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Apple lovers who keep losing their keys have a new way to keep track of things with the introduction of AirTags. But despite their simple setup, Apple’s tiny Bluetooth trackers have one critical flaw – no built-in keychain hole. This means that anyone who buys AirTags will have to buy holders or sleeves to attach them to their belongings.
As backward as this may seem, it is a very Apple way of milking as much money as possible out of a new product, as many are simply buying Apple’s own AirTag holders. But those aren’t the only options available – many accessory companies have already made AirTag cases. However, since the trackers are still fairly new, the third-party options are a bit slim. But the ones available now are almost all cheaper than Apple’s own cases, so they are worth considering whether you intend to have one or more AirTags to shade your valuables.
If you’ve already bought an AirTags or two, you probably know where to put it. The most common place is on your keys, but AirTags are small enough to clip on backpacks and luggage, put in a wallet, or even clip on your pet’s collar. The location where you want to put the thing will help determine the type of enclosure you should get for it.
Valentina Palladino / Engadget
Let’s start with key-friendly cases, specifically Apple’s own $ 35 leather keyring. Like most Apple accessories, it’s simple but attractive. The AirTag hugs and snaps into the perfectly shaped leather circle, and since the leather protrudes slightly over both sides of the tracker, it is very unlikely to pop out unexpectedly.
But if you don’t just have to have everything from Apple, you can get similar leather (or faux leather) key holders for less. I liked Spigen’s AirTag Case Valentinus because it has an almost identical design and comes with an easy-to-use carabiner key ring. It’s made of faux leather, but doesn’t feel cheap, and its snap-lock is just as secure as Apple’s – plus it’s $ 15 cheaper.
Two other general-purpose keychains that caught the eye were the Elago AirTag suitcase ($ 9 for a two-pack) and Caseology’s $ 14 vault. The former is pretty minimal – it’s a soft silicone circle that’s larger than the AirTag itself, which makes it easier for you to grip the tracker. One side of the gadget is completely covered by the case, as is the entire circumference. However, this leaves one side visible, which means that you can display all of the emoji engravings that are emblazoned on your AirTag. The Elago case is the best no-frills option I’ve found in terms of design and price.
Buy a leather keyring from Apple – $ 35 Buy Spigen Valentinus on Amazon – $ 18 Buy Elago Case (2-Pack) on Amazon – $ 9 Buy Caseology Vault on Amazon – $ 14
Valentina Palladino / Engadget
But if you want something higher, Caseology’s Vault is a great option. It is a structured oval made of flexible plastic into which you insert the AirTag on one side. The other side has a smaller opening that attaches to the included carabiner, which is one of the best clips I’ve found in my tests. As for the carabiners, it’s pretty easy, but it’s better than a standard key fob – especially if you just want to attach your AirTag to something other than your keys, such as a key fob. B. Straps on a backpack or even on a pet collar. Overall, the Caseology Vault is one of the most attractive holders I’ve tested, and it’s a solid buy for anyone who doesn’t need leather.
AirTags can also help you keep track of larger bags and items of luggage, and you can easily slip one into an inside pocket and call it a day. However, if you’d rather hang the tracker outside, you’ll need something larger and more flexible than a standard key fob. Apple has leather and polyurethane loop holders that attach in a similar way to luggage tags, but they are as expensive as AirTags themselves, starting at $ 29.
A cheaper option is the Belkin secure holder with strap, which costs just $ 13. The case flips open in two parts so you can place the AirTag in a circle and rotate the two halves and snap them into place to lock it in place. You can then use the strap to attach the AirTag to your luggage handle, water bottle or other object. that doesn’t give in and feels pretty strong. I appreciate the unique design of Belkin’s Secure Holder, although it was difficult to untwist with the AirTag in it. But that’s a good thing for everyday use – your AirTag doesn’t go anywhere in the secure holder. I also liked the slightly raised edges that offer additional protection from bumps and bumps.
Buy Loop Holder From Apple From $ 29 Buy Belkin Secure Holder w / Strap From Amazon – $ 13
Valentina Palladino / Engadget
You may also want to put an AirTag in your wallet, and you could do so with no case on the tracker at all. But unlike Tile’s slim and flat locators, AirTags are slightly rounded in the middle so they don’t lie flat in the folds of your wallet. If that is going to bother you, Amazon has a number of deals on credit card-sized AirTag holders that will hold the tracker securely in a circular cutout while keeping your wallet at a relatively even thickness.
I haven’t been able to try any of these so I can’t vouch for the quality, but I will say that it is a bespoke solution to a very specific problem – these cases are designed to be used in the wallet and that is basically it . For more flexibility, you can opt for a thinner bag for your AirTag, such as. For example, Moment’s stretch fabric bracket for $ 20 or the Cyrill Shine case for $ 16, which also doubles as a key ring holder.
Unsurprisingly, companies have taken the same path with AirTags accessories as they did with AirPods accessories – there are plenty of cute and custom options available. Casetify offers a limited selection of customizable AirTag holders that you can decorate with hearts, butterflies, peace signs, and even the owner’s initials or name. But they cost $ 35 each – even more expensive than a single AirTag. Amazon and Walmart also have silicone covers in the shape of paw prints, Hello Kitty, kawaii avocados, and more, and you are unlikely to find any more than $ 10. They can also make it easier to convince your young child to attach an AirTag to their backpack.
Buy Credit Card Holder On Amazon – $ 15 Buy Cloth Holder Right Now – $ 20 Buy Cyrill Shine On Amazon – $ 16