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Is the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) worth it?

The Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) is a top pick with a 9.2/10 consensus score across 6 expert reviews. Experts highlight second-gen uwb chip extends precision finding from 50 ft to roughly 200 ft and speaker rings 50 pct louder and is audible from up to 2x farther than gen 1. tomsguide says: "The 2nd-gen AirTag's expanded precision-finding range and louder speaker keep it..." Best for: iPhone households, Buyers who want UWB directional finding, AirTag-wallet owners needing the tag.

Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) — Must Buy per expert consensus
Must Buy6 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$24.00–$29.00
$29.00 list2nd-gen Ultra Wideband precision finding6 expert sources
Check price →

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Apple AirTag (2nd Generation)

NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner

EDC

Expert consensus

How we score
09.2/1010

6 expert sources · 3 quoted

3 quoted sources with published scores

  • the-verge 9/10
  • cnet 9/10
  • tomsguide 9.2/10

Expert Consensus across 6 sources

Updated this week
“The 2nd-gen AirTag's expanded precision-finding range and louder speaker keep it the leading Find My finder for iPhone owners.”
— tomsguide9.2/10

Key Features

  • ✓ 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband precision finding
  • ✓ ~200 ft precision-finding range
  • ✓ 50 pct louder speaker
  • ✓ Replaceable CR2032 coin cell
  • ✓ IP67 water and dust resistance
  • ✓ NFC tap Lost Mode

Best For

iPhone householdsBuyers who want UWB directional findingAirTag-wallet owners needing the tag

What Experts Agree On

What Experts Love

  • ✓ Second-gen UWB chip extends precision finding from 50 ft to roughly 200 ft
  • ✓ Speaker rings 50 pct louder and is audible from up to 2x farther than gen 1
  • ✓ Find My taps roughly 1.5 billion Apple devices for crowd-sourced location
  • ✓ User-replaceable CR2032 lasts about 1 yr with no recharge

Common Criticisms

  • ✗ An 8 mm disc needs a wallet pocket or holder to ride flat
  • ✗ Precision finding and the new range need iPhone 15 or later
  • ✗ iPhone-only — Android phones cannot set it up

What The Experts Say

TH
“The new Ultra Wideband range is the upgrade that matters most for the 2nd-gen AirTag's findability.”
the-verge9/10
CN
“The depth of the Find My network keeps the AirTag the strongest option for Apple users.”
cnet9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) worth it?

The Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) earns a 9.2/10 consensus score across 6 expert sources and is rated "Must Buy". At $24.00, it is best for iPhone households. Tomsguide is among the named sources behind that consensus.

How much does the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) cost?

The Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) is priced at $24.00. With a 9.2/10 score from 6 expert reviews and a "Must Buy" rating, that price represents strong value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for EDC products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.

Who is the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) best for?

The Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) is best for iPhone households, Buyers who want UWB directional finding, AirTag-wallet owners needing the tag. Experts rate it "Must Buy" with a 9.2/10 consensus across 6 sources.

How does the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) compare to other EDC options?

Among the EDC products we have aggregated, the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) ranks above average with a 9.2/10 score. the-verge adds: "The new Ultra Wideband range is the upgrade that matters most for the 2nd-gen AirTag's findability."

What are the best alternatives to the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation)?

If the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) ($24.00, 9.2/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in EDC are Ekster Aluminum AirTag Cardholder, KeySmart SmartCard (Gen 3). Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.

What are the pros and cons of the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation)?

The main strengths of the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) are second-gen uwb chip extends precision finding from 50 ft to roughly 200 ft and speaker rings 50 pct louder and is audible from up to 2x farther than gen 1. The most-cited downside is an 8 mm disc needs a wallet pocket or holder to ride flat. Overall, 6 expert sources rate it "Must Buy" with a 9.2/10 consensus score.

Decided on the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation)?

$29.00 list2nd-gen Ultra Wideband precision finding6 expert sources
Check price →

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Featured in these buying guides

See how the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) ranks against the full field in our EDC buying guides.

Sources & Methodology

This review aggregates 3 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores.

Expert review sources cited on this page:

  • tomsguide
  • the-verge
  • cnet

Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This consensus review is based on 6 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.

Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Apple and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Apple or any other manufacturer named in this article.