AirTags vs Clue Insights: Construction Equipment Software Comparison 2025

The Fundamental Difference

This comparison requires an important clarification upfront:

Clue Insights is not a tracking system—it's a data consolidation platform. Clue doesn't provide hardware or track anything directly. Instead, it integrates data from your existing telematics systems (Cat VisionLink, John Deere JDLink, Samsara, etc.) into a unified dashboard.

Apple AirTags are self-contained tracking devices. Attach one to equipment, and it tracks location via Apple's Find My network. No other systems required.

This means they're not direct competitors—Clue requires you to already have tracking, while AirTags provide tracking.

Company Background

Clue's founding team includes former Microsoft executives and a director from Doosan CONNECT telematics—bringing software integration expertise to construction fleet management.

How Each System Works

Clue Insights

1. You purchase/install GPS or telematics hardware (Cat, Deere, Samsara, etc.)
2. Connect each system to Clue via API integration
3. Clue consolidates data into one dashboard
4. View unified location, utilization, maintenance data across all systems

Result: Single view of mixed-fleet data from multiple sources

AirTags

1. Purchase AirTags ($29 each)
2. Attach to equipment
3. Track via Find My app or AirPinpoint

Result: Location tracking without any prerequisite systems

Pricing Comparison

Clue Costs

Important: Clue's $4-10/month pricing only covers their software. You still need tracking hardware—which typically costs $20-50/month per asset from providers like Samsara or Geotab.

AirTags + AirPinpoint Costs

50-Asset Fleet Comparison (3 Years)

Clue + Telematics Hardware:

• Clue software: 50 × $7 × 36 = $12,600
• Telematics (assuming Samsara): 50 × $30 × 36 = $54,000
• Telematics hardware: 50 × $100 = $5,000
• Total: ~$71,600

AirTags + AirPinpoint:

• Hardware: 50 × $29 = $1,450
• Platform: $150 × 36 = $5,400
• Batteries: ~$250
• Total: ~$7,100

Difference: ~$64,500 (90% savings)

Note: If you already have telematics hardware installed, Clue adds value at its $4-10/asset price point. The comparison above assumes starting from scratch.

What Clue Does Well

Multi-System Consolidation

Clue's core value proposition is unifying data from disparate systems. If you have:

• Cat equipment with VisionLink
• John Deere equipment with JDLink
• Trucks with Samsara
• Rental equipment with various providers

Clue brings all that data into one dashboard instead of logging into 4+ different systems.

Extensive Integrations

Clue connects with 70+ systems:

OEM Telematics:

• Caterpillar VisionLink
• John Deere JDLink
• Komatsu Komtrax
• Volvo ActiveCare
• JLG, Bobcat, Doosan, and more

GPS/Telematics Providers:

• Samsara
• Geotab
• HCSS Telematics
• Teletrac Navman
• Trimble

Business Systems:

• HCSS HeavyJob & Equipment360
• Viewpoint Vista
• Oracle JD Edwards
• SAP ERP
• eMaint CMMS

This breadth of integration is genuinely valuable for large contractors running multiple systems.

Construction-Specific Analytics

Clue provides construction-focused metrics:

• Equipment utilization by job site
• Idle time analysis
• Fuel consumption reporting
• Carbon emissions tracking
• Maintenance cost allocation

AEMP 2.0 Compliance

Clue follows AEMP 2.0 (Association of Equipment Management Professionals) telematics standards, ensuring compatible data mapping across different OEM systems.

Clue Limitations

No Hardware Included

Unlike integrated solutions (Tenna, Samsara), Clue doesn't provide tracking hardware. You need:

• Existing OEM telematics (often subscription-based)
• Third-party GPS providers
• Or additional hardware purchases

For contractors without existing telematics, Clue alone provides no tracking capability.

Limited Maintenance Features

User reviews note:

• Limited detailed maintenance history logs
• No automated scheduling for recurring maintenance
• No service ticketing system integration (e.g., Zendesk)

For comprehensive maintenance management, Equipment360 or eMaint may be needed alongside Clue.

API Integration Challenges

Some users report "manual processes that take time when trying to connect to APIs." While Clue supports many integrations, setup isn't always seamless.

English Only

The platform currently supports only English—limiting utility for multilingual crews.

Smaller User Base

With $2.6M revenue and 11-50 employees, Clue is a smaller vendor compared to HCSS, Tenna, or Samsara. This affects:

• Feature development speed
• Support resources
• Long-term vendor stability considerations

Feature Comparison

When to Choose Each Solution

Choose Clue When:

1. Already have multiple telematics systems: Cat VisionLink + Samsara + rental telematics = fragmented data
2. Need unified reporting: Single dashboard for all equipment regardless of brand
3. OEM diagnostics matter: Fault codes, engine hours, fuel levels from equipment ECUs
4. Large mixed fleet: 100+ pieces of equipment from multiple manufacturers
5. Using HCSS or Viewpoint: Clue integrates with these construction platforms
6. Budget allows layered software: Can afford telematics + Clue subscription

Choose AirTags When:

1. No existing telematics: Starting from scratch on equipment tracking
2. Mixed/rental equipment: Need tracking that works on anything you use
3. Cost is primary concern: Can't justify $30-60/asset/month for telematics + software
4. Simple location needs: "Where is it?" is the main question
5. Fast deployment: Need tracking working this week, not next month
6. Equipment moves off-site: Assets leave cellular coverage areas
7. Don't want ecosystem complexity: Prefer simple, standalone tracking

The Hybrid Scenario

Some contractors use both approaches:

Clue for:

• Owned heavy equipment with OEM telematics
• Fleet vehicles with existing GPS
• Equipment needing utilization analytics

AirTags for:

• Rental equipment (no telematics access)
• Smaller tools and attachments
• Equipment without telematics investment
• Backup tracking on high-value assets

This hybrid approach provides OEM-level data where it exists while ensuring coverage on everything else.

Clue vs. Other Construction Platforms

Clue's unique position is as a consolidation layer—it doesn't compete with telematics providers but sits on top of them.

Our Recommendation

For contractors with existing telematics investments: Clue provides genuine value. If you're logging into VisionLink, JDLink, and Samsara separately, Clue's unified dashboard saves time and enables cross-fleet analytics. At $4-10/asset, the software cost is reasonable for the consolidation benefit.

For contractors without existing telematics: Clue alone won't help—it has nothing to consolidate. You'd need to purchase telematics first, making total costs comparable to integrated solutions like Tenna or Samsara.

For most contractors focused on location tracking: AirTags provide simpler, cheaper coverage. You don't need OEM diagnostics or multi-system consolidation to answer "where is my equipment?" AirTags work on anything—owned, rented, or borrowed—without integration projects or ongoing platform subscriptions.

The key question: Are you trying to unify existing data or establish tracking from scratch? Clue answers the first question well. AirTags answer the second question simply and affordably.