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Struggling to choose between the best trackers for your dog in this ocean of dog-tracking devices? Well, the debate on AirTag Vs. GPS Tracker for Dog has been going around for a while now.
Hence, we decided to stop it and provide the answer seekers with an ultimate solution.
While both the devices work for the same motto, finding a lost thing, their primary jobs differ. AirTag is used to locate lost items, not pets, whereas a GPS Tracker is more of a pet finder.
Now, if you want to know which is better and smarter to fulfill your expectations from a tracker, take a look at the details below.
AirTag Vs. GPS Tracker: Detailed Overview
Here is an overview of both AirTag and GPS Tracker:
AirTag
Apple Airtag is a tiny disc used for tracking your belonging and can be used as a pet tracker if you mount it on a pet collar.

Like other Apple devices, the tracking information can be tracked only through an iPhone.
The plus point with AirTag is that it can be attached to anything like a wallet, purse, pet collar, leash, etc. It can be easily used as a dog tracker like other dog trackers.
You must use the Find My Network feature, which relies on Bluetooth and is inbuilt on your iOS. It allows you to connect to multiple devices.
To view your dog’s location, which is sent to your iCloud, if he’s wearing an AirTag, you can log into your Find My App.
However, even though it’s great to find your lost belongings, we doubt how reliable it is to be used as an alternative to a GPS tracker.
GPS Tracker
As mentioned in the name, GPS trackers use GPS to find your dog’s location and keep tabs on your dog with live location ability.

It’s way more advanced and high-tech than AirTag, as GPS trackers rely on satellites to find your pet’s location. The essential factor about GPS Trackers is that they can be accessed through Android and iOS devices.
They can also function globally and generally have an unlimited network range. There are GPS trackers available for both, Dogs and Cats. This technology has been known to the dog owners’ community for a while.
GPS trackers can be attached to your dog’s collar or sometimes come with a collar. It works effectively any time of the day, including dark.
AirTag Vs. GPS Tracker: Feature Comparison
I have ruled out some key features that determine the significance of both devices individually. These features have attracted many users to use them for their pets. Let’s have a look at each of them below.
Features of AirTag

Here are the key features of the Apple AirTag device:
1. Speaker
Apple AirTag’s built-in speaker will allow you to hear a ping sound. It notifies the person at the other end of the AirTag to know you have pinged the tag.
2. Long Lasting Battery
It has a long-lasting battery life of up to one year. Also, it doesn’t require recharging, unlike GPS Trackers. The battery only needs to be replaced when it is exhausted.
3. Lost Mode
The Lost Mode feature by Apple AirTag helps you locate your belongings and pets by sending alerting notifications on your iPhone whenever an iPhone user is passing by.
Features of GPS Tracker

Here are the key features of a GPS Tracker:
1. Live Location Tracking
With the help of a GPS Tracker, you can keep tabs on your dog’s whereabouts and get notified whenever your dog tries to cross the boundaries of the safe zones. The Live Location can be tracked thanks to its satellite-based advanced technology.
2. Geofences
You can create multiple safe zone perimeters for your dog to play freely without a leash in different areas of your choice. These safe zones are also called Geofences, which are set virtually, and the collar notifies you when your dog comes closer to the boundary or crosses it.
3. Health and Activity Tracking
This feature is an additional provision available in GPS Trackers. You can track your dog’s health, sleep, and other fitness activities with the help of a GPS Tracker.
AirTag Vs. GPS Tracker: Similarities

Both Apple AirtTag and GPS Trackers offer services like tracking and locating your belongings and pets through a smartphone app.
Many Pet owners around the world use both of these devices to keep track of their dogs specifically.
Though AirTag has a limited range, both AirTag and GPS trackers can be used worldwide. They are also lightweight to wear around your pet’s neck and won’t bother your dog.

AirTag Vs. GPS Tracker: Differences
The below table will help you understand the key differences between Apple AirTag and GPS trackers precisely.
Sr. No. | Apple AirTag | GPS Trackers |
1. | Apple AirTag offers a limited range because of Bluetooth Connectivity. | GPS Tracker has an unlimited range. |
2. | Apple AirTag is found unreliable by some pet parents. | GPS Trackers are more reliable and accurate as compared to Apple AirTag. Plus, you can always know your dog’s location with a GPS Tracker. |
3. | Apple AirTags only work with iOS devices. | GPS Trackers can be connected to both Android and iOS devices. |
4. | AirTag is mainly made to locate lost items. | GPS Tracker’s primary job is to locate and follow your pets. |
5. | You can only use an AirTag to locate things. | With a GPS Tracker, you can track your dog’s health activities along with their sleep schedule. |
AirTag Vs. GPS Tracker: Pros And Cons
To understand both trackers better in terms of their advantages and disadvantages, let’s look at the Pros And Cons of both trackers below.
Pros And Cons of AirTag

Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the Apple AirTag:
Pros
- The ‘Find My Network’ features can access almost a billion devices via Bluetooth.
- The process of using the AirTag is pretty simple and easy to understand.
- It doesn’t require a WiFi network as it relies on Bluetooth.
- It can be used to locate lost belongings by attaching them to them.
Cons
- It is not primarily designed to track down lost pets.
- It has a limited range of up to 100m because of its Bluetooth-based technology.
Pros And Cons of GPS Trackers

Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the GPS Trackers:
Pros
- GPS trackers allow you to track your pet worldwide.
- GPS Trackers allow you to join a community of lost pets.
- You will get instantly notified when your dog crosses the boundaries of safe zones called geofences.
- They can be accessed via Android and iOS devices both.
Cons
- GPS trackers need to be charged as they are built with batteries.
- The quality of the products varies with each GPS trackers brands.
What’s Better? AirTag Vs. GPS Tracker?
It should go without saying that a GPS tracker is believed by many to be the preferable choice when trying to find your furry little companion. They are made especially to find and follow pets.
The benefits of GPS trackers outweigh Apple Airtags’ capabilities. The most trustworthy choice is a GPS tracker because it has high-quality connectivity and coverage.
Using an Airtag might end up in your dog being in an area without a Bluetooth connection, making it impossible for you to locate your dog.
The preferred choice continues to be GPS trackers. When comparing a GPS tracker to Apple Airtags, the probability of finding a lost pet is significantly higher.
You can also check out our article on why you shouldn’t use AirTag to track a dog and AirTag Dog Collar Review to know the reason behind our take on the Apple AirTag.

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Final Verdict: AirTag Vs. GPS Tracker For Dog
Even though Airtag and GPS Trackers offer the same service, both of them are made to be used for different things.
While GPS Tracker is mainly used to track and follow your pets, Apple AirTag is supposed to find lost belongings like a wallet, luggage, keys, etc.
Hence, when you want to use a tracker to find your pet, you should go for a GPS Tracker, which is designed in a way that helps you find your pet more accurately.
You can check out our article on Best Dog GPS Trackers to get to know the top-ranking GPS collars in the market.
FAQs: AirTag Vs. GPS Tracker For Dog
Luckily, GPS Trackers are made waterproof, saving them from damage when your furbaby enters the water.
Unfortunately, AirTags are not made waterproof like GPS Trackers.
Apple never claimed to use AirTags as dog trackers. However, they did mention that it is meant to locate your lost items.