I love AirTags, but this alternative slips right in my wallet and solves their biggest flaw

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Once again, I’m waxing lyrical about Apple AirTags. I absolutely love them. They’ve been the one piece of tech that has truly transformed my life.

But as much as I adore them, they’re not perfect. One thing that hasn’t changed in the nearly five years since their release is their shape. No matter how big of a fan I am — and I consider myself their No. 1 fan — even I have to admit that their little UFO-like design doesn’t fit well into a wallet or purse.

Also: This AirTag alternative with a 130dB siren and strobe light has my name written all over it

I’ve tried all sorts of solutions to make AirTags work for wallets, even going so far as to take one apart and retrofit it into a 3D-printed credit card shell. But, in the end, the best option I’ve found is the clip that Ridge uses on its wallets — and even that is far from ideal.

Thankfully, third-party tags have entered the market, and many of them are perfect for slipping into a wallet or purse. Even better, some offer a few improvements over Apple’s AirTag.

One tag I’ve been testing recently is the UAG Metropolis by Urban Armor Gear, a company known for its tough smartphone cases. The Metropolis ticks all the boxes for me and is now my tag of choice for my wallet.

Why it works for wallets

The Metropolis is designed to fit perfectly alongside your credit cards. It measures 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.1 inches (85.8 × 53.6 × 3.0 mm), making it about the thickness of four credit cards.

Also: This Bluetooth tracker has effectively replaced my AirTag with its enhanced durability alone

The card is made of a tough polycarbonate shell, ultrasonically welded along the edges. It’s IPX4-rated, meaning it’s not dust-resistant and can handle splashes. I even immersed the card multiple times, and it kept working flawlessly.

Durability: Can it handle everyday use?

A common concern with slim tracker cards is their durability. Wallets and purses tend to experience a lot of bending and flexing, which can potentially damage something containing a rechargeable battery.

Also: I took apart the new AirTag 2 and found a serious flaw in Apple’s popular tracker

To test this, I carried the Metropolis tag in my back pocket without a wallet for over a week. Despite all the bending and flexing, the tag remained unaffected.

Battery life and charging

Inside the Metropolis is a 110 mAh battery that lasts about five months under normal use. When it’s time to recharge, you can simply place it on a Qi or MagSafe wireless charger for a couple of hours.

According to UAG, the battery is designed to last through 300 recharge cycles. That equates to over 100 years of use based on the battery’s lifespan, so it’s safe to say the battery is built to last.

Compatibility: Apple Find My and Google Find Hub

The Metropolis works with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub networks. During setup, you choose which network you want, and you can reset the card later if needed.

Also: I put away my AirTag just minutes after trying this Bluetooth tracker alternative – here’s why

The Bluetooth detection range is about 200 feet (60 meters) in ideal conditions, dropping to around 100 feet (30 meters) indoors. These ranges are typical for Bluetooth trackers.

Do RFID-blocking wallets affect the signal?

A question I’ve been asked a lot is whether RFID-blocking wallets limit the range of tracker cards. After testing several cards and wallets, I can confidently say that they don’t have any significant effect.

Also: This AirTag-like card tracker is my top choice for Android and iOS users – and it’s rechargeable

However, metal wallets, like Ridge wallets, can block the signal. If this happens, you can slide the tracker behind the money strap, which is Ridge’s recommended workaround.

The speaker: A big plus

One standout feature of the UAG Metropolis is its 95 dB speaker. This is about as loud as a power tool and significantly louder than the first-generation AirTags. It’s on par with the second-gen AirTags, making it perfect for finding a wallet lost in a pile of clothes, deep in a sofa, or even in a car.

Luggage use: Proceed with caution

The Metropolis has a slot cut into it so it can double as a luggage tag. However, I’m not a fan of using tracker tags for air travel because I’ve seen many get bent or damaged. Instead, I recommend placing the tag inside your luggage or using a rugged tag holder for extra protection.

ZDNET’s buying advice

I really like the UAG Metropolis card. It’s functional, stylish, and works seamlessly with both Apple and Google’s tracking networks. Plus, it doesn’t require a third-party app to operate.

You can also rest assured that no one will use it to track you surreptitiously — it will trigger an unknown tracker alert if that happens.

The card also pairs nicely with UAG’s slim Kevlar magnetic wallet, which adds a touch of style and practicality.

Also: The best Bluetooth trackers of 2026: Our top picks to keep tabs on your stuff

At $45, the Metropolis is competitively priced compared to other high-performing tracker cards, like those from Ridge, Rolling Square, or KeySmart (though deals may vary, so shop around).

I particularly love the rounded corners and smooth, premium feel of this card. It’s far less likely to wear through the sides of a wallet or purse compared to some other cards I’ve tested.

The UAG Metropolis is an excellent alternative to Apple AirTags, especially if you’re looking for a tracker that fits into your wallet or purse. While it doesn’t support Apple’s Precision Finding, its slim design, durability, and compatibility with both Apple and Google networks make it a strong contender in the tracker market.