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Apple Air Tags 4-Pack for $64: Complete Buying Guide [2025]
If you've ever turned your house upside down searching for your keys, wallet, or phone, you know the feeling. That moment when you're running late and something important has vanished. Apple Air Tags solve this problem in a way that actually works, and right now, you can grab a 4-pack for around $64—which is genuinely close to the lowest price these have ever been.
But here's the thing: finding a deal this good is only half the battle. You need to understand what you're actually buying, how to set them up, which version makes sense for your needs, and whether this price is actually worth jumping on. Let's break all of it down.
Understanding Apple Air Tags: What They Actually Are
Air Tags aren't magical tracking devices that work everywhere on Earth. They're Bluetooth trackers that leverage Apple's massive Find My network to help you locate your stuff. The distinction matters because it changes how useful they actually are.
When your Air Tag is within Bluetooth range (typically 30 to 100 feet depending on conditions), your iPhone connects directly to it. You can see it on a map, trigger its speaker to make noise, and even use Precision Finding on newer iPhones to physically locate it by following directional cues. That part works incredibly well.
Here's where it gets interesting: when your item is far away, Air Tags rely on the Find My network. This is where Apple's ecosystem becomes powerful. Whenever any Apple device comes near your missing item, it anonymously pings Apple's servers with the Air Tag's location. You see it on your map. Other people have no idea their device just helped you find your keys. It's privacy-first tracking at scale.
The catch: This only works if you're in an area with reasonable Apple device density. In rural areas or developing countries with fewer iPhones, Air Tags become significantly less useful. But in cities and suburbs? You're covered.
Apple intentionally didn't build GPS into Air Tags because GPS requires constant power and would make them huge. The Bluetooth plus network approach is actually smarter for everyday items you want to find but don't expect to lose regularly.
First-generation Air Tags (the ones in this $64 deal) have been around since 2021. They work perfectly fine and do everything most people need them to do. Apple released a second-generation version in late 2024 with doubled Bluetooth range, a louder speaker, and the ability to add your photo as a digital tag. But here's the reality: the first-gen models still do the job.
Second-generation AirTags offer a significantly extended Bluetooth range and louder speaker compared to first-generation models, along with new features like photo display when found.
The Deal Breakdown: $64 for Four Air Tags
Let's do the math because numbers matter when you're deciding whether to buy.
Normally, a single Air Tag costs
Historically, Air Tag 4-packs have hit
Price comparison against individual purchases: If you bought four Air Tags separately at
For context on what you're saving: that
The
First-Gen vs. Second-Gen: Does the Older Version Matter?
Apple introduced the second-generation Air Tag in December 2024. For the same $29 price as the first generation, you get better Bluetooth range and a louder speaker. This naturally raises the question: should you buy the older model even if it's on sale?
Honestly? The first-gen Air Tags are still completely functional and appropriate for most people. Here's what actually changed:
Bluetooth Range: Second-gen models can connect from up to 500 meters away (roughly three times farther). First-gen maxes out around 150-200 meters. In practical terms, if you're in your house or apartment, this difference is negligible. If you're tracking luggage across an airport or a car in a parking lot, the extra range helps.
Speaker Volume: The second-gen speaker is audibly louder at 86 decibels versus the first-gen's 65 decibels. If you've got hearing challenges or need to find something in a noisy environment, this matters. Otherwise, both are loud enough to locate items in typical home settings.
Digital Sharing: Second-gen Air Tags let you display your photo when someone finds one and helps return it. First-gen shows just your phone number. This is a nice-to-have but not essential.
The core functionality (finding your stuff, triggering sounds, integration with Find My, adding people to share tracking) works identically on both generations.
So here's the practical decision: if you have first-gen Air Tags already, upgrading isn't worth it. If you're buying for the first time and can wait a few months for second-gen discounts, that might make sense. But if this deal appears now and you need tracking solutions today, first-gen at $16 per tag is a solid value.
Setting Up Your Air Tags: The Process
Setup is genuinely simple, which is one of Air Tags' biggest advantages. Here's what you actually do:
Step 1: Bring the Air Tag Near Your iPhone When you hold an Air Tag close to an unlocked iPhone running iOS 14.5 or later, a popup appears automatically. No searching through settings, no downloading an app, no pairing in Bluetooth menus. Apple's NFC technology handles the connection.
Step 2: Name Your Item Tap the "Connect" button and choose what you're tracking. iPhone offers suggestions based on what it knows you carry around (keys, wallet, bags, etc.), but you can name it anything. Get creative if you want—some people name theirs funny things for morale reasons.
Step 3: Choose Your Account Settings You can let people see your location when your Air Tag is with you, or keep it private. You can also allow notifications when you're separated from items. These settings sync across your devices.
Step 4: Done Seriously. You're ready to use it. Add it to your Keys, throw it in your bag, attach it to your pet's collar. The tracking starts immediately.
The entire process takes 30 seconds. I've set up probably 12 Air Tags across different devices, and I've never encountered a single problem. Compare that to setting up most other Bluetooth devices (which involve entering pairing modes, sometimes resetting the device, digging through settings) and Air Tags are shockingly frictionless.
For Family Sharing: If you're buying a 4-pack, you're probably giving some to family members. You can add them to your family's Find My account so everyone can see everyone else's items. Kids' devices, spouses' bags, elderly parents' wallets—the whole family can help locate anything.
AirTags offer superior ecosystem integration and network range, especially for iPhone users, despite a slightly higher cost per unit. Estimated data based on typical features and prices.
Real-World Use Cases: Where Air Tags Actually Shine
Air Tags aren't universally useful for everything. They're fantastic for certain situations and mediocre for others. Understanding where they excel helps you get real value from this purchase.
Keys and Wallets (Excellent Use Case) This is where Air Tags win. Keys and wallets are lost constantly, they stay relatively stationary when lost (not actively moving to different locations), and they're items you carry into environments with good Apple device coverage. You lose your keys in your house, in your car, or somewhere you've recently been. An Air Tag helps you find them in minutes instead of turning your home upside down. For this alone, the $64 for four is worth it if you regularly misplace things.
Luggage and Travel Bags (Excellent Use Case) This is perhaps the single best use case. Luggage gets lost during flights, put on wrong baggage carts, or forgotten in rental cars. An Air Tag in your suitcase gives you exact location information if something goes wrong. Airlines can't help you if a bag is truly lost, but an Air Tag might let you recover it yourself. The peace of mind alone justifies the cost for frequent travelers.
Bikes (Good Use Case) If you have a bike worth stealing, an Air Tag in a hidden location can help you track it if someone takes it. Obviously, tracking doesn't prevent theft, but it helps with recovery. You'd want to pair it with a good lock and hide the tag somewhere thieves wouldn't expect (inside a water bottle, under seat tube padding, etc.).
Pets (Okay Use Case, With Caveats) People use Air Tags for pet tracking. The problem is Air Tags aren't designed for active movement—they're meant for stationary items you occasionally check on. For a pet that roams your house or neighborhood, you're better off with a dedicated GPS pet collar. But for a pet that rarely wanders, an Air Tag might work fine and is cheaper than alternatives.
Your Car (Limited Use Case) Hiding an Air Tag in your car provides peace of mind if someone steals it, similar to luggage tracking. The location updates whenever another Apple device comes near. In a busy parking lot, this helps, but Air Tags aren't real-time GPS trackers, so don't expect live minute-by-minute updates. For a car, a proper GPS tracker is more reliable.
Things You Frequently Lose (Excellent Use Case) Remote controls, glasses, chargers, headphones—if you chronically lose something, an Air Tag solves it. The speaker lets you trigger a sound, making items much easier to locate than mentally retracing your steps.
Gifts and Returns If you sell items locally or ship things, an Air Tag helps confirm delivery. When something's physically at the recipient's location, you know it actually arrived.
Air Tag Accessories: Making Them Actually Useful
Here's a reality check: bare Air Tags are small, smooth, and terrible at staying attached to things. If you just throw one in your bag, it'll eventually fall out. You need accessories.
Leather Key Fob Cases These are the most popular accessory, typically
Luggage Tags and Bag Attachment Clips For travel, dedicated luggage tag cases (
Silicone Cases and Bumpers Basic silicone protective cases (
Fancy Designer Cases If you care about aesthetics, brands like Hermès make designer Air Tag cases that cost
Wallet Insert Cards Some people use thin wallet inserts designed for Air Tags, so they track without the bulk of a traditional case. These work if your wallet has an interior pocket.
The accessories aren't optional—they're necessary. Budget another
AirTags offer high utility for frequent losers of items, with diminishing returns for those who rarely or never lose things. Estimated data.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Apple designed Air Tags with privacy in mind, but it's worth understanding the actual mechanics because "privacy-first" doesn't mean "impossible to track."
How Location Privacy Works When your Air Tag is far from you, the Find My network relies on other people's devices to ping its location. This is clever—it means you're not collecting data on other people's locations. Instead, you're getting occasional position data on your own item. The other people's devices report the Air Tag's location but never know why they're reporting it or whose it is.
Preventing Unwanted Tracking Apple added safeguards after concerns about people using Air Tags to track others without consent. If someone places an Air Tag with your iPhone and leaves it in your presence, your phone eventually alerts you that an unknown Air Tag is traveling with you. This takes 8-24 hours to trigger (which is why you shouldn't worry about the Air Tag in your wallet triggering the alert), but it prevents long-term covert tracking.
If someone finds one of your Air Tags, they can hold it near their iPhone, and a screen appears with your phone number and a message like "This Air Tag belongs to [Name]. If found, click 'Learn More' to contact the owner." You can customize this message to provide instructions.
Data Collection Concerns Apple doesn't track your items—the network does. Apple's servers never know your location; they're just intermediaries passing along anonymous pings. This is different from Google's approach with Tile trackers, where Google owns the location data.
Location History Air Tag location history is stored locally on your device. Only you can see your item's historical locations. This data isn't shared with Apple or other parties. If someone steals your iPhone, they could see your Air Tag history, but the location data itself is encrypted.
Mixed Accounts If someone else's iPhone has your Air Tag in their Find My network (like a family member), they see the same location data you do. That's intentional for shared items. Be mindful of what you're tracking if it might appear on family members' screens.
Is This Deal Worth Buying Today?
Let's be practical. Should you actually pull the trigger on this purchase right now?
Buy if: You regularly lose things and don't already have Air Tags. The value of finding your keys 30 minutes faster instead of an hour later compounds over time. If you travel frequently, the luggage-tracking capability alone justifies the cost. If you have multiple people in your household who could use trackers, the 4-pack is significantly cheaper than buying individually.
You're planning to give them as gifts. Air Tags are thoughtful gifts for people who lose things, and $16 per unit is an excellent price point.
You've wanted to try them but weren't sure about the commitment. At $64, the risk is low. If you end up disliking them, you haven't lost significant money.
You use Apple devices exclusively. Air Tags work best in Apple's ecosystem. If you have an iPhone, iPad, and Mac, the integration is seamless. If you use Android, Air Tags are significantly less useful.
Wait if: You're in a rural area with low Apple device density. The Find My network is weak outside urban areas. A dedicated GPS tracker might serve you better.
You primarily track items that move frequently (a pet that roams, a vehicle in active use). Air Tags update location when other Apple devices are nearby, not in real-time. For dynamic tracking, a GPS tracker is more appropriate.
You're wondering about second-generation models. If you want the newer version and can wait 2-3 months, deals on second-gen Air Tags will eventually appear. You'll have better Bluetooth range and speaker volume.
You don't have the budget for protective cases and accessories. A bare Air Tag will fall out of your bag. The real cost is
Neutral decision: If you already have first-gen Air Tags or don't regularly lose things, this deal is nice but not necessary. You're not missing out on critical functionality. The next sale will be equally good in a few months.
Second-generation AirTags have improved Bluetooth range and speaker volume compared to the first-generation, making them more effective in various scenarios. Estimated data based on feature descriptions.
Comparing Air Tags to Alternative Tracking Solutions
Air Tags aren't the only way to track your stuff. Here's how they compare to alternatives.
Tile Trackers Tile is the main competitor. Their trackers cost
Samsung Smart Tags Samsung's trackers are cheaper (
Dedicated GPS Trackers If you need real-time tracking (vehicles, frequently-roaming pets), dedicated GPS trackers with cellular connectivity (
Air Tags Plus Your Phone's Location Sharing For some use cases, sharing your iPhone's location with family through Find My is sufficient. You don't need to track specific items if you're just trying to know where people are.
For most people with iPhones, Air Tags outperform alternatives because of Apple's ecosystem density and seamless integration. The $64 price for a 4-pack is actually competitive against alternatives when you factor in overall value.
Where to Find This Deal and Similar Offers
If the specific deal mentioned isn't available right now, knowing where to look helps you find equivalent pricing.
Best Buy Frequently runs Air Tag sales during major shopping events. Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Black Friday, and holiday seasons typically see 30-40% discounts. Best Buy's price matching policy helps you get the best deal of the day.
Amazon Amazon matches pricing regularly and often has their own independent deals. Subscribe and Save sometimes applies to Air Tags, though availability varies.
Target Target runs similar Presidents' Day promotions and matches prices from other retailers.
Walmart Walmart occasionally discounts Air Tags but less frequently than Best Buy. Their deals often match competitors.
Apple's Official Store Apple occasionally discounts Air Tags through education programs or corporate discounts, but regular-priced deals are rare. It's worth checking if you have education eligibility.
Deal Aggregators Websites that track retailer discounts across stores help you find the best current pricing. Follow deal notifications for Air Tag pricing to catch sales as they happen.
Second-gen AirTags offer significantly improved Bluetooth range and speaker volume, with enhanced digital sharing features. Estimated data for digital sharing where 1 represents basic and 2 represents enhanced.
Maximizing Your Air Tag Investment
Once you purchase, here's how to get maximum value from your purchase.
Distribute Strategically Place Air Tags on items you frequently lose or items that would be difficult to replace. Don't waste a tracker on something you never lose. Think about where an Air Tag would actually prevent stress or financial loss.
Use Notifications Effectively Set notifications when you're separated from items. If you set up notifications for "Keys" and you leave your keys at a coffee shop, your phone alerts you immediately instead of when you realize they're missing hours later.
Create Custom Messages When someone finds your Air Tag, they see your phone number and a custom message. Write something helpful: "Please call 555-XXXX. These are my keys, lost on [date]." Make it easy for someone to help you.
Share Tracking for Family Items If you're buying a 4-pack for family members, set up sharing. Everyone can see the shared items' locations. This is helpful for tracking a family car, shared luggage, or items people frequently borrow.
Combine With Reminders Use your iPhone's Reminders app with location triggers. "Remind me when I leave [Location] to bring [Item with Air Tag]." This prevents leaving items behind entirely.
Protect With Cases Immediately Add protective cases before ever using them. It's easier to add a case to a new Air Tag than to rescue one from damage later.
Check Location Periodically Periodically check your Air Tag locations on a map to confirm they're where you expect them. If an Air Tag reports a strange location, it might indicate theft or misplacement you weren't aware of.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Air Tags work reliably, but occasional issues come up.
Air Tag Not Connecting If your iPhone doesn't detect an Air Tag when bringing them close, remove the plastic battery tab (if it's new) or try replacing the CR2032 battery. Also confirm your iPhone is running current iOS. If problems persist, try force-restarting your iPhone.
Location Stuck or Inaccurate Air Tag locations update when other Apple devices come near. If your Air Tag shows an old location, wait for other devices to come nearby. In busy areas, this happens frequently. In quiet areas, updates take longer. This isn't a malfunction; it's how the network works.
Battery Draining Quickly Air Tag batteries typically last about one year. If you notice quick battery drain, check for physical damage. Batteries draining much faster than expected can indicate a defect, and you should contact Apple support.
Finding Feature Not Working Precision Finding requires an iPhone 11 or later. If you're using an older iPhone, this feature isn't available. Regular Find My still works—you just use the map instead of directional hints.
Can't Remove From Account If you're having trouble removing an Air Tag from someone else's account, reset it by holding the top of the Air Tag firmly to your iPhone until a menu appears, then select "Reset Air Tag." This clears the previous account and allows new setup.
The Math on Item Loss Prevention
Here's something most people don't quantify: how much time and stress does item loss actually cost?
Time Cost Calculation: Assuming you lose something valuable roughly twice per year (keys, wallet, etc.), and each incident costs you 30 minutes of searching, that's 1 hour per year spent hunting for things. If your time is worth
Over a 3-year Air Tag lifespan (realistic for devices with replaceable batteries and minimal damage), preventing two incidents per year means preventing six incidents total. If each incident was going to cost you 30 minutes of productivity and stress, preventing six incidents is worth significant peace of mind.
Replacement Cost Calculation: Some items are expensive to replace. A lost wallet might contain
If an Air Tag prevents even one of these losses every few years, it's paid for itself many times over.
Peace of Mind Math: This is harder to quantify but genuinely valuable. Knowing you have a tracking solution means you worry less about losing important items. That peace of mind is worth money to most people.
Future-Proofing: Will Air Tags Still Work in 2026 and Beyond?
When you buy electronics, you want confidence they'll remain functional and useful. Here's what to expect from Air Tags long-term.
Software Support Apple has committed to supporting Air Tags through updates to iOS and the Find My app. First-generation Air Tags are currently supported and will likely remain supported for several more years. Apple typically supports hardware for 5-7 years of software updates.
Battery Replacements Air Tags use standard CR2032 batteries available everywhere for
Network Evolution The Find My network will only expand as more Apple devices exist. This means Air Tags become more useful over time, not less useful, as their tracking range increases with device density.
Hardware Obsolescence Unlike GPS-dependent solutions, Air Tags aren't dependent on specific infrastructure or compatibility. They'll work as long as Bluetooth exists and Apple maintains the Find My network, which is a core service they're unlikely to discontinue.
Second-Generation Adoption When second-gen Air Tags eventually become cheap (likely by 2026), first-gen models won't suddenly stop working. You're not locked into an upgrade cycle. You can coexist with newer models.
Making Your Final Decision
Air Tags at $64 for a 4-pack represent strong value if you have a genuine need for item tracking. They're not a gadget you buy for fun and never use—they're a practical solution to a real problem that most people face.
The decision ultimately comes down to: do you lose things frequently enough that tracking them would meaningfully improve your life? If the answer is yes, this deal is good timing. If you lose things once a year or never, the utility might not justify the purchase.
But for families, travelers, and people who chronically misplace items, Air Tags essentially print money in the form of saved time and prevented losses. At $16 per unit with a 4-pack, you're getting them at an excellent price point.
The key is actually using them. Don't buy and stick them in a drawer. Set them up immediately on items you actually lose. Get protective cases. Check the Find My app regularly. The technology only works if you integrate it into your daily life.
If this deal is available where you are right now, it's worth seriously considering. If it's not, don't despair—deals on Air Tags appear regularly. The next sale might be equally good. But if you need tracking solutions today and this price is available, this is legitimate value.
FAQ
What is an Apple Air Tag and how does it work?
An Apple Air Tag is a small Bluetooth tracker (1.26 inches square) that helps you locate lost items using Apple's Find My network. When your tagged item is nearby, your iPhone connects to it directly via Bluetooth (range up to 100+ feet). When it's far away, the device leverages Apple's massive network of iPhones, iPads, and Macs, which anonymously report the Air Tag's location to Apple's servers. You see this location data on your iPhone's map. The system prioritizes privacy, as other users' devices never know they're helping you find your item.
How do I set up an Air Tag?
Setting up an Air Tag is remarkably simple: hold it next to your unlocked iPhone, and a prompt appears automatically. Tap "Connect," name your item (like "Keys" or "Luggage"), and configure your privacy settings. The entire process takes about 30 seconds. Your Air Tag is then added to your Find My app and begins tracking immediately. You can add it to family sharing so multiple people can see the item's location.
What's the difference between first-generation and second-generation Air Tags?
Both versions cost $29 and perform the same core function, but second-gen models (released December 2024) offer three improvements: doubled Bluetooth range (500 meters vs. 150-200), a louder speaker (86dB vs. 65dB), and the ability to display your photo when found. First-gen Air Tags remain fully functional and sufficient for most users. Choose first-gen if you're buying on sale, or wait for second-gen discounts if you want newer features. The functional gap is narrow unless you need extended range or the speaker volume matters for hearing accessibility.
How much does it cost to replace an Air Tag battery?
Replacing an Air Tag battery costs
Are Air Tags secure and private?
Apple designed Air Tags with privacy as the priority. Location data is encrypted and stored locally on your device—Apple's servers never know your location. When other people's devices report your Air Tag's location, the process is anonymous; they don't know whose item they're helping track. If someone else's Air Tag is traveling with you, your iPhone alerts you after 8-24 hours. When found, your Air Tag displays your phone number and a custom message so the finder can contact you. This approach is inherently more private than GPS-based tracking services.
Can I use an Air Tag on a pet or car?
You can use Air Tags for pets, though they're better suited for items than mobile subjects. The Air Tag works best when the item stays relatively stationary (your house, car, luggage). For a pet that roams constantly, a dedicated GPS pet collar provides real-time tracking instead of occasional location updates based on nearby Apple devices. For vehicles, Air Tags provide theft recovery assistance if your car is stolen, but they're not real-time tracking devices. In busy areas with many Apple devices, you'll get fairly current location data; in remote areas, updates take longer.
What's included in the Air Tag 4-pack, and what else do I need?
The 4-pack includes four Air Tags and nothing else—no cases, straps, or keychains. Air Tags are smooth and small, so they fall out of bags and pockets easily without protection. You'll want to budget
How long does an Air Tag battery last?
Air Tag batteries typically last about one year under normal use conditions. Battery life depends on how frequently your iPhone connects to the Air Tag (how often you use the Find My feature). Regular users in busy areas might see shorter battery life; occasional users see longer life. The battery indicator in the Find My app shows when a battery is running low (usually around 10% remaining). At that point, you simply pop out the old CR2032 battery and insert a new one. This replaceable design means your Air Tag can function indefinitely.
What happens if I lose an Air Tag itself?
If someone finds your Air Tag, they can hold it against their iPhone, and a screen appears with your phone number and a custom message you've set. This lets them contact you to return it. Air Tags have your information, not a generic "lost item" interface. This approach relies on finder honesty, which works in most populated areas where people are familiar with Air Tags. You can also see your Air Tag's location in Find My to arrange pickup or recovery.
Do Air Tags work with Android phones?
Air Tags are designed for and optimized for iPhones and Apple devices. While basic functionality might exist through workarounds, Air Tags don't officially support Android, and the experience is severely limited. If you use Android phones, Apple's documentation confirms limited Android compatibility, and you should consider Tile trackers (owned by Google) or Samsung Smart Tags for better cross-platform support.
Is $64 for a 4-pack actually a good deal compared to historical pricing?
Yes,
Key Takeaways
- Apple AirTags 4-pack at 2-99 MSRP
- First-generation AirTags perform identically to newer models for most users, though second-gen offers better range and louder speakers
- The Find My network leverages hundreds of millions of Apple devices to locate lost items without compromising user privacy
- Protective cases and accessories (40) are essential purchases if you buy AirTags, as they prevent loss and damage
- AirTags excel at tracking stationary items (keys, wallets, luggage) but aren't ideal for real-time tracking of moving subjects
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