For all their fancy gadgetry “under the hood,” luggage trackers are surprisingly simple devices. But there are a few things to consider before dropping your money on the first bargain-priced model you find.

Compatibility

Most luggage trackers are designed to work with any smartphone, and most brands offer free Android and iOS versions of their companion apps. Still, it pays to make sure that any luggage trackers you’re shopping works with the device you own.

Consider Your Travel Style

How you travel can determine which luggage tracker is best for you. If you’re a frequent domestic traveler, a simple Bluetooth tracker may do the trick. But, if you’re often exploring international countries for weeks at a time, you may want a more full-featured model with GPS capability. That way, you can keep tabs on your luggage anywhere in the world.

Battery Life

Battery life for luggage trackers can vary widely. In our experience, the manufacturer’s claimed (ideal) battery life is often very different when their trackers are used in the real world. Look at other reviewers’ personal experiences with how long their batteries lasted. In low-power mode, the best luggage trackers can typically last for months—even years in the case of Bluetooth trackers like Apple’s AirTag—before needing to be replaced or recharged. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll likely want more frequent updates from your tracker when you’re traveling. That can substantially decrease its battery life to only a few days. So for longer trips, you’ll likely need to recharge your luggage tracker along the way.

Price

Bluetooth trackers like Tile and Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag typically cost less than $50. For basic yet effective tracking, this may be all that most travelers ever need. Long-term and international travelers may want to invest in more feature-rich GPS-enabled trackers that often run north of $100 plus the cost of an ongoing monthly subscription.

Among the dozens of available models, we researched and personally tested the most popular luggage trackers on the market today. We racked up thousands of miles to compare every feature and spec, including durability, user-friendliness, accuracy, reliability, battery life, and price. We also included several models with excellent reviews from the etailers we trust most, like Amazon and Walmart. The list above represents our honest picks for the best luggage trackers worth shopping for in 2022.