When it comes to keeping your dog safe, technology has opened up more choices than ever. Among the most popular are Apple’s AirTag and traditional GPS pet trackers. On the surface, they might seem similar, but if you scratch below the surface, the differences are pretty stark, especially if you’re weighing up which one is actually right for your furry friend.
In this guide, we’re comparing the two, so you can make an informed decision and really understand the differences before you commit.
How AirTags Work (And Where They Fall Short)
AirTags are designed primarily for tracking personal items; think keys, wallets, or bags.
They work by connecting to nearby iPhones via Bluetooth, using Apple’s Find My network. This means their effectiveness depends on how many Apple devices are in the area. In a busy city, that’s plenty, but if your dog bolts across fields or escapes on a countryside walk, the chances of an AirTag helping you are far slimmer.
As Apple themselves explain, ‘AirTags don’t provide real-time GPS data, but rather an approximate last-seen location’. That might be enough to track down your lost luggage at the airport, but it’s hardly reliable when it comes to a moving animal.
What Is The Range Of An AirTag & Bluetooth Connections?
A single AirTag has a range of around 10-30metres, meaning it needs to be within this proximity of a connected phone to give any location information. Whilst this can be widened using Apple’s Find My Network, this isn’t always available.
Why GPS Trackers Are Designed For Pets
Unlike AirTags, GPS trackers use satellite positioning to give you accurate, real-time location data. That means if your dog runs out of the garden or slips its lead in the park, you’ll be able to see their exact whereabouts instantly, rather than relying on whether another Apple device happens to pass by.
According to the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (EGNOS), GPS technology works anywhere with satellite coverage, whether you’re in the middle of the countryside or on a coastal walk. For pet owners, this reliability is crucial.
Many GPS trackers also come with extra features like geofencing (alerts if your dog leaves a designated area) and longer battery life, all of which are specifically geared towards keeping pets safe.
Our GPS Dog Tracker provides full UK and European coverage, built with dogs in mind, rather than luggage or gadgets, making it a practical option for dog owners who truly value reliability.
Comparing The Two: Which Is Really Better For Dogs?
To make the choice clearer, here are the key differences at a glance:
- Range: AirTags rely on Bluetooth and nearby iPhones, while GPS trackers work almost anywhere satellites can reach.
- Accuracy: GPS trackers give precise, real-time location data; AirTags give an approximate last-known location.
- Purpose: AirTags are built for finding objects. GPS trackers are designed to keep track of pets and people.
- Features: GPS trackers often include extras like geofencing and travel monitoring. AirTags don’t.
You can see where this is heading; while AirTags might be fine for keeping tabs on your luggage, they’re simply not cut out for the unpredictability of pets.
The Bottom Line
If your goal is genuine peace of mind when it comes to your dog’s safety, a GPS tracker is the more reliable option. The technology was made for moving beings, not lost items, and that difference really shows in practice.
Sure, an AirTag might seem like a cheaper, more convenient solution at first glance. But when it comes to a family member who can’t speak up for themselves, relying on something built for baggage rather than pets feels like a gamble not worth taking.
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