Buy for the phone you use and the features you need: Apple AirTag (2nd generation) is the straightforward choice for someone in Apple’s ecosystem who wants Precision Finding on compatible Apple devices. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag3 is worth considering for Galaxy users who want Samsung’s directional-finding features and location network. SmartTag3 was announced on September 30, 2026, but its launch is staged: Korea is scheduled first for October 7, followed by the U.S.; additional markets are due in 2027. Check local availability before choosing it.
At a glance: AirTag 2nd generation vs. Galaxy SmartTag3
| Decision | Apple AirTag (2nd generation) | Samsung Galaxy SmartTag3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | People using a compatible iPhone or iPad and an Apple Account. | People using Galaxy devices, especially if they want Samsung’s Galaxy-only finding features. |
| Phone and OS requirements | Apple lists iPhone with iOS 26.2.1 or later, or iPad with iPadOS 26.1 or later, plus an Apple Account. | Samsung says core finding and sharing work across Galaxy and iOS, but Compass View, Ring Phone and Left Behind Alert are unavailable on iOS. |
| Directional finding | Second-generation UWB and expanded Precision Finding; compatible hardware and regional availability apply. | Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding Compass View is claimed to work up to 60 meters in line of sight on a limited set of Galaxy devices; UWB provides close-range precision on supported devices. |
| Out-of-range finding | Uses Apple’s Find My network. | Uses Galaxy Find Network; Samsung says more than 900 million participating Galaxy devices worldwide can act as network nodes. |
| Battery | User-replaceable CR2032; Apple’s cited specifications do not state a directly comparable duration. | Samsung claims up to 550 days in standard use or up to 790 days in Power Saving Mode, based on its internal lab simulations with the in-box CR2032. |
| Water and dust resistance | IP67: up to 1 meter for 30 minutes under laboratory conditions; resistance may decrease with wear. | IP67: up to 1 meter for 30 minutes under laboratory conditions; Samsung advises against beach or pool use and says resistance may diminish. |
| Availability | Apple lists the second-generation model as introduced in 2026. | Announced September 30, 2026; scheduled to launch first in Korea October 7, then the U.S., with other markets following in 2027. Samsung’s announcement does not state a local retail price. |
Which tracker should you buy?
Choose AirTag if you use an iPhone
AirTag is the simpler choice if your everyday phone is an iPhone and you want Apple’s built-in finding experience. Precision Finding is not available on every iPhone: Apple says AirTag (2nd generation) works with iPhone Air or iPhone 15 and later, excluding iPhone 16e, and availability varies by region. Apple Watch Precision Finding requires Series 9 or later, or Ultra 2 or later, with watchOS 26.2.1.
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An AirTag can still be useful to someone carrying Android as a finder for an item, but Android is not a substitute for the Apple device and account requirements to set up and manage an AirTag. A person with an NFC-capable phone connected to the internet can scan an AirTag in Lost Mode to see its registered contact details or message.
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Samsung positions SmartTag3 for people who want the Galaxy Find experience and features such as Compass View, Ring Phone and Left Behind Alert. Those three features are not available on iOS, even though Samsung says core finding and sharing have cross-platform support. Samsung also says SmartThings Find can show and share a tag’s location and provide Search Nearby on supported devices.
#1 Best Overall
- Find your things with ease: The SmartThings Find app uses Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate and keep track of your stuff
- Water and Dust Resistant: IP67 rating offers protection against dust and water immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
- Compatible with Galaxy Devices Only
Before buying, check the particular device and feature support in your market. Samsung says device, region, nearby electronics, walls and other obstructions can affect range and accuracy. Its Channel Sounding Compass View support is currently limited to Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Plus.
Do not choose based on an assumed network winner
When a tag is outside Bluetooth range, each product depends on its own network of nearby participating devices to report a location. Samsung’s announced figure of more than 900 million Galaxy network devices is the company’s claim; it is not a matched, independent comparison with Apple’s network. Samsung also says location-update timing and availability depend on nearby participating devices, settings, network conditions and region. The available specifications do not establish which network finds lost belongings more often or faster.
Rank #2
- Find your things with ease: The SmartThings Find app uses Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate and keep track of your stuff
- Water and Dust Resistant: IP67 rating offers protection against dust and water immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
- Compatible with Galaxy Devices Only.
How far away can you find a SmartTag3 or AirTag?
Samsung’s “up to 60 meters” figure applies specifically to Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding Compass View in line-of-sight conditions, on supported Galaxy devices. It is not a guarantee of that distance through walls or in every environment, nor a direct measure of out-of-range finding over Galaxy Find Network. Samsung says UWB supports closer-range precision on compatible devices, but the announcement does not give a comparable UWB distance.
Apple describes second-generation UWB and expanded Precision Finding, but the cited Apple specifications do not give a distance figure to compare with Samsung’s Channel Sounding claim. Directional finding requires compatible hardware, and Apple notes regional variation. Neither manufacturer’s cited material is a controlled head-to-head range test, so the published figures do not establish a tested range winner.
Rank #3
- REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track¹; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
- EASY TO USE: It's IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant², activates your compatible IoT devices³ and stays powered for up to 500 days⁴ or even up to 40% more on Power Saving Mode⁵
- RELAX, YOU'VE GOT IT TAGGED: Simply register a new Galaxy SmartTag2 and get started right away with SmartThings Find; With its intuitive tracking experience, you now have a way to keep track of things you love right in the palm of your hand¹
- SEARCH NEAR WHEN IT'S NOT FAR: Lose something? Switch on Search Nearby⁶ and get instructions to your item's location via Compass View⁷; If you still don't see it, just ring your Galaxy SmartTag2 to have it send out an audible signal
- TAGGED & TRENDY: Cover your Galaxy SmartTag2 with a colorful Silicone Case for protection and a smooth touch – or a Rugged Case with a non-slip pattern on the side and additional bumper on the bottom⁸; Both have a carabiner ring attachment
What happens when luggage or another item is out of Bluetooth range?
Neither tracker needs to remain within Bluetooth range of your phone for its network-based finding feature to be useful. A compatible nearby device in the relevant finding network may detect the tag and relay its location. That means an update depends on participating devices being nearby and able to report it; it is not a live GPS connection from the tracker.
Samsung says SmartTag3 location history can be stored for up to seven days. It also describes movement alerts as dependent on nearby opted-in devices, and says alerts may be delayed or not received. Place Notification is announced as a trial feature. These are Samsung-described functions, not evidence that a tag can provide a guaranteed or continuous luggage location.
Rank #4
- REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
- EASY TO USE: It's IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant, activates your compatible IoT devices and stays powered for up to 500 days or even up to 40% more on Non-Power Saving Mode
- RELAX, YOU'VE GOT IT TAGGED: Simply register a new Galaxy SmartTag2 and get started right away with SmartThings Find; With its intuitive tracking experience, you now have a way to keep track of things you love right in the palm of your hand
- SEARCH NEAR WHEN IT'S NOT FAR: Lose something. Switch on Search Nearby and get guided instructions to your item's location via Compass View; If you still don't see it, just ring your Galaxy SmartTag2 to have it send out an audible signal
- Type of battery needed: replaceable CR2032 1 ea Lithium battery (not included)
How long does the battery last, and can you replace it?
Both products use a replaceable CR2032 coin cell. Samsung’s SmartTag3 endurance figures are manufacturer estimates from internal lab simulations using the CR2032 included in the box: up to 550 days in standard use and up to 790 days in Power Saving Mode. Actual life varies. Power Saving Mode reduces functionality; Samsung says Compass View and sound or ringtone settings can become inaccessible, leaving basic Bluetooth LE finding.
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Best Value
- REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track¹; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
- EASY TO USE: It's IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant², activates your compatible IoT devices³ and stays powered for up to 500 days⁴ or even up to 40% more on Power Saving Mode⁵
- RELAX, YOU'VE GOT IT TAGGED: Simply register a new Galaxy SmartTag2 and get started right away with SmartThings Find; With its intuitive tracking experience, you now have a way to keep track of things you love right in the palm of your hand¹
- SEARCH NEAR WHEN IT'S NOT FAR: Lose something? Switch on Search Nearby⁶ and get instructions to your item's location via Compass View⁷; If you still don't see it, just ring your Galaxy SmartTag2 to have it send out an audible signal
- TAGGED & TRENDY: Cover your Galaxy SmartTag2 with a colorful Silicone Case for protection and a smooth touch – or a Rugged Case with a non-slip pattern on the side and additional bumper on the bottom⁸; Both have a carabiner ring attachment
Are AirTag and SmartTag3 waterproof?
Both are rated IP67, which their respective specifications describe as protection in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes under laboratory conditions. That is water resistance, not a guarantee of permanent waterproofing or suitability for regular submersion.
Samsung advises rinsing residue and drying SmartTag3 after it gets wet, and says not to use it at the beach or pool. Apple says AirTag’s resistance can decrease with normal wear; Samsung likewise warns its water and dust resistance may diminish over time.
What to know about SmartTag2 before buying older stock
SmartTag2 is a previous-generation product, not another name for SmartTag3. Samsung’s U.S. SmartTag2 page describes Galaxy phone or tablet requirements, Samsung account and SmartThings Find registration, and UWB-enabled Galaxy hardware for Compass View. It lists Bluetooth range up to 120 meters without obstacles, while warning that walls or barriers can reduce accuracy. Samsung’s 2023 announcement gives SmartTag2 battery estimates of up to 500 days in Normal Mode or up to 700 days in Power Saving Mode, with lab-test and usage caveats. Do not carry those figures or the 120-meter range over to SmartTag3.
If considering an older tag or accessory, confirm that a case or holder explicitly fits SmartTag2 rather than assuming it fits SmartTag3. Samsung says SmartTag3 is approximately 35% smaller by volume and 33% lighter than its previous generation, so fit may differ.
Bottom line for this generation
For an iPhone owner, AirTag (2nd generation) is the natural starting point. For a Galaxy owner who can use its Galaxy-only features, SmartTag3 may be the better fit once it is available in their market. For either one, verify phone compatibility and local stock first; the manufacturer claims summarized here do not settle a real-world network or range contest.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
