Keeping tabs on your child’s whereabouts provides parents with invaluable reassurance. Two highly sought-after options for kid GPS trackers are Apple AirTags and Jiobit smart tags. However, determining the most suitable choice for your family can be daunting.
In this extensive guide, we’ll conduct a thorough comparison between AirTag and Jiobit, aiding you in selecting the GPS tracker that aligns best with your requirements and financial considerations.
How Do GPS Trackers for Kids Work?
GPS trackers encompass compact gadgets that affix to your child’s attire, backpack, or possessions. Employing cellular and GPS innovations, they enable you to monitor your child’s live whereabouts via a smartphone application.
Numerous GPS trackers furnish supplementary functionalities such as geofencing, notifications upon your child’s entrance or departure from a predetermined zone, emergency buttons, bidirectional communication, and beyond.
When selecting a GPS tracker, pivotal considerations encompass:
- Compatibility – Does it work with your phone’s operating system?
- Tracking range/accuracy – Can it reliably track indoors and outdoors?
- Battery life – How often does it need charging?
- Durability – Can it withstand daily kid use?
- Extra features – Emergency calls, geofencing, etc.
- Price – Upfront cost and monthly fees.
Below, we’ll see how two popular options – AirTag and Jiobit – compare across these criteria.
AirTag vs Jiobit: Key Differences
AirTag | Jiobit | |
---|---|---|
Compatibility | iPhone/iPad only | iPhone & Android |
Tracking technology | Precision Finding with U1 chip, Find My network | Cellular, GPS, WiFi |
Tracking accuracy | Very precise (inch-level) indoors & outdoors | Accurate indoors & outdoors |
Water resistance | IP67 water & dust resistant | Splashproof |
Battery life | 1 year battery | Up to 10 days battery |
Emergency features | No SOS button or calling | No calling capabilities |
Durability | Scratch-resistant stainless steel | Durable, kid-proof design |
Extras | Precision Finding for exact location | Proximity monitoring, Familiar Places learning |
Price | $29 for 1 AirTag, no monthly fee | $129.99 upfront, $8.99 monthly fee |
It’s evident that there exist trade-offs when deciding between these two esteemed brands. Now, let’s delve into the specifics.
Tracking Accuracy and Range
Both AirTag and Jiobit offer accurate tracking indoors and out. However, AirTag has a slight edge thanks to Apple’s Precision Finding technology.
AirTag Tracking Accuracy
The AirTag utilizes Apple’s cutting-edge U1 ultra wideband chip for Precision Finding, enabling pinpoint accuracy in locating your child within inches, whether indoors or outdoors.
The Find My network also helps AirTags provide reliable tracking. If your child moves out of Bluetooth range, nearby Apple devices in the Find My network can detect their AirTag and update the location.
Overall, AirTag tracking accuracy is excellent. The Precision Finding feature is extremely helpful for pinpointing your kid’s exact location in crowds or finding a lost device quickly.
Jiobit Tracking Accuracy
Jiobit uses a combination of GPS, cellular data, and WiFi to track your child’s location. It updates every few minutes to show their whereabouts in real-time in the app.
While not as precise as AirTag’s inch-level tracking, Jiobit is accurate within several feet both indoors and out. This allows you to see your kid’s location in real-time and get alerts if they leave designated safe spaces.
If accuracy within a few inches isn’t a must, Jiobit provides reliable tracking. But AirTag has an edge when it comes to locating a child in a crowded space or finding lost items quickly.
Durability and Water Resistance
Given that these trackers are crafted with children in mind, durability emerges as a crucial consideration.
The AirTag boasts a robust stainless steel casing engineered to fend off scratches and dents. Moreover, it flaunts an IP67 water resistance certification, signifying its ability to endure submersion in up to 1 meter of water for half an hour.
On the other hand, the Jiobit is splashproof and sweat-resistant, rendering it ideal for the spirited activities of active youngsters. While the tracker itself is sturdy and child-proof, it’s worth noting that accessories such as clips may be susceptible to breakage if forcibly pulled off.
Both trackers can handle normal kid activities, spills, rain, and dust reasonably well. AirTag likely has a slight edge for water protection thanks to its high IP rating. But Jiobit’s device and accessories are designed thoughtfully for daily kid usage.
Battery Life
Frequent charging is inconvenient for kids’ devices. AirTag has a big advantage here.
AirTag runs for 1 year on its user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery. No need to charge it regularly. When the battery runs low, just replace it in seconds.
Jiobit has an estimated battery life of 8-10 days. You’ll need to recharge it every 1-2 weeks using the included charging cradle. The upside is that Jiobit batteries are rechargeable and replaceable.
If you don’t want to worry about frequent recharging, AirTag is the way to go. But Jiobit’s battery life is still reasonable for a mini GPS tracker.
Emergency Features
Kid tracker safety features like emergency SOS buttons and two-way calling provide extra peace of mind.
Unfortunately, neither AirTag nor Jiobit offer built-in calling capabilities. You can’t use them as a phone to call your child, and there’s no SOS button to trigger calls for help. This is one area where other GPS watches and trackers often have more safety features.
Nonetheless, both gadgets offer the capability to monitor your child’s whereabouts and receive notifications in case they venture beyond a predetermined safe area. This empowers you to promptly reach out to them or seek assistance when necessary.
If emergency calling is essential, consider a kids smartwatch with cellular service instead of these calling-free trackers.
Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of AirTag vs Jiobit, a few things stand out:
- AirTag costs $29 per tracker. No monthly service fees.
- Jiobit costs $129.99 upfront plus $8.99 per month for basic service.
- Jiobit frequently offers promotions, so you can often get it for 20-40% off MSRP.
- You need an iPhone/iPad for AirTag, which starts around $329. Many own one already.
- Jiobit works with both iPhones and Android devices.
With AirTag, your only cost is the upfront device fee. For Jiobit, you pay more upfront but also have ongoing monthly costs. Keep in mind you already need an iPhone or iPad for AirTag functionality.
Across a span of 2-3 years, your expenditure on Jiobit would surpass that of other alternatives. Nevertheless, the elevated monthly fee grants you access to advanced cellular tracking capabilities. It’s imperative to ascertain the level of tracking that aligns with your requirements before opting for the most economical solution.
What’s the Optimal GPS Tracker for Elementary School-Aged Children?
For youngsters in elementary school who haven’t acquired a phone yet, both AirTag and Jiobit present excellent choices, offering location tracking devoid of calling capabilities.
AirTag Pros:
- Extremely accurate with Precision Finding
- Long 1-year battery life
- Water resistant design
- Lower upfront cost
Jiobit Pros:
- Works on Android phones too
- Small and discreet
- Proximity monitoring alerts you when your child wanders too far during outings
- Rugged, kid-proof design
Look at your budget, smartphone OS, and specific needs. For most elementary school kids, AirTag is the best value given its lower cost and incredible accuracy. But Jiobit offers more flexibility for Android users, and slightly more safety features.
Which is Better for High School Kids?
By high school, many teenagers have their own smartphone. At this age, a full-featured smartwatch may make the most sense for location tracking, communication, and safety.
However, for teens without phones, AirTag and Jiobit can provide basic tracking:
- AirTag lets parents pinpoint their teen’s location discreetly without the distraction of apps or calling.
- Jiobit offers proximity alerts to warn parents if their teen wanders off. This can provide peace of mind when out and about.
For independent high schoolers, a simple tracker like the AirTag is likely the best fit. But Jiobit gives parents of wander-prone teens proximity alerts when on outings. As always, chat with your teen about using location tracking respectfully as they gain more freedom.
GPS Tracker Safety Tips for Kids
While AirTag and Jiobit provide helpful kid location tracking features, a few safety tips will help you get the most value:
- Discuss it first. Have an open conversation explaining why you want them to use a tracker and how it works. Get their input, and let them personalize the accessory or strap style.
- Use geofencing thoughtfully. Don’t overwhelm them with location alerts. Set up just 2-3 core “safe zones” like home and school.
- Give them independence as they earn trust. Loosen the tracking reins as your child proves themselves responsible and check in frequently.
- Supplement tracking with teaching. Discuss situations your child might face and how to act responsibly, so they can build real-world skills.
- Ensure proper use. Check that your child keeps the fully-charged tracker with them (not in a locker or drawer where it can’t work). Provide reminders and set up charging routines.
- Layer on safety. Combine the tracker with teaching safety skills, being available for emotional support/advice via voice calls when needed, and utilizing tools like emergency contacts and medical IDs.
With a respectful approach focused on developing responsibility, GPS trackers can give both parent and child confidence.
AirTag vs Jiobit: Which Is Better for Pets?
AirTag and Jiobit can also be utilized for tracking pets. Below are notable distinctions to consider when selecting a GPS tracker for cats, dogs, or other furry companions:
- AirTag securely fastens onto collars and harnesses with the aid of third-party attachments, delivering ultra-precise tracking capabilities both indoors and outdoors.
- Jiobit is smaller and more lightweight, great for smaller pets. But the accessories may not hold up to rough pet handling.
- AirTag battery lasts 1 year, avoiding frequent charging.
- Jiobit offers proximity alerts that warn if your pet wanders too far. Helpful for training.
For most pets, AirTag is the best choice thanks to its long battery life, ultra-precise tracking capabilities, and durability with third-party cases. But Jiobit’s proximity alerts provide value for training puppies or cats. Select the choice that aligns most closely with your pet’s requirements.
What About Other GPS Kid Trackers?
AirTag and Jiobit are both solid choices, but other options exist too.
GPS Smartwatches
Full-featured GPS smartwatches for kids often cost more but add extra capabilities like emergency calling, messaging, geofencing alerts when kids leave an area, and two-way calling. Top options include:
- TickTalk 4 offers a range of features including calls, messaging, geofencing alerts, and GPS location tracking.
- GizmoWatch 2 provides voice calls, messaging, GPS tracking, and parental controls through Verizon.
Alternative Trackers
Tile and Chipolo make popular Bluetooth trackers like AirTag. They work well for tracking items, but most don’t have cellular connections for real-time location tracking.
LandAirSea GPS and Optimus Tracker are other GPS tracker options with more limited range and accuracy than AirTag and Jiobit. Look for at least 2G/3G cellular service for real-time tracking.
For most parents, AirTag or Jiobit will hit the sweet spot of accurate tracking without high smartwatch costs. But explore all your options to find the right fit.
Key Takeaways: Choosing the Best GPS Kid Tracker
- For most families, AirTag and Jiobit are the top GPS tracker contenders – accurate, reliable, and easy to use.
- AirTag provides the most precise tracking thanks to Apple’s innovative Precision Finding technology. It’s the best choice for crowded places or frequently lost items.
- Jiobit offers strong basic tracking with alerts. It’s more flexible for Android users, and has handy proximity alerts and learning features.
- Look at your budget, smartphone OS, desired features, and child’s age/needs when deciding.
- AirTag works best for younger elementary school kids thanks to the exact tracking and lower cost. Jiobit is good for wander-prone young kids.
- For teens, a full-featured smartwatch often makes sense. But AirTag offers discreet, app-free tracking if needed.
- Take a respectful approach focused on building responsibility. Don’t overly rely on tracking. Use it as a supplemental tool.
No device can replace parenting. But used thoughtfully, AirTag and Jiobit allow you to give your kids developmentally appropriate freedom while still providing that invaluable peace of mind every parent needs.
GPS Tracker for Kids: Frequently Asked Questions
Is AirTag or Jiobit better for tracking kids?
For most families, AirTag provides advantages due to the 1-year battery life, cheaper upfront cost, and ultra-precise tracking from Apple’s technology. But Jiobit offers proximity alerts and compatibility with Android – so choose what fits your needs best.
Can someone without an iPhone use AirTag for tracking?
Unfortunately, AirTag exclusively functions with iPhones and iPads operating on iOS/iPadOS 14.5 or newer versions. Regrettably, it’s incompatible with Android devices. To initiate and monitor an AirTag, a compatible iPhone or iPad is required.
Does Jiobit have monthly fees?
Indeed, there is an initial fee for the Jiobit device, followed by recurring monthly charges for service and functionalities. Pricing commences at $8.99 per month for fundamental tracking services, while premium options boasting additional features are priced between $12.99 and $14.99 per month.
Do AirTags work internationally?
Yes, AirTags work globally thanks to Apple’s Find My network. The Precision Finding feature works best in areas with Ultra Wideband, but basic tracking works internationally. Jiobit also provides worldwide coverage.
Can AirTag be used as a listening device?
No, AirTags are not designed for listening and don’t have microphones. You cannot use AirTag to listen to conversations or activity near the tracker.
Do Jiobit or AirTag have geofencing capabilities?
AirTag itself does not currently have geofencing features, but you can set location alerts through Apple’s Find My app. Jiobit allows you to set up customizable Safe Spaces that will alert you when your child arrives at or leaves those locations.
What accessories do I need for AirTag with kids?
AirTag is designed to fit in pockets, bags, and purses. But for attaching to kids’ clothing, backpacks, etc., you’ll need a third party case or accessory. Options include waterproof cases, key rings, belt clips, and luggage tags.
Can someone without an iPhone use Jiobit?
Yes, Jiobit works with both iPhones and Android smartphones. As long as you have a compatible device to install the app, you can use Jiobit regardless of your operating system.
Do I need a SIM card for Jiobit or AirTag?
AirTag does not require a SIM card. It connects directly to your iPhone via Bluetooth. Jiobit comes with a built-in global nano SIM card, so it does not need any separate cellular plan or SIM card.
Final Thoughts on AirTag vs Jiobit
Hopefully this guide gave you a comprehensive overview of how AirTag and Jiobit compare for tracking kids, pets, and valuables. Both are impressive options that provide affordable, accurate tracking in a compact device.
Focus on choosing the tracker that best fits your budget, smartphone ecosystem, child’s age and needs, and must-have features. Set clear guidelines around using location tracking respectfully as your child matures.
With reasonable precautions, an AirTag, Jiobit, or other quality GPS tracker gives parents confidence while allowing kids to safely explore their independence. Stay tuned for more helpful smart home product comparisons and parent-approved home security tips.