In recent months, item trackers have once again made headlines thanks to the push from Google's Find My Device network and the sustained success of Apple's AirTag. In this context, the newcomer Motorola Moto Tag aims to entice Android users with a proposal that combines simplicity, security, and extra features. If you're wondering what they are, The real differences between AirTag and Moto Tag, here we break them down with a magnifying glass.
In order not to get lost in technicalities and help you choose without getting dizzy, we are going to put both devices face to face and, in the process, compare them with other alternatives that appear on the radar, such as Samsung SmartTag or even low-frequency network tracking solutions like Sigfox. With all the information available, you'll see where each option shines and which one best fits your daily life, with a special focus on How the Moto Tag works within the Android ecosystem and what it can offer compared to the AirTag.
Design, durability and battery
The Moto Tag follows the classic tracker recipe: a small, round body, about the size of a coin, designed to slip into a backpack, hang from a keychain with an accessory, or hide in a pocket. Its design is minimalist yet practical, with one clear advantage: the replaceable CR2032 battery by the user, which Motorola claims will last for about a year. It's an approach that fits with what's expected in this category, including IP67 dust and water resistance (immersion in fresh water at 1 meter for up to 30 minutes).
There is an important ergonomic detail: the Moto Tag does not include a key ring hole on the body itself, so you'll need an accessory to attach it to keys, straps, or backpacks. It's a design decision that's been seen on other trackers on the market and pushes you to buy specific cases or mounts. On the plus side, the Moto Tag replicates the morphology of the AirTag, so The accessories designed for the AirTag fit on the Motorola device, greatly expanding the available catalog.
Beyond the form, the Moto Tag introduces a physical button under the brand emblem. This element isn't there just for aesthetics: it allows you to activate quick functions such as ringing the phone or release the camera shutter on Motorola phones and, according to the brand, on any Android device. That small touch increases everyday usability without complicating the experience.
In terms of prices, Motorola places its label at a level comparable to that of Apple: in Spain, the Moto Tag has a recommended price of € 39,99 if you buy it individually, or €139,99 for a pack of four. For its part, Apple maintains its AirTag at €39 per unit and €129 for a pack of four, which leaves a minimal margin between the two. In some markets, Motorola also offers color packs, and they have been seen local prices such as 49.999 pesos per unit, in the case of Argentina.
Location network and mobile compatibility
The key to a tracker isn't just its hardware, but the network it connects to. The Moto Tag integrates with the revamped Google Find My Device network (Find My Device), which means all compatible Android phones can help you locate your tags when they're away from your phone. If it's nearby, the Moto Tag uses its own Bluetooth to provide you with the location; if it's far away, the Android mobile network comes into play, anonymously and encryptedly reporting the location or last known position.
This same approach is what has made AirTag famous in the Apple ecosystem: leveraging a massive device base to locate tags without the need for its own GPS. The structural difference is clear: AirTag depends on the Apple universe, while the Moto Tag leverages Google's network within Android. For practical purposes, if you use an iPhone, the AirTag is the natural choice; if you use Android, the Moto Tag is the easy, official path within the Google ecosystem.
It's worth noting: the Moto Tag doesn't work with Apple's Find My app, nor does it integrate into the AirTag network. It's an Android-oriented tracker, and it pairs quickly via Fast Pair (bring it close to your phone with Bluetooth enabled and follow the instructions) and is managed from the Find My Device app and, for advanced settings, from the Moto Tag app. It also allows you to share your location with family or friends from the Google platform, which adds a very practical layer for joint use. keys, backpacks or luggage.
In terms of compatibility, there is one point in favor of the Moto Tag compared to some Android rivals: it works with any compatible Android mobile with the Google network. This contrasts with the Samsung SmartTag, which limits its functions to the brand's ecosystem. In fact, there are user experiences where a SmartTag 2 doesn't work on a OnePlus 12 running Android 14, even trying unofficial solutions, which highlights this dependence on the Samsung layer.
UWB and precision localization
The big leap in quality at close range comes from Ultra Wideband (UWB). Motorola includes UWB in the Moto Tag to enable what it calls precision trackingWhen you're close enough, your phone can guide you in more detail to the tracker. It's a very similar idea to the Precision Finding popularized by the AirTag on the iPhone, also relying on UWB to indicate distance and direction with great accuracy.
Now, there's the timing to consider: while the Moto Tag already has the hardware, Google hasn't completed it yet. Integrating UWB into your Find My Device networkMotorola notes that this feature will be activated when Android fully adopts this support for the service. In the meantime, the Moto Tag performs as an excellent Bluetooth tracker with support for Google's network, while waiting for the UWB layer to unlock its full potential on compatible phones.
In everyday use, having the second generation of UWB technology on your phone provides a plus when available, allowing for more precise location in complex environments, such as inside a home, in a parking lot, or between several rooms. on-screen directional guidance It is one of the features that users value most in the AirTag, and that the Moto Tag aims to replicate within the Android world as soon as Google activates the missing piece.
Practical functions: sonar, button and camera
Beyond the location on the map, the Moto Tag offers little tricks that make a difference. You can make the tracker make a sound to find it when it's nearby but out of sight, which is especially useful if it's hidden between cushions or at the bottom of a backpack. The Moto Tag's built-in button also rings your phone, so if you have the tag in your hand but the phone isn't there, a tap will get you out of trouble.
As a nice extra, that same button can function as remote camera shutter release or the record button on Motorola phones and, depending on the brand, on any Android phone. It's a secondary feature, yes, but it's handy for selfies, group photos, or starting a recording without touching the phone's screen, especially if you're holding the phone on a tripod or leaning against something.
As for uses, there's not much rocket science here: the Moto Tag is designed to be put in keys, wallets, backpacks, luggage or even in the carSome people also use it with pets, children, or the elderly, although the manufacturer doesn't promote these scenarios, and it's always a good idea to assess suitability and consent when appropriate. When traveling, placing one inside your suitcase helps reduce the anxiety typical at the luggage carousel: you'll know if your bag is on its way or, at the very least, where it last was.
Privacy, anti-harassment alerts, and encryption
Security is a critical point in this category. The Moto Tag encrypts location data. end to end, so only you—or the people you choose to share the tag with—can see its location. Google's network also includes a warning system that alerts you to unknown trackers that may be moving with you, on both Android and iOS, in order to prevent malicious uses.
If that were not enough, you can run a manual analysis on your phone to check if there are tags following you. It's a feature that complements automatic alerts and adds peace of mind if you suspect something is wrong. This type of measure stems from the public debate about the dark side of trackers and the platforms' efforts to put up barriers to any attempt at non-consensual surveillance.
Pairing and user experience on Android
Getting the Moto Tag up and running is as simple as it gets. Right out of the box, your compatible Android phone will display the setup dialog. Fast Pair when it detects the tag nearby with Bluetooth enabled. Simply accept, assign a name or object, and follow the prompts. From there, you can control it from Find My Device to view locations, ring the tag, or activate features, and from the Moto Tag app to customize additional settings.
The software suite is designed to be straightforward: locate, ring, and share. There are no convoluted menus or features that get in the way of the essentials. That approach fits with what you'd expect from a modern tracker on Android and avoids friction for users who just want to find their stuff without giving it too much thought.
AirTag: the mirror to look into
When talking about AirTag vs Moto Tag it is inevitable to recognize that Apple set the pace in this category within its ecosystem. The AirTag, with the huge network of Apple devices As a stand, and its Precision Find with UWB, it has established itself as the standard for iPhone users. Its price is very similar to Motorola's, and the experience is deeply integrated into the Find My app, which concentrates device and tag management on iOS.
Of course, the platform blocking is total: the AirTag It is not an option for Android; if you are interested, consult If you can use an AirTag with AndroidIf your digital life revolves around an Android phone, the comparison immediately leans toward the Moto Tag, precisely because it uses Google's network and adopts security features natively on Android, in addition to adding extras like a physical button to make the phone ring or the camera shutter.
Samsung SmartTag and the ecosystem factor
Among the alternatives, Samsung's SmartTags have evolved significantly, with the latest version expanding its capabilities. The tricky point, however, is that work best (or only) within the Samsung ecosystemThis translates into limited compatibility on other Android phones: there are documented cases where a SmartTag 2 doesn't work on a OnePlus 12 running Android 14, even with attempts from unofficial apps. The trade-off for staying at home is a powerful integration with SmartThings to automate actions around the home, something the Moto Tag doesn't offer.
If you already use a Samsung phone and your home revolves around SmartThings, the SmartTag may make sense, especially if you want the tag's button to trigger routines like turning on lights or adjusting the air conditioning. But if you're looking for wide compatibility on Android and Google's network, the Moto Tag is positioned as a more universal candidate.
Low-frequency GPS trackers: the ZEN L case
It is important to distinguish Bluetooth tags—such as Moto Tag, AirTag, or SmartTag—from tracking solutions that use specific low-frequency networks. An example is the ZEN L by Beepings, which doesn't depend on nearby mobile networks but rather on Sigfox network coverage in Europe. Unlike other SIM-based GPS systems, you don't need a SIM card here, and the subscription is reduced to around €25 per year, significantly lower than services that charge around €50.
The ZEN L boasts resistance to interference thanks to these low-frequency networks and offers coverage throughout Europe via Sigfox. In terms of autonomy, it manages powerful figures: up to two months in intensive use and up to a year on standby, with position updates every five minutes. It also includes motion alerts, perimeter definition (geofences), and a magnetic mount that makes installation easy and alerts you if someone removes it.
The application is another point in its favor: free, with travel history of up to one year, management of notifications and perimeters, and chat support. As an extra, it can be connected to the vehicle with a 10V-50V converter for unlimited range, ideal if you want constant car monitoring without worrying about the battery. It's a different world from Bluetooth tags, with a different cost (subscription), but clear advantages in scope and continuity when you need more persistent tracking.
Use cases: what to choose in each situation
If you use Android and want to locate everyday objects—keys, backpack, wallet, suitcases—with minimal friction, the Moto Tag makes it easy: direct integration with the Google network, Fast Pair matchmaking, end-to-end encryption, and alerts against unknown trackers. When Google enables UWB on its network, you'll also gain directional guidance on compatible phones to fine-tune your search in confined spaces.
If you live on iOS, the AirTag is still the logical choice: it uses Apple's networking machinery, it already has fully operational Precision Finding with UWB on iPhone, and its management in the Find My app is impeccable. The price differences with the Moto Tag are minimal, so your choice here depends more on the ecosystem than your budget. For those who value Total symmetry with iPhone, there is no debate.
Those with a Samsung phone and a SmartThings-enabled home can look to the SmartTag for its smart home integrations. However, if you use other Android brands or plan to switch brands in the medium term, the Moto Tag offers greater freedom of movement within the Android universe and a more transversal support network.
Finally, if what you want is not a tag to “find something when it is lost” but a tracker with more consistent tracking and coverage For those who don't rely on nearby mobile phones—for example, for a vehicle or machinery—solutions like the Beepings ZEN L with a Sigfox network are a solid alternative. They require a subscription, yes, but they offer greater autonomy, position frequency, geofencing, and anti-tampering alerts.
Price and availability: how the balance stacks up
In Spain, Motorola is pricing the Moto Tag at €39,99 per unit and €139,99 for a pack of four. Apple is pricing the AirTag at €39 per unit and €129 for four, so, curiously, Apple's four-pack is slightly cheaper at the official retail price. For practical purposes, price differences shouldn't be the determining factor: your platform and features will tell you more than a few euros of margin.
In markets like Argentina, local prices for the Moto Tag have been seen around 49.999 pesos per unit and packs with color combinations. In any case, it's recommended to check availability and special offers, because there are many promotions in this category that can tip the balance if you need multiple units to cover keys, suitcases, and backpacks at the same time.
The main idea is simple: if your phone is Android and you want a well-integrated tracker, with up-to-date security, a multifunction button, and room for improvement with UWB when Google enables it, the Moto Tag deserves a place on your keychain. If you're on an iPhone, the AirTag is still the ideal companion. And if your needs are more demanding in terms of coverage and continuous monitoring, maybe you're not looking for a Bluetooth tag, but one tracker per dedicated network such as those that rely on Sigfox, with their own subscription model and range advantages.
