Best Bluetooth Tracker: TrackR vs Tile
Some of us are more prone to losing their personal items such as keys, cards or electronics. Thankfully, there is now a solution to this problem which comes in the form of Bluetooth trackers. Two of the most popular trackers of this kind include those from TrackR and Tile.
This Trackr vs Tile comparison article will provide you with what you need to know about these two brands as well as explain a little about what Bluetooth trackers are and their benefits. We have included a comparison chart in this article.
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Contents
Comparison Chart
| DESIGN | TRACKER | Dimensions (inches) | Decibels | Range (feet) | Waterproof Rating | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Tile Pro | 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.3 | 128 | 300 | IP68 | Check Price |
 | Tile Sport | 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.23 | 98 | 200 | IP68 | Check Price |
 | Tile Style | 1.48 x 1.48 x 0.23 | 98 | 200 | IP68 | Check Price |
 | Tile Mate | 1.34 x 1.34 x 0.18 | 88 | 100 | IP57 | Check Price |
 | Tile Slim | 2.13 x 2.13 x 0.09 | 88 | 100 | IP57 | Check Price |
 | TrackR Pixel | 1.03 x 1.03 x 0.22 | 90 | 100 | - | Check Price |
 | TrackR Bravo | 1.22 x 1.22 x 0.14 | 82 | 100 | - | Check Price |
What is a Bluetooth tracker?
Bluetooth trackers are small and portable gadgets that can be attached to valuable goods in order to track their whereabouts digitally. This typically includes personal items like keys and wallets and uses Bluetooth to mediate a connection between the tracker and a device such as a smartphone. They often have alarms on them which can be rung if the user can’t find them.
What are their benefits?
Bluetooth trackers allow users to keep an eye on the location of their personal items and provide notifications if they are stolen. Accompanying smartphone apps allow the user to live monitor the location of devices as well as ring them when lost.
TrackR Overview
TrackR is a popular choice of Bluetooth tracker that uses compact pixels that can be attached to personal items. Each unit can be attached directly onto the tracked item with adhesive tape or on a key loop. There are two products from TrackR; Pixel and Bravo. Key differences of each model will be explained in the next section.
TrackRs have replaceable batteries which you are notified when they are running low. Each operates Bluetooth 4.0 up to 100 feet away given how many obstacles are in the route. Each pixel can achieve up to 90 dB when the user rings the unit. Your phone can be rung even when on silent, using the Bluetooth tracking system.
TrackRs companion app is available on iOS and Android, and the point of access for finding your items. The companion app is where you can ring your pixels when lost. Users can even see the last location of any pixel on a map inside the app.
If your pixel is out of Bluetooth range, it may still be picked up by another user of TrackR. In a quiet area this may not be too useful, but at least if you have lost an item you may retrace your steps and find it. TrackR also works with Amazon Alexa for swift voice control.
TrackR Pixel vs Bravo
TrackR has two main tracker options which are Pixel and Bravo. Both have access to the app and the same ringing and tracking features. The key difference between the two is that Bravo is slimmer, smaller and a little louder, an extra 7 decibels which isn’t all that much.
Another difference between the two are the colors available for each model. Bravo is available in Black, Blue, Silver,Rose Gold or a combination of all four.
Pixel is available in similar but slightly different coloring options. This includes Black,Blue, Gray, White, Red or the combination of all five.
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Tile Overview
Tile has several options of Bluetooth trackers; the Tile Mate, Slim, pro and Sport. Differences of each of these models will be explained in the next section, but in general, they relate to size, signal range, and waterproof ratings.
Tiles Bluetooth trackers are relatively substantial compared to the adhesive types such as those by TrackR. Each is designed to be more of a standalone unit that accompanies each of your valuable items rather than being stuck on. They perfectly attach onto a key ring or into a wallet.
Functions of the Tile app are very similar to the TrackR app. Features include ringing your Tiles, ringing your phone from your Tiles in addition to live surveillance. Just like with the TrackR app, when other Tile users walk past a lost item out of your range, it will notify you. The app works with Alexa and Google Assistant for easy and swift control.
Tile Premium is an enhanced service to accompany yourtracker. Available in the app, it costs either $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year. Additional features that come with Tile Premium are Smart Alerts, Location History and Unlimited Sharing of access to your Tiles.
Tile Pro vs Sport vs Mate vs Slim
Tile Pro is the largest and heaviest Tile and comes in Jet Black / Graphite colors. It has stronger specs, three times more volume than the Slim version and a Bluetooth range of 300 ft. The design features a keyring whole in the top left corner and Tile both have maximal portability after all that is exactly what they are designed to do.
Tile Sport is a version of the Bluetooth tracker designed to be optimal for sports. It is the most rugged and has a solid waterproof rating. It is twice the volume of the Slim and can operate up to 200 ft.
Tile Style is an option of Bluetooth tracker that is a little more elegantly designed, an item meant to be seen. It has the same volume and range as the Sport.
Tile Mate is a midway model in the series with a 150ft range and volume that is one and a half times that of the Slim. It is available in a white/grey color scheme. Just like the Pro, it has a keyring whole in the top corner.
Tile Slim has a volume of 82 decibels in total and it just reaches 100ft range. Just like the Mate, it is available in a white/grey color scheme. This model does not have a keyring hole in it, however, it is the slimmest.
Tile & Trackr Differences
Here are the main differences between TrackR and Tile. All in all, these are very similar devices but they do subtle differences in their features which might catch your eye.
Design & Portability
Each brand has different approaches when it comes to their design and how they are kept with your personal items. TrackR uses adhesive to directly stick on to the items whilst the Tile is more of keyring attachment. This depends on your preferences, but the Tile design is a little classier and doesn’t affect the design of your item.
Waterproof
Only Tile products have any form of waterproofing, either an IP68 or IP57 rating. These ratings vary in their depth of water that can be handled, but nonetheless, they are both fully waterproof.
Bluetooth Range
Tile wins this by a significant margin if you opt for either the Sport, Style or Pro range. TrackR sticks to just 100 feet which might serve you well if you live in a small home or don’t move about too much.
Alarm Volume
At a glance, it looks like the volumes of each of these Bluetooth trackers are on a very similar level. It is important to remember that decibels are non-linear, and therefore all of Tiles trackers are multiple times the volumes of the TrackR models.
App
Tiles apps have much stronger reviews on average than TrackRs. Many more customers are fully satisfied with their Tile trackers whose features are reliable. Many TrackR users report problems such as false alerts.
Replaceable Battery
TrackRs Pixel and Bravo both have replaceable CR batteries, whilst only the Tile Mate and Pro have this option. This makes the other Tile models shelf life relatively diminished and adds up to higher costs in the long run.
| DESIGN | TRACKER | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Tile Pro | Check Price |
| Tile Sport | Check Price |
| Tile Style | Check Price |
| Tile Mate | Check Price |
| Tile Slim | Check Price |
| TrackR Pixel | Check Price |
| TrackR Bravo | Check Price |
Final Word
This TrackR vs Tile comparison highlights how these similar devices that achieve the same purpose in marginally different ways. Tiles trackers are generally higher spec, covering larger distances and being waterproof. Whilst these features are useful, many users may find they do not need an extensively large range or feel they need any waterproofing.
