{
  "id": 18402467,
  "title": "Tile trackers failed me when I needed them most, so I switched to Chipolo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/tile-trackers-failed-me-when-i-needed-them-most-so-i-switched-to",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-06T00:00:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Android Police",
    "slug": "android-police",
    "url": "https://www.androidpolice.com/tile-trackers-failed-me-when-i-needed-them-most-so-i-switched-to-chipolo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For the past two years, I have been using Tile trackers, keeping one in my wallet and another on my keys. While they have helped me on numerous occasions, I grew tired of their battery life and outdated features. Consequently, I made the switch to Chipolo's rechargeable trackers, the Loop and Card. Since making the change, I've come to appreciate the distinction. With Google's Pixel Tag set to launch soon, I now understand why I won't be purchasing it. The widespread use of coin cell batteries in trackers presents a significant issue - they eventually run out of charge. This is exacerbated by the fact that I am forgetful, often failing to replace depleted batteries in time. This would frequently lead to my Tile app notifying me of a low battery, only for me to discover that I had lost my wallet or keys when I needed the device most. Tile's battery notifications were also unreliable, failing to alert me until it was too late. To address this, I opted for Chipolo's rechargeable Loop and Card trackers. Both devices are rechargeable via USB-C and wireless, eliminating the need for batteries altogether. Upon receiving a low battery alert, I can simply plug them in, and within two hours, they are ready for another year of use. No more batteries, no unnecessary hassle. This is why I have shunned the Moto Tag 2 and waited for the Pixel Tag. I refuse to deal with batteries again. The Pixel Tag's arrival in a market already saturated with tracker options piqued my interest, but Google's marketing approach leaves me skeptical. What intrigues me more is Tile's recent predicament. Not long ago, Tile was a dominant player in the tracker industry, but now, purchasing one seems counterintuitive. While Tile's products are cheaper than alternatives, they lack compatibility with Google's Find Hub and Apple's Find My network. Instead, users must rely on Tile's own network to locate lost devices. My first encounter with Google's Find Hub network occurred when I misplaced my Pixel Buds Pro 2. Thanks to Find Hub, I managed to track them and recover them. Having previously relied on Tile's network, I was astonished by Find Hub's efficiency. Support for both Find Hub and Find My should be a standard feature in all new trackers, which is why I will never purchase a Tile again and do not recommend them to anyone seeking a new tracker. The primary drawback with the Chipolo Loop is its absence of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support. UWB technology enables precise tracking of items and, which is crucial in crowded settings. Despite Chipolo's trackers lacking UWB, they do offer Bluetooth 6.0, which incorporates Channel Sounding. While Channel Sounding is nearly as precise as UWB, it does not support directional tracking. Chipolo's decision not to implement Channel Sounding yet is understandable, given that not enough phones support Bluetooth 6.0 to justify its inclusion. Although this is a valid point, the effectiveness of Find Hub mitigates my concerns about the lack of Channel Sounding or UWB support. However, Chipolo's reasoning holds true, and Channel Sounding is expected to become available in the future. By the time I need to charge my Chipolo Loop again, it may be in place. I am confident that I will remain with Chipolo for the time being. The Card tracker, though a plain slab of black plastic, fits comfortably in my wallet, while the Loop is an appropriate size to attach to my keys. Neither is excessively large nor too small. Replacing my outdated Tile trackers with Chipolo's trackers proved to be one of the best decisions I made. They are more durable, offer all the necessary features, and eliminate the need for battery replacements. I certainly won't need a UWB-enabled product when it eventually arrives, and I will be discarding my Tile trackers. I cannot tolerate inferior products, and Tile has demonstrated that their offerings are not sufficient.",
  "summary": "Chipolo's rechargeable trackers are the only ones I'll buy",
  "key_points": [
    "Tile trackers' battery life and outdated features led to a switch to Chipolo",
    "Chipolo's rechargeable Loop and Card trackers eliminate battery replacements",
    "Google's Find Hub network impressed the author, leading to a decision against Tile"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The shift toward rechargeable hardware and integration with major ecosystems signals a decline for legacy brands that rely on proprietary networks and unreliable battery systems.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}