You’ve probably misplaced your keys, wallet, or backpack at some point and spent way too much time retracing your steps. Or, maybe you just want a way to track your luggage if it gets lost. Enter the Pebblebee Clip and Pebblebee Tag, two versatile tracking devices designed to keep tabs on your most essential belongings. Whether you’re attaching the Clip to your keyring or tucking the Tag into your wallet, these trackers can offer peace of mind.
While Apple’s AirTags dominate the conversation for Apple users, Pebblebee aims to offer a comparable experience for Android users and more flexibility overall. Plus, the standout feature: they’re rechargeable—no need to fuss with replacing batteries every few months. Let’s dive into how these trackers perform.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase an item using an affiliate link I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Affiliates do not influence my recommendations. Read my disclosures for more information.
Table of Contents
Pebblebee Clip and Tag Specs
Both the Pebblebee Clip and Tag are lightweight, durable, and boast a sleek design. The Clip, as the name suggests, features a built-in clip mechanism perfect for attaching to keys, backpacks, or even pet collars. The Tag, on the other hand, has a minimalist, flat design that’s ideal for sliding into wallets, pockets, or slim spaces. You can see below just how small these devices are. Not much bigger than a stick of gum.
Here’s a quick spec rundown for both devices:
- Battery: Rechargeable battery with up to 6 months of life per charge.
- Compatibility: Works with Google’s Find My Device network and Pebblebee’s app.
- Range: Up to 500 feet of Bluetooth range.
- Water Resistance: IPX6 rating (resistant to heavy rain but not submersible).
- App Support: Pebblebee app for additional features and direct tracking.
Setup
Setting up the Pebblebee Clip and Tag is refreshingly simple. The pairing process is straightforward if you’re using Google’s Find My Device network. Just open the Find My Device app, select “Add New Device,” and follow the prompts. When I did this, the trackers synced seamlessly to the app, allowing me to see their location alongside other devices in my Google ecosystem, including my Pixel Buds Pro 2 and my Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
For those who prefer Pebblebee’s native app, the setup was equally intuitive. Download the app, press the button on the Clip or Tag to activate pairing mode, and follow the steps to connect. The Pebblebee app offers more customization options, like sound alerts and notifications, which can be handy if you want additional control over your trackers.
Note that if you want to switch between Google’s Find My Device network and Pebblebee’s own tracking network, you’ll have to reset the tracker.
Usage
Once set up, the Pebblebee Clip and Tag proved to work, for the most part. I tested them a couple of different ways. I put the Tag in my wife’s car. I was able to get the location of my wife’s car when it was in busy parking lots like her job and large stores, but it was hit or miss in other locations.
I put the clip in my luggage for a couple of trips. I was able to successfully tell that the bag had moved from baggage claim to near my airplane right before take off in all cases. Thankfully, my luggage was never lost so I wasn’t able to further test the capabilities of the clip.
I attached the Clip to my keys and slipped the Tag into my wallet. Within the Pebblebee app, I could set sound alerts to locate the devices when they were within Bluetooth range, and both devices emitted a loud, clear tone that was easy to hear even in a cluttered room.
I should note that these are not necessarily for stealth tracking. My wife’s phone alerted her on multiple occasions that there was a tracking device near her. Also, Google’s Find My Device network only gives you the last known location and time. There is no way to see location history.
Additionally, this functionality relies on nearby Android devices to relay the tracker’s location. While this is great for Android users, it’s not as robust as Apple’s Find My network, which has a larger user base and more frequent location pings.
The Pebblebee app, on the other hand, doesn’t require an external network and works well within Bluetooth range. If you’re mainly using your tracker at home or in smaller spaces, this app can be a practical option.
Accuracy
When it came to accuracy, the Pebblebee Clip and Tag performed reliably within their advertised Bluetooth range. Both trackers pinpointed their locations accurately in the Pebblebee app and Google’s Find My Device network.
That said, Google’s network can be a bit of a mixed bag. Since it relies on nearby Android devices to update the location, it may not always be as precise or fast as Apple’s network, particularly in less densely populated areas. If you’re an Android user in a city, you’re golden, but in rural areas, you might find the tracking less consistent.
Pros and Cons of Google’s Find My Device Network vs. Pebblebee’s Tracking
Google’s Find My Device network is an excellent option for Android users, offering seamless integration into the ecosystem and the ability to locate items even when they’re out of Bluetooth range. However, it’s not perfect:
Pros:
- Broad integration with Android devices.
- Great for location updates in populated areas.
- Works alongside other Google Find My Device-compatible gadgets.
Cons:
- Limited compared to Apple’s Find My network in terms of device density and update frequency.
- Depends on others’ Android devices being nearby for updates.
Pebblebee’s native tracking has its own pros and cons:
Pros:
- Doesn’t rely on external networks—Bluetooth-only tracking is solid.
- More customizable through Pebblebee’s app.
- Excellent sound alerts for finding nearby items.
Cons:
- Limited to Bluetooth range (about 500 feet).
- No extended tracking beyond your device’s Bluetooth range without pairing with Google’s network.
Rechargeable Batteries: A Game Changer
The rechargeable batteries in the Pebblebee Clip and Tag are a significant selling point. Unlike AirTags, which require CR2032 battery replacements, Pebblebee devices can be recharged via USB-C. After a full charge, they last about 6 months—perfect for set-it-and-forget-it convenience. No more scrambling to find button-cell batteries or worrying about environmental waste from disposables.
Final Thoughts
The Pebblebee Clip and Pebblebee Tag are excellent alternatives to other tracking devices, especially for Android users or those who want a flexible solution. Their sleek design, dual tracking options (Google’s Find My Device network and Pebblebee’s app), and rechargeable batteries make them stand out in a crowded market.
While they don’t quite match the sheer reach of Apple’s Find My network, they hold their own for everyday use and are a fantastic option if you’re invested in the Google ecosystem. If you’re tired of losing your essentials—or just want some peace of mind—Pebblebee’s trackers are worth a look.
At around $30, they’re reasonably priced and pack some great features. Plus, the rechargeable battery alone is a feature I wish every tracker had. These also make an inexpensive tech gift. Give them a try—your future self will thank you when you lose your keys, wallet, or luggage.
