Beyond AirTags: The best Android-friendly trackers for campus gear

Published Aug 14, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT Timi is the news and deals reporter for Android Police, who has been reporting on technology since 2008. He has worked in tech retail and also the IT space, providing hardware and software support, which gives him a unique perspective on the tech that he covers. This allows him to effectively break down complex subjects into easy-to-read pieces that even casual readers can enjoy. Before joining Android Police, he was a news writer for XDA, where he eventually transitioned to covering deals. He also worked as an editor and reporter for Neowin, where he covered news and attended major tech events like CES. He also reviewed phones, tablets, PC products, and other devices. In addition, he also created video content for the Neowin YouTube channel. Apple is known for several devices, but the AirTag is one of its best accessories that often flies under the radar. It's cheap, effective, and solves a huge problem for most people. The only problem is that it doesn't work for Android devices. So, there has to be an equivalent for Android devices, right? Well, it can be a little complicated, but we have a few in mind that we think you should take a look at. Motorola Moto Tag 2 The Moto Tag 2 is our top choice if you're looking for a smart tag for Android. This device is compatible with any Android device running Android 9 and later. It delivers impressive tracking abilities through UWB and Bluetooth's Channel Sounding technology. It's compact and, more importantly, extremely durable, with an IP68 rating. You get things set up using a dedicated app, but can track the device through Google's Find Hub. You can pick up a four-pack right now for $80. Moto Tag 2 $80 $85 Save $5 Brand Motorola Connectivity Bluetooth 6.0 with Channel Sounding, UWB Battery Over 600 days Water Resistance IP68-rated Max speaker volume 77dB @ 10cm Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 The Galaxy SmartTag 2 is another solid choice, offering impressive tracking abilities. The only downside is that you can only use it with a Samsung Android device. That's right, this smart tag from Samsung with UWB will only work with compatible Samsung devices. It's compact, durable, with an IP67 rating, and the battery can last up to 700 days. You can pick up a four-pack for $80. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 $80 $100 Save $20 Brand Samsung Material Plastic Connectivity Bluetooth LE, Ultra Wideband Battery Up to 700 days Range 120m Google's Pixel Tag Credit: Google This is the latest smart tag to be released, and it comes from Google. The Google Pixel Tag offers a sleek design but offers similar features to Moto Tag 2. You get excellent tracking capabilities with support for UWB and Channel Sounding. It's also compatible with devices running Android 9 and newer. We haven't spent any time on this one, so we can't really tell you how good it is. But we think that Google will hit the nail on the head with this accessory. Google Pixel Tag Brand Google Material Polycarbonate and metal Connectivity Bluetooth, UWB, Channel Sounding Battery Lasts for over one year Water Resistance IP67 A cheap accessory that can become a lifesaver Which one you choose is up to you. If you want something that works with all devices, we recommend going with the Moto Tag 2. That way, if you change your Android phone, it will still work. If you're a diehard Samsung fan, you know which one you'll choose. The Pixel Tag looks solid on paper, but we won't know how good it is until we get our hands on it. Whether it's campus life or life outside of school, there's a good chance you've lost something. It's not a good feeling, and with the advancement of technology, we now have affordable tools to help us retrieve these items. You can pop these smart tags into a book bag, strap them to a bike, or pop them onto a keyring. The possibilities are endless. So, before you start your new school year, think about picking up some smart tags.