The Fi Smart Dog Collar and the Apple AirTag can both keep track of your dog, but they have different features, pros, and cons that come into play when trying to pick the right option.
We’ll be comparing Fi VS AirTag to see if Fi is REALLY the be-all and end-all of pet trackers and if AirTag is worth considering!
Products at a Glance
| Features | Fi Dog Collar | AirTag |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | X-Small to X-Large | 1 size fits all |
| Battery Life | Up to 3 days on one charge, rechargeable | Up to 1 year, batteries must be replaced |
| Location Tracking | The more expensive monthly plan includes real-time tracking | Real-time tracking works best when paired with an Apple device |
| Activity Tracking | Included | No |
| Safety Zones | Included | Referred to as separation alerts |
| Multiple Pets | As long as each pet has its own collar, you can track multiple pets | Each Apple ID can be associated with up to 16 AirTags |
Fi VS AirTag: What’s the Difference?
There are several factors to consider when choosing between the Apple AirTag and the Fi dog trackers as each has unique features and capabilities.
- Apple AirTag was built with the purpose of keeping track of your belongings. However, they are also handy for tracking your pets.
- The Fi collar was built with dogs in mind, with features designed to benefit dog owners.
Water Resistance
The AirTag is water-resistant to a depth of 3 feet, while the Fi module is water-resistant to a depth of 6 feet.
The Fi Dog Collar is the better choice if you’re concerned about your dog getting wet.
Read More: Fi Collar VS FitBark. We compare the Fi Collar with the FitBark Activity Tracker!
Connection
Another difference is that the AirTag uses Bluetooth to communicate with your devices, while Fi uses satellites and an LTE network to track your dog.
The Fi Collar may be better if you want a more reliable connection.
Battery
The AirTag has a replaceable battery that needs to be replaced once a year, while the Fi collar is rechargeable and will need to charge once every 3 days.
This means that if you’re looking for a device that will last longer, the AirTag may be a better choice.
Read More: Tractive VS FitBark Tracker. Tractive and FitBark are both popular dog trackers. Here’s how they compare!
How Do AirTag and Fi Work?
The most common type of dog tracker uses cellular triangulation, which relies on the signal strength from three cell towers to pinpoint the dog’s location.
- Fi utilizes GPS and cellular triangulation to pinpoint the location of dogs.
- Bluetooth is used to track dog with Apple AirTag.
Each AirTag has a unique ID number that is broadcasted using Bluetooth signals.
When a dog goes missing, the owner can use the AirTag app to send an alert with the dog’s ID.
While this works best with an iPhone, other non-iPhone AirTag users in the area will be able to see the dog’s last known location.
Watch this video to get a clearer idea of how an AirTag would work on a dog:
Read our related article on How to Cancel Fi Collar Subscription. If you try Fi and it’s not for you, you can cancel at any time using these steps!
The Benefits of Using AirTag and Fi
One of the most significant benefits of using a dog tracker is the peace of mind it can bring.
- If your dog ever gets lost, you’ll know exactly where they are and can go to them immediately.
This can be a huge relief, especially if your dog is lost in a remote or dangerous area, but location tracking is the only thing that AirTag and Fi have in common.
- With the Fi system, because it tracks activity levels as well, if they start to show signs of distress, you will be alerted right away so you can take action.
Whereas the AirTag system is just used as a location tracker.
- With most devices, you can set up safe zones for your dog so you’ll be notified if they leave the area.
For both Fi and the AirTag, you can create these safe zones but the AirTag sends separation alerts and is activated when the AirTag and iPhone get too far apart.
Read our related article on the Best AirTag Dog Collar options! AirTag dog collars keep AirTags close to your pup.
Are AirTag and Fi Worth the Investment?
Dog tracking devices can be an excellent investment for peace of mind, safety, and convenience. However, they are not cheap.
The Fi dog tracker will cost $100 or more depending on its features.
In addition, you’ll need to pay for a monthly subscription plan. These plans cost between $14 and $19 per month.
The Apple AirTag does not have a monthly fee and it only has a one-time upfront cost of $29.
The AirTag is pretty budget-friendly but keep in mind that it’s only a tracker, not a comprehensive activity tracker.
While the Fi is more expensive, you’re paying for a lot more features.
If you are considering purchasing a dog tracker, weighing the cost against the benefits is essential. For most people, peace of mind and safety is worth the investment.
Read our related article where we compare the Fi Collar vs Whistle and their features!
How to Use AirTag and Fi with Your Dog
1. Download the corresponding app onto your smartphone. For AirTag, download the “Find My” app. For Fi, download the Fi GPS Dog Tracker app.
2. Next, pair your dog tracker with your smartphone.
This process will vary depending on your device, but you will need to put your dog tracker into “pairing mode” and follow the instructions on your smartphone app.
3. Once your dog tracker is paired with your smartphone, you are ready to start tracking!
To do this, open the app and press the “Track” button. Your dog’s location will then be displayed on a map in real-time.
You can also set up alerts so that you are notified if your dog leaves a particular area (such as your home or yard).
4. Finally, keeping your dog tracker charged is essential so it doesn’t run out of battery mid-tracking.
Most dog trackers will need to be charged every few days, but some (such as AirTag) have built-in batteries that can last up to a year before needing to be replaced.
Read our related article where we cover the Fi Collar Instructions step-by-step!
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