AirTags vs Chipolo: Which Bluetooth Tracker is Best for Business?

Understanding Chipolo's Unique Approach

Chipolo stands out in the Bluetooth tracker market by offering trackers for multiple networks:

This flexibility makes Chipolo worth considering for businesses with mixed device environments—something AirTags can't address directly.

Network Coverage Comparison

The network your tracker uses determines real-world tracking effectiveness:

Key insight: The Chipolo ONE Spot uses Apple's massive network, making it effectively equivalent to AirTags for crowd-sourced tracking. The standard Chipolo ONE on Chipolo's own network has much more limited coverage.

Feature Comparison

Key Differences That Matter for Business

1. Alarm Volume

Chipolo's 120dB alarm is significantly louder than AirTag's speaker. This matters when:

• Finding items in noisy construction sites
• Locating equipment in large warehouses
• Searching in outdoor environments with ambient noise

If audible finding is your primary use case, Chipolo has a clear advantage.

2. Bluetooth Range

Chipolo trackers reach 200-400 feet for direct phone-to-tracker connection. AirTags reach approximately 100 feet.

This matters for:

• Finding items in large spaces
• Scanning for equipment in warehouses
• Situations where you know something is nearby but not exactly where

For crowd-sourced tracking of lost/stolen items, range matters less than network size.

3. Precision Finding

AirTag's UWB-based precision finding shows exact direction and distance on compatible iPhones. This is genuinely useful for:

• Pinpointing items in dense storage
• Finding equipment in cluttered spaces
• Locating hidden or obscured items

Most Chipolo models lack this feature, relying on Bluetooth signal strength and sound alone.

4. Cross-Platform Support

Chipolo ONE works with both iOS and Android. The new Chipolo POP supports both Apple and Google networks. AirTags are Apple-only.

For businesses with mixed device environments, this is Chipolo's strongest differentiator.

The Cross-Platform Challenge

If Your Team Uses Mixed Devices

Option 1: Chipolo ONE (Chipolo Network)

• Works with iOS and Android
• Limited network coverage (app users only)
• Good for on-site tracking, weaker for lost/stolen recovery

Option 2: Mixed Fleet Approach

• Chipolo ONE Spot for Apple users (Apple Find My)
• Chipolo ONE Point for Android users (Google Find My)
• More complex to manage, but better coverage

Option 3: Dedicated Tracking iPhone

• Purchase one iPhone for AirTag management
• Team members view locations via web platform
• Leverages Apple's superior network with any device for viewing

If Your Team Uses Apple Devices

AirTags are the clear choice:

• Same network as Chipolo ONE Spot
• Better precision finding
• Deeper iOS integration
• Comparable pricing

Water Resistance Comparison

AirTags are more water resistant. For outdoor equipment, construction environments, or anything that might get submerged, AirTags offer better protection.

Battery Life & Maintenance

Both use replaceable CR2032 batteries:

• AirTag: ~1 year battery life
• Chipolo: ~2 years battery life

Chipolo's longer battery life reduces maintenance frequency—a meaningful advantage when tracking many assets.

Cost Analysis

Hardware Costs (Similar)

Chipolo is slightly less expensive, especially for the standard ONE model.

Total Cost of Ownership (50 Assets, 3 Years)

AirTags:

• Hardware: $1,450
• Batteries (3 replacements): ~$150
• Subscription: $0
• Total: ~$1,600

Chipolo ONE Spot:

• Hardware: $1,400
• Batteries (1.5 replacements): ~$75
• Subscription: $0
• Total: ~$1,475

Cost difference is minimal. Choose based on features, not price.

Use Case Recommendations

Choose AirTags When:

1. All-Apple team: Full ecosystem integration and precision finding
2. Precision matters: Need to pinpoint items in dense environments
3. Water exposure likely: Better water resistance rating
4. Simple management: Fewer tracker variants to manage

Choose Chipolo ONE Spot When:

1. Louder alarm needed: 120dB helps in noisy environments
2. Longer battery life valued: 2-year vs 1-year
3. Budget conscious: Slightly lower hardware cost
4. Chipolo ecosystem appeal: Plan to use other Chipolo products

Choose Chipolo ONE (Standard) When:

1. Android users on team: Works without Apple devices
2. Internal tracking only: Items stay within your facilities
3. Finding, not tracking: You know items are nearby, just need to locate
4. Cross-platform flexibility: iOS and Android management

Choose Chipolo POP When:

1. Mixed device environment: Need both Apple and Google network access
2. Future-proofing: Single tracker type works as team devices change
3. New deployment: Starting fresh without existing tracker inventory

The Honest Assessment

Chipolo's advantages:

• Louder alarm for noisy environments
• Longer battery life
• Cross-platform options
• Slightly lower cost

AirTag's advantages:

• Precision finding with UWB
• Better water resistance
• More mature ecosystem
• Deeper iOS integration

Equal between them (when using same network):

• Tracking effectiveness (both on Find My)
• Network coverage
• Basic functionality

Our Recommendation

For Apple-centric businesses: AirTags provide better precision finding and integration. The louder Chipolo alarm and longer battery aren't worth giving up UWB precision.

For mixed device businesses: Consider the Chipolo POP for its dual-network support, or use a dedicated tracking iPhone with AirTags for access to the larger Apple network.

For cost-conscious deployments: Chipolo ONE Spot offers nearly identical functionality to AirTags at slightly lower cost, with the bonus of a louder alarm.

For noisy environments: Chipolo's 120dB alarm is genuinely better for finding items in construction sites, manufacturing facilities, or other loud spaces.

Both are solid choices. The cross-platform question is usually the deciding factor for business use.