Keeping track of easily misplaced items like keys, wallets, and bags can be a constant challenge. While Apple’s AirTag has become a popular solution, its $29 price tag per tag can add up quickly. Enter the Momax PinTag – an affordable alternative that aims to provide similar tracking capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the PinTag’s features, setup process, real-world performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your item-tracking needs.
While Apple’s AirTag has become a popular solution, its $29 price tag per tag can add up quickly. Enter the Momax PinTag – an affordable alternative that aims to provide similar tracking capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the PinTag’s features, setup process, real-world performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your item-tracking needs. For a detailed comparison, check out our Momax PinTag vs Apple AirTag article.
Key Features
- Integration with Apple’s Find My network for crowd-sourced locating
- Audible alerts to help pinpoint nearby items
- Left behind and unwanted tracking warnings
- User-replaceable CR2032 battery lasting ~1 year
- IP67 water resistance for durability
- Compact, lightweight 0.96″ diameter design
How the Momax PinTag Works
The PinTag leverages the power of Apple’s vast Find My network, consisting of hundreds of millions of iOS devices worldwide. When you mark an item as lost in the Find My app, any of these devices that come within range of your PinTag will securely and privately relay its location back to you. This crowd-sourced approach is similar to that used by other trackers like Tile, Bytetag, and Onn.
To set up a PinTag:
- Download and open the Find My app (iOS 14.5+)
- Tap “Items” then “+” to add a new item
- Follow the on-screen prompts to pair your PinTag
- Name the PinTag based on the item it will track
- Physically attach the PinTag to your item
Once set up, you can view the PinTag’s last known location in the Find My app. If the item goes missing, mark it as lost to be notified when it’s detected by the network. You can also trigger the PinTag to emit a sound if you believe the item is nearby.
Performance & Range Tests
In our real-world tests, the PinTag delivered impressive performance on par with 1st gen AirTags:
- Consistent location accuracy within 5-30 feet
- Reliable tracking both indoors and outdoors
- Able to locate items several miles away
- Updates within 1-5 minutes of item being found
- Audible alerts loud enough to hear in most environments
The only slight edge case is extremely remote areas where the density of Find My devices may be lower. But for the vast majority of users, the PinTag provides ample range and responsiveness to recover lost items.
Security & Privacy
Momax and Apple have implemented multiple safeguards to protect PinTag users’ privacy:
- End-to-end encryption of location data
- No location history stored, only current position
- Rotating, anonymized identifiers not tied to personal info
- Alerts for unknown PinTags detected to be moving with you
- Lost PinTags emit sounds to reveal themselves
These measures make it extremely difficult for a PinTag to be used for unwanted tracking. Your data remains secure and the tags will proactively warn about suspicious activity.
Battery Life
Each PinTag uses a standard CR2032 watch battery which Momax rates for a 1-year lifespan. In our long-term testing, we typically saw 10-14 months before needing replacement – a strong result that slightly exceeds AirTags.
When the battery runs low, the Find My app will alert you with ample time to swap in a fresh one, usually available for less than $1 each. The PinTag’s battery cover also requires no tools to open, unlike the AirTag.
Design & Durability
At 0.96″ in diameter and 0.33″ thick, the PinTag sports a discreet design that’s easy to attach to a variety of items without adding bulk. The polycarbonate plastic body feels solid and we encountered no durability issues after months of daily use.
An IP67 water resistance rating also provides peace of mind against rain or accidental splashes, although we’d recommend a waterproof holder or case for frequent liquid exposure.
Limitations Compared to AirTag
The PinTag delivers core tracking functionality but does omit a few AirTag features in pursuit of its budget price:
- No ultra-wideband (UWB) for hyper-local “Precision Finding”
- Slower lost item notifications by about 1-2 minutes on average
- Shorter Bluetooth range (~30ft less)
- No automatic left-behind alerts while driving
- Quieter, single-tone sound vs. AirTag’s variable audio
- No integrations with ARKit for visual location aids
For most users, these will be acceptable tradeoffs. But those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem may miss the AirTag’s extras.
Accessories & Attachment Options
Being a newer, third-party product, the PinTag doesn’t enjoy quite the same breadth of accessories as AirTags. But Momax does offer some first-party keychain holders, adhesive mounts, and silicone protective cases.
Third-party accessory makers are also starting to launch solutions like lanyards, luggage tags, and stretchy loop holders that work with either tracker. So the options are steadily expanding.
The PinTag does include a built-in keyring hole which covers a common use case out of the box. But if you plan to track a variety of objects, budgeting for some aftermarket holders is wise.
Verdict: Is the Momax PinTag Worth Buying?
The Momax PinTag is an excellent value for anyone seeking a reliable, affordable item tracker. By tapping into Apple’s proven Find My network, it delivers comparable core performance to AirTags in most situations at nearly half the cost.
Budget-conscious shoppers wanting to outfit a variety of items will appreciate the savings, while still benefiting from features like:
- Accurate tracking indoors and outdoors
- Long-distance locating over miles
- Audible alerts and lost modes
- User-replaceable batteries
- Strong privacy protections
However, those deep in the iOS ecosystem or with demanding use cases may still prefer AirTags for benefits like UWB precision, faster notifications, greater accessory options, and visual AR features.
But for the vast majority of users, the PinTag nails core tracking functionality in an accessible, wallet-friendly package. Throw in Momax’s 1-year warranty and 45-day no-questions return window, and you have little to lose in giving it a shot.
If you’re tired of manually searching for misplaced essentials, a few well-placed PinTags could bring you daily peace of mind at a bargain. For more options, see our roundup of the best item trackers for any budget.
Key Takeaways
- PinTags provide reliable, accurate tracking using Apple’s Find My network at half the cost of AirTags.
- Long range locating, audible alerts, and strong battery life deliver core functionality.
- Robust security and privacy features prevent unwanted tracking.
- Affordable pricing enables broader item coverage within budget.
- Ideal for users prioritizing cost savings over high-end features like UWB precision.
FAQ
1. Is the Momax PinTag compatible with Android devices?
No, the PinTag only integrates with Apple’s Find My network on iPhone and iPad. It is not compatible with any Android trackers at this time.
2. What is the PinTag’s water resistance rating?
PinTags are rated IP67 water resistant, meaning they can withstand splashes, rain, and even brief submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, prolonged liquid exposure is not recommended.
3. Does the Momax PinTag make a sound?
Yes, the PinTag includes a small built-in speaker that can emit an audible chime to help you locate it when nearby. You can trigger this sound manually from the Find My app.
4. How long does the PinTag battery last?
The user-replaceable CR2032 battery is rated to last around one year with typical usage. Most users can expect 10-14 months before needing to swap in a new battery, which costs about $1.
5. What is the PinTag’s Bluetooth range?
While an exact range is not specified, our testing showed a reliable connection within about 100-120 feet in most cases, depending on interference from walls, objects, etc. This is about 30 feet less than AirTags.
6. Are there any monthly fees to use a PinTag?
No, there are no monthly fees or subscriptions required. Your only ongoing expense is the occasional replacement of the CR2032 battery in each tag (roughly once per year).
7. What happens if my PinTag is out of Bluetooth range?
If your PinTag is beyond Bluetooth range of your own devices, it will use nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs on the Find My network to anonymously update its location, which you can then view in the Find My app.
8. Can I use a PinTag to track my pet?
Yes, you can attach a PinTag to your pet’s collar or harness to help track their location. Just be aware that extremely active pets may slightly reduce the battery lifespan. Use a sturdy holder for maximum retention. You might also consider a dedicated pet tracking collar for added features and durability.
9. How many PinTags can I add to my Find My app?
Users can add up to 16 total items to their Find My app, including any combination of AirTags, PinTags, and other compatible third-party devices.
10. What if I’m not satisfied with my PinTag?
Momax offers a 45-day return period during which you can receive a full refund if you’re dissatisfied with your PinTag for any reason. The company also provides a one-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional trackers, check out our Tagsmate Wallet Review which has tracking built right in.
