AirTag Vs GPS Tracker – What Option Is Best?
Thanks to the latest digital technology, you can keep track of personal belongings and receive notifications on your computer or mobile device when an item goes missing. Two of the most popular ways to track your possessions are GPS units and Apple Airtags. However, these technologies work in different ways. In this guide, learn the differences between a GPS unit vs. Apple Airtag and how LandAirSea (LAS) tracking devices can help you identify missing items and improve theft recovery.
AirTag vs GPS Tracker: What Is A GPS Unit?
A GPS unit is a device that receives information from GNSS satellites. Here’s the science: Over 30 satellites send signals to GPS units via something called trilateration, which identifies and calculates the location of your personal belongings. Say you own an expensive car or have a fleet of vehicles in your business. Placing a GPS unit in a vehicle can help you track its location at all times.
There are various types of GPS units. Some of the most popular are GPS-enabled trackers — small devices that you can attach to items like cars, work equipment, inventory, artwork, and other valuables. If someone moves one of these items from their original location, GPS trackers can send you a real-time notification so you can take quick action. For example, you can track a stolen car as it moves from one location to another and send GPS data to the police, who might recover the vehicle.
What Are Apple AirTags?
Apple AirTags are small discs with location-tracking capabilities. You can purchase an adhesive for the back of the device to attach to your wallet, keys, phone, or another item. If you can’t find an item, you can log into Apple’s Find My app and track its location. Say you attach an Apple AirTag to your wallet. If your wallet goes missing, you can log into the Find My App and see where it is.
Apple AirTags don’t use GPS to locate items. Apple’s Find My Network relies on Bluetooth signals to detect and identify your belongings. AirTags send location data to iCloud; you can view that data by logging into your account on the Find My app.
Other Apple products, including iPhones and iPads, use the same Find My Network. The technology has become an important part of Apple’s ecosystem.
GPS Unit Vs Apple AirTag: What Are The Differences?
There are a few things to consider when choosing between a GPS unit vs Apple Airtag. The main difference between these technologies is that Airtags rely on other people’s Bluetooth-enabled iPhones in the Find My network to discover your items. That’s the only way Apple can identify the location of missing or stolen possessions. While Airtags are useful in heavily populated areas (with lots of iPhones), they can struggle to find your items if they end up in rural locations. On the other hand, GPS units use satellites to pinpoint belongings, which makes it easier to find items in any location.
Another difference between GPS units and Airtags is that GPS devices like those made by LAS come with cables or magnets that you attach to possessions. While Airtags have a chain that you can connect to keys, you will need to purchase an adhesive to track other items.
Why Choose A LandAirSea GPS Tracker?
If you decide to purchase a GPS tracker when choosing between a GPS unit and Apple Airtag, consider a device made by LAS. Here are some of the reasons to invest in these tracking units:
- Protect personal and business assets more effectively.
- Improve inventory management by tracking equipment and products.
- Confirm the location of employees working in your organization.
- Get historical data about valuables.
- Improve accountability and transparency.
- Provide law enforcement and insurance providers with location data if items go missing or get stolen.
- Share location data with friends, family, co-workers, and customers.
Here are some LAS devices that track personal and business items:
- LandAirSea 54: You can attach this small device to your belongings and view location insights through the LAS Silvercloud app.
- LandAirSea Overdrive: Overdrive comes with a battery that lasts up to four years and can manage assets and prevent theft. You can attach this tracker to items with its internal magnet.
- Use the LandAirSea SYNC to track vehicles by plugging it into your car’s OBD-II port. You don’t have to charge this device as it generates power from your vehicle.
Want to learn more about the differences between a GPS unit and Apple Airtag? Contact LAS for more information.
Final Word
When it comes to a GPS unit vs Apple Airtag, there are some major differences you need to know. While GPS units use satellites to locate missing and stolen items in any location, Airtags rely on other people’s Bluetooth-enabled iPhones. You will also need to purchase an adhesive to attach an Airtag to most items.
Contact LandAirSea at 847-462-8100, or email [email protected] for more information about a GPS unit vs Apple Airtag. You can also view LAS’ incredible range of tracking products here.
FAQs
Can AirTags Replace GPS Trackers For Fleet Management?
No, AirTags can’t fully replace GPS trackers in fleet management. AirTags rely on the Bluetooth signal of nearby Apple devices to update their location. This means they work best in urban areas with many Apple devices around. GPS trackers use satellite signals, providing more consistent tracking, especially in remote areas. They can also monitor driver behavior, making them more suited for managing fleets.
Are GPS Tracking Devices More Accurate Than AirTags?
Yes, traditional GPS trackers are generally more accurate than AirTags. GPS devices use global positioning system signals from satellites to determine exact location. This allows for precise tracking anywhere with GPS signals. AirTags, however, depend on Bluetooth range and the proximity of nearby Apple devices for location updates. This can limit their accuracy, especially in less populated areas.
Do AirTags Work Without Nearby Apple Devices?
No, AirTags need nearby Apple devices to function effectively. They use the Apple ecosystem to send their location to the owner. Without Apple devices in Bluetooth range, tracking an AirTag becomes challenging. In contrast, GPS trackers use satellite signals and can track objects anywhere on Earth with GPS coverage.
Can Both AirTags and GPS Trackers Provide Real-Time Location Tracking?
GPS trackers often provide real-time tracking by using satellite signals and sometimes cellular data. This means they can update you instantly on the location of your valuable asset. AirTags update their location when they come into Bluetooth range of an Apple device that can transmit their location. So, while both can offer location updates, GPS trackers do so more consistently in real-time, especially in areas without dense Apple device coverage.
Are GPS Trackers Better For Tracking Vehicles Than AirTags?
Yes, for tracking vehicles, GPS trackers are usually the better choice. They offer real-time tracking, detailed location history, and can even monitor driver behavior. This makes them ideal for vehicle tracking and fleet management. AirTags can help you find a lost vehicle in an area with many Apple devices. But they lack the consistent real-time updates and detailed tracking information that GPS devices provide.