Apple’s tiny but mighty AirTags burst onto the scene in 2021, making it easier than ever to track and find lost items. But one common question keeps popping up – do these handy trackers involve a recurring monthly cost to use? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly what you need to know about AirTag pricing and subscription fees.
The Short Answer – One-Time Purchase, No Monthly Fees
To cut right to the chase – Apple AirTags do not require any type of monthly subscription or ongoing fees whatsoever. Once you buy an AirTag for the one-time purchase price ($29 for one or $99 for a 4-pack), you can use it indefinitely to track your items without paying another cent.
This contrasts with some other popular trackers like Tile, which do charge a $2.99 monthly subscription or $29.99 annual fee for premium features. With AirTags, those features are all included as part of the upfront price.
What’s Included In The AirTag Purchase Price?
So if there’s no monthly fee, what exactly does your initial AirTag payment get you? The one-time cost covers:
- The AirTag device itself
- A replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts over a year (how long do AirTag batteries last?)
- Unlimited access to Find My network for locating your items
- Precision Finding with iPhone 11/12/13 for hyper-local tracking
- Personalized engraving of initials or emoji (up to 4 characters)
You’ll also need a compatible Apple device like an iPhone or iPad to set up and use AirTags. But the Find My app used to manage them comes pre-installed and is completely free.
Eventually You’ll Need To Replace The AirTag Battery
While not a monthly fee, the one ongoing cost with AirTags is that you’ll eventually need to swap out the CR2032 battery inside. In testing, the batteries last for well over a year of typical use before needing replacement.
When your AirTag battery gets low, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone letting you know it’s time. The CR2032 batteries are commonly available for around $1 each. So factoring in a new battery every year or so, AirTags still provide excellent value compared to subscription-based alternatives.
How AirTags Work With The Find My Network
Part of the reason Apple can offer AirTags at an attractive one-time price is the massive scale of its Find My network. Here’s how it enables AirTags to track your items without ongoing fees:
- AirTags connect via Bluetooth to nearby Apple devices
- Those devices anonymously share the AirTag location with iCloud
- You see your item’s location in the Find My app (does AirTag keep location history?)
- It’s all end-to-end encrypted to protect privacy
With nearly a billion Apple devices out there, there’s a good chance one of them will come near your lost AirTag and update its location. This vast crowdsourced network costs nothing to tap into with your AirTags.
Ultra Wideband Powers Precision Finding
For the most accurate tracking, AirTags also support Ultra Wideband technology on recent iPhone 11, 12 and 13 models. This enables Precision Finding, which gives you helpful haptics, sounds, and visual feedback to locate an AirTag that’s within range (about 30 feet).
This Ultra Wideband chip comes in every AirTag, with its capabilities included in the price. No extra fees to unlock the full suite of finding features.
Alternatives To AirTags With No Monthly Fees
While AirTags are excellent for iOS users, there are some solid alternatives that similarly don’t charge subscriptions:
- Chipolo ONE Spot ($28) – Works well with Apple’s Find My network (AirTag vs Chipolo full comparison)
- Tile Pro ($30) – More platform-agnostic but has optional premium plan (AirTag vs Tile full comparison)
- Esky Key Finder ($25) – Barebones but dependable
- Orbit Glasses ($40) – Specialized for tracking glasses (AirTag vs Orbit full comparison)
See our full comparison of AirTag alternatives to determine which tracker ecosystem makes sense for your needs and devices. But if you’re in the Apple ecosystem, it’s hard to beat the seamless experience AirTags deliver for a budget-friendly price.
Key Takeaways
To sum up the key points about AirTag pricing and subscription fees:
- No monthly fees or subscription required for AirTags
- One-time $29 purchase price includes the AirTag, battery, and full access to Find My features
- Replaceable CR2032 battery lasts over a year, costs around $1 to replace
- AirTags leverage the free Find My network to locate items
- Precision Finding included for free on iPhone 11 and newer
- Viable alternatives like Chipolo and Tile also skip subscriptions
Whether you’re prone to misplacing your keys or simply want some extra peace of mind during hectic travel days, AirTags offer an affordable way to keep tabs on your essentials without tacking on recurring charges.
Frequently Asked AirTag Questions
Still have questions about AirTag costs and capabilities? We’ve rounded up answers to some common queries:
Do I need to pay a monthly fee for AirTags? No, AirTags do not require any monthly fees or subscriptions. Just the one-time purchase price.
Is there an ongoing cost to use an AirTag after buying it? The only ongoing cost is replacing the CR2032 battery every 1-2 years. Apple sells them in some stores.
Can I use AirTags if I don’t have an iPhone? AirTags require a compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch for setup and management through the Find My app.
How much does Apple charge per month for AirTag subscriptions? Nothing – Apple does not currently offer any type of monthly subscription plan for AirTags.
What if I have multiple AirTags to track different items? Whether you have 1 or 16 AirTags (the maximum per Apple ID), there are no extra or hidden fees.
Does the AirTag price include access to Find My network? Yes, every AirTag can leverage Apple’s global Find My network for locating items with no additional cost.
