Affordable UGREEN Bluetooth tracker has one feature Apple's AirTag can't match

Sleek wallet finders, or discreet mini tags to add to a set of house keys, Bluetooth trackers have soared in popularity as users rely on them for finding lost items, or keeping an eye on valuables. I’m a firm fan of these versatile accessories, having tried and tested plenty of rivals.

From Apple’s AirTagto Samsung’s SmartTag and trackers from Chipolo, they all offer accurate tracking, but there’s a new addition to my collection that stands out. It offers something other brands can’t match.

I’ve been testing out the Ugreen FineTrack Smart Finderand its sleek sibling, the FineTrack Slim Smart Finder.Two portable tech gadgets to help keep an eye on my belongings when out and about.

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Usually something I do when travelling, the Ugreen gadgets have become staple items in my handbag, gymbag, and wallet over the last few months. A rival to the glorified AirTags, these Ugreen trackers prove that you don’t have to spend a lot of money (well,£90 for a pack of four AirTags) to reap the perks of a Bluetooth tracker.

I tracked my handbag and my fiancé's wallet with a device that costs less than £24 - and its features are just as good, if not better. Both of the Ugreen trackerswork on the FindMy network, a perk for iOS users as a more affordable option to Apple's own AirTag, but this is a downside for those with non-compatible Android devices.

UGREEN works with the FindMy App

The setup was simple. The Ugreen trackers connected to my FindMy App in seconds and showed up alongside my other paired trackers and the Ugreen tracker works smoothly on the app, with responsive updates and accurate 'last seen' data.

I tested this out by putting theFineTrack Smart Finderon my keys and the FineTrack Slim Finder in my fiancé's wallet—deliberately going to separate parts of town to see how well it tracked on my app. I could see the tracker with me and Alex's wallet walking into various coffee shops.

UGREEN offers a feature Apple AirTags can't match

The standout feature, and the one that puts it at the top of my recommended list, is its charging. A usually forgotten-about feature on Bluetooth trackers, the Ugreen FineTrack Slim Smart Finder is rechargeable—it comes packed with a cable. Despite its battery that's said to 'last up to one year on a single charge', users don't have to buy a new gadget when the battery runs out.

I love to use these gadgets when travelling, popping them into suitcases, hand luggage bags, and wallets. This adds an extra layer of ease to the process and sets them apart from rivals.

Rival AirTagscan't be plugged in - instead it requires a switch out of its round lithium battery. It's easy to do with a simple switch on the back, but if travelling (which is when I use Bluetooth trackers the most), I may not have one to hand.

UGREEN vs AirTags, Chipolo, and Tile

How do the Ugreen trackers and app compare to rivals, including the Apple AirTag, Chipolo Card Spot, orTile by Life360? To get a downside out of the way first, the Ugreen does fall behind brands like Life360 and its Tile tag when it comes to compatibility, as these can be used with iOS as well as Android devices.

Onto battery, and Ugreen does outperform rivals with its rechargeable wallet tracker. However, this isn't available on the smaller Fine Track Smart Tracker. For both the AirTag and Samsung SmartTag - which can be bought at Amazonfor £14 - batteries can be replaced.

However, Chipolo stands out with its Recycle and Renew programme for users who return their device, but only when they respond to a reminder from Chipolo. This is another one of my favourite brands, again it's an option for shoppers on a budget.

In May, I used the device on a flight and it proved to be another strong contender in the 'cheaper than AirTag' market. As I said: "I decided to put Chipolo's CARD Spot to the test. Its slim design, like a bank card, is perfect for slipping into a wallet, passport, or ID, similar to the Tile by Life360 or Eufy SmartTrack Card - though I opted to place it in my suitcase pocket for tracking during my flight.

"Alerts are sent when an iPhone moves out of range, and it sends notifications to the synced iPhone. The CARD Spot also features a loud alarm for locating items nearby." Ugreen matches this with its own ringtone on its Ugreen trackers, too.