UGREEN is once again in the spotlight with a new product, this time a new Bluetooth tracker that is Apple Find My compatible. Bringing one more iOS-compatible tracker to the market and one more affordable alternative to Apple’s own.
Currently, Apple continues to take the lead when it comes to Bluetooth tracker networks and will continue to do so until Google finishes playing catch-up when it comes to the number of opted in devices taking part in everything. So it comes at no surprise that UGREEN decided to move into this direction vs Android (not that this means they won’t eventually).
We have been making use of the tracker for a number of days now, keeping track of its ability to stay on top of the various devices we attached it to. Ultimately, deciding to drop it into a vehicle and follow it around from home. It connected instantly to the Find My app like any other compatible tracker and within just a few moments, you are making use of it.
Since Apple has the largest network of opted-in devices keeping track of nearby trackers, we found that we were able to keep close tabs on every direction it took (mostly). With the exception of a few dark spots that didn’t have a lot of people nearby (the driver of the vehicle did not have an Apple device, so it was fully dependent upon those nearby catching the ping/trace).
This continued to be the experience as the driver cruised around, while also tracking a normal Apple-made tracker from another account to compare and contrast the two. Every time, both trackers remained neck and neck, except once where the Apple-made tracker temporarily became confused and showed itself located a half mile or so away for a few minutes (which can happen from time to time).
All-in-all, it made for an excellent experience for the UGREEN tracker, as we didn’t notice it bug out in any way like the Apple-made tracker did. Thus, not bad for a brand new product.
It features a familiar size, keeping it within the typical size you’d find with most Bluetooth trackers. Maintaining the same small footprint that allows them to be paired with nearly anything, including smaller sets of keys, without adding too much bulk to your pockets.
Despite maintaining a small footprint, it also features a reasonable battery life, providing up to two years’ worth of use. Then you just swap out the CR2032 coin-cell battery when the time comes. Gone are the days when you are offered products you have to throw out and replace when their internal battery dies. I used to refuse to buy into anything where I could swap out or recharge the battery. Thankfully, most companies are taking this route now outside of the card-style versions, which contain batteries so small they have to be proprietary, thus either rechargeable (only a few offer this) or you throw them out when they die.
Speaking of which, the company also has a flat card version of its tracker as well, so that wallets aren’t left out if you are looking to keep to the same brand with all of your trackers. Sometimes brand consistency can help with consistency in the overall experience. At the same time, it is just as safe to stick to whatever is on sale at any given time since most of these pair to Apple’s system all the same without the need for third-party apps. Also, UGREEN’s card version is rechargeable!
Speaking of on sale, the tag we have been testing out is priced at $19.99 MSRP. Placing its normal price at where you’d normally find the Apple-made tracker when it is at its best sale price. So the UGREEN tracker is always affordable and ready for purchase. But that also means that when it goes on sale, it is much more affordable than Apple’s. For example, it is on sale right now (at the time of publishing this) for a very acceptable price of just $13.99, thanks to the Amazon Prime Spring Sale.
Our Conclusion
During our tests of this tracker, we were able to get consistent results everywhere we took it (assuming that Apple devices were nearby to ping it). In some cases, it performed better than the Apple-made tracker we had next to it. But this doesn’t mean it wouldn’t suffer from the same odd blip here or there like most of them do (we might have just been lucky thus far).
It also seems to be priced well, putting it in a great place both when ast normal price and when on sale. This also creates good competition.
Hopefully, the company will also consider future models compatible with Google’s similar network for Android devices. This could help speed the process along for Android users, having additional options out there vs the few brands there are now.
Are you a manufacturer or distributor that would like us to test something out for review? Contact us and we can let you know where to send the product and we will try it out.
