Dog Trackers With No Subscription: AirTag Collar vs GPS Trackers
Monthly fees add up, and a lot of dog owners want a tracker without one. Here is how an AirTag collar compares with a GPS tracker.
Part of my AirTag collar guide. See also: reflective dog leashes for night walks.
Dog Trackers With No Subscription
A GPS tracker usually uses a mobile network to report a dog's location, which typically means a monthly plan. An AirTag has no subscription: it uses Bluetooth and Apple's Find My network instead.
The trade-off is that an AirTag shows a last known location based on nearby Apple devices, not a live GPS track.
Neither is better in every situation. A GPS tracker gives a live view but needs a plan and a charged unit. An AirTag collar is simpler and has no plan, but relies on the Apple devices around you.
| AirTag collar | GPS tracker | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | No subscription for the AirTag | Usually required |
| How location works | Bluetooth and nearby Apple devices | Satellite and mobile network |
| Location type | Last known location | Live location |
| Works best | Cities, suburbs and busy parks | Wherever there is mobile coverage |
| Needs | An iPhone and an AirTag | A tracker unit and a data plan |
Where the AirTag Collar Fits
The AirTag Collar for Cats & Dogs holds an AirTag in a built-in holder on a reflective nylon strap. The collar is a one-time purchase, and the AirTag is sold separately by Apple. It suits dogs that walk where there are people and Apple devices around.
If your dog roams remote land, a GPS tracker may suit you better. Choose what matches your walks.
Keep Reading
Read how an AirTag collar works in my AirTag collar guide, check my guide to AirTag collars in Canada and see my guide to what to do when a pet goes missing for a simple plan if a pet slips out.
Whatever you pick, a name tag on the collar is a good habit.
Does an AirTag collar need a subscription? No. There is no monthly fee for the AirTag.
Is an AirTag a GPS tracker? No. It uses Bluetooth and nearby Apple devices and shows a last known location.
Do I need an iPhone? Yes. AirTags are set up and tracked with an Apple device.
The best tracker is the one that fits where and how you walk. Browse the Collars and Leashes collection.
Related AirTag and leash guides
Shop the collection: Stylish and Durable Collars & Leashes for Dogs and Cats
Let customers speak for us
Willow loves eating out of this leaf feeder! The construction is very good quality and feels solid/ not like it’s going to break. She is a picky eater and doesn’t normally eat full meals but will eat full meals out of this! Love the grippy bottom so it doesn’t slip. Nothing to complain about :)
Golden Luca is pretty and it has my name and phone number on the flip side.
I bought it for Bao Bei to help him eat slower, also have a unique feeding bowl
He is busy with it for hours and also I can fetch the toy when we want to spend time together
It made Sabar’s meal time more than double and I enjoy watching him eating from his unique bowl
My paw was eating too fast and this bowl helped me to fix this problem
It can keep my cat's busy for a long time, but it should be under supervised I think. Long time playing with it can make them tired!
Maki playing with her ball. 😀
I'm using this stuff to keep my puppy busy and happy everyday.
It keeps my puppy busy for more than 30 mins every time for a meal. and even after that she plays with it around as long as She get tired!
Fun "beginner level" toy. Works for cats too:)
Durable plastic, feels nice.
it is a bit hard on the walls but the cat just watches it. Does not interact with it. The ball works really well for what it is supposed to do.
If it was a bit softer the cat might enjoy it more.
I gave one to a neighbour who's dog loves it. She has a small dog so the size is just right.
Great bowl and such fun. Amazing the difference in time it now takes for my puppy to finish her meals. Much healthier for her! And she loves to play with it once it’s empty
Got this toy for my girl Archie and she absolutely loves it! It’s super durable, keeps her entertained for hours, and the treat dispenser is a fun bonus. Totally worth it
As soon as this ball comes out he gets very excited. The ball allows him to play by himself with the ball. His favourite toy by far.
