[ITmedia Mobile] What is the difference between Pixel Tag and AirTag? How to choose a loss prevention tag that can be used with Android smartphones and can be purchased from the 1,000 yen range

Google released its first anti-lost tag "Pixel Tag" on November 12th. If you attach it to your keys, wallet, or bag, you can check its location from your Android smartphone if you misplace it. When people think of loss prevention tags, many people think of Apple's AirTag, but AirTag is for Apple products and cannot be used with Android smartphones.

So, which tag should Android smartphone users choose? In this article, we will explain the characteristics of Pixel Tag and its differences from AirTag, and then explain the points to consider when choosing a tag that can be used with Android smartphones.

What is Google's first loss prevention tag "Pixel Tag"?

Pixel Tag is a tag that lets you locate your belongings using Google's Find Hub network. The price on Google Store is 5,010 yen per piece and 16,940 yen for a set of 4. Can be used with smartphones running Android 9 or later. Not compatible with iPhone.

In addition to Bluetooth, it supports ultra-wideband wireless (UWB) and Bluetooth Channel Sounding, and has a function that displays the distance and direction to nearby tags on the screen. However, to use this feature, you need an Android smartphone equipped with UWB, and support differs depending on the Pixel model. Even if your smartphone is not equipped with UWB, you can search for it by playing a sound within Bluetooth range.

The main body is made of stainless steel and has IP67 waterproof and dustproof performance. The battery is a user-replaceable CR2032 battery that can last up to one year. There is also a function that makes your smartphone ring by pressing the button on the tag. The size is approximately 46.1 (length) x 28 (width) x 5.4 (thickness) mm, and the weight is approximately 11.8 g including the battery. There is no hole in the main body for a key ring, so you will need to prepare a separate holder to attach it to your keys.

The difference with AirTag is the compatible smartphone and network.

AirTag (2nd generation) is a tag for iPhones that uses Apple's Find My network, and costs 5,480 yen each and 18,400 yen for a set of four. The biggest difference from Pixel Tag is in the compatible smartphones and the network used to search for location.

Loss prevention tags do not measure their location using GPS. A compatible smartphone detects the tag's Bluetooth signal and notifies the owner of its location via the network. AirTag uses Apple's Find Hub network, and Pixel Tag uses the Find Hub network, which is made up of Android smartphones. For this reason, AirTag cannot be registered and used on an Android smartphone.

Find Hub is a service that Google renamed from "Find My Device" in May 2025. In addition to Pixel Tag, multiple manufacturers sell tags that are compatible with Find Hub. Some products are compatible with both Apple's Find My and Find Hub, and can be used with both iPhone and Android smartphones.

Three points to choose tags that can be used on Android

The first is whether it is compatible with Find Hub. Tags that run only on the manufacturer's own app cannot use the Find Hub network. I would like to check whether "Find Hub" or its former name "Find Device" is mentioned on the product page. Many models that support both iOS and Android are used by being registered on one smartphone or the other, and may not be able to be registered on an iPhone and Android smartphone at the same time.

The second thing is the shape. If you want to attach it to your keys or bag, a keychain-type tag is best, and if you want to put it in your wallet or pass case, a thin card-type is best.

The third is the battery method. There are types that require replacing button batteries, types that charge via USB Type-C, and types that can be used up without needing to be charged or replaced. Replaceable types require the hassle of purchasing additional batteries, while rechargeable types require the hassle of charging. Disposable types save you time and effort, but you will have to buy a new one when the battery runs out.

Note that the location of a loss prevention tag cannot always be specified. Location updates may be delayed in locations where there are few compatible smartphones nearby. Also, do not attach it to other people's belongings without permission. iPhones and Android smartphones also have a function that notifies you when unknown tags are moving with you.

Tag type that can be attached like a key chain

This time we will introduce three tag-type products that can be attached to keys, bags, suitcases, etc. There are models that are compatible with both operating systems and can be used even if you switch to an iPhone in the future, a rechargeable model, and an affordable model that is exclusive to Android.There are different battery types and compatible OS, so you will want to choose one that suits your usage.

"Xiaomi Tag" that can be used even if you change the model to iPhone

The Xiaomi Tag is for people who want an affordable tag that is compatible with both Apple and Google networks. The price on Amazon.co.jp is 2,181 yen per piece.

It can be used with both Android 9 or higher smartphones and iPhones, and has a misplacement prevention function that notifies you when you are away from your smartphone for a certain distance, and a function that emits a sound with the device's buzzer. It weighs approximately 10g and is said to be IP67 waterproof and dustproof. The battery is replaceable, so you only need to prepare a CR2032 for replacement. The oval body itself has a hole, so you can conveniently insert it directly into your keyring. Lost mode, which shows your contact information to people who find it using NFC, is a feature that can be used with Apple's "Find Me" feature.

"UGREEN Finder Duo" is suitable for people who want to use it without purchasing additional batteries.

If you want to avoid the hassle of buying additional button batteries, choose the UGREEN Finder Duo, which can be charged via USB Type-C. The reference price is 2499 yen.

It is compatible with both Apple's Find My and Google's Find Hub, and can be used for about a year on a single charge. There is no need to prepare a magnetic charger, and you can charge it with your own USB Type-C cable. However, it is not possible to register to iOS and Android smartphones at the same time. Additionally, in order to use Lost Mode on an Android smartphone, it is necessary to enable Lost Mode in advance.

Affordable “Logitech LGT-LWBETG1BKG” exclusively for Android

For those who do not need both compatibility with iPhone and want to try out a Find Hub compatible tag at the lowest possible price, "Logitech LGT-LWBETG1BKG" is a candidate. The reference price is 1980 yen.

It is a tag that can be used by registering it in the Find Hub app on your Android smartphone, so there is no need to install a dedicated app. The battery is CR2032, and it can be used repeatedly by replacing it with batteries that are easily available at electronics retailers. It's small, measuring about 3.3 cm square and weighing about 8.2 g, and can be slipped into a key ring along with your keys. A keychain is not included, so you will need to prepare a separate ring to attach it to.