ConsFirst / Pet GPS trackers

Apple

Apple AirTag (2nd Generation): the downsides first

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#2 of 7
$Bluetooth tagScore 3.5/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)General-purpose item-tracker listing; most ratings aren't about pet use.

A cheap, excellent item finder that PCMag lists as its iPhone-friendly Bluetooth option in its pet tracker guide. But it's not a real-time pet tracker: it updates only when an iPhone passes nearby, Wirecutter found AirTag updates far less frequent than any GPS tracker, and Apple says it isn't meant for tracking pets.

Subscription: None mentioned in PCMag's review; it locates through nearby Apple devices (Find My network) and needs an iPhone

Top complaints

  • No real-time tracking

    Wirecutter's AirTag test updated the dog's location far less often than any GPS tracker, only when the dog came within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, and sometimes not at all. PCMag says the location is only as accurate as the last iPhone that passed by.

    Source: Wirecutter (GPS pet trackers), PCMag AirTag (2nd Gen) review
  • Not designed for pets

    PCMag notes Apple clearly states the AirTag is meant to find lost items, not keep tabs on family, friends or pets. Wirecutter dismissed general-purpose Bluetooth trackers for finding a pet on the run.

    Source: PCMag AirTag (2nd Gen) review, Wirecutter (GPS pet trackers)
  • iPhone only; needs a holder

    PCMag lists no Android support and no way to attach it without accessories. Amazon owners report mixed connectivity, with some saying it won't pair with their iPhone.

    Source: PCMag AirTag (2nd Gen) review, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)

What owners love

Good for
  • Indoor cats or dogs that hide nearby
  • iPhone owners on a tight budget
  • A backup to a GPS tracker

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • PCMag: Best Bluetooth Tracker for iPhone Owners in its pet tracker guide (4.5 Outstanding as an item tracker).
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: the AirTag updated a dog's location far less frequently than any GPS tracker Wirecutter tested.
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If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked pet gps trackers whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in pet gps trackersFi Series 3+ Smart Dog Collar

A Wirecutter top pick and PCMag's 'most durable' tracker: slim, stainless steel and nearly as fast as Tractive, with long battery life thanks to its charging base. But it only fits Fi-compatible collars, goes offline more often than Tractive in Wirecutter's tests, and works best with the app running in the background.

Its catch: needs its own collar, which can rattle#3 in pet gps trackersTractive Dog 6 Smart Dog Tracker

Wirecutter's top dog pick for the most consistently accurate live tracking and the fastest GPS connection it measured. But PCMag got four to eight false escape alerts a day and poor battery life when Wi-Fi power saving wouldn't connect, and about 1 in 4 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.

Its catch: false escape alerts#4 in pet gps trackersTractive Cat 6 Mini

Wirecutter's best tracker for cats, with the same fast, precise tracking as Tractive's dog model and an excellent history map of where your cat roams. But its battery died after 5.5 days in testing, it's still bulky for a cat, and a buckle tab broke during fitting.

Its catch: short battery life

Head-to-head

See all 7 pet gps trackers ranked →