues are part of the travel routine nobody enjoys. But losing your luggage? That’s a level of chaos even a lounge pass can’t fix.

Thankfully, luggage trackers have come a long way. Whether you travel with an Android phone or an Apple device, today’s trackers offer peace of mind with pinpoint location updates, long battery life, and compatibility across global networks.

In this article, I’ll cover what sets top luggage trackers apart from the rest and provide a guide on choosing the right one for your device. I will unpack everything you need to know before buying a tracker, including how the tech works, why GPS and Bluetooth matter, and what to look for based on your phone, bag type, and travel habits.

Luggage trackers are small devices that help travellers monitor their bags in real time. They sit discreetly inside a suitcase or clip onto a handle and send updates to your phone through Bluetooth or GPS.

Some models rely on crowd-sourced proximity updates, while others use mobile data for global location sharing. These trackers are particularly beneficial during layovers, airline transfers, or when your bag unexpectedly detours to the wrong airport.

Choosing between a Bluetooth and a GPS tracker depends on how and where you travel.

GPS vs Bluetooth: What’s Right for You?

Bluetooth Trackers are best suited for short-haul flyers, commuters, and carry-on bags. They’re small, lightweight, and battery-efficient. These devices rely on a network of nearby smartphones to relay their location, which works well in busy airports but not in remote areas. When it comes to the best Bluetooth trackers, it’s hard to ignore the convenience of AirTags or Tile.

GPS Trackers are designed for international travellers and checked luggage. GPS trackers provide real-time updates anywhere with a mobile signal. They require a subscription for mobile network access but deliver precise tracking without relying on nearby users.

Thanks to advances in GPS technology, these trackers can pinpoint your luggage almost anywhere on the globe. GPS trackers step in when bags go off the grid or if the items within your case are of high value.

A Bluetooth tracker is suitable if your bag stays nearby, such as in overhead storage or on a train luggage rack. It’s perfect for short hops or quick weekend breaks and is the most commonly used and cost-effective tracker available. But if you’re checking bags for long-haul routes or using multi-airline itineraries, Bluetooth has its limits.

For example, suppose your suitcase is offloaded during a connection and rebooked on a later flight. In that case, a GPS device can show you exactly where it is, even if the airline can’t. Some newer trackers combine Bluetooth and GPS into hybrid systems, offering the best of both coverage with handoff logic that depends on your proximity.

If you’re starting out with your first tracker, there are a few prerequisites. Check app compatibility, especially if you are on Android, as some still focus only on the Apple Find My network. Bluetooth trackers work more effectively in dense urban areas or airports, whereas GPS offers more global coverage, even in remote areas, but at a higher cost. Consider your travel frequency, route types, and whether your tracker requires offline functionality.

Rechargeable vs Disposable
The method by which your luggage tracker is powered can impact both convenience and cost.

Disposable Battery Trackers
Use coin-cell batteries that can last up to a year. Once depleted, just swap out the battery. This is ideal for light travellers who want a set-it-and-forget-it option.

Rechargeable Trackers
These often support GPS and more advanced features. A full charge can last weeks. They are great for long-haul travel, but they require more active battery management.

Battery life varies widely. Bluetooth trackers can run for 8 to 12 months on a single coin cell. GPS models, depending on the update frequency and signal strength, may last up to 3-4 weeks on a single charge. Faster update intervals drain power more quickly, but many devices offer sleep modes or interval-based tracking to conserve energy.

Charging is typically via micro USB or USB-C, though some new models now support wireless charging. If you’re using a GPS luggage tracker, it’s wise to recharge it 24 hours before your trip and pack a small power bank just in case.

For long-haul trips or multi-leg journeys, opt for models that last at least 7 days on a single charge.

Shapes and Sizes: Why They Matter

Luggage trackers come in various shapes to suit different travel needs. Your choice should reflect the type of luggage you use and how visible (or hidden) you want the tracker to be.

• Button-style – Compact and discreet, these can fit in a shoe, jacket pocket, or small interior compartment.
• Credit Card-style – Flat and wallet-friendly. Ideal for briefcases or travel wallets where space is tight.
• Clip-on or Keyring – This type of device is easy to move between bags. It offers visible placement and quick access. The Pebblebee Clip is one of the newer trackers compatible with FindHub, offering rechargeable power and loud alerts.
• GPS Blocks – Bulkier and designed for checked luggage or larger bags. Often feature weatherproofing or magnetic mounts.

Privacy and Security References

Bluetooth trackers often include alerts if an unknown tracker is nearby, especially on Apple devices. Android users can utilise third-party apps like Tracker Detect, but their proprietary built-in security features are continually improving and, at the time of writing, have included similar alerts to those of Apple.

GPS-based devices store data in the cloud, so look for encrypted services and privacy controls in the app.

One growing concern is unauthorised tracking. Apple’s Precision Finding uses Ultra Wideband to show precisely how far and in what direction a tracker is from your phone. Still, it also alerts others if a tracker is detected nearby for an extended period.

Some trackers let you disable location updates remotely or add PIN protection to prevent unauthorised unpairing. For added peace of mind, choose models that use encrypted transmission and offer multi-device access, which can be helpful if you’re sharing location data with a travel companion.

Airline Rules and Battery Restrictions

Most airlines allow luggage trackers, but restrictions apply to the use of batteries.

Coin-cell models are fine in all baggage types. GPS trackers with rechargeable lithium batteries should be checked against airline policies to ensure compliance with regulations. Many need to be powered off when checking luggage or offer sleep modes that comply with IATA rules.

GPS models differ by region. Some include an eSIM for automatic roaming, while others require manual activation. If travelling internationally, look for LTE-M or NB-IoT support. Always verify coverage in your destination and ensure the tracker app is compatible with both Android and Apple phones.

The app is where you’ll spend most of your time interacting with your tracker, so it needs to be intuitive and reliable. Tile’s app, for example, works across Android, iOS, and even smartwatches. It offers ring-to-find, silent alerts, and community-based updates.

Invoxia’s app supports geofencing and motion alerts, while Apple’s Find My app is clean and native for iOS devices.

Top-rated trackers often include geofencing and group-sharing features, giving you more ways to stay informed. Some apps also support “Travel Mode,” which adjusts the frequency of updates based on motion or inactivity. This helps preserve the battery while you’re in transit and speeds up alerts once you reach your destination.

If you use multiple trackers across devices, such as in checked luggage, a laptop bag, and a camera case, ensure that you choose an app that supports custom labels and dashboard views. Look for these features:

• Last known location
• Separation alerts
• Geofencing
• Device sharing across ecosystems

How Apple’s Find My Network Helps Travellers

Apple’s Find My network quietly turns over a billion Apple devices into a global lost-and-found system. Suppose you misplace an iPhone, an AirTag-equipped suitcase, or even your MacBook while travelling. In that case, nearby Apple devices can anonymously detect the lost item’s Bluetooth signal and relay its location back to your iCloud, even if the item is offline.

The Apple ecosystem enhances this by ensuring every device, from iPads to Apple Watches, contributes to the network’s reach.

The tech behind it combines Bluetooth Low Energy, Apple’s U1 chip for ultra-wideband Precision Finding, and constantly rotating identifiers to prevent misuse.

Whether your bag is still at the departure airport or you left your iPad at a hotel, the Find My app pinpoints its location. It even lets you share that information with airline staff or travel companions using a secure link. The network supports iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, AirPods, AirTags and even third-party accessories, making it ideal for any frequent flyer.

Google’s FindHub: A Growing Android Alternative

Google’s updated Find My Device network, now called FindHub, is Android’s answer to Apple’s Find My. Built into most modern Android devices via Google Play Services, FindHub creates a global, encrypted mesh that can locate phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and supported third-party trackers, as we saw with Apple, even when they’re offline.

FindHub is available on most Android devices and integrates directly with the Google account system. It works much like Apple’s version: devices broadcast anonymous Bluetooth signals, and nearby Android phones silently detect and report them to your account. For Pixel 8 and 9 users, tracking continues even if the battery is dead, thanks to low-power hardware. UWB support also now enables turn-by-turn directions to your lost item.

The Pebblebee Clip and upcoming Moto Tags are examples of third-party accessories compatible with the platform. FindHub plans to add satellite connectivity in future updates, which is ideal for remote travel.

Samsung SmartThings Find: Galaxy’s Own Tracker Ecosystem

Samsung’s SmartThings Find is the company’s solution for tracking within the Galaxy ecosystem. It powers the SmartTag series, including SmartTag, SmartTag+, and SmartTag 2, all of which utilise Bluetooth signals detected by nearby Galaxy phones to report their location.

With over 300 million Galaxy devices in circulation, SmartThings Find delivers widespread coverage. SmartTag+ and SmartTag 2 add UWB support for more precise finding when paired with compatible Samsung devices. Users can group multiple SmartTags, track them collectively, and share access across accounts.

Travellers can use SmartTags to keep track of luggage, keys, or accessories. The toggle button on SmartTag 2 can even control SmartThings devices, such as smart lights.

Privacy features include anti-stalking detection, rotating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) identifiers, and location alerts, making it a safe option for any Tile user or Android loyalist.

Feature	Google Find Hub	Apple Find My	Samsung SmartThings Find
Network Scale	~1 billion Android devices	~1 billion Apple devices	~300 million Galaxy devices
Offline/Dead Tracking	Yes (Pixel 8/9)	Yes (iPhones with U1-based Power Reserve)	Yes (all SmartTags via nearby Galaxy phones)
UWB Precision Location	Yes (from May 2025)	Yes (via U1 chip)	Yes (SmartTag+, SmartTag 2)
Tracker Ecosystem	Pixel, Pebblebee, Chipolo, Moto Tags	AirTag + Find My–compatible devices	SmartTag Series (Samsung-only)
Privacy Model	End-to-end encryption, opt-out, anonymous signals	End-to-end encrypted, rotating IDs	Rotating IDs, some theoretical risks
Anti-Tracking Alerts	Yes, cross-platform	Yes, alert & sound	Yes, via SmartThings app

While these trackers are marketed for luggage, frequent travellers find creative uses:

• Track your backpack while out sightseeing
• Find your hire car in unfamiliar parking lots
• Keep tabs on a child at a theme park
• Monitor expensive camera equipment in hotel safes
• Put one into your tech pouch for added security

Whether you’re at the airport or checking out of your hotel, a tracker helps you keep track of your belongings at all times.

If you lose contact information for your bag, the tracker and its app may still help reunite you with it faster than the airline.

Motorola’s Moto Tag brings robust Bluetooth Low Energy tracking, IP67 durability, and a year-long CR2032 battery that’s easily swapped. At just 32 mm wide and 8 mm thin, it matches the Apple AirTag’s form factor, letting you reuse familiar accessories while integrating with Google’s Find Hub ecosystem.

It offers a solid ~100 m Bluetooth range, volume-controlled beep, and waterproof casing.  Motorola has also added extras, such as remote camera shutter control via UWB phone integration, making it a wise choice if you’re looking for a tracker built for Android devices that’s both savvy and stylish.
motorola.com // amazon.com

AirBolt reinvents the humble luggage lock by combining rugged physical security with smart connectivity. The device is secured with a sturdy multi-strand steel cable. It features AES-128 encrypted Bluetooth, and it comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 months.

It’s TSA-approved, weather-resistant, and built from die-cast zinc and stainless steel. Through the AirBolt app, unlocking is as easy as tapping your smartphone, and you can even set backup button codes for times when you’re offline. Separation alerts warn you if your bag drifts out of range, and crowd-sourced location updates from other users’ phones enhance theft recovery chances. The app also logs lock and unlock history and allows you to share access with travel companions.
theairbolt.com

The Galaxy SmartTag 2 is Samsung’s most refined tracker yet, featuring a replaceable battery that lasts up to 500 days and an IP67 waterproof rating, making it suitable for a range of applications, from checked suitcases to rainy city walks. It connects via Bluetooth LE with a range of up to 120 metres.

It supports UWB for precision finding, but only when paired with compatible Galaxy phones.
It also integrates with Samsung’s SmartThings Find network, which spans over 300 million devices, helping to track items even when they’re out of range. A built-in ring loop makes it easier to attach to luggage tags or backpacks, and “Lost Mode” allows you to embed contact information via NFC, so someone who finds your bag can get in touch securely.
samsung.com // amazon.com

Sleek and ultra-thin, approximately twice the thickness of a credit card, Nomad’s Tracking Card slips seamlessly into most wallets while silently connecting to Apple’s Find My app. Once fully charged via any Qi or MagSafe charger, a single session lasts up to five months.

It lets you locate your wallet or luggage from anywhere through the Find My network and triggers a sound when you’re within approximately 150 feet. Although it lacks ultra-wideband precision, it still alerts you when you leave your wallet behind and even supports Lost Mode, allowing someone to return it with your contact information via NFC.
nomadgoods.com // amazon.com

With a vibrant twist on luggage tracking, the Chipolo POP fully supports both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device networks. However, you choose which one during setup. This means your tracker integrates with whichever ecosystem your phone uses, providing flexibility and convenience whether you’re an iPhone owner or an Android user.

While it doesn’t include ultra-wideband, the POP keeps things simple and effective, perfect for everyday luggage, backpacks, or accessories. It’s IP55-rated for basic water and dust resistance, and the colorful design stands out in busy travel environments. The Chipolo app offers additional perks, including ringtone customisation, “call your phone” buttons, and out-of-range alerts.
chipolo.net // amazon.com

GEGO PRO combines assisted GPS, 2G–4G cellular, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth in a single device that delivers real-time global coverage, making it a must-have when tracking checked luggage across borders. It includes a SIM with no roaming fees, real time location pings every few minutes, and a built-in light sensor to alert you if someone opens your bag mid-flight.

Packed with travel-focused extras, like safe-zone geofencing, proximity alerts, and flight compensation coverage, as well as a fast bag-recovery guarantee, the GEGO ecosystem is ideal for high-value itineraries or travellers with multiple bags. And, if your bag goes truly missing, GEGO offers both proactive tracking and financial support.
gego.io // amazon.com

Equipped with real-time GPS tracking, the Xplora xGO3 keeps parents informed across busy airport terminals and crowded train stations. A built-in SIM card enables live location updates, Safe-Zone alerts, and two-way calling, all of which are managed through the easy-to-use Parent App.

This smartwatch holds a charge for up to 72 hours on standby, and its rugged IP68 rating protects against drops and spills during outdoor adventures or rainy days. Once tucked inside a child’s backpack or a piece of carry-on luggage, the watch doubles as a dependable tracker for your belongings, too. With 50 pre-approved contacts, an SOS button, voice calling, and an embedded 2 MP camera, it’s ready for every scenario.
xplora.co.uk

Born not as the first tracker, but as the one that truly launched the category, AirTag set the standard for Apple users and iPhone owners alike. It’s compact, rated IP67 for splash and dust resistance, and powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts over a year. Out of the box, it works seamlessly with the Find My network, harnessing Apple’s vast ecosystem of iOS devices to deliver global tracking without subscriptions.

The magic lies in Apple’s U1-powered precision finding, offering ultra-wideband accuracy and directional guidance on compatible iPhones, effectively turning your phone into a metal detector with on-screen arrows and vibration cues. It also includes a built-in speaker for proximity alerts and NFC-based Lost Mode, allowing finders to contact you securely.
apple.com // amazon.com

Winning Best of IFA 2024, Twelve South’s PlugBug redefines the travel adapter by combining a slim, high-power USB‑C charger with built-in Apple Find My tracking. It’s a true 2‑in‑1 powerhouse. Available in 50 W (dual-port) and 120 W (quad-port) versions, this GaN charger dynamically allocates power so you can fast-charge everything from iPhones and iPads to MacBooks. The flat-folding prongs and interchangeable travel heads (US, EU, UK, AU, KR, CN included) make it perfect for jet-setting tech-savvy travellers.

Beyond juice, the PlugBug hides a small, replaceable button battery powering its Find My locator. Pop it in, register it like an AirTag in the Find My app, and you’ll get separation alerts, audible beeps, and real-time location updates, even when it’s left behind in a lounge or hotel. With this award-winning combo, your charger becomes both a travel essential and a built-in tracker, making it a no-brainer addition to any carry-on setup.
twelvesouth.com // amazon.com

Practical meets premium in the AirNotch Pro, a rugged keyring tracker boasting compatibility with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub networks. Choose your network by model colour. It features dual side-facing buzzers for loud 360° sound, a glow-in-the-dark photoluminescent outer shell, and durability certified by IP68 waterproofing and an anodised aluminium frame.

Its power comes from two user-replaceable CR2032 batteries, giving up to 20 months of operation and the convenience of swapping cells anywhere. A built-in loop clips directly to keys, backpack straps, or luggage tags with no attachment required, making it both an everyday essential and a reliable travel accessory.
rollingsquare.com

Built for reliable luggage tracking, the Tile Pro offers a 500ft Bluetooth range, a loud 110dB ring, and a replaceable CR2032 battery with approximately a year of life, making it ideal for attaching to suitcases or gear without requiring constant maintenance. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and connects to both the Life360 and Tile networks to help keep track of your belongings almost anywhere.

A standout feature is its SOS button. Pressing the multifunction button three times discreetly triggers an emergency alert to your Life360 Circle, and can even notify emergency services with a premium subscription. It’s a small tracker that can be useful once you’ve arrived at your destination and want peace of mind while exploring a new city.
life360.com // amazon.com

Whether you’re team Apple or team Android, the Pebblebee Tag Universal bridges the gap and is compatible with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub networks (choosing your preferred system at setup and switching via factory reset). Compact and IPX6-rated, it slips easily into luggage, electronics cases, or backpack straps while withstanding splashes. Rechargeable via USB-C, each charge provides approximately eight months of battery life. A bright LED and buzzer aid close-range recovery.

Beyond basic tracking, it features a secure loop for fast attachment, multi-sensory alerts, and a rechargeable design that eliminates the need for disposable batteries. As one of the only devices to work smoothly across both ecosystems, it’s the ideal best-of-both-worlds luggage tracker, giving you global coverage, adaptability, and long-term value without compromising on reliability.
pebblebee.com // amazon.com

Choosing the best luggage trackers depends on how you travel, what you carry, and how much peace of mind you want while doing it. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a casual holidaymaker, or just someone who’s had one too many airport mishaps, a solid tracker is now an essential part of the packing list.

This guide highlights a wide range of options tailored for every kind of traveller. The Apple AirTag may not have been the first to launch, but it set a high standard for iPhone users seeking ease of use, precision, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. Then there’s Twelve South’s PlugBug, which cleverly combines tracking with charging, saving space while adding security. For Android users, Google’s new Find Hub network has brought fresh power to Bluetooth tracking, expanding support to brands like Chipolo and Pebblebee.

If you’re travelling with expensive equipment, the GEGO GPS Pro offers global coverage using GPS technology instead of relying on nearby phones.

The Pebblebee Tag Universal deserves special mention. It’s one of the few that works across both major platforms and doesn’t rely on disposable batteries. Its sleek design, rechargeable battery, and bright alerts make it a clear standout. Pebblebee even offers secure ways to add contact information, such as a phone number or QR code, ensuring that lost bags have a better chance of being returned to you.

Ultimately, the best luggage trackers are the ones that suit your travel habits, fit your gear, and work when you need them most. From Bluetooth pings to GPS updates and app alerts, this year’s top luggage trackers prove there’s never been a better time to take back control of your bags…and your trip.