I Love Chipolo's Android-Friendly Alternative to AirTags, and Now It's on Sale

We're big fans of Apple's AirTag item trackers -- they're handy for tracking everything from keys to cars. But if you're an Android user, there's no use spending your money on an incompatible AirTag. However, Apple is far from the only company that makes Bluetooth trackers, and Android users have some options that are just as good. I especially like the One Point, which Chipolo released in 2024.

The One Point is a Bluetooth tracker that uses Google's own crowdsourced Find My Device network of over 1 billion Android devices. It works in a similar way to Apple's Find My network to help you easily locate your keys, wallet, luggage, backpack, car or other items that are easy to misplace. Even better, right now you can pick one up for $20 -- a 29% discount -- or opt for a four-pack for 50% off, which reduces the price to just $56, thanks to Chipolo's current spring sale.

This deal makes it the perfect time to snap up a few if you happen to have an Android user on your Mother's Day or graduation gift shopping list.

This is likely to be a limited-time deal, so we suggest ordering your new trackers now to ensure you get these prices.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. 

Taking advantage of Google's tracking network means besides using your own phone to locate the One Point tracker -- with the Find My Device app -- you can tap into all the other Android devices around you, from friends and strangers alike (completely privately), to better track your item, no matter where it is or how far from the item you are.

For more, here's why you shouldn't put an AirTag on a pet and five unexpected places to use a tracker. 

How does the Chipolo One Point tracker work?

The tiny plastic tracker, which weighs relatively nothing, is about an inch and a half in diameter, roughly the size of those old Eisenhower dollar coins (I'm showing my age). Unlike the Apple AirTag, the One Point also has a built-in keyring hole, so you don't need to buy an accessory to clip the tracker to your item. All you need is a key ring.

Once your One Point is connected to your phone, you can check the location of your tracked item with Google's Find My Device app. You can easily see where the tracker is on a map, and your distance from it. If you can't find the tracker with your eyes, you can always force it to make a pretty loud sound (120db), so that you can easily hear where it is, even if it's under a pile of clothing.

The battery life is about a year, but you can easily open the tracker (there's a tiny hole on the side) to replace the CR2032 battery. You can buy a 10-pack of CR2032 batteries for under $6, and Chipolo says that should last you a decade. If you're placing your tracker on something shared, like a large piece of check-in luggage for you and your family, you can share the information with a loved one so that you can both keep an eye on the tracker from separate Android devices.

Why this deal matters 

Taking advantage of Google's tracking network means that besides using your own phone to locate the One Point tracker -- with the Find My Device app -- you can tap into all the other Android devices around you, from friends and strangers alike (completely privately), to better track your item, no matter where it is or how far from the item you are. Doing all that while saving money is just an added bonus. 

Why should you get the Chipolo One Point over the AirTag?

There's really only one reason why you should get the Chipolo One Point tracker, and that's if you own an Android device. The Chipolo One Point is made specifically for Android phones and tablets and works with Google's Find My Device app. If you own an Android, you definitely don't want an AirTag, mainly because there's no way to connect an AirTag to an Android device.

If you've got a mix of Apple and Android devices, there are also a few other reasons to choose the Chipolo One over an AirTag:

• The Chipolo One is cheaper than the AirTag. Only by a dollar, but still.
• The Chipolo One has a built-in key ring hole. The AirTag doesn't have a key ring hole, so you'll need to buy an accessory, which ends up making the AirTag a more expensive purchase.
• There is a card version of the Chipolo. The Card Point is a card tracker that's specifically designed for your wallet. There is no AirTag card tracker at the moment.

How to set up your Chipolo One Point tracker

Right out of the box, all you need to do is press in your Chipolo One Point (you'll hear a pretty loud sound coming from the tiny device) and then place the tracker next to your phone. Your Android device will automatically detect the tracker, as long as you have the Find My Device app downloaded.

The pop-up on your screen will walk you through all the instructions for setup, which includes linking the device to your email account, agreeing to be part of Google's Find My Device network and enabling recent locations for offline devices.

All in all, the setup takes under a minute. And then you can keep track of your item from the comfort of your phone. Just don't lose your phone.