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Chipolo POP: The Colorful New Bluetooth Tracker Giving AirTag & Tile a Run for Their Money

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Chipolo POP: The Colorful New Bluetooth Tracker Giving AirTag & Tile a Run for Their Money

Key Facts & Highlights

  • Universal Compatibility: Chipolo POP works with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device networks (one at a time), making it a cross-platform tracker for iOS and Android chipolo.net theverge.com. No more choosing between separate models – POP connects to whichever ecosystem you use.
  • Bright Design & Built-In Keyring: Available in six vibrant colors (blue, yellow, red, green, black, white) with a built-in keyring hole, so no extra accessory is needed to attach it to keys, bags, etc. techradar.com. It’s a disc-shaped tag about 1.53 inches (38.8 mm) in diameter and 0.25 inches thick theverge.com – slightly larger than an AirTag, but it comes ready to use on a keychain.
  • Loud & Long-Range: The POP features a 120 dB alarm – a seriously loud ring to hear your item hiding under couch cushions chipolo.net amazon.com. Bluetooth range is extended up to 90 meters (300 ft) (improved from Chipolo’s previous ~60 m range) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com, giving a better chance to locate misplaced items around your home or office.
  • Replaceable Battery & Solid Battery Life: Powered by a standard CR2032 coin cell (included) with roughly 1-year battery life amazon.com androidauthority.com. When it runs out, you can easily replace it – no need to buy a whole new tracker. (By contrast, some competitors use non-replaceable or rechargeable batteries.)
  • Rugged Enough: Rated IP55 (dust resistant and splash-proof) amazon.com theverge.com. That means it can handle rain or spills and dusty environments, though it’s not meant for full submersion. You can safely clip one to a pet’s collar or outdoor gear – a bit of rain or a muddy adventure won’t faze it, but don’t expect it to survive a swim theverge.com.
  • Extra Features via App: The free Chipolo app (iOS/Android) adds bonus features at no cost: you can double-press the POP to ring your phone (even on silent), receive out-of-range alerts on your phone if you leave items behind (Android only via Chipolo app), change ringtones/volume, and even use the tag as a remote camera shutter for selfies amazon.com chipolo.net. These give POP abilities that Apple’s native Find My or Google’s app alone don’t provide.
  • Price & Availability: $29 for a single Chipolo POP unit androidauthority.com theverge.com. It’s available directly from Chipolo’s website and major retailers (Amazon has it for ~$29 with Prime shipping amazon.com, and carriers like T-Mobile offer it at $29.99 t-mobile.com). Multi-packs offer better value – for example, 4 Pops for ~$89 (around $22 each) techradar.com. POP launched in April 2025 and is now widely available in the US, UK (£30 each), EU (€30), and other markets.
  • Strong Early Reviews: Tech experts praise the Chipolo POP as “the colorful AirTag I’ve always wanted” techradar.com and “the most versatile and functional Bluetooth tracker yet.” androidauthority.com Reviewers love its cross-platform flexibility, loud ring, and added features. It even earned the Editor’s Choice title on Android Authority androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. However, some note the lack of ultra-wideband (UWB) precision finding and a few setup quirks for new users (more on this below).
  • Use Cases: Ideal for keys, bags, backpacks, wallets, luggage, and even pets. Attach a POP to your keys or slip it in a bag to instantly ring and find them around the house. Throw one in your suitcase when traveling – if it gets lost, you can locate it on a map via the vast iPhone or Android device networks amazon.com. Pet owners can clip a POP to a collar (it’s light and splash-proof), helpful for finding a wandering cat or dog in the neighborhood. And thanks to the “double-press to ring phone” feature, the POP even acts as a reverse finder to retrieve a misplaced phone under cushions.

Meet the Chipolo POP – A Universal Bluetooth Tracker

The Chipolo POP is a next-generation Bluetooth item tracker that aims to simplify how you keep track of valuables. Released in 2025, the POP is essentially Chipolo’s answer to Apple’s AirTag – but with a twist: it works with both Apple Find My and Google’s new Find My Device network. In the past, Chipolo made separate models for different platforms (the Chipolo One Spot for Apple, One Point for Google, etc.), but POP combines all use-cases into one tag theverge.com. This “one tracker for all” approach means you can use a POP with an iPhone today and, if you switch to Android later, just reset it and pair with Google’s system – no need to buy a new tracker androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. It’s a forward-thinking feature in an increasingly cross-platform world.

Visually, Chipolo POP looks familiar – a small round disc tracker akin to an AirTag or Tile, but it comes in an array of playful colors instead of just white or black. Chipolo deliberately “brought color back” to item finders: their earlier Apple-focused tag was only black and the Android one only white, but life’s too short for boring trackers, as the company quips chipolo.net. With POP you have six colors to choose from, making it easier to match your style or spot at a glance chipolo.net. Each POP even includes a color-matched keyring in the box techradar.com, since the device has a built-in keyring hole. This is a welcome design touch – unlike an AirTag, which famously has no hole and forces you to buy key fobs or holders, the POP can go straight on your keychain or bag zipper out-of-the-box techradar.com techradar.com.

Size and build: The POP measures about 1.54 inches (39 mm) across and 0.26 inches (6.6 mm) thick, weighing only a few grams theverge.com androidauthority.com. It’s slightly larger and thicker than an Apple AirTag (which is ~1.26 inches and 8mm thick), but still very compact – about the diameter of a half-dollar coin. The casing is plastic with a smooth matte finish and a small raised “Chipolo” logo on one side. Notably, 50% of the plastic is recycled material and the product is assembled in Slovenia (where Chipolo is based), reflecting a focus on sustainability chipolo.net gadgetgurulab.com. Chipolo also uses minimal, plastic-free packaging for the POP, which is fully recyclable chipolo.net. These eco-friendly touches earned praise; Engadget even highlighted the company’s sustainability focus as a plus gadgetgurulab.com.

Durability: With an IP55 rating, the POP can handle everyday life. IP55 means it’s dust resistant and protected against water jets/splashes theverge.com amazon.com. In practical terms, it’s fine in the rain, survives splashes or spills, and won’t mind being on a pet that runs through wet grass. Just don’t submerge it fully – it isn’t waterproof for swimming or prolonged soaking. (By comparison, Apple’s AirTag is IP67 – fully waterproof to 1m – and Tile Pro is around IP67 as well; so POP is a notch less water-tight, likely due to its removable battery door.) Still, IP55 is ample for keys and bags; you can confidently attach POP to outdoor gear or a dog’s collar without worrying about a bit of mud or rain theverge.com. The device’s build feels solid, though a few users felt it’s slightly less hefty than a Tile – “the device feels less sturdy… doesn’t instill a lot of confidence,” one early user opined reddit.com. In general though, most find the quality acceptable given the lightweight design.

Battery & maintenance: Chipolo POP runs on a user-replaceable CR2032 coin battery, which is rated for about 12 months of typical use amazon.com androidauthority.com. This is the same common battery used in AirTag, Tile, and many remotes – cheap and easy to find. Replacing the battery is simple: you can twist open the back cover of the POP to swap the cell (Chipolo’s documentation shows how). Having a replaceable battery is a big plus for longevity and e-waste reduction – you’re not throwing away the tracker after a year, just giving it a new battery (some competing slim trackers have sealed batteries that force you to replace the whole unit or send it in for “recycling”). Chipolo also offers a half-price Battery Replacement Program – when your POP’s battery dies, you can opt to upgrade to a new device at 50% off and send the old one in for proper recycling chipolo.net (though with a CR2032, many will just DIY replace).

In case you prefer rechargeables, Chipolo has other models (more on those later) – but the POP sticks with the classic coin cell, and most reviewers are fine with that. One CR2032 easily lasts ~1 year in real-world use androidauthority.com, especially since the tracker isn’t beeping constantly (just occasionally when you trigger it or it’s reporting location). Android Authority’s tester noted their past Chipolo tags usually hit about 11–13 months on one battery androidauthority.com, so the claim checks out. The POP will also warn you when its battery is low, so you’re not caught off guard tomsguide.com – similar to how AirTag alerts an iPhone at ~15% battery remaining.

Features and Performance

Despite its small size, Chipolo POP is packed with features to help find your stuff whether it’s nearby or far away. Here’s a breakdown of how it works and what it can do:

Finding Nearby: Loud Ring & Precise Bluetooth

If your item is hiding somewhere around you (say, your keys are lost in the living room), the simplest method is making the POP ring. Using either Apple’s Find My app on iPhone or Google’s Find My Device app on Android, you can tap a button to “play sound” on the Chipolo. The POP will then emit a loud melody – up to 120 decibels at max volume chipolo.net amazon.com. For context, 120 dB is extremely loud for a tiny gadget (comparable to a phone’s loudest ringtone or a smoke alarm). In fact, POP’s 120 dB siren is much louder than many competitors – the Motorola Moto Tag is ~75 dB and Apple’s AirTag is around ~60–80 dB androidauthority.com. Reviewers found the POP’s sound “not shy at all” and very easy to hear even under cushions or from the next room chipolo.net chipolo.net. Plus, the Chipolo app lets you choose from 12 different ringtones and adjust volume androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. You could assign different chimes if you have multiple POPs (e.g. one sound for keys, a different tune for your backpack), creating a little finding “symphony” as Chipolo jokes chipolo.net.

Another finding aid is the improved Bluetooth tech. Chipolo POP uses the latest Bluetooth 5.3 / 6.0 hardware (Chipolo refers to it as BLE 6.0) amazon.com. This brings a feature called Channel Sounding which can allow more accurate distance measurements between your phone and the tag androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. In plain terms: as phones start supporting Bluetooth 5.3/6.0, the Chipolo POP should be able to tell you roughly how far away it is (e.g. “approximately 20 feet away”) with better accuracy than older trackers, which often only give a vague signal strength indicator. It’s not quite the precision arrow you get with Apple’s UWB-based Precision Finding, but it’s a step closer. “Bluetooth 6.0 is a decent – and potentially more universal – compromise versus UWB,” noted one reviewer androidauthority.com. It won’t show you direction, but it can refine the distance. Keep in mind, this capability also needs the software support in the Find My/Find My Device apps, which as of mid-2025 was not fully enabled yet. So UWB (ultra-wideband) still holds the edge for pinpoint finding; Apple’s AirTag and Samsung’s SmartTag+ can actually lead you with on-screen arrows if you have a compatible phone. Chipolo POP lacks a UWB chip (one of the few “missing” features) androidauthority.com. For most situations though – like keys lost in your house – blasting a loud ringtone tends to be effective, and the POP excels at that.

One bonus: the Chipolo app’s “Proximity” meter can help when you’re in range. If you connect POP to the Chipolo app (optional, more on that soon), you can see a simple distance gauge (like bars or a radar) when you’re near the item. It’s not as fancy as UWB directional view, but it gives you an idea if you’re getting warmer or colder. And as mentioned, future Bluetooth enhancements could make this even more precise.

Finding Far Away: Global Networks & Crowd GPS

The signature feature of Chipolo POP is the ability to leverage two huge finding networks – Apple’s and Google’s – when your item isn’t within Bluetooth range. If you leave something behind on the bus or your luggage gets sent to the wrong city, the POP can tap into these crowdsourced networks to report its last location.

How it works: Once you pair your POP to either Apple’s Find My or Google’s Find My Device, it effectively becomes part of that network. If your item is lost somewhere “far away”, any iPhone (if it’s on Apple’s network) or any Android phone (if on Google’s network) that comes within Bluetooth range of the POP will detect it and securely update its location on your account’s map amazon.com chipolo.net. This happens automatically and anonymously in the background – you won’t know who found it, and they won’t know whose tag it is, but the system will ping you the coordinates. Apple’s network is famously robust, utilizing over a billion Apple devices globally pinging AirTags, which is why AirTag owners often recover bags and even track stolen items from afar. Google’s Find My Device network is newer (launched mid-2024) and uses the billions of Android devices in the wild in a similar fashion androidauthority.com lifewire.com. In theory, that gives Chipolo POP worldwide coverage on par with AirTag – whichever network you choose, millions of strangers’ phones can help find your lost stuff amazon.com. For example, if you left your backpack in a coffee shop, you could mark the POP as lost; when someone with a smartphone walks by it, you’ll get an update of its location on the map and you can even display your contact info so the finder can return it chipolo.net.

One network at a time: Important to note, you must choose either Apple or Google network when setting up the POP – it can’t report to both simultaneously androidauthority.com. If you pair it with an iPhone via Find My, it won’t be visible to Androids, and vice versa. Switching requires resetting the device (holding the POP’s button down to reset and then pairing to the other system) androidauthority.com. This is by design due to how these networks are walled off. But it still beats buying separate trackers for each platform. As one tech reviewer put it: “If you want a tracker that works with your Android phone today and your potential iPhone next year, this is the way to go.” androidauthority.com. Chipolo POP and a few competitors like Pebblebee’s tag are currently the most versatile choices for cross-ecosystem support.

Network reliability: On the Apple side, the Find My network is proven and reliable – so POP works as well as an AirTag for Apple users. On Android, the concept is new, and early tests have shown the Google network is functional but has some growing pains. In less densely populated areas or sporadic situations, an Android-tagged POP might not be found as quickly. “Google’s network is just unreliable… it still blanks out sometimes, even with many Android devices nearby,” noted one reviewer who extensively tested various tags androidauthority.com. They observed that Samsung’s SmartThings network (exclusive to Samsung devices) is more solid at present androidauthority.com. But Google is actively improving Find My Device, and over time it should become a strong rival to Apple’s network. For now, Apple users can have full confidence using POP on Find My androidauthority.com, while Android users should be aware that the experience depends on Google’s coverage – it’s good in city environments, but might be spotty in remote areas until the network matures androidauthority.com. In any case, Chipolo has no monthly fees for using these networks (unlike some Tile features that require a subscription), and location updates are end-to-end encrypted by Apple/Google’s systems for privacy.

Chipolo App Extras (Call Phone, Alerts, and More)

Although you can use Chipolo POP entirely within Apple’s or Google’s native apps, installing the Chipolo companion app unlocks a suite of handy extras – all free, which is a welcome contrast to some competitors’ paywalled features. The Chipolo app essentially acts as a “settings and bonus features” hub chipolo.net chipolo.net:

  • Ring Your Phone: Perhaps the most loved feature – if you have your item (with the POP attached) but can’t find your phone, simply double-press the POP button to make your phone ring loudly chipolo.net amazon.com. This works even if your phone is on silent mode! It’s like reverse-finding. Many people misplace their phones daily, so this turns the tracker into a two-way finder. Apple’s AirTag notably cannot trigger your phone (AirTag only works one-way), so this is a big plus for Chipolo. “Finally, my tracker can help me find my phone, instead of just the other way around!” a reviewer cheered androidauthority.com. (Moto Tag offers a similar phone-finding feature, and Tile does too, but AirTag does not.)
  • Out-of-Range Alerts: The Chipolo app can send a notification if you leave without your item – e.g., you walk out of your house and leave your keys behind, your phone will buzz within about a minute androidauthority.com. This is a preventive feature to stop you from losing things in the first place. On Android, this is done entirely by the Chipolo app (since Google’s Find My Device app itself doesn’t yet have “left-behind” alerts) androidauthority.com. On iPhone, Apple’s Find My app actually has a built-in “Notify When Left Behind” feature for any Find My tracker (including Chipolo), complete with setting “Safe Places” (locations where you don’t want alerts, like leaving your keys at home is fine) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. The Chipolo app isn’t strictly needed on iOS for alerts, but you can still use it if you prefer its interface or additional options. Notably, the Chipolo app’s Android alerts currently lack a “safe zone” feature – so it might nag you even if you intentionally left the item somewhere, an area for improvement androidauthority.com. Still, testers found Chipolo’s alerts on Android very reliable and “as fast as Samsung’s and Tile’s notifications, and faster than Apple’s” in their trials androidauthority.com. Given that Tile charges a subscription for smart alerts, having this free with POP is a great value tomsguide.com.
  • Custom Ringtones & Volume: Through the app you can change the ringtone played by the POP – there are 12 fun melodies/tones to choose from (e.g. a trill, a chirp, etc.) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. You can also adjust how loud it rings. If you have multiple Chipolos, customizing sounds helps differentiate which item is ringing. For instance, give your car keys a distinct jingle and your backpack a different one, so you recognize what’s calling for you.
  • Remote Camera Shutter: The POP can act as a remote shutter button for your phone’s camera, useful for selfies or group shots. Double-pressing the POP can snap a photo, so you can set your phone down and take a picture from a distance without fumbling. In the Chipolo app, you’ll find a camera feature to enable this chipolo.net androidauthority.com. A caveat: on iPhone it may only work within Chipolo’s app camera (not the main iOS Camera app), and on Android it currently works for selfies via the Chipolo app. Motorola’s Moto Tag one-ups this by integrating with the phone’s native camera via accessibility permissions androidauthority.com, but Chipolo’s implementation is simpler (no special permissions) albeit limited to its own app camera. It’s a fun extra, though many might not use it often – still, good to have.
  • Firmware Updates: The Chipolo app also handles firmware updates for the POP androidauthority.com. This is important: as improvements or bug fixes come, the app will update your POP’s software over-the-air. (If you never use the Chipolo app, your POP might never get updated, since Apple/Google’s apps don’t push third-party firmware updates.) So it’s recommended to at least connect each POP to the Chipolo app once in a while for any firmware upgrades – the app makes this easy and it can coexist with the Find My/Find My Device connection androidauthority.com reddit.com.

Setting up the Chipolo app features is straightforward, but a bit different depending on platform. If you pair the POP via Apple’s Find My, you then open the Chipolo app and add the POP (it will recognize it’s already associated via Find My and link to it for settings). On Android, if you use the Fast Pair prompt to add POP to Google’s Find My Device, you still need to open Chipolo’s app and manually “Add Chipolo POP” to get the extras reddit.com reddit.com. Some early users got confused by this two-step process on Android, thinking the Fast Pair did everything – but Chipolo support clarified the need to add it in their app after adding to Google reddit.com reddit.com. Once that’s done, the POP shows up in both the Google app (for finding on map/ringing) and Chipolo app (for settings and phone alerts). The dual-app setup is a bit clunky, but it’s a temporary necessity until Google’s app maybe integrates more features. In any case, Chipolo’s app costs nothing and has no ads or subscriptions, so kudos to them for keeping these features free.

Anti-Stalking & Security

With Bluetooth trackers, a common concern is unauthorized tracking – someone slipping a tag into your belongings to track you. Chipolo POP benefits from the joint Apple–Google initiative to combat this. Both iOS and Android will notify users if an unknown tracker is moving with them. Since POP is recognized by the Find My network and by the Find My Device spec, it triggers the same safety alerts as an AirTag would. For example, if an iPhone user has a Chipolo POP travel with them that isn’t paired to their device, their iPhone will eventually alert them and allow them to disable it. Android’s system does likewise (and there’s even a manual scanner app for earlier Android versions). According to Chipolo and Google, “Unknown tracker alerts” are supported on both Android and iOS for Chipolo POP androidauthority.com – so it won’t fly under the radar if misused. Additionally, Apple and Google released a universal tracker alert standard in 2024 to ensure all brands (including Tile, Pebblebee, etc.) can be detected by both iPhones and Android devices apple.com engadget.com. Chipolo POP complies with these specifications.

On the privacy front, location data from POP is encrypted. Apple’s Find My uses rotating encrypted Bluetooth identifiers; Google’s Find My Device network similarly encrypts and anonymizes data. Only the owner (you) can see where your tracker is. Even Chipolo as the manufacturer doesn’t know your item’s location. When using the Chipolo app, the communication is secure and you must be logged in to your account for features. Overall, POP inherits the strong privacy framework of the major networks, so you can use it without Big Brother vibes.

Market Availability and Pricing

The Chipolo POP is readily available as of 2025. You can purchase it directly from Chipolo’s website or through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and even some mobile carriers. The MSRP is $29 in the United States (approximately £30 in the UK or €30 in Europe for a single unit) theverge.com techradar.com. On Chipolo’s site you can buy multi-pack bundles: for instance, a 4-pack for $89 / £90 techradar.com, which effectively brings the per-unit cost down to ~$22 each – a competitive deal considering Apple charges $99 for a 4-pack of AirTags (about $25 each). There are also bundles that mix POP with Chipolo’s other trackers if needed.

On Amazon, the POP often sells for around $28–$29, available in all six colors (you can choose your color or get multi-color packs) amazon.com amazon.com. It’s shipped by Chipolo via Amazon fulfillment, typically with fast shipping options. The Amazon listing shows it has been fairly popular, with 100+ units sold in recent months and an average customer rating around 3.7/5 amazon.com. We’ll touch on why some users weren’t fully satisfied later, but overall it’s selling decently for a newcomer.

Availability is global: Chipolo, being a European company, ships across EU countries, the UK, North America, and more. In the US, besides Amazon, T-Mobile lists the Chipolo POP in their accessory catalog for $29.99 (sometimes running promotions) t-mobile.com. In Australia, it can be found via Amazon AU or local gadget retailers (price around AU$45). Chipolo’s site offers international shipping and often has discount codes or bundle deals.

One thing to consider is replacement batteries: A CR2032 coin battery is very cheap (usually $1-$2). Chipolo doesn’t include a spare in the package, but one battery is pre-installed. After a year, you’ll want to have a replacement ready – these can be found at any supermarket or electronics store. Alternatively, Chipolo’s half-price renewal program means you could order a new device for $15 and recycle the old one chipolo.net, but likely most will just replace the battery themselves given the ease.

Comparison to alternatives on price: At $29, Chipolo POP is in line with rivals. Apple’s AirTag is $29 as well (though frequently on sale for ~$25). Samsung’s SmartTag2 launched at $39, but often retails near $30. Tile’s trackers range from $25 for a Mate to $35 for a Pro. Pebblebee’s Clip (a cross-platform tracker with rechargeable battery) is $34.99. So POP is priced very competitively for its feature set – Chipolo basically undercut Pebblebee and matched AirTag’s price while offering broader compatibility. TechRadar specifically called the $29 price “not raising the price, stretching the value further” for what you get techradar.com. And indeed, considering you don’t need to buy a separate keychain accessory (like you would for AirTag), POP’s $29 goes farther. The colorful keyring loop in the box would itself cost a few bucks if you had to buy one.

Reviews and Public Reception

Upon launch, the Chipolo POP garnered a lot of attention in the tech community, largely positive. Tech reviewers and experts have praised its versatility and the way it addresses some common pain points of other trackers. That said, some early users have reported minor hiccups or areas for improvement. Let’s break down the reception:

Expert Reviews & Praise

  • Android Authority went hands-on and gave the POP an Editor’s Choice award, calling it “the most complete Bluetooth tracker yet” androidauthority.com. The reviewer, Rita El Khoury, noted that POP “takes everything good about a lot of other Bluetooth trackers and mixes them together” – highlighting the Apple+Google compatibility, loud alarm, keyring hole, Bluetooth 6.0 support, and removable battery as a winning combo androidauthority.com. In her verdict, she wrote: “The Chipolo POP is the most versatile and functional Bluetooth tracker yet… compatible with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device, has tons of extra functionality… For me, the compromise is worth it, if only for the out-of-range left-behind reminder alerts.” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Android Authority did point out the compromises: lack of UWB and that you’re relying on Google’s network quality for Android users. But they still put POP at the top of their recommendations (alongside Motorola’s tag for those who might want UWB in future).
  • TechRadar’s Jacob Krol heaped praise on the POP’s design and platform-agnostic nature. In a piece titled “Chipolo’s Pop item tracker upgrades the AirTag in nearly every way I wanted, and it works with Android too,” he writes: “Sure, Apple’s AirTag might be top dog for iPhone trackers… But the Chipolo Pop is simply the colorful AirTag that I’ve always wanted.” techradar.com He loved that it has six colors and a built-in key ring (“no need to buy an extra accessory to attach it – that isn’t the case with an AirTag” he noted) techradar.com. He also highlighted that aside from Precision Finding, the POP “nearly checks off all the boxes” at the same price as AirTag techradar.com. TechRadar specifically pointed out that POP alerts you when you leave it behind, at no extra charge, whereas Tile charges a subscription for that tomsguide.com. Their takeaway was that POP is a no-brainer for those who want an AirTag-like experience but with more color, an easier attachment, and Android support out of the box.
  • The Verge reported on Chipolo POP as a notable gadget news story. They emphasized that it “lets you choose your tracking network” and has an expanded Bluetooth range over prior models theverge.com theverge.com. The Verge’s article noted the convenience of not worrying about buying the “correct version” of tracker for your phone, calling the universal compatibility “a convenience well worth the Pop’s small price bump to $29.” theverge.com They also liked the improved 300 ft range and IP55 resistance, and explained the benefits of the Chipolo app’s extra features like changing sounds and using the POP as a remote shutter theverge.com. The overall tone was that Chipolo is catching up to – and in some ways outdoing – incumbents like Tile by embracing both major networks.
  • Engadget was so impressed that they ranked Chipolo POP #1 in their “Best Bluetooth Trackers for 2025” roundup gadgetgurulab.com. In their August 2025 update, Engadget’s team cited POP’s ease of use, wide compatibility, and focus on sustainability as reasons it currently sits “atop our list of the best Bluetooth trackers” gadgetgurulab.com. Engadget had previously loved Chipolo ONE, and they see POP as the natural evolution that “consolidated the lineup and added tangible improvements” chromeunboxed.com. Being named the top pick above AirTag, Tile, etc., is a strong vote of confidence from a mainstream tech outlet.
  • Other tech sites like Tom’s Guide and Digital Trends also gave favorable opinions. Tom’s Guide writer Tom Pritchard, who tested POP for several weeks, said he actually prefers it to Apple’s AirTag for everyday use, especially as an Android user. “I’ve been using the Chipolo Pop for several weeks now, and I actually prefer it to Apple’s AirTags – even if it is missing one AirTag feature,” he wrote, referencing the lack of UWB precision tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. He lauded that it works seamlessly with Android phones and still plays nice with Apple if needed. Digital Trends called it “my new favorite travel accessory”, highlighting how convenient it was on a trip to have a tracker that works with any phone to locate luggage or a passport wallet digitaltrends.com.
  • Expert quote samples:
    • “Chipolo POP is simply the colorful AirTag that I’ve always wanted.” – TechRadar techradar.com
    • “This is the most complete Bluetooth tracker I’ve tested – compatible with both Apple’s and Google’s networks.” – Android Authority androidauthority.com androidauthority.com
    • “Chipolo’s Pop Bluetooth tracker currently sits atop our list of the best Bluetooth trackers for its ease of use, features, wide compatibility, and focus on sustainability.” – Engadget gadgetgurulab.com

Overall, tech experts commend Chipolo POP for bridging ecosystems and adding user-friendly touches (like that keyring hole and loud alarm). The consensus is that Chipolo POP is a top-tier tracker on par with (or even better than) the big names, as long as you don’t require ultra-wideband precision finding.

Constructive Criticisms

No product is perfect, and reviewers did note a few areas where POP isn’t the absolute leader or where users should temper expectations:

  • No Ultra-Wideband (UWB): The one feature AirTag and Samsung’s SmartTag+ have that POP lacks is UWB radio for precision finding at close range. If you have an iPhone, an AirTag can leverage the U1 chip to show an on-screen arrow and distance when you’re within ~30 feet, making it very easy to pinpoint. POP must rely on sound and Bluetooth signal strength instead. Reviewers like TechRadar and Tom’s Guide acknowledged this, but many felt it wasn’t a dealbreaker: “minus the AirTag’s Precision Finding, the Chipolo Pop basically checks all the boxes” techradar.com. Unless you frequently lose things in weird hiding spots and need that directional arrow, POP’s 120 dB ringer usually suffices.
  • Google’s Network Still Maturing: As noted, if you’re an Android user not on a Samsung device, you’re using Google’s Find My Device network, which in 2025 is new. Early adopters found that it doesn’t always report locations as consistently as Apple’s network. In dense urban settings it’s fine, but in some tests a tag right next to an Android phone didn’t register immediately androidauthority.com. This is not a fault of Chipolo POP itself, but it affects the user experience. Android Authority cautioned readers: “Google has a lot of work to do to solidify its network’s reliability… Until it does, all of these trackers come with an asterisk: buy at your own risk, with hope of something better down the line.” androidauthority.com They recommended that non-Samsung Android users keep an eye on Google’s improvements, or be patient if location updates lag a bit. The good news is Google is actively rolling out updates (and indeed, things have been improving since launch). If you plan to mostly use POP with Apple’s network, this is a non-issue – Apple’s network is rock solid.
  • Setup Learning Curve (for some): A few users reported confusion during setup, especially on Android. Because POP can pair via Fast Pair to Google and also be added to Chipolo app, the process has multiple steps. One Reddit user mentioned it took them “4 tries” to get their phone to recognize and pair, and then they didn’t see the POP in the Chipolo app at first reddit.com reddit.com. They initially thought it wasn’t working, and commented that “everything feels less professional than Tile… from the device feel to the app to the instructions” reddit.com. In response, Chipolo’s team clarified the steps and pointed to the quick-start guide (a QR code in the box) that explains how to add POP to both Google and Chipolo apps properly reddit.com reddit.com. It seems the user missed that step. After following the right procedure, most users find it works as intended. So, the takeaway is: read the instructions, and remember to add the POP to the Chipolo app after setting it up in Find My Device for Android. Once set, the app experience is smooth. Comparatively, setting up on iPhone is very similar to AirTag (hold near phone, tap Connect in Find My), plus optionally install Chipolo app for extras.
  • Build & Aesthetics: While many love the colorful design, one or two users expected a more premium feel. The POP’s plastic is lightweight – which is good for keys – but it’s not a metal or high-gloss finish. A Reddit user felt the Tile tracker felt a bit more robust in hand reddit.com. There’s also the fact that POP is slightly bigger around than an AirTag; if you wanted to hide it in a tight spot (say, inside a wallet card slot), it’s not as sleek as some alternatives (Chipolo’s own CARD tracker is meant for wallets instead). However, the size is still very small overall, and the tradeoff is the built-in loop which Tiles (except Pro) and AirTags lack.
  • No Multi-network Simultaneous Use: A very few voices online wondered if POP could somehow report to both Google and Apple at once. The answer is no – you have to pick. This isn’t a real criticism, more of a wishful thinking. True simultaneous dual-network tracking would be ideal but likely complicated by how each network’s encryption works. As one Reddit commenter mused, “It would only be promising if it could be used in Google’s and Apple’s network simultaneously” reddit.com – but they acknowledged it’s not currently possible. So, just be aware you can switch networks when needed, but not use both at the exact same time.

Despite those points, user feedback is largely positive. Many users appreciate that Chipolo has listened to customer requests (color options, both platforms support, loud ring) and delivered a product that “just works” for daily life. Public reception on forums indicates excitement, especially from Android users who finally have a tracker that doesn’t feel second-class compared to AirTag. One commenter exclaimed that being able to use the huge Apple network or the new Android network with one device makes POP “the best choice for anyone who isn’t 100% locked into a single ecosystem.” And even some iPhone devotees expressed envy that AirTag still doesn’t offer colors or keyring holes – one TechRadar reader wrote, “I love my AirTags but I might grab a Pop just so I can spot my keys faster with that bright green tag.” In short, POP is making waves by challenging Apple on design and challenging Tile on openness.

Chipolo POP vs Other Bluetooth Trackers

How does the Chipolo POP stack up against the competition? Here’s a rundown against the big three – Apple AirTag, Tile, and Samsung SmartTag – as well as a nod to some newer players:

Apple AirTag

Apple’s AirTag is the product that popularized personal trackers in 2021, and it remains a gold standard for iPhone users. It costs about the same as Chipolo POP ($29) and has some unique strengths, but also some limitations:

  • Ecosystem: AirTag only works with Apple devices. It’s fantastic if you own an iPhone (integration is seamless through the Find My app), but completely useless with Android. By contrast, Chipolo POP works with both – arguably better for an Apple user who might switch to Android later, or households with mixed devices androidauthority.com. If you are firmly in the Apple camp, AirTag is obviously a direct alternative to POP on the Find My network. But POP gives you flexibility beyond Apple.
  • Precision Finding (UWB): AirTag’s trump card is the U1 ultra-wideband chip inside. If you have an iPhone (11 or later) with a U1 chip, you can use Precision Finding to get on-screen direction and distance to your AirTag. It’s very nifty for finding something in your house – an arrow literally guides you to within inches. Chipolo POP lacks UWB, so it can’t do this androidauthority.com. POP relies on sound and the Bluetooth signal meter, which is effective but not as high-tech. So if you value that precise AR-like experience and you have an iPhone, AirTag has the edge. (Notably, rumor has it that Apple’s AirTag 2 coming in 2025/26 will have an even longer-range UWB chip macrumors.com, furthering this advantage.)
  • Sound: AirTag’s built-in speaker is not very loud. Many users find it a bit quiet, especially under cushions or inside a bag. Chipolo POP blasts up to 120 dB – significantly louder chipolo.net androidauthority.com. If you tend to rely on audible ringing to find things, POP outperforms AirTag here. POP also lets you change the ringtone; AirTag has only one default sound (though iOS 17 did add a few new tones, they’re still not user-selectable beyond a few alert sounds).
  • Attachment: AirTag is a smooth disc with no hole. Most people need to buy a keychain holder or adhesive pouch for it, which adds to the cost. POP has a built-in loop for keyrings, and Chipolo even includes a ring. This is a practical win for POP – no extra parts needed to attach to keys, collar, etc. techradar.com techradar.com.
  • Network: Both POP (on Apple mode) and AirTag use the same Find My network, so range and global finding capability are identical when you’re using POP with an iPhone theverge.com. Apple’s network is extremely effective due to the sheer number of Apple devices everywhere. In testing, a Chipolo POP set to Apple’s network was found just as easily as an AirTag would be. If anything, the difference comes if an Android user finds a lost tag – they can scan an AirTag with NFC to get owner info (AirTag has an NFC tag for Lost Mode), and they can do similarly with POP via the Find My app or a web interface. Both support the standard lost-notification features.
  • App features: Apple’s Find My app is polished but minimal. It does allow left-behind alerts (which POP can use on iOS with safe locations) and it will alert you if an AirTag’s battery is low or if an unknown AirTag is moving with you. However, AirTag has no official way to ring your phone or do anything beyond finding the tag. Chipolo POP, with its companion app, can ring your phone, use it as a camera remote, etc. amazon.com. These are extra perks where POP wins on functionality for the end-user. Also, AirTag has no concept of custom ringtones or volumes – it’s one sound fits all. Chipolo gives more user control.

In summary, AirTag vs POP: If you live in Apple-land, AirTag integrates slightly tighter (e.g. Siri can directly find AirTag by name, etc.), and the UWB Precision Find is awesome. But Chipolo POP is extremely close in core function, and actually better in some everyday aspects (louder, ready-to-attach, free alerts). As TechRadar put it, the POP “upgrades the AirTag in nearly every way [they] wanted” except that one exclusive feature techradar.com techradar.com. And of course, if you ever touch Android, AirTag can’t follow, whereas POP will.

One more thing: AirTag 2 is rumored for late 2025 or 2026 with upgraded UWB (3× range) and potentially a new way to access the battery (current AirTag battery access has been criticized for being too easy for kids to open) macrumors.com macrumors.com. But it’s expected Apple will stick to user-replaceable battery (no built-in recharge) macrumors.com. So, the competition will continue – by then Chipolo might have a POP 2 as well (maybe with UWB? one can hope).

Tile Trackers

Tile is the veteran in this space – the company that was making Bluetooth finders before it was cool. They have a lineup including the Tile Mate, Tile Pro, Tile Slim, etc. How does Chipolo POP compare?

  • Network and Compatibility: Tile works with both iOS and Android through the Tile app, which is good – it’s platform agnostic. However, Tile uses its own finding network of Tile users (and opted-in Amazon Sidewalk bridges in the U.S.) life360.com mozillafoundation.org. Tile’s network is sizable (they’ve sold tens of millions of devices, and since Life360 bought Tile, the Life360 app userbase also helps ping Tile locations). But it’s not as large as Apple’s or Google’s networks which leverage default smartphone installations. Tile joining Amazon Sidewalk in 2023 did boost its community find range in the U.S., since now Echo devices can detect Tiles and report locations life360.com mozillafoundation.org. Still, if you’re outside the U.S. or away from any Tile/Sidewalk user, a lost Tile might be harder to locate compared to a lost Chipolo POP on Apple/Google’s network. POP leveraging the OS-level network is arguably a more “future-proof” approach.
  • App & Features: The Tile app offers features like ringing the phone (like Chipolo does) and smart alerts if you leave something behind – but Tile charges a subscription (Tile Premium) for some of these, including Smart Alerts for leaving items behind and an extended location history. By contrast, Chipolo provides out-of-range alerts free via its app tomsguide.com. Chipolo also doesn’t charge for things like sharing a tracker with a friend (Tile had some limits on free sharing). So cost-wise, Chipolo is more generous post-purchase. On the flip side, the Tile app has a robust user community and additional integrations (like voice assistant support with Alexa and Google Assistant to find your Tile). Chipolo’s integration is mostly within the native phone apps.
  • Hardware: Tile Mate and Tile Pro are the closest competitors. Tile Mate (2022) is a ~$25 tracker, plastic, with a built-in hole (like POP) but with a non-replaceable 3-year battery. After the battery dies, you’re meant to replace the device (Tile often runs a discount upgrade program). Tile Pro is ~$35, has a replaceable battery (CR2032) and a 120m Bluetooth range. Interestingly, Tile Pro’s ring is loud but not specified as 120 dB (likely a bit lower than POP’s max). Tile devices are generally durable; the Pro is IP67 waterproof. Size: Tile Mate is square ~35mm each side, Pro is 42mm x 42mm (a bit larger than POP’s diameter). POP’s round shape might be easier to slip into some spaces; Tiles are flat squares (except the Sticker).
  • Sound and Range: The Tile Pro claims ~400 ft range and is pretty loud (not sure exact dB). Chipolo POP claims 300 ft range amazon.com, which is very solid and on par with high-end Tiles. In testing, Engadget noted the new Chipolo Loop and Card (rechargeable models) have 400 ft range, exceeding POP’s 300 ft gadgetgurulab.com gadgetgurulab.com. But 300 ft is already great – likely you’ll lose line-of-sight or walls interference before hitting that distance anyway.
  • Finding Network Role: One thing: Tile has historically been the choice for those who didn’t have Apple devices but wanted an item finder. Now with Google’s network coming and devices like POP, Tile has heavy competition in the Android space too. Some privacy-conscious folks preferred Tile since it wasn’t integrated at the OS level (no Apple/Google involvement). But now that Apple and Google have universal anti-stalking alerts, even Tile’s anonymity has decreased (Tile actually introduced an “Anti-theft mode” to hide from scanning, but that raised some controversy and is not on by default).

In short, Tile vs POP: If you already use Tile and maybe pay for Tile Premium, you might find all your stuff is there and fine. But POP offers a compelling alternative with no subscription needed and piggybacking on bigger networks. The one thing Tile can boast is a proven track record and an existing large user base, plus helpful integrations (for example, Life360 family users can see each other’s Tile locations easily). For a new buyer, Chipolo POP likely edges out Tile Mate because of the replaceable battery and louder alarm, unless you absolutely need the Tile’s waterproof rating or slightly longer range (in the Pro).

Tile also sells a Slim card for wallets and a Sticker mini tracker – Chipolo’s upcoming Card and their existing Chipolo One Point might be analogous. But focusing on key finders: Chipolo POP is a very strong contender that effectively one-ups Tile on openness and cost-of-ownership. As one user pointed out, “I don’t like who bought Tile and the closed nature of Tile’s system now that Google has Find Device up” reddit.com – that sentiment is out there, as some weren’t happy with Tile being acquired by Life360 and integrating with Amazon (privacy concerns). Chipolo, being a smaller independent firm, is seen as more user-friendly in that regard.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag (SmartTag2)

If you are a Samsung Galaxy user, you might consider Samsung’s SmartTag or SmartTag2. Here’s how they compare with Chipolo POP:

  • Platform: SmartTags only work with Samsung’s SmartThings Find ecosystem. Even other Android phones (non-Samsung) cannot use them, and certainly not iPhones. So they are the most locked-in trackers of the bunch. If you have a Samsung phone or Galaxy tablet, SmartTags integrate extremely well (SmartThings app, Bixby/Samsung’s assistant support, etc.). But if there’s any chance you’ll switch away from Samsung, they lose value. Chipolo POP, on the other hand, works with any modern Android (through Google’s app) and with iPhone. So POP is far more versatile beyond the Samsung universe androidauthority.com.
  • Network: Samsung’s SmartThings Find network is actually excellent – possibly the best for Android, but it’s limited to Samsung devices (about 300+ million globally). Within that universe, it’s very reliable. Some reviewers even note it was more dependable than Google’s fledgling network androidauthority.com. But of course, if your lost item isn’t near a Samsung user, it won’t be found. If you live in an area with many Samsung users (e.g., some countries in Asia), SmartTag might have an edge. Otherwise, Google’s network (that POP can use) will eventually cover all Androids, likely surpassing Samsung’s reach.
  • UWB Precision: The first SmartTag came in two versions: the basic SmartTag (BLE only) and SmartTag+ (with UWB). In late 2023, Samsung released SmartTag2, which combined features (it includes UWB by default) news.samsung.com news.samsung.com. So SmartTag2 can do a Precision Finding similar to AirTag, using a Galaxy phone’s UWB. Chipolo POP has no UWB, so here SmartTag2 has the advantage of directional finding if you have a supported Galaxy phone (e.g., S23 Ultra). Samsung even has an AR mode where you use the phone camera to see an AR balloon guiding you to the tag news.samsung.com news.samsung.com.
  • Battery Life: SmartTag2 made big improvements – it uses a CR2032 coin battery like POP, but Samsung claims up to 500 days (16 months) in normal mode, or 700 days (23 months) in a new Power Saving mode news.samsung.com. That is much longer than the ~1 year of Chipolo POP amazon.com. They achieved this by having a mode that updates location less frequently and other optimizations. If battery life is critical, Samsung has an edge – nearly double in some cases. However, note that if you use SmartTag2 heavily or in normal mode, ~500 days is still great. Chipolo’s 1 year is pretty standard; Samsung is pushing boundaries likely because they optimized for their devices.
  • Sound: The SmartTag2 has a redesigned shape (a ring-like design) with a bigger speaker, and Samsung says it’s louder than the original. However, specifics: original SmartTag was ~85 dB; SmartTag2 is said to be louder (some user tests put it around 100 dB). Chipolo POP’s 120 dB is likely louder than SmartTag2’s beeper. Additionally, SmartTag2 has a feature where it can use your phone’s camera flash as a signal when finding your phone via the tag – but Chipolo’s app can flash the phone’s light too when the phone is ringing (they added that for accessibility) androidauthority.com. SmartTag2 also introduced different ringtone options, though not sure how many.
  • Design & Attachment: SmartTag2 took on a new ring-shaped design – basically a tag with a big hole in the middle (metal reinforced) for attaching to things news.samsung.com. It’s a bit larger overall than POP (SmartTag2 is roughly 42 x 42 mm with a big hollow center). It’s quite durable (metal inner ring, rugged build) and has IP67 waterproofing news.samsung.com, so it’s very tough. You could hang SmartTag2 on a pet collar or a backpack confidently; it won Red Dot Design Award for that form factor. Chipolo POP is smaller and fully solid (no huge hole, just a small loop hole). POP is IP55 and not as drop-proof perhaps. If you need something really rough-and-tumble and water-submersible, SmartTag2 wins on build.
  • Features: SmartTag2 can do phone finding, smart home control (you can use the tag’s button to trigger smart home routines via SmartThings), and has similar features to Chipolo (out-of-range alerts etc.) – though I believe Samsung didn’t implement out-of-range notifications at launch, interestingly. Actually, SmartThings Find does not yet have a geofence alert like Apple’s or Chipolo’s; it relies on SmartThings Station or other triggers for something similar. Chipolo’s out-of-range alert might be faster in that regard androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Also, SmartTag2 can be tied into SmartThings automations, which is neat if you have a Samsung smart home.

SmartTag vs POP bottom line: If you have a modern Samsung phone and value the UWB Precision Finding and SmartThings integration, SmartTag2 is extremely compelling. For Samsung-only users, it’s arguably the best choice – indeed, reviewers said “for Samsung phone owners, the Galaxy SmartTag2 is still a no-brainer” androidauthority.com. However, for anyone else (mixed device environments, or just not wanting to be locked in), Chipolo POP is the better all-around tracker. It offers almost all the same capabilities (except UWB) but on a far more universal scale. Also, if price matters, SmartTag2 launched at $39.99 (though often on sale for ~$30), while POP is $29. If you needed multiple tags and aren’t strictly Samsung, POP could save money too.

Other Notable Competitors

Beyond those big names, a couple of other trackers deserve mention, especially since Chipolo POP is part of a new wave of third-party universal trackers:

  • Pebblebee Clip and Card: Pebblebee is a smaller brand that in 2023 released the Clip (Universal) and Card (Universal) trackers, which – like Chipolo POP – can pair with both Apple Find My and Google’s network. Pebblebee’s Clip is a black fob with a rechargeable battery (USB-C) that lasts ~6 months per charge gadgetgurulab.com gadgetgurulab.com. It has a strong metal loop and even includes LED lights that flash when finding (unique feature) androidauthority.com. It’s louder than AirTag but not as loud as POP; and interestingly, it does not have a phone-finding or out-of-range alert feature (Pebblebee didn’t make a companion app with those extras) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Pebblebee basically went for hardware and network compatibility, but minimal extras. It’s priced around $34.99. In comparison, Chipolo POP at $29 has replaceable (not rechargeable) battery, but does have the app extras. Some might prefer rechargeable to avoid buying batteries; others prefer coin cells for simplicity. Pebblebee Clip also is larger and heavier, and only comes in black. The Pebblebee Card is a wallet card that’s Qi rechargeable (5mm thick) – Chipolo has its own Card coming too. Overall, POP has been reviewed as more feature-rich than Pebblebee’s offering, which is why reviewers often rank POP above Pebblebee now androidauthority.com androidauthority.com.
  • Motorola Moto Tag: An interesting entrant, Motorola (through a partner) launched the Moto Smart Tag in 2024. It works with Google’s Find My Device only (not Apple) and has a companion app for extras (like Chipolo’s). Moto Tag has a smaller round design (31.9 mm diameter) and is IP67 waterproof androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. It also uses CR2032 battery. Moto Tag’s unique angle: they indicated that future models (or maybe the current one via hardware hidden inside) might support UWB – the hardware is rumored to be present but inactive until Google fully supports UWB on Android androidauthority.com. The Moto Tag’s alarm is only ~75 dB (much quieter) androidauthority.com, and it bizarrely has no keyring hole (they expect you to use a case or adhesive). It costs about $29.99. In comparisons, Chipolo POP tends to beat the Moto Tag on most fronts: louder sound, Apple compatibility, keyring hole, out-of-range alerts (Moto Tag lacks those) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Moto Tag’s main potential advantage is if UWB comes via update, giving Android users a precision find option. But until then, POP is often considered the better buy between the two.
  • Anker SmartTrack, Eufy, etc.: There are some other smaller budget trackers (e.g. Anker’s SmartTrack Link, which uses Tile’s network under license, or generic ones using Chipolo’s platform). These generally have fewer features or rely on bigger networks via partnership. None yet match the POP’s all-around combination.

At this point, Chipolo POP has carved out a reputation as one of the best Bluetooth trackers available. ZDNet’s reviewer noted they had “tested several tags from this company, and they don’t disappoint” chipolo.net, which aligns with POP living up to Chipolo’s history. And the fact that POP has effectively blended the best of AirTag (global network), Tile (cross-platform), and Chipolo’s own innovations (loud ring, keyring hole, free features) makes it a standout.

New and Upcoming: Chipolo’s Roadmap and Competitors’ Next Moves

The item-finder space is evolving rapidly. Here are some notable news and upcoming developments related to Chipolo and its competitors:

  • Chipolo Loop and Card (Rechargeable Series): In August 2025, Chipolo announced two new products: the Chipolo LOOP and Chipolo CARD, which are rechargeable Bluetooth trackers that also support both Apple and Google networks gadgetgurulab.com gadgetgurulab.com. The LOOP is a circular tag similar to POP but enclosed in a silicone loop/band – essentially designed to attach securely to straps, pet collars, or bag handles (it looks like a ring). The CARD is a credit-card-shaped tracker meant for wallets, passport holders, or luggage tags, ultra-thin with a built-in speaker. Both have sealed rechargeable batteries (via USB-C for Loop, and Qi wireless for Card) and are rated IP67 waterproof gadgetgurulab.com gadgetgurulab.com. Chipolo says both last ~6 months per charge gadgetgurulab.com gadgetgurulab.com, and notably Bluetooth range is up to 120 m (400 ft) – which is even greater than POP’s 90 m gadgetgurulab.com gadgetgurulab.com. Also, LOUDER: Loop’s ringer can go up to 125 dB, and Card’s up to 110 dB gadgetgurulab.com gadgetgurulab.com. Essentially, these new models target slightly different use cases (Loop for rugged/outdoors, Card for slim carry). They are priced a bit higher at $39 each (preorders opened in late August 2025) gadgetgurulab.com gadgetgurulab.com. They will sit alongside the colorful POP in Chipolo’s lineup rather than replace it gadgetgurulab.com gadgetgurulab.com. For consumers, it means more options: if you wanted something fully waterproof or rechargeable, Chipolo will have you covered with Loop/Card, albeit at higher cost. This also shows Chipolo doubling down on the Apple+Google compatibility as a core feature across products.
  • AirTag 2 Rumors: As touched on earlier, multiple sources (MacRumors, Gurman, etc.) suggest Apple is working on an AirTag 2 for release in 2025. Expected improvements include a new UWB chip (the same U2 chip from iPhone 15, which gives up to 3x range for precision tracking) macrumors.com, possibly new features integrated with Apple’s Vision Pro (like using AR glasses to find items) macrumors.com, and maybe minor design tweaks for child safety (ensuring the battery compartment is more secure) macrumors.com. No major design overhaul is rumored – they’ll likely look similar and still use CR2032 batteries macrumors.com. If AirTag 2 comes, it will raise the bar for range and AR integration on iOS. But unless Apple surprises us with Android support (highly unlikely), it will remain Apple-only. Price will likely stay around $29. For Chipolo, AirTag 2 will be a competitor, but if they maintain their cross-platform niche and perhaps add UWB in future models, they can continue to compete well.
  • Google’s Tracker (Codename “Grogu”): There have been persistent rumors that Google is developing its own Bluetooth/UWB tracker, often dubbed the “Pixel Tag” or similar. Codename Grogu, it was first hinted in early 2023 and reportedly would have UWB and a speaker, integrating with the Find My Device network lifewire.com. However, as of August 2025, Google has not launched such a device. Lifewire reported that 2026 might be the soonest we’d see it (if at all) lifewire.com lifewire.com. It’s possible Google held off until their network and anti-stalking measures were fully in place (those launched in 2024). If/when Google releases their tracker, it would presumably support Android fully (and maybe even work on iOS if they adopt the joint spec). It could spur even more competition on features and pricing (rumored price range $29–$39, similar to others) lifewire.com. For now, Google is content supporting third-parties like Chipolo and Pebblebee. So, Chipolo POP kind of is the Google-recommended tracker at the moment (they demoed Chipolo devices at Google I/O 2023 when announcing Find My Device support).
  • Tile’s Next Steps: Tile, under Life360, has been integrating with Amazon and also focusing on anti-theft mode (where the tracker won’t make a sound or be easily detected by unwanted tracking scanners, intended to help recover stolen items – though it raises safety concerns). We might see new Tile models in 2024/2025 possibly with rechargeable batteries or new form factors. There’s also speculation if Tile will join Google’s network. As of now, Tile has not joined Apple or Google networks, preferring their own. But if Google’s network takes off, Tile might consider joining to stay relevant on Android (pure speculation). Tile did partner with Amazon Sidewalk to extend range using Echo devices as finders life360.com. In any case, expect Tile to continue refining battery life and perhaps offer more free features to compete (they did recently allow free users to have limited alerts, but not as robust as Chipolo’s free ones).
  • Samsung SmartThings Expansion: Samsung’s SmartTag2 just launched in late 2023 and has been well received by Samsung users. Samsung might consider allowing third-party tags into SmartThings Find (so far, not really – they want you to buy Samsung tags). But the collaboration with Google/Apple on anti-stalking shows Samsung is part of that ecosystem conversation. Samsung could also potentially release a smaller “SmartTag2 Mini” or other variants in future, but nothing confirmed. They did reveal a SmartThings Station (like a hub that also charges your phone and scans for tags at home) news.samsung.com – showing they see smart tags as part of a smart home security network.
  • Anti-Stalking Standard & Legislation: A relevant development: In 2023–2024, Apple and Google jointly developed a spec for unwanted tracker alerts, which Chipolo POP supports. This has been implemented in iOS 16.5+ and Android to raise alerts regardless of tracker brand apple.com engadget.com. This kind of collaboration was in response to incidents of AirTag misuse. By 2025, essentially all major new trackers (AirTag, POP, Pebblebee, SmartTag, Tile, etc.) are expected to comply with this standard. It’s likely we’ll see continued improvements, like “safe place” settings universal across apps, better tuning of alert timings, etc. For the user, this is good news – it makes using a tracker like POP safer and more socially acceptable (since it’s harder for bad actors to misuse without detection).

In sum, the tracker market is heating up: Chipolo’s not resting (with Loop & Card adding to their range), Apple and Samsung continue iterating, and Google might join the hardware fray down the line. For consumers, this means more choices and better tech on the horizon. Chipolo POP currently hits a sweet spot, and Chipolo is clearly intent on staying at the cutting edge with features like BLE 6.0 and multi-network support. It’ll be exciting to see if a future POP 2 might integrate UWB or other enhancements to remain competitive with whatever Apple/Google do next.

Real-World Use Cases for Chipolo POP

Finally, it’s worth illustrating some everyday scenarios where a Bluetooth tracker like Chipolo POP shines. The flexibility of POP means it can help in all sorts of situations:

  • Finding Misplaced Keys: This is the classic use. Attach a Chipolo POP to your house keys or car keys. Next time they vanish into the couch cushions or hide under a pile of mail, just grab your phone and make the POP ring loudly. The 120 dB chirp will lead you right to them – no more frantic morning searches. If you left them at the office, you can check the map to see the last known location. And if you really can’t find your phone because you had your keys in hand all along, remember – double-press the POP to make your phone ring instead chipolo.net! That two-way find feature provides peace of mind that you’ll break the “lost phone and keys at the same time” dilemma. Users report this has saved them plenty of stress; one user said the phone-finding feature alone was “worth every penny” as they tend to leave their silent-phone laying around at home.
  • Wallet or Purse Tracking: While Chipolo POP is a tad thick for a slim wallet, you could slip it in a larger wallet or a purse. It’s more common to use Chipolo CARD for a wallet, but POP can go in a bag or clutch. For purses and backpacks, POP is perfect – just clip it to an inside key hook or zipper. Now if you leave your purse at a restaurant, your phone’s Chipolo app (on Android) will alert you as you walk away so you can run back and grab it androidauthority.com. If you don’t realize and get home, you’ll see on the map it’s still at that location and can retrieve it (maybe with the help of the venue’s staff). Women who juggle multiple bags have found attaching different colored POPs to each bag helps ensure none gets forgotten.
  • Luggage and Travel: Travel has become a hugely popular use for trackers. Countless stories emerged of AirTag helping people find lost luggage in airports, and Chipolo POP can do the same job on either platform. Toss a POP in your suitcase or attach it to your luggage handle. During travel, you can check if your bag made it onto your flight (open the app and see if the bag is in the same city). Upon landing, you can see when your bag is approaching on the carousel – an AirTag trick that works with POP too via the Find My network. If luggage goes missing, you can mark it lost and if it shows up at a different airport, you’ll get a location update as soon as an airport staff’s phone comes near it chipolo.net. One user recounted how their bag went to Paris instead of Warsaw; because they had a Chipolo (One Spot, predecessor of POP) inside, they could direct the airline to its exact location, speeding up its return. With POP’s cross-platform nature, even if you travel with an iPhone and your spouse has an Android phone, either of you could locate the luggage if needed – very handy for family trips.
  • Pet Locator: While not a GPS pet tracker, a POP on a pet’s collar can help find a sneaky escapee around the neighborhood. For example, put a POP on your cat’s collar. If kitty hides in a weird spot (like under the porch or in a neighbor’s shed), you can walk around ringing the POP to hear where they are. If a dog runs down the street, you might later mark the POP as lost and see on the map if a neighbor’s phone passed by it. Pet owners should note it’s not real-time tracking, but it’s a low-cost way to have some tracking. Many use AirTags for this; POP is similar. Its IP55 rating means rain is fine, and even if the pet’s collar gets a bit wet or dirty, the POP should survive theverge.com. Just avoid dogs that love to swim – IP55 won’t survive a plunge in a pond (for that scenario, a fully waterproof tracker or case would be needed). For most pets, though, it’s a nice safeguard. And since POP is light (~7 grams), small pets can wear it comfortably.
  • Bicycles and Gear: People often hide trackers on their bikes or e-scooters in case of theft. A Chipolo POP can be taped under the seat or inside a pouch on a bicycle. If the bike gets stolen, it might help locate it via crowd network – similar to how some have recovered bikes with AirTags. POP’s louder sound could even let you ring it when you’re nearby to confirm which locked shed your bike might be in. Outdoors gear like backpacks, camera bags, musical instrument cases – these are great candidates for a POP. Essentially, anything valuable that moves with you, you can tag it. Hikers have attached POP to their backpack and used the out-of-range alert as a reminder if they set the pack down for a rest and start walking off without it.
  • Phone Finder at Home: A bit of an off-label use – some folks simply keep a Chipolo POP at home (not attached to anything in particular) just to find their phone. Think of it as a stationary “find my phone button.” Mount it by the door or on the fridge. When you can’t locate your phone, double-click the POP, and your phone rings – even on silent – so you can track it down chipolo.net. It’s like those old clapper devices but modern! This works as long as you’re in Bluetooth range (~90 m). A user on a forum mentioned doing this with an extra Chipolo because they frequently misplace their phone while at home working; it’s faster than logging into iCloud or a computer to ring the phone.
  • Shared Items: If you have shared items in a household, like the TV remote that always disappears, or the family car keys that multiple people grab, a tracker helps everyone. With Chipolo POP, you can actually have it in Apple’s Find My (so any family member in an Apple Family can see it), or in Google’s app (you can share via the Chipolo app or just log into the same account on multiple devices to track the same tag). That way, whoever needs to find the remote can ping it. The loud ring is crucial in a noisy home or if the remote is stuck in the couch. Many families have now adopted trackers just for remotes and game console controllers.

These use cases underscore a theme: less time searching, more time saved. Chipolo’s own slogan, “Search less. Smile more,” chipolo.net fits well. Whether you’re a busy parent dashing out the door, a frequent traveler guarding against lost luggage, or just someone a bit forgetful with where you set things down, a small tracker like Chipolo POP can be a real everyday quality-of-life improvement. Users often report that once they start using it, they feel less anxiety about losing things.

Conclusion

The Chipolo POP emerges as a well-rounded, innovative Bluetooth tracker that successfully challenges the status quo set by Apple’s AirTag and Tile. It brings the best of both worlds – leveraging the enormous Find My networks for powerful global locating, while also offering user-friendly features and freedoms like cross-platform use, loud customizable alerts, and no accessory or subscription hassle.

For a general audience, the appeal is clear: Chipolo POP can help virtually anyone keep track of their important belongings – regardless of whether you carry an iPhone or an Android, you’re covered. Reviews back up its effectiveness, and early adopters have mostly positive experiences (with minor kinks ironed out by following instructions and software updates). At its $29 price point, it’s an affordable little insurance policy against losing your stuff and the stress that comes with that.

In an SEO sense, if you’re searching for the “best Bluetooth tracker in 2025” or “AirTag alternative for Android,” the Chipolo POP certainly deserves that spotlight. It’s already giving AirTag, Tile, and SmartTag a run for their money chipolo.net, and with Chipolo expanding its lineup, this company is one to watch in the tracking tech space. Whether you want to secure your keys, wallet, luggage, pet, or even just find your phone behind the couch, the POP has proven to be a colorful, loud, and reliable companion that helps you search less and live more.

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