AirTag vs GPS Tracking
Posted by Todd Morris on Aug 6th 2024
AirTags vs GPS Trackers
If you have business assets to monitor – vehicles, trailers, costly equipment – you might be thinking about using simple tracking tags like Tiles or Apple AirTags. After all, they don’t require monthly fees, as GPS trackers do. But as we’ll show you below, that would be a mistake.
How they work
AirTag
Short Range
Sends out a consistent, low-RF signal (e.g., Bluetooth). To track your asset more than a few dozen feet, you’ll need to rely on a large network of fellow customers opted into the tag provider’s network.
GPS Tracker
Long Range
Sends out a consistent, low-RF signal (e.g., Bluetooth). To track your asset more than a few dozen feet, you’ll need to rely on a large network of fellow customers opted into the tag provider’s network.
Data accessibility
AirTag
Individual Only
Because tracking tags are tied to individual smartphone users’ personal accounts, their data can be accessed only by those users. This is one example of how tags and tiles are designed for consumer use.
GPS Tracker
Multiple Users
GPS trackers’ real-time and historic data can be accessed online by anyone you set up with a user account on the GPS platform. This is one example of how GPS trackers are far easier than tracking tags for businesses to deploy and operate.
What they can tell you
AirTag
Not much...
Asset’s current location
(assuming you’re within a few feet)
Out of range alerts
and when you lose the asset’s signal
Not included
GPS Tracker
Lots of useful info!
Asset’s current location
(from anywhere in the world that has cell coverage)
Asset’s Historical Data
(where it’s been, when, how long, etc.)
For vehicles:
If an asset that is supposed to be stationery is moving
(e.g., to quickly alert your business about a theft and even help the police with retrieval)
Risky Driving Behaviors
including exceeding speed limits, rapid acceleration, and hard braking
Accurate ETAs
for your customers’ deliveries or arrival times of service reps
The vehicle’s current speed
The vehicle’s movement pattern over time
Find exactly what you’re looking for
Have keys or a bag you don’t want to misplace? A tracking tag should solve your problem.
But if you
have costly assets to monitor – and you want the valuable business intelligence from analyzing their
movements over time – you need a GPS tracking solution.
See all GPS trackers
BRICKHOUSE SECURITY
3m agoSpeeding Alert
John is traveling 80 mph
BRICKHOUSE SECURITY
10m agoGeofence Alert
Alex exited 'County' Geofence