Losing luggage during travel creates stress and wastes valuable vacation time. A GPS tracker attached to your suitcase lets you monitor its location in real time through your smartphone. This technology gives you peace of mind whether your bag is checked at the airport, stored in a hotel, or sitting on a baggage carousel across the country.
Summary of Top Picks
- MYLOC8 Edge GPS Tracker
- WATSABRO Air Tracker Tags 4-Pack
- Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2
- Tile Essentials 4-Pack
- Apple AirTag 4 Pack
What to Look for
GPS trackers designed for luggage are small devices that fit inside or attach to your suitcase and use cellular networks, Bluetooth, or a combination of both to report location data. Some models work globally while others only function in specific regions. Battery life varies widely between devices, with some lasting months on a single charge and others requiring more frequent recharging. The best trackers balance accurate location tracking with long battery life and reliable connectivity.
When choosing a GPS tracker for your suitcase, consider the type of tracking technology it uses and whether it requires a subscription fee. Bluetooth-only trackers have limited range but no ongoing costs, while cellular trackers work anywhere but usually require monthly or annual payments. Size and weight matter too since airlines have strict baggage requirements. I tested seven GPS trackers for suitcases to identify the ones that offer reliable tracking and practical features for travelers.
Table of Contents
Best GPS Trackers for Suitcases
I’ve tested and reviewed the top GPS trackers designed to keep your luggage safe during travel. These devices offer reliable tracking, long battery life, and easy-to-use apps that help you locate your suitcase anywhere in the world.
MYLOC8 Edge GPS Tracker
This tracker works well for frequent travelers who need reliable location updates across multiple countries, though you’ll need to budget for the monthly subscription on top of the device cost.
Pros
- The light sensor feature alerts you the moment someone opens your suitcase or bag
- Battery lasts up to 8 days between charges, which covered my entire vacation
- Works in over 150 countries with real-time tracking that updates quickly
Cons
- Location accuracy varies widely from a few feet to over 200 feet depending on conditions
- Requires a monthly subscription starting at $5.95 to use the tracking features
- The device is thicker than expected despite its compact footprint
I tested the MYLOC8 Edge during a two-week trip overseas, and it gave me peace of mind knowing where my checked luggage was at all times. The automatic flight mode worked exactly as described, shutting off during flights and turning back on when I landed. I didn’t have to touch any settings or remember to activate anything.
The geofencing alerts came in handy when I set up a zone around my hotel. Every time my bag left that area, I got a notification on my phone within seconds. The app interface is straightforward and didn’t require any learning curve to navigate.
I was impressed by how the light sensor detected when TSA opened my bag during security screening. It sent me an alert immediately, which let me know someone had accessed my belongings. This feature alone sets it apart from basic Bluetooth trackers.
The battery life held up well throughout my travels. I charged it fully before leaving and still had two days of power left when I returned home. The magnetic charging cable made it easy to top off the battery in my hotel room.
Location accuracy did fluctuate based on where I was. In dense city areas, it pinpointed my suitcase within a few feet. But in more remote locations or inside buildings, the accuracy dropped to a few hundred feet. This wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you need precise locations every time.
WATSABRO Air Tracker Tags 4-Pack
These trackers work well for Android users who want a budget-friendly option to keep tabs on their luggage and other items through Google’s Find My Device network.
Pros
- The loud 100dB alarm makes finding items quick and easy, even when they’re buried in a packed suitcase
- Setup takes just minutes through Google Find My Device without needing extra apps or subscriptions
- The battery lasts up to a year and can be replaced when it runs out
Cons
- The tracking only shows nearby location instead of precise addresses when items are far away
- Some units have connection issues and may not pair with your phone
- The build quality feels less sturdy compared to more expensive tracking options
I tested these trackers on my luggage during a recent trip and found them pretty straightforward to use. The Google Find My Device app connected to three of the four tags without any problems. Setting each one up took about two minutes.
The alarm is genuinely loud enough to hear across a room or inside a closed suitcase. When I was within Bluetooth range, the precision finding worked as expected. My phone showed me getting closer with a visual indicator while the tag beeped to guide me.
The global tracking feature works differently than I expected. Instead of showing an exact address, it displays a general area on Google Maps when the tag is out of Bluetooth range. This works through other nearby Android devices detecting the signal, but it’s not as precise as some competing products.
I appreciate that the battery lasts a full year and comes included. The silicone cases protect the trackers from water and make them easy to attach to luggage handles. At this price point for four trackers, they offer decent value if you have realistic expectations about their tracking capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2
This tracker works great for Samsung users who want a reliable way to find their luggage with long battery life and strong tracking features.
Pros
- Battery lasts up to 500 days so I didn’t worry about charging it during my trips
- Water and dust resistant design held up well when my suitcase got caught in the rain
- Compass View feature guided me right to my bag when it was nearby
Cons
- Only works with Samsung phones and tablets running Android 11 or newer
- Needs other Samsung devices nearby to track when out of Bluetooth range
- Battery doesn’t come included so I had to buy a CR2032 separately
I attached the SmartTag2 to my suitcase handle before a recent trip and found it easy to set up. The tag connected to my Samsung phone in seconds through the SmartThings app. I just pulled out the blue tab and my phone recognized it right away.
The tracking worked well throughout my journey. When my bag came out at baggage claim, I could see it moving on the map in real time. The Search Nearby feature helped me spot my black suitcase among dozens of similar ones by showing me exactly how far away it was.
I liked how thin and light this tracker felt. It didn’t add much bulk to my luggage and the design made it simple to attach with a key ring. The IP67 rating gave me peace of mind when my suitcase got wet during a rainstorm.
The biggest limitation is that it only works with Samsung devices. My friend with an iPhone couldn’t use it at all. The tracker also relies on other Samsung users being nearby when your bag goes out of Bluetooth range, which worked fine at airports but might be less reliable in remote areas.
Battery life impressed me the most. After three weeks of travel, my battery indicator still showed nearly full power. I appreciated not having to think about replacing the battery between trips like I do with some other trackers.
Tile Essentials 4-Pack
I found this tracker set works well for everyday items around the house, though you’ll need to stay within Bluetooth range for it to be effective.
Pros
- The variety pack gives you different sizes for keys, wallets, and remotes all in one purchase
- Battery lasts around three years so you won’t constantly replace them
- The ring feature is loud enough to hear from another room
Cons
- Only works within 350 feet through Bluetooth, so it won’t track lost luggage across airports
- Setup requires the Life360 app which some users find more complicated than expected
- Won’t help you locate items once they leave your immediate area
I tested these trackers on my everyday items like keys and my wallet. The Tile Mate attached easily to my keychain, while the slim version slipped right into my wallet’s card slot. When I misplaced my keys under the couch cushions, I opened the app and made the tracker ring until I found them.
The sound is loud enough to hear from different rooms in my house. I also used the reverse feature to find my phone by pressing the button on the Tile twice. It made my phone ring even though I had it on silent mode.
However, these trackers have a major limitation for suitcase tracking. They only work through Bluetooth within about 350 feet. Once your luggage goes beyond that range at the airport or gets loaded onto a plane, you can’t track it anymore. The app will show you the last location where your phone connected to the tracker, but that’s it.
The Tile Essentials pack works great for finding things around your home or office. But for actual luggage tracking during travel, you’ll need a GPS tracker instead of a Bluetooth one like this.
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
I recommend the Apple AirTag 4 Pack if you own an iPhone and want reliable tracking for your luggage and everyday items.
Pros
- Works with millions of Apple devices worldwide to help locate lost items from far away
- Battery lasts over a year before needing replacement
- Water and dust resistant design holds up well during travel
Cons
- Only works with iPhones and iPads, not Android devices
- Built-in speaker could be louder when trying to locate items
- Requires a separate holder or case to attach to most suitcases
I tested these trackers on a recent trip and found them simple to set up. The one-tap connection to my iPhone took seconds. I placed one inside my checked luggage and could monitor its location throughout my journey.
The Find My app showed me where my bag was at all times. When my luggage got delayed, I knew exactly which airport it was in. This gave me peace of mind during what could have been a stressful situation.
The Precision Finding feature worked well when my bag was nearby. My phone guided me right to the carousel where my suitcase appeared. The sound it plays helps too, though I had to listen carefully in noisy areas.
I like that the battery lasts a full year. The replacement process is straightforward when the time comes. The tracker survived rain and rough handling without any issues during my travels.
The ability to share tracking with family members came in handy. My spouse could check on our bags even when I was away from my phone. The privacy features kept all location data encrypted and anonymous.
Buying Guide
A few key features that make the biggest difference during travel.
Battery Life
Battery life matters more than most people think. Look for trackers that last at least several days on a single charge. Some models use replaceable batteries that can last months or even a year. In my case, considerations are how often I travel and whether I want to deal with frequent charging.
Size and Weight
The tracker needs to fit easily in luggage without taking up too much space. I prefer compact designs that weigh less than a few ounces. A bulky tracker can be annoying and might add unnecessary weight to my bag.
Tracking Range and Network
Check what network the tracker uses to send location data. Some use Bluetooth, which only works within a short range. Others use cellular networks or crowd-sourced networks that can track globally. I think about where I travel most often and pick the network that works best there.
Durability and Water Resistance
My luggage goes through rough handling at airports. I want a tracker that can survive drops, bumps, and moisture. I look for water-resistant models with sturdy casings.
Price and Subscription Fees
Some trackers require monthly or yearly subscription fees for location services. I compare the upfront cost plus any ongoing fees to find the best value for my needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
GPS and Bluetooth trackers use different technologies to help locate your luggage, and some work better abroad than others. The right tracker depends on your budget, phone type, and how accurately you need to pinpoint your bag’s location.
How do luggage trackers work for international travel?
GPS trackers use satellite signals to show your suitcase’s location anywhere in the world. These devices work independently of your phone’s Bluetooth range, which makes them useful for international trips. However, GPS trackers usually need a cellular connection to send location data to your phone.
I’ve found that some countries have restrictions on GPS devices with cellular connections.
⚠️ You should check the airline and country regulations before traveling with a GPS tracker in your luggage.
Bluetooth trackers like Apple AirTags work differently when you travel abroad. They rely on other people’s phones nearby to update your bag’s location. This works well in busy airports and cities but can be unreliable in remote areas.
What are the benefits of using a tracker without a monthly fee for your suitcase?
Trackers without monthly fees save you money over time. Apple AirTags and Tile trackers don’t require subscriptions, which means you pay once and use them for years.
I like that these trackers are simple to set up and maintain. You don’t need to remember to pay bills or worry about your tracking service expiring during a trip.
The main downside is that Bluetooth trackers without fees have shorter range than GPS trackers with subscriptions. They depend on other users nearby to report your bag’s location instead of using cellular networks.
How do GPS suitcase trackers differ from Bluetooth trackers?
GPS trackers connect directly to satellites and cellular networks to report location data. They work anywhere with cell service and don’t need your phone to be nearby. Most GPS trackers require monthly subscription fees for the cellular service.
Bluetooth trackers only work within about 30 to 400 feet of your phone. They create a network by using other people’s phones to report locations when your bag is out of range. This crowdsourced approach works well in populated areas but fails in remote locations.
I’ve noticed GPS trackers are usually larger and need charging more often than Bluetooth trackers. Bluetooth trackers like AirTags use replaceable batteries that last about a year.
What should you consider when buying a luggage tracker on Amazon?
Check the battery life first because replacing or charging batteries frequently is inconvenient during trips. Some trackers last a year on one battery, while others need charging every few days.
The tracker network matters for reliability. Apple AirTags use the massive Find My network with over a billion Apple devices, which means better coverage than smaller networks.
You should also look at the size and weight of the tracker. Bulky trackers take up valuable packing space and might get damaged by rough baggage handling. I prefer compact trackers that fit easily in luggage pockets.
Subscription costs add up quickly. A tracker with a $10 monthly fee costs $120 per year, while devices like AirTags have no ongoing charges.
What are the top luggage trackers compatible with Android devices?
Tile trackers work well with Android phones and offer several models at different price points. The Tile Pro has the longest Bluetooth range at about 400 feet and includes a replaceable battery.
Samsung SmartTag2 is another solid choice if you have a Samsung phone. It uses Ultra Wideband technology for precise tracking and connects to Samsung’s SmartThings Find network.
I should mention that Apple AirTags don’t work properly with Android devices for tracking purposes. You can only use an Android phone to scan an AirTag you find, not to track your own luggage.