Right here at Macworld we’re extraordinarily keen on Apple’s
AirTag, which we contemplate by far the perfect Bluetooth tracker for an iPhone or Mac consumer. Nevertheless, one criticism raised in our
AirTag overview was that it doesn’t have a gap, which implies you’re pressured in most conditions to purchase an adjunct to place it in.
Need to connect it to your keys? You must purchase a particular key ring. Need to connect it to your baggage? Particular baggage label. An ecosystem has shortly sprung up providing straps, loops, pet tags, instances and holders for AirTag house owners.
However which of them are value shopping for? We’ve been testing out all of the AirTags equipment we will get our palms on, so we will help you discover the perfect AirTag holder to your wants.
AirTag Key Rings
Apple AirTag Leather-based Key Ring
There are cheaper alternate options, however that is the perfect AirTag key ring we’ve seen. It’s mild, enticing and reassuringly well-made. It’s simple to place the AirTag inside, however the metallic popper gained’t let it escape. And we love the massive, chunky (however fairly flat) ring, though we’d advocate testing it out in a store if you happen to’re planning on attaching automotive keys with a small aperture. This reviewer’s Nissan and Skoda keys had been each a good match.
The leather-based protecting protects the AirTag’s edge from drop injury however leaves most of its chassis, each back and front, open to the weather and liable to scuff slightly. We predict that is value it for the pleasing look, and scuffing is each inevitable and minor, however if you would like whole safety you’ll have to look elsewhere.–David Value
Orbitkey Leather-based Holder for AirTag
Orbitkey‘s leather-based providing is properly value your consideration. It prices roughly the identical as Apple’s Leather-based Key Ring but it surely has a nice-looking design and a few benefits up its sleeve.
One is the slenderness of the ring itself. Whereas Apple’s broad, flat ring will be awkward for attaching automotive keys with a slender aperture, this can match into holes of the smallest dimensions. The second benefit lies within the modern means keys are hooked up: an initially baffling locking system that, as soon as mastered, is way faster and simpler (and much much less painful) than prising aside the normal two-layer ring along with your fingernails.
The one actual quibble is that the leather-based fob is quite a bit larger than the AirTag itself. It has extra space than it wants and wobbles round barely contained in the pocket. The important thing ring thus takes up extra room in your pocket than it must. This does additionally give the AirTag way more safety than Apple’s model. It’s much less prone to get scuffed than with the opposite key rings we tried out.
If the value tag places you off, Orbitkey additionally makes a less expensive Slim Case with the same locking system.–David Value
Belkin Safe Holder with Key Ring for AirTag
If the leather-based key rings above are too costly to your finances, contemplate Belkin’s cheerful, reasonably priced different. The Safe Holder is product of plastic, which provides it extra of a finances really feel, but it surely’s reassuringly strong.
As with Apple’s key ring, each faces of the AirTag are left uncovered, however the plastic encompass stands out extra and thus offers extra drop safety. The AirTag is secured contained in the holder by way of a intelligent twist-and-lock mechanism. It’s accessible in white, black, pink and blue.–David Value
Olixar Silicone Protecting Pores and skin For Apple AirTags
Olixar’s easy providing prices lower than the Belkin key ring, and fewer than a 3rd of the Apple possibility, for a pair. Very helpful if you wish to equip a few younger youngsters with AirTags and keep watch over their actions.
Wrestling the AirTag into the silicone cowl is mildly difficult–there’s no clasp of any sort, you simply stretch the perimeters and jam it in there–but it surely’s safe as soon as inside and admirably protecting. In truth you might say it offers twice the safety of Apple’s key ring because it covers the again fully: solely the entrance face is uncovered.
The karabiner-style opening on the ring makes it simpler to make use of and extra enjoyable than a standard ring (though barely much less safe, because it doesn’t have the lock characteristic of a full mountaineering karabiner). However that is primarily a fundamental possibility; if you happen to’re ready to spend slightly extra, contemplate Olixar’s ‘leather-based model’ model as a substitute, and even its top-of-the-line real leather-based case.–David Value
ElevationLab TagVault: Keychain
Elevation Lab’s TagVault: Keychain gives a keyring nub, resistance to scratching or mars, or waterproof or water resistant choices. This rugged case has a gasket that stops water intrusion whereas passing by way of ultrawideband and Bluetooth indicators and permitting about two-thirds of the AirTag’s sound quantity. It has an integral loop for a keychain ring and comes with a easy however strong one.–Glenn Fleishman
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Assessment TagVault: Keychain
Caseology Vault
How a couple of correctly rugged key ring accent to your AirTag? The Caseology Vault is made out of military-grade thermoplastic polyurethane, with a properly grippy sandstone end that makes it much less vulnerable to drops.
Just like the Olixar Silicone it incorporates a karabiner attachment. That is detachable, which makes the Vault a flexible accent. It’s simply as pleased monitoring rucksacks as keys.–David Value
Apple AirTag Hermès Key Ring
Earlier than we end taking a look at your key ring choices, let’s briefly indulge ourselves on this wonderful blast of pure luxurious: Apple’s saddle-stitched Hermès providing in orange, brown or black leather-based. (Or, to be precise, Orange, Fauve or Bleu Indigo.) A lot of the equipment on this roundup don’t embrace an AirTag, however this one does, and the tracker you get shall be custom-etched with the style firm’s emblem. Superb.–David Value
Apple AirTag Loop
Apple’s AirTag Loop is product of polyurethane and feels and appears sensible, with two of the colour choices (Electrical Orange and Sunflower) notably vibrant and cheerful. This can even aid you to identify your suitcase on the conveyor belt.
The AirTag clips in utilizing a metallic clasp that’s simple to make use of and safe; you then put the strap round your baggage’s deal with and loop the pinnacle half again by way of the slit within the tail. It seems to be barely delicate at first look–the strap will get fairly skinny at a sure level–however proved proof against average tugging and needs to be high-quality underneath non-military utilization situations. Like Apple’s key ring, it protects the perimeters of the AirTag however not the middle of its two faces, so count on some scuffing.–David Value
Apple AirTag Leather-based Loop
Apple’s Leather-based Loop is obtainable in Saddle Brown, Baltic Blue, Forest Inexperienced, California Poppy, or (Product) Pink. It’s solely a bit dearer than the AirTag Loop–from a excessive start line, admittedly–and appears and feels considerably nicer than the polyurethane model. (We additionally suspect it would show extra resistant to wreck in the long run, though each have been high-quality up to now.)–David Value
Olixar Gentle Silicone Baggage Loop For AirTags
Olixar’s silicone AirTag strap has a really comparable design to Apple’s Loop, however as you’d count on (given how less expensive it’s) the supplies and high quality of manufacture are barely much less luxurious. It’s a bit floppier, for one factor, and doesn’t really feel fairly as good. It’s a wonderfully first rate, purposeful and way more reasonably priced substitute, nevertheless, and there’s all the time the choice of the leather-based model if you happen to’re ready to splash out a bit extra for a style of the finer issues in life.–David Value
Belkin Safe Holder with Strap for AirTag
Belkin’s Safe Holder can also be accessible with a sturdy string for attaching it to the deal with of a suitcase or bag. Just like the strap-style loops offered by different producers this threads again by way of itself to simply connect to your baggage. It’s accessible in white, black, blue, and pink with an identical string. Since the back and front sections, string and key ring are all removable, you might create a multicolor accent by mixing and matching multiple holder.–David Value
Casetify Customisable AirTag Holder
The principal enchantment of Casetify’s AirTag holder is the sheer vary of designs and colours you may select from. Those pictured are, from left, Colourful Floral in Turquoise and Pink (with Peach background); Flowers for you by Matthew Langille (with Licorice); and Egg Tart with Mice (with Avocado). That final one is our favourite, however there are a whole lot of choices.–David Value
Apple AirTag Hermès Baggage Tag
For baggage labels, too, Apple’s Hermès partnership offers the luxurious possibility. It’s product of saddle-stitched Barénia leather-based, and accessible in any shade so long as it’s Fauve. Just like the deluxe key ring, the Hermès Baggage Tag comes with a custom-etched AirTag.–David Value
Apple AirTag Hermès Bag Attraction
This good-looking and splendid bag allure is probably the most reasonably priced of the 4 AirTag equipment made by Apple with Hermes–though affordability is a relative idea. It’s accessible in Orange, Fauve, and Bleu Indigo and comes with a custom-etched AirTag.–David Value
Apple AirTag Hermès Journey Tag
And right here’s the fourth, remaining, and costliest Apple/Hermès collaboration on this roundup. It’s a dual-function journey tag that attaches to your baggage and holds each an AirTag (included within the value) for geolocation and a card with written info. It isn’t listed on Apple’s retailer, so that you’ll want to purchase direct from Hermes. It’s accessible in Fauve solely.–David Value
AirTag pet collars
ElevationLab TagVault: Pet
The TagVault: Pet makes use of screws with the small Torx T6 star-shaped drive for the portion that incorporates the AirTag and maintains the waterproof seal. These screws are piercing, self-tapping screws with a T10 slot. They’re used to carry a tough plastic anchor to offer additional stability when hooked up to a pet collar that you just present–although the case could also be too huge for smaller collars. The equipment features a metal Torx T6 L-shaped wrench with screw tips about each ends.–Glenn Fleishman
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Assessment Elevation Lab TagVault: Pet
AirTag pockets holders
ElevationLab TagVault: Pockets
Designed to carry an AirTag firmly in place in a pockets, it is available in two kind elements: normal, 3.25 by 1.5 inches (83 by 38 mm), and compact, 2 by 1.5 inches (51 by 38 mm). Each are 0.05 inches (1.3 mm) thick. The extra rectangular model works properly in billfold slots; the squarer design in different components of a pockets. With the AirTag uncovered back and front, there’s no extra blocking past your pockets to dam wi-fi indicators for monitoring and Precision Discovering.–Glenn Fleishman
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Assessment TagVault: Pockets
Nomad Card for AirTag
Although it tapers to the perimeters, the Card for AirTag is 3.2 by 2.1 by 0.2 inches (54 by 82 by 5 mm) at its largest. The AirTag sits like a gem in its heart, bulging barely outwards to 0.3 inches (8 mm). A mix of sentimental and onerous supplies–polycarbonate and TPU rubber–offers each a pleasant exterior really feel and the rigidity and suppleness to insert an AirTag into the Card’s opening with a satisfying click on.–Glenn Fleishman
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Assessment Nomad Card for AirTag
AirTag mounts
Olixar AirTags Adhesive Silicone Pocket
If the factor you wish to observe hasn’t bought a deal with you may loop the AirTags to, or a pocket you may slip one inside, then the following possibility is stickiness. These neat silicone pockets (which are available in a pack of 4) each defend the tracker from exterior injury, and provides it a powerful and dependable adhesive floor to cling to a jewel field, schoolbag or video games console.
Regardless of the unobtrusive look of the pocket the AirTag remains to be pretty apparent and simply slipped out, so this answer isn’t supreme for monitoring down stolen property (except there’s a extra discreet inside floor you may stick it to). However for finding TV remotes–and for sheer versatility of utility–they’re indispensable.–David Value
Curved Floor Mount for AirTags
A versatile silicon case for AirTag that may be hooked up to only about any floor. Second consists of two extra die-cut 3M VHB stickers that turns into stronger and extra everlasting over time. Its darkish matte black makes it practically invisible in opposition to a black background. —Glenn Fleishman
Exhausting Shell Mount for AirTags
That is primarily a harder model of the Curved Floor Mount, so it’s higher suited to extra rugged conditions. Second consists of two extra die-cut 3M VHB stickers that turns into stronger and extra everlasting over time. —Glenn Fleishman
Pelican Protector Sticker Mount Case for AirTag Units
In the event you’re in search of an AirTag mount that may follow virtually any floor and permits for simple AirTag elimination, the Pelican Protector suits the invoice. It’s not discreet, it’s not rugged, and it doesn’t supply extra water safety, however as a mount, it really works properly. Pelican depends on 3M VHB adhesive for attachment, which creates a near-permanent mount that turns into stronger over time.—Glenn Fleishman
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Assessment Pelican Protector Sticker Mount Case for AirTag Units
Different kinds of AirTag instances and holders
Olixar Apple AirTags Anti-Scratch Protector
The AirTag is slightly vulnerable to choosing up scuff marks, and lots of the holders on this roundup depart a minimum of one among its surfaces uncovered and weak to wreck. If that is one thing you’re involved about, contemplate shopping for a “display” protector to your tracker–it hasn’t truly bought a display, after all, however the identical precept applies. Olixar consists of two TPU movie covers within the pack, together with ethanol wipes and a cleansing material for making ready the AirTag, and an utility card for smoothing out air bubbles.–David Value
ElevationLab TagVault: Bike
The TagVault: Bike is a lozenged-shaped plastic shell that homes the AirTag AirTag nestles inside its waterproof seal. It attaches to a motorcycle by way of the bike’s water bottle mount, utilizing longer screws to connect the bottle cage, or shorter screws if you happen to don’t connect the cage. The case is a matte black, rendering it unobtrusive. Screwed in between a cage and the body, a thief would first have to acknowledge it after which work onerous to take away it shortly.–Glenn Fleishman
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Assessment Elevation Lab TagVault: Bike
What you may count on in an AirTag case
As a result of the AirTag is available in a single selection, you don’t want to decide on which type to accumulate. Apple sells them singly ($29) and in a four-pack ($99). Engraving is free.
An AirTag often broadcasts 2.4GHz Bluetooth indicators with an encrypted system ID for different Apple units to choose up and relay together with these units’ areas. The two.4GHz band penetrates strong objects properly, however case designers should be aware of supplies which have the potential to dam the sign. In our survey of AirTag instances, we didn’t discover a case up to now that had that design drawback.
AirTags additionally use ultrawideband (USB) expertise for Precision Discovering, unique to Apple’s personal Discover My gadgets. Precision Discovering lets an iPhone with UWB determine the route and distance inside inches when it’s inside about 15 to 30 ft (4.5 to 9 m).
Think about to what use you could put an AirTag to find out the options you need:
- Goal: Circumstances exist in sufficient selection that you will discover one designed as a baggage tag, one other as a trendy keyring, and one other to withstand huge quantities of harm. Determine the place you wish to put the AirTag and match the case to it.
- Water resistance: Many instances characteristic a point of water resistance, some utilizing the IP score that defines exactly how a lot. In the event you’re utilizing an AirTag exterior or on a pet’s collar, it’s your decision one with a excessive diploma of resistance. When attaching to a bag or keyring, it might appear much less necessary or not necessary in any respect.
- Ring, clip, loop, or carabiner: Case makers supply many variants on attachments. Some embrace a easy gap to connect a keychain, whereas others incorporate a keychain as a part of the product and should embrace a keyring. You should purchase a number of instances constructed right into a carabiner, together with one with a three-digit mixture lock. You can too get a string or comparable loop design, during which the case passes by way of a loop and pulls tight on a deal with with out a knot.
- Detachable or adhesive: You may want an AirTag case that’s simple to maneuver about or connect and reattach. Different instances embrace adhesive for semi-permanent mounted attachment.
- Hidden for theft restoration: Some instances are designed to cover an AirTag, making its presence much less obvious and thus much less prone to be found if stolen; others are apparent, reminiscent of in a keychain or baggage tag. Mood hideability with the information that Apple’s anti-stalking options constructed into AirTag tech makes them discoverable to criminals with a smartphone.Reveals the entrance: Conversely, some instances exhibit an AirTag, revealing its entrance the place you may need had added {custom} engraving from Apple with an emoji or textual content. You would possibly wish to see that engraving to distinguish amongst AirTags you personal.
- Value: Circumstances usually value from about $20 to $35—across the value of a single AirTag. Nevertheless, there are outliers beneath $10 and above $40. It’s all concerning the perform, ruggedness, and complexity of goal. Some cost additional for model.
How we take a look at AirTag case options
For every type of case, we rated them primarily based on particular options round which they had been designed. These embrace:
- Simple to insert the AirTag for safe retention: Each case has a barely totally different method to getting an AirTag inside. Some instances have an elaborate locking process or require eradicating and restoring 4 tiny screws to protect a water-proof seal. Others are easy as sliding the tag right into a holding or popping it right into a rubber ring.
- Attaches securely for attachable instances: We examined instances that market themselves as attachable at how properly they succeed at that process. Circumstances might include or be a part of a keyring, carabiner, wrist strip, or pet collar, or might have an adhesive to stay on to things, like the within of bags.
- Entry for battery substitute: Apple expects an AirTag battery to final for a couple of 12 months in on a regular basis utilization, which it defines as one case of Precision Discovering and 4 tones performed per day. A case ought to permit entry that isn’t maddening for changing the battery each a number of months to a 12 months.
- Sturdy in opposition to bumps and bangs: Only some sorts of instances can keep away from the wear and tear and tear of bumping in opposition to different objects. Most should be constructed with that in thoughts. For instances uncovered to different surfaces, we take a look at whether or not the supplies and construct high quality give confidence in them present lasting worth.
- Blocks entry to take away: A handful of instances present a safety aspect meant to stop entry to an AirTag with out extreme drive—the AirTag must be destroyed to take away it. We price these instances on whether or not they appear capable of stop or deter every thing however destruction.