Last updated: October 2026 · Tracker prices swing with sales and differ by country, so the figures below are ranges. Check the current price before you buy.
Apple's AirTag costs $29, and cheaper trackers that plug into the same Find My network cost half that or less. The question is what you actually give up. I looked at three popular sub-$20 options (Atuvos, Eufy SmartTrack Link, and UGREEN FineTrack), and the answer is one consistent trade-off, plus a few easy-to-miss catches.
- Cheapest way to tag several things: Atuvos multi-packs.
- A solid single tracker with a keychain hole: Eufy SmartTrack Link.
- Longest claimed battery: UGREEN FineTrack, up to 2 years on a replaceable CR2032.
- What you give up: Precision Finding, the on-screen arrow that needs UWB.
- All three are iPhone-only. Android users need a Google Find Hub tracker.
The one trade-off they all share
None of these sub-$20 trackers has an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip. That chip is what gives a real AirTag Precision Finding: a directional arrow and a distance readout when you're close. Without it, you get Find My's general location on a map, plus a sound you can play from the app. For a bag left in another room, that is enough. For something buried under a couch cushion or lost in tall grass, the arrow is the difference between a quick find and a long search. Decide up front whether you need that.
The good news: they all use Apple's Find My network, so the "somewhere out there" tracking works through other people's Apple devices with no monthly fee, the same way an AirTag does.
| Tracker | Price (reported) | Battery | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atuvos | Singles about $5–$12 on sale, 4-packs often about $23–$30 | Replaceable CR2032, about 1 year | Prices vary a lot by seller |
| Eufy SmartTrack Link | About $14–$20 for one | Replaceable CR2032, up to 1 year | Battery isn't always in the box |
| UGREEN FineTrack | Roughly $15–$20, varies by region | Replaceable CR2032, up to 2 years claimed | Real-world battery life is likely 1–2 years |
Atuvos: cheapest per tracker
Atuvos is the one to look at if you need to tag several things at once. It has IP67 water resistance, a built-in speaker (80–100 dB per the maker), and a replaceable battery rated at about a year. In my earlier version, I said a 4-pack costs "around $15." That was too low to rely on. Listings I found ranged from roughly $23 to $30 for a 4-pack on sale, with higher list prices, and singles can drop to around $5. Per-tracker price still beats an AirTag by a wide margin, but check the price on the day.
Eufy SmartTrack Link: the better single tracker
Eufy's SmartTrack Link is made by Anker's Eufy brand and is Apple Find My certified. It has a keychain hole, a water-resistant coating, a built-in QR code so a stranger can contact you if they find it, and a double-tap that rings your iPhone even on silent. It uses a replaceable CR2032 rated for up to a year, and some retailers ship it without the battery, so check the listing. Expect about $14 to $20 for a single.
UGREEN FineTrack: longest battery claim
The FineTrack is Apple Find My certified and uses a replaceable CR2032, which you can swap yourself instead of replacing a sealed tracker. UGREEN claims up to two years, and you can check the battery level in the Find My app. It also has a childproof battery cover rated under the UL 4200A standard, which matters if you have small children, because button batteries are dangerous if swallowed. Treat "two years" as a best case. Another UGREEN tracker listing quotes 18 months.
When to pay for a real AirTag instead
Apple released the second-generation AirTag (AirTag 2) on January 30, 2026, still at $29 for one and $99 for four. The upgrade is real: a second-generation UWB chip extends Precision Finding range by about 50%, the speaker is 50% louder, and you can use Precision Finding on an Apple Watch (Series 9, Ultra 2 or newer). It needs a recent iPhone and software to get the full benefit. If you have one expensive item you want pinpointed, such as a camera bag, that precision is the reason to pay more. For "which room is it in," the budget trackers are enough.
Safety: unwanted-tracking alerts
Any tracker can be misused to follow a person. Apple and Google share a standard for unknown-tracker alerts. iPhones warn you if an unfamiliar Find My tracker is traveling with you, and Android has a similar feature. If you get an alert, find the tracker, play a sound from the alert and disable it by removing the battery. Also, never track another person's belongings without their knowledge.
Buy a real "Works with Apple Find My" tracker
Only certified trackers can use Apple's Find My network. Marketplaces are full of no-name "AirTag" multi-packs with similar listings, and quality varies. Look for the "Works with Apple Find My" mark, a recognizable brand, and a replaceable battery. If you want a cross-platform option, Belkin's SureFind Spot (from $14.99) and Chipolo's POP ($29) are reported to work with either Apple Find My or Google Find Hub, depending on the version you buy.
Set one up in 5 steps
- Remove the battery pull tab or insert the CR2032 if it isn't installed.
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone and go to the Items tab.
- Tap Add Item, then Other Supported Item, and hold the tracker near your phone.
- Name it and attach it to your keys, bag, or wallet.
- Test it: walk to another room, play the sound from Find My, and turn on Notify When Left Behind.
Which one should you buy?
- You want to tag a bag, a bike and a few other things: Atuvos 4-pack.
- You want one tracker for your keys: Eufy SmartTrack Link.
- You hate changing batteries: UGREEN FineTrack.
- You need exact-direction finding: a real AirTag, ideally the 2nd generation.
- You use Android: none of these. Buy a Google Find Hub tracker.
FAQ
Do budget trackers work with Apple's Find My network?
Yes, if they carry the "Works with Apple Find My" certification. Uncertified no-name tags may not.
What's the real difference from a $29 AirTag?
Mainly Precision Finding. Basic location, sound and left-behind alerts work the same way.
Do they work with Android?
No. These three are iOS-only.
Is a multi-pack worth it?
Yes for several low-value items. For one valuable item, buy one better tracker.
Do I pay a monthly fee?
No. Find My tracking is free with a compatible tracker.
My pick
For most iPhone owners, the Eufy SmartTrack Link is the safest single buy under $20, and an Atuvos multi-pack is the value play for tagging several things. Only pay for an AirTag if the arrow matters to you. Whichever you choose, run the 5-step setup test the day it arrives.
More on the blog: Best Budget Earbuds for iPhone Under $50 and Best Smart Home Devices for iPhone.
Sources: Tom's Guide: Apple AirTag 2 review · Cult of Mac: AirTag 2 launch · Eufy: SmartTrack Link · UGREEN FineTrack listing · TechRepublic: best AirTag alternatives 2026