An Introduction to: Audio Key Finders and Bluetooth Trackers
In this article we review 5 of the best Audio Key Finders and Bluetooth Trackers. Though there maybe some subtle technical differences in the products we’ve selected – they serve one important purpose – and that is to help you find lost or mislaid items.
Forgetting where you left important items such as your keys, glasses case, wallet, pill dispenser or remote control can be very frustrating – that’s where these products aim to help. By attaching the wireless receiver to your treasured belongings, you can track them down by using your phone or transmitter to sound the alarm on the lost item – and simply follow the beeps. Unfortunately there are some limitations – typically you need to be within 100-200 feet for the alarm to sound – some of the devices will even record where the item was last seen on a map!
The two technologies used are Bluetooth & RF (radio frequency, which is the older of the two). Both have their own advantages and disadvantages:
Radio Frequency: RF doesn’t require a smartphone or app to operate, it uses a single transmitter that looks similar to a small tv remote control. It sends out a specific frequency tuned to the receiver that sounds the alarm. In terms of range and penetration, an RF audio key finder will typically transmit through doors, walls and furniture and travel about 80-100 feet. RF trackers are typically cheaper and often come with multiple receivers. In most cases they are much simpler to operate – better suited to users who don’t want to use a smartphone.
Bluetooth: This technology requires the use of a smartphone and companion app – no transmitter is required, in fact any bluetooth enabled smartphone can be used to locate your receiver. The distance the bluetooth signal can travel is generally between 50-200 feet – so much more variable than an RF device. Some Bluetooth Trackers also have a Global Positioning System (GPS) feature that can identify the last known location of the lost item. Another trick the Bluetooth devices have is the ability to sound an alarm/ring on your phone if you can’t find it.
Obviously if we all had perfect memories this wouldn’t be as big an issue, however, according to WebMD – one in nine US adults over the age of 45 report memory issues – so it’s not surprising that tech designed to help you remember where you mislaid important items is becoming more and more popular. Forgetfulness is not necessarily a sign of more serious conditions like alzheimer’s – mild forgetfulness is just a normal part of aging.
Audio Key Finders and Bluetooth Trackers: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Well-being
Anyone suffering from mild forgetfulness or other memory conditions will definitely benefit from attaching these to frequently used and/or mislaid items.
Finding important items easily and quickly will minimise the anxiety and stress usually associated with losing objects.
Independence
It can be frustrating and a little embarrassing having to enlist the help of friends or family to help find lost items, not only the effort involved, but the time it could take to eventually find the lost items. Having the tech to help you do it quickly and on your own is a great advantage.
Combine your audio key finders or bluetooth trackers with other devices designed to assist those with varying degrees of memory loss such as GPS Trackers, Voice Recorders & Dementia Clocks to give you even more support.
The Shortlist: Audio Key Finders and Bluetooth Trackers
The audio key finders and bluetooth trackers we’ve reviewed come with a range of features and budgets – so something to suit everyone. The comparison summary table will help you narrow down which is the right one for you.
Esky RF Item Locator
Esky RF Item Locator: Key Features
The Esky RF Item Locator is from Esky – “Sky of Electronics” that was founded in 2010. Specializing in consumer electronics; other products they market include emergency radios, barcode scanners and automotive reversing cameras & monitors. Their range of audio key finders consist of 4 models – all similar in functionality. Our choice is the Key Finder, Esky Wireless RF Item Locator Item.
Included in the box are 6 (six) receivers and a selection of key hooks & tapes to secure the units to your treasured items. Setup was, as expected with RF trackers, very simple – insert the included CR2032 batteries, and that’s it – you’re ready to go.
Each slim receiver is color coded with clear/bright strips that corresponds to a matching colored button on the transmitter. In addition to the 80dB beep that sounds when you are trying to locate an item there is a small red LED light on the receiver that flashes – helpful in darker rooms/situations. The transmitter comes with a convenient stand.
Esky RF Item Locator: What’s in the Box
- Esky Transmitter
- Transmitter stand
- Plastic opener
- 6 x Esky Receivers
- 6 x Esky Key Ring
- 6 x Hooks and self-adhesive tapes
- 7 x CR2032 batteries
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
Esky RF Item Locator: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great value
- No smartphone required
- Includes 6 receivers
- No complicated set-up
- Flashing LED
- Batteries are replaceable
- Slim 0.2″ depth form
- Receivers come with key rings and hook & loop tapes
- Convenient Transmitter stand (so you don’t lose it!)
Cons
- 100 feet maximum range
- Not water resistant
- Alert volume 75-80dB – not as loud as some of the competition
Esky RF Item Locator: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
The Esky RF Item Locator is so simple to setup and use; install the included batteries into the transmitter and receivers by using the plastic opener, and that’s it – you can now sound the alert with the corresponding colored button on the transmitter.
If you have any problems – the Esky customer support can be contacted via their website.
- 【Loud 80db Beep】: Finding your items is simple. Just follow the sound! Once you press the corresponding color-coded button on the remote, the device will emit a loud 80db beep when the items are nearby.
- 【Portable Design】: With only 0.2 inches thick, these 6 receivers can be attached to keys, TV remote controllers, mobile phones, wallets, pets, luggage and more.
- 【Long-Distance Operation】: You'll be able to find your lost goods no matter where they are. Radio frequency can easily penetrates though walls, cushions and doors to find the lost item up to within 100ft.
WOSPORTS Item Tracker Wireless RF Item Locator
No products found.No products found.
WOSPORTS Item Tracker Wireless RF Item Locator: Key Features
The No products found. is from Wosports who are probably better known for marketing golf/hunting rangefinders and night vision trail cameras.
It’s the second Radio Frequency audio key finder in our showdown – and has many features in common with the Esky Wireless RF Item Locator Item.
6 (six) receivers are included in the package, they come with a selection of key rings & self-adhesive pads to secure the units to your items. Also included is a pad to secure your transmitter.
Setup was very simple – insert the included CR2032 batteries into the color coded receivers and 2 x AAA batteries (not included) into the transmitter, and you’re all done. Press the color coded button on the transmitter and the corresponding colored receiver will begin to beep and the red LED will flash.
WOSPORTS Item Tracker Wireless RF Item Locator: What’s in the Box
No products found.- WOSPORTS wireless key finder
- 6 x Receivers
- 6 x CR2032 batteries
- 6 x Key Rings
- 6 x Adhesive Stickers
- A Sticking Pad for holding the receiver on the table
- User Manual
WOSPORTS Item Tracker Wireless RF Item Locator: Pros and Cons
No products found.Pros
- No smartphone required
- Includes 6 receivers
- No complicated set-up
- Flashing LED
- Claimed 115 feet range
- Batteries are replaceable
- 12 month maximum battery life
- Receivers come with key rings and hook & loop tapes
Cons
- Not water resistant
- The receivers are a little larger than some other RF trackers
- Alert volume 80dB – not as loud as some of the competition
- 2 x AAA batteries for transmitter are not included
WOSPORTS Item Tracker Wireless RF Item Locator: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
The No products found. is another RF tracker – really simple to setup and use. Install batteries into the transmitter and receivers, and that’s it – you can now sound the alert with the corresponding colored button on the transmitter.
If you have any problems – the Wosports customer services can be contacted via their website/email.
No products found.
Tile Starter Pack
No products found.No products found.
Tile Starter Pack: Key Features
The No products found. is from Tile – who can probably be credited for beginning the whole bluetooth tracker industry. They claim their community of Tile users span 230 countries and help people find 6 million lost items per day. As the global leader, they have sold an impressive 30 million trackers worldwide and have an 80% share of the US market. An impressive résumé!
Tile sell an array of different devices including the Pro, Sticker, Slim & Mate – these can be purchased individually or in combo packs. We’ve chosen the most popular starter pack which includes 1 x Tile Mate and 1 x Tile Slim.
In common they both have a maximum range of 200 feet. The physical dimensions are obviously different – the slim is almost credit card sized and can be easily stored on a purse or wallet, with the Mate more suited to items such as keys. The Slim is effectively disposable, as after a claimed 3 years of battery life you will need to replace the whole unit as the battery is not replaceable on its own, it is also waterproof – the Tile Mate is water resistant.
What sets the Tile apart from Radio Frequency trackers (apart from price…) is it’s smart features. The basic functions include: –
- Finding your items nearby within a maximum range of 200 feet
- Locating your devices far away when outside the 200 feet bluetooth range using last known location
- Finding your phone – use your Tile to sound an alert on your smartphone – even if its on silent
Unfortunately with Tile, some features require an annual subscription – however, the most important features are free, let’s have a look at what’s available:
Table could not be displayed.Tile Starter Pack: What’s in the Box
No products found.- Instructions printed on the box
- 1 x Tile Mate
- 1 x Tile Slim
Tile Starter Pack: Pros and Cons
Pros
No products found.- 200 feet maximum range
- 105 dB alert
- The Tile Slim is very thin at 0.1″
- Find your phone function
- Last known location on a map
- Tile Mate is water-resistant
- Tile Slim is waterproof
- Tile Slim has a 3 year battery life
- Anonymous community find feature
- Compatible with Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant
Cons
No products found.- Expensive compared to RF trackers
- Requires smartphone and companion app
- No flashing LED
- The Tile Slim battery is not replaceable
- More complex to set-up than RF trackers
- Many features require a subscription
Tile Starter Pack: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Setting up the the No products found. devices takes significantly more time than setting up an RF tracker – but it’s not difficult. Tile have made the installation process quite simple, and to help they have a number of video tutorials that guide you through the process step-by-step. The packaging is very minimal and there are no batteries to install. You will need a compatible smartphone, Apple iOS 12 or newer or Android 8.0 or newer, to run the slick and intuitive app. Tile have great customer services – so if you do get stuck you can contact their customer care for help.
No products found.
Chipolo Bundle
Chipolo Bundle: Key Features
The Chipolo Bundle is from Chipolo – a Kickstarter funded company that began back in 2013 – they now sell their Bluetooth trackers in over 200 countries.
The first thing you notice about the 2 Chipolo One devices is the color – the bundle we reviewed had vibrant blue & red Chipolo Ones and a white Chipolo Card (black and white are also available). Bright devices definitely help your items stand out better. The bundle comprises of 3 devices in total – 2 x Chipolo One and 1 x Chipolo Card.
The Chipolo One & Card both have a maximum line-of-sight range of approximately 200 feet. The dimensions of the Card are impressive – just 0.08″ thick, it easily fits in a credit card slot in your purse or wallet. The One has been designed more of a key ring.
As the Card has a non-replaceable battery, it will need replaced after 12 months, Chipolo offer a discounted replacement program which is a nice touch. Although not waterproof, both the One & the Card are IPX5 splashproof.
Worth noting is that all smart features are included free, there are no subscription services you might find with some of the competitors. Importantly this means that you can: –
- Ring your Chipolos with your phone or vice-versa within a maximum range of 200 feet
- Track last known location of your Chipolo if you are out of range
- Get smartphone alerts if your Chipolos are out of range – for example if you leave without your keys or wallet
- Share your Chipolos with other users – shared house keys for example
- Community search – mark an item as lost and if another anonymous Chipolo users detects it you will be alerted of that location
- Lost your phone & Chipolo (it happens!) – login to the Chipolo website on your computer and track it from there
- Use the Chipolo to take selfie photos
Chipolo Bundle: What’s in the Box
- Simple packaging
- 2 x Chipolo One
- 1 x Chipolo Card
- Batteries included
Chipolo Bundle: Pros and Cons
Pros
- The Chipolo One has a loud 120dB beep
- 200 feet maximum range
- Custom ringtones
- Selfie remote
- The Chipolo Card is extremely thin at 0.08″
- Find your phone function
- Last known location on a map
- Water-resistant
- Chipolo One has a 2 year battery life
- Smart out of range alerts
- Share your Chipolos
- Anonymous community find feature
- Some features also available on the website if you can’t find your Chipolo or phone
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri & Google Assistant
Cons
- Expensive compared to RF trackers
- Requires smartphone and companion app
- No flashing LED
- The Chipolo Card battery is not replaceable and only lasts 12 months
- More complex to set-up than RF trackers
Chipolo Bundle: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Setting up the your Chipolo Bundle takes a bit more effort than setting up an RF tracker – but referring to their simple to follow step-by-step guide on the website means most users will have no issues at all. You will need a compatible smartphone – Chipolo officially supports Apple iOS 12 or newer or Android 7.0 or newer running Bluetooth 4.0. The app is simple and instinctive to use after a short period. Chipolo offer live customer services support Monday – Friday should you run into any difficulties.
- FIND YOUR KEYS, WALLET, BAG, TOY, OR PHONE: Attach Chipolo to the items you misplace all the time and make them ring from your phone with the Chipolo app. Ring your lost phone by double-pressing the Chipolo. Compatible with Androids and iPhones.
- GET AN ALERT WHEN YOU LEAVE THINGS BEHIND: Chipolo finders will remind you to take your keys and wallet with you with a friendly notification on your phone.
- CHECK LOCATION ON A MAP: When the Chipolo is out of Bluetooth range and you can’t ring it, check the last known location on a map in the Chipolo app or ask the Chipolo community to help you find it.
Cube Key Finder Smart Tracker
Cube Key Finder Smart Tracker: Key Features
The Cube Key Finder Smart Tracker is from Cube Tracker – a company that specialize in Bluetooth & GPS trackers. The unit we’ve chosen is the standard Cube Tracker.
What makes this Bluetooth tracker stand out from others on review is it’s “ruggedness” – it has an IP67 waterproof rating which means it can survive in up to a meter deep in water for half an hour, it can withstand sub-zero temperatures – it also comes in a matte rubber finish – a great option if you need to track items outdoor or maybe a pet cat or dog.
It comes with many features as standard, no expensive subscriptions are required. Out of the box it will:
- Get smartphone alerts if your Cube is out of range
- Track your Cube with your phone or vice-versa within a maximum range of 150 feet
- Track last known location of your Cube if you are out of range
- You can manage your Cube from multiple phones
- Use the Cube as a selfie remote
- Community search – mark an item as lost and if another anonymous Cube users detects it you will be alerted of that location
Cube have generously included a spare CR2032 battery.
Cube Key Finder Smart Tracker: What’s in the Box
- 1 x Cube Tracker
- Spare battery
- Keyring
- Battery opener
Cube Key Finder Smart Tracker: Pros and Cons
Pros
- IP67 Waterproof rating
- Survive in sub-zero temperature
- Matte rubber coating
- Selfie remote
- Find your phone function
- Manage your Cube on multiple phones
- Includes spare battery
- Last known location on a map
- 12 month battery
- Smart out of range alerts
- Anonymous community find feature
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri & Google Assistant
Cons
- Expensive compared to RF trackers
- Requires smartphone and companion app
- No flashing LED
- 150 feet maximum range (a little less than other Bluetooth devices)
- More complex to set-up than RF trackers
Cube Key Finder Smart Tracker: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
The Cube Key Finder Smart Tracker is as simple to set up as other Bluetooth devices we’ve reviewed. You will need a compatible smartphone – Cube supports Apple and Android devices running Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The app interface is functional but maybe not as polished as the Tile or Chipolo.
Their customer services are available 9:00-17:00 EST 7 days a week.
- Attach CUBE to anything and use CUBE Tracker App to find your Item fast
- Taking family photos? Use CUBE as a shutter button for your phone camera
- Lost your Phone? Use your CUBE to locate your phone with ring, vibrate, and flash, even if the app is not running
Conclusion
The two that stood out for us were the Esky RF Item Locator for its sheer simplicity and great price, perfect for items typically used around the house, and the No products found. for it’s feature rich functions and since it’s the most popular device in the world the community find feature could be useful.