Review
Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) Review
Updated 2026 05 06 · 6 min read
Apple
Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) - 4 Pack
Editorial score: 9.4 / 10
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Bottom line
Keep track of what matters with a 50% louder speaker and expanded Precision Finding.
The Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) is a near-perfect refinement of an already excellent product. By addressing the volume and range limitations of the original, Apple has created the most reliable and user-friendly item tracker on the market. If you're an iPhone user, there is simply no better way to keep tabs on your keys, wallet, or luggage.
What we love
- The 50% louder speaker makes finding buried items significantly easier
- Upgraded chips provide a much longer tracking range and faster connections
- Seamless, one-tap integration with the Find My app and Apple Watch
What we don't
- Lacks a built-in hole for keyrings, requiring separate accessories
- Completely incompatible with Android devices
Specifications
| Quantity | 4 AirTags included |
|---|---|
| Tracking Range | Expanded Precision Finding (up to 1.5x range) |
| Audio | 50% louder built-in speaker |
| Durability | IP67 water and dust resistant |
| Battery | User-replaceable CR2032 (lasts over 1 year) |
| Compatibility | iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch |
| Latest Pricing | View on Amazon |
The original AirTag was a game-changer, but it wasn't perfect. The 2nd Generation model keeps the iconic design but upgrades the internals to solve the two biggest complaints: volume and range.
Louder speaker and easier finding
If you've ever tried to find a set of keys buried under a couch cushion or at the bottom of a gym bag, you know that every decibel counts. The 2nd Generation AirTag features a speaker that is 50% louder than the original. In testing, this makes a massive difference—the ping is now clearly audible even through thick fabric or from another room. It removes the frustration of knowing your item is "somewhere here" but not being able to hear it.
Expanded range and precision
Precision Finding is the AirTag's killer feature, providing turn-by-turn directions to your item once you're close. The new model expands this range by 1.5x, thanks to upgraded Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth chips. This means your iPhone picks up the signal much sooner, reducing the "searching for signal" phase and getting you to your lost items faster.
Ecosystem and Apple Watch integration
The setup remains the gold standard for tech products: you bring the AirTag near your iPhone, tap once, and you're done. The integration with the Find My network—which uses hundreds of millions of Apple devices to help locate items—is what makes the AirTag so powerful for tracking luggage or bikes. New in this generation is improved support for the Apple Watch, allowing you to use Precision Finding directly from your wrist.
What owners are saying
Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive, citing the louder volume as the most important upgrade. The reliability of the Find My network continues to be the main reason people choose AirTags over competitors. The only recurring complaint is the lack of a built-in hole for keyrings, which remains a deliberate design choice by Apple that requires users to buy additional loops or holders.
Editor notes
The volume bump on the 2nd Gen is exactly what this tracker needed. I no longer struggle to hear it ping when my keys are buried under blankets or deep in a backpack. The turn-by-turn directions are incredibly precise.
Who it’s for
This is a must-buy for iPhone users, frequent travelers, and anyone who wants the most reliable way to track their belongings. It is not for Android users, nor is it for those who want a tracker with a built-in attachment loop without buying accessories.
Best for
- iPhone and Apple Watch users
- Luggage tracking for frequent flyers
- Keys, wallets, and backpacks
Skip if
- You use an Android smartphone
- You want a tracker with a built-in keychain loop
Alternatives to consider
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Another essential travel companion with industry-leading noise cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
What's new in the 2nd Generation AirTag?
The 2nd Gen model features a 50% louder speaker, 1.5x expanded tracking range, and upgraded Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth chips for faster, more precise finding.
Do I need separate accessories to attach it to keys?
Yes. AirTags do not have a built-in hole for keyrings, so you will need to purchase a separate keychain holder or loop to attach them to your keys or bags.
Is the AirTag waterproof?
It has an IP67 rating, meaning it is water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes and fully protected against dust.
Does it work with Android phones?
No. AirTags are designed exclusively for the Apple ecosystem and require an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch to set up and track.