The best AirTag wallets of 2024: Expert tested | ZDNET

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean? ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

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Comfort

Before you can even begin to use a smart ring, smart watch, or other wearable, you’ll need it to feel comfortable and light on body. If it isn’t, the chances are low that you’ll wear it regularly and get the most use out of a pricey product. Plus, if it doesn’t fit right, the sensors may not be placed in the right location and the data it collects won’t be as accurate. The best wearables fit comfortably and boast a lightweight build that feels nearly invisible on your body. Another element of comfort is sizing diversity and fit. The best wearables have multiple sizes that will fit as many bodies as possible.

Battery

Battery life will vary depending on the wearable and whether it has a screen or is screenless. A good smart ring battery lasts around six to seven days before charging. A good smartwatch battery might last three to five days, depending on the brand. The less time you spend charging your wearable, the more time you can spend actually using it to document your activity, stress, and sleep.

Sleep and readiness scores

Wearables monitor your activity and sleep. The best wearables offer up scores or aggregate your biometric data into a digestible format you can understand. That’s why the most reliable wearables have some form of scoring to your activity, recovery, or sleep data to provide at-a-glance suggestions or guidance throughout the day, like when to take it easy or challenge yourself with a workout.

In-app design

Some brands lay out the data they aggregate in the app in an easy-to-use format, while some have random tabs or completely useless extra features in the app that block you from viewing your essential data.

Special features

Some wearables have automatic workout detection features, Find My capabilities, or AI wellness assistants. While these special features are supplements, they aren’t to be discounted.

Did you know AirTags can be used for more than just locating your keys? AirTags are handy for tracking your essentials, and in 2024, there are configurations that allow you to attach them to keys, pets, bags, and even water bottles. Perhaps one of the most useful places for an AirTag, though, is your wallet.

Also: The best Bluetooth trackers you can buy: Expert tested

As with any functional accessory, the market is full of different AirTag wallets you can buy. But you may soon discover that what you're looking for is a Bluetooth tracking card or another nifty wallet gadget. That's why we tested plenty of the smart options available to ensure you never lose your wallet again, evaluating capacity, security, and cost. We also combined expert research and analysis to make sure we've considered the most functional AirTag wallets or tracking accessories for you.

Also: The best AirTag accessories you can buy

Our pick for the best AirTag wallet overall is the Ridge Wallet, because it offers plenty of room for cards and cash in a stylish and customizable design. It's also durable and offers great value over time. Keep reading to see how our other top AirTag wallets and accessories stack up and find the best option for your lifestyle.

Also: Attention Apple AirTag users: Don't ignore this warning

The Ridge wallet is a slim RFID-blocking wallet designed to hold up to 12 cards. Cash can be stored via a cash strap or money clip on the outside of the wallet, and the brand offers three AirTag configurations for tracking: an AirTag holder designed to or for $25, or the AirTag carbon add-on holder that attaches outside any Ridge wallet for $40.

The Ridge offers durability and functionality while also providing top-notch security and smart capabilities. Although it is a bit pricey, it has a lifetime warranty to keep up with your daily use and a risk-free 99-day trial period. All things considered, a quality, traditional leather-style wallet could easily run you over the $100 mark, too, which makes this long-term investment worth it, in my opinion.

I gifted this wallet to my Dad a year before using one myself, and I can confidently say it's a winner. Prior to gifting him the Ridge, he used several other wallets, including a traditional leather and titanium case style, but none of them fit his needs.

My Dad is a shove-everything-into-your-pockets-and-go kind of person, and no wallet could ever keep all his cards, cash, and receipts organized until the Ridge. The minimalist design helps ensure he can put what he really needs into his wallet and makes it easy to access cards and cash when he wants.

I initially thought the maneuvering to slide the cards in and out would be annoying, but after a little practice, he said it became second nature and is surprisingly easier than opening and removing cards or cash from a traditional wallet. I agree that there's a brief learning curve involved, but once you get it down, it's a non-issue.

The practicality, coupled with the RFID technology, numerous color and metal options, and the addable AirTag tracker, makes the Ridge nearly faultless. Although it can get a little chunky when it's full to the brim with cards (but alas, what wallet doesn't?). This is a great wallet for small handbags, concert or stadium bags, and going out on the town, too.

Current Ridge customers said on the website that they liked the wallet capacity, durability, design, and functionality of the Ridge wallet. The wallet features a 4.8/5 starts online, and 97% of customers said they'd recommend the Ridge wallet to a friend. Several customers said they were repeat purchasers and that their wallets stood the test of time.

If you're not dead set on using an AirTag wallet or AirTag accessory to track your wallet, it may be worth it to consider a MagSafe wallet equipped with location tracking. The Journey LOC8 is the finder wallet version of our pick for best overall MagSafe wallet, the Ezmo wallet (pictured above).

Journey's MagSafe wallet is the perfect balance of style and function with enough space to hold 5 cards. The wallet also doubles as a phone stand, so you can watch your favorite entertainment on the go or keep your phone screen visible at your desk. The stand has adjustable viewing angles in both portrait and landscape modes and features a protective lining to safeguard your cards' information with RFID-blocking technology while preventing them from becoming demagnetized.

The LOC8 takes all the great features of the Ezmo wallet one step further, offering location tracking -- no AirTag needed. It uses Apple's Find My technology for easy integration, is rechargeable, and comes with built-in speakers so you can easily ping the LOC8 wallet to find its location.

I tested the Ezmo version of the Journey wallet for several weeks during my commute from New Jersey to New York City, and I like it enough to recommend the LOC8 with built-in tracking confidently. I like the premium feel and how easy the wallet makes it to access my transit cards during my commute. I also like how the wallet provides enough space for 5 cards and folded cash. It's perfect for holding my debit card, work badge, and other incidentals like paper train tickets. The phone stand was nice, too. Although it's one of the pricier options for a MagSafe wallet, I think it's well worth the investment due to its multi-functionality and excellent quality, especially if you use your MagSafe wallet every day.

Current users on the Journey website said they liked the slim profile, smart design, larger card capacity, and sleek material -- so much so that the wallet has a 5/5 star rating online, with one customer noting that it "does it all really well."

Author's Note: At the time of publication on Oct. 24, you can save 20% off at Journey's website thanks to a fall sale.

If you like affordable luxury tech products, don't look any further than Bosca's AirTag wallet for all your card storage needs. Plus, if you're looking for a minimalist option, this could be a great fit for your needs. Part of my job at ZDNET includes testing tons of tech accessories, from MagSafe gear to AirTag accessories and beyond, so needless to say, I have tested a lot of different things, including MagSafe and AirTag wallets. This is the first AirTag wallet I've tested in a while that I was really impressed with, and it took me by surprise.

There's nothing overly unique about the design of this Bosca wallet. In fact, if you went on Amazon, you'd see tons of similar options at varying price points offering similar features: slim design, a few card slots, maybe an ID window, and, of course, that trusty little spot to tuck your AirTag. The hybrid card slot/wallet combo has become a popular option in 2024, as many people shift to cardless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay more and more and carry fewer cards daily.

But what makes Bosca's stand-out is the craftsmanship and leather used to construct it. I knew right away upon opening up this wallet that it was, what the kids call, legit. The leather is smooth, and the Saddle color has a really striking tone that is not too orange and not too brown. Moreso, it looks like something that didn't fall out of Amazon's massive factory market, and that's thanks to the full grain, Italian, hand-stained leather and intentional construction. It holds cards great, has a dedicated ID slot with a slit to make grabbing your identification easy, and two pockets to hold extra cash, cards, or other incidentals. It's super easy to snap your AirTag in and be on your way, and most importantly, it's the kind of tech accessory that feels like it will withstand the test of time, and will perhaps get better with age. I compared the leather of this wallet to some of my own personal handbags and small goods from various other brands, and there's certainly a similar standard that I was impressed with.

It is certainly pricier than other options on this list (though not as expensive as a Ridge wallet) and I do wish there were perhaps more colored options, but for what is offered I feel that this wallet is a confident balance of affordable luxury that justifies its price tag, and potentially prevents the type of incessant rebuying that can often occur with tech accessories.

Bosca AirTag Wallet features: Type: Hybrid cardholder design | Dimensions: 4.375 H x 3.00 W x 0.125 D | Card capacity: 3 Card Pockets, 2 card/cash pockets, 1 ID slot | Cash storage | Full grain, Italian, Hand-stained leather

The Spigen AirTag Wallet S is a more affordable and expandable wallet design. Similar in overall construction and function the the Ridge wallet, the main difference is the material and price point.

Despite its streamlined design, the Spigen AirTag Wallet S holds up to 12 cards. The polycarbonate shell makes for a super-light build, so it won't weigh your purse or pockets down. The nylon elastic cash strap is an extra bonus to stow away your bills. It also incorporates special RFID-blocking protection to prevent RFID card readers from stealing your information.

"The Spigen AirTag Wallet S's sleek design and compact form initially drew my attention," says Liz Ho, an experienced camping guide, travel expert, and founder of Camping Guidance. "Its built-in AirTag compartment gave me peace of mind, knowing I could easily locate my wallet if it ever went missing."

Current Amazon customers said they liked that the Spigen S wallet was more affordable, had a dedicated, built-in spot for an AirTag, and held both cash and cards. However, some experienced damage early on and didn't like the plastic material. Overall, customers said they were happy with the appearance and value of the wallet but wished it had some improvements in material and performance.

The Ekster Wallet for AirTag combines minimalism with affordable luxury functions. It holds up to 12 cards as well as cash. Plus, it features RFID-blocking technology, a dedicated AirTag slot, quick access with a push button, and an easy slide-up function to fan out cards.

It's an AirTag-compatible version of the brand's popular Parliament wallet, and it's slim enough to fit in your front or back pocket. However, it's slightly expensive and lacks color options.

Current Ekster wallet users on the Ekster website said they liked the high-quality construction, overall design, and easy function. One customer said they even upgraded to this AirTag wallet after losing their Parliament wallet on vacation, and another called it perfect. "If you have been looking for a wallet that is high-quality with all the features, this is definitely the wallet for you," one customer wrote in their review.

The Doeboe AirTag Wallet is the best budget AirTag wallet with a surprisingly lightweight build despite its leather material.

Ricky Allen, marketing director of Ever Wallpaper, says, "It's a great wallet with all the necessities, like card slots, a pocket for bills, and an AirTag keychain holder."

Made of Crazy Horse leather, this bifold wallet features 10 different card slots, including a bill pocket to stash your cash. It also has an ID window so you don't have to take your driver's license out whenever you need to show it. The simple, minimalist design is simple to manage and also lightweight, so it won't weigh your pockets down.

Allen commented on the security as well. "I liked how easy it was to insert my AirTag and the anti-theft RFID protection it provides. Security is very important to me, and I'm glad this wallet provides the added protection of RFID-blocking."

Current Doeboe wallet users on Amazon said they liked the appearance, durability, and compactness of the wallet, with several customers emphasizing the genuine leather construction.

Doeboe AirTag Bifold Wallet specs: Type: Bifold | Material: Leather | ID window | RFID blocking | Dimensions: 1.97 x 1.57 x 0.59 inches

Also: How to tell if an AirTag is tracking you

The Ridge Wallet with an accompanying AirTag holder attachment is ZDNET's top pick for best overall AirTag wallet.

With a slim and stylish, yet easily expandable and durable design, the Ridge wallet handles up to 12 cards, and offers an efficient storage option for cash. Equipped with RFID-blocking technology and built of tough aluminum, the Ridge is the creme de la creme of trackable, practical wallets, and is a true buy-one-time purchase.

See how our other top picks compared to the Ridge wallet in type, cost, and card capacity below:

*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.

It isn't easy to choose the best AirTag wallet when there are so many options on the market. These expert recommendations may help you in the buying process so you can be sure to find the right wallet for your needs.

If you're in the market for an AirTag wallet, you already know the marketplace is copious. Here's a few things to keep in mind while you search that may help you narrow down your options and find the right fit for you.

Capacity: Consider what you want to store in your wallet. How many cards? Cash? Any other incidentals like your work badge or transit passes? We'd recommend finding out your absolute bare minimum need for card capacity (maybe that's three cards or maybe it's ten) and factoring that into your search. You'll easily be able to cut a huge chunk of options out based on capacity alone.

Security: Many AirTag wallets provide RFID-blocking, which means that it blocks card scanners that can steal your information. If this is a top priority for you, you can drop many of the cheaper options, which often don't offer these capabilities.

Cost: The price of AirTag wallets can vary considerably, and like with any purchase, establishing a budget is key. While we've included a budget, mid-range, and expensive pick on this list, you need to decide for yourself what your magic number is. Keep in mind that your wallet is often an everyday essential that lasts for a number of years, so it may be worth it to set a higher budget. Plus, many quality traditional leather wallets often cost over $100, too.

Your needs: So you're here because you think you want an AirTag wallet. But maybe what you're actually looking for is a Bluetooth tracker card to upgrade your favorite traditional wallet. Or maybe you just want an AirTag card insert to do the same. Think about what you actually need right now and what makes the most sense for your lifestyle -- it may not be what you thought at first.

We combined our expert research and analysis, hands-on testing for select products, and our extensive testing and knowledge of alternative Bluetooth trackers to curate this list. We consider factors like lifestyle, construction, durability, tracking capabilities, and function while compiling these top picks and made sure to provide options for those who aren't sure if an AirTag wallet is right for them. If we think a new product is worth your money, we'll update this list or write a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it's for.

Plus, we are routinely scouring the web for new products that are worthy of testing, following news on product rollouts and upgrades, and sourcing the best deals.

An AirTag is a type of tracking device. You can affix it to an object, and the AirTag will then provide tracking for that item. Simply log into the Find My app to track your device and see an exact location. You can also ping your phone so it sounds like an alert, helping you to find it that much easier.

Yes, AirTags can be used to track anything like keys, bags, purses, wallets, and more. There's lots of accessories on the market to seamlessly configure an AirTag to your needs, and likewise, many AirTag wallets are specially designed to hold an AirTag to upgrade your traditional wallet with location-tracking capabilities.

Also: The best AirTag accessories of 2024

No, by no means are AirTag wallets the only bluetooth tracking accessories on the market. You can equip and configure traditional wallets with tracking cards like the KeySmart Smart Card, or use other alternative trackers like Tile. And if you want to upgrade to a MagSafe wallet, some are available with built-in tracking configurations already installed, like the Journey LOC8 wallet.

Also: The best bluetooth trackers of 2024

There's a few different types of products and configurations that will help you track your wallet, no matter where you leave it. Here are the most common:

While this may not be the conventional route, if you're interested in tinkering and building your own custom AirTag setup, you actually can. ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes did himself in April 2023, and wrote up his own step-by-step guide that you can follow.

Also: I built a custom AirTag that Apple will hate me for. Here's how you can too

AirTags will not interfere with your debit or credit cards and they will not cause demagnetization. AirTags operate using Apple's Find My technology and a bluetooth connection, and the frequency does not disturb your cards.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, RFID refers to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This technology uses radio waves to identify people or objects.

There are devices that can read information contained in a wireless device or "tag" from a distance without making any physical contact or requiring a line of sight -- for example, the chips in credit or debit cards. Wallets which feature RFID-blocking technology prevent these devices from accessing information stored in protected chips, which can help prevent your bank information from being compromised.

The beauty of an AirTag is that it can be tracked from anywhere. Your AirTag just needs to be within range of a Bluetooth connection while near an Apple device. It does not even have to be your own phone, so as long as you are close to an Apple device, you can use AirTag technology to locate your wallet.

If you're an iPhone user, there's a few ways to recognize if an AirTag is tracking you. Your phone may alert you of an "AirTag found moving with you." This will happen if these things are true:

The AirTag is separated from its owner.

Your iPhone is awake.

Also: How to find out if an AirTag is tracking you

If you haven't found an AirTag wallet that feels right for you, here are a few alternatives that may better suit your needs -- it may not be a traditional wallet that you're looking for at all.

The Geo Wallet is ESR's flagship tracking wallet, which also uses Apple's Find My technology to ensure you can always find your MagSafe wallet. It holds up to three cards, and like the Journey LOC8 wallet, it also doubles as a stand.

Maybe you're not actually in need of an AirTag wallet option. This traditional-style wallet from ESR features plenty of card slots and a designated ID slot and is enabled with Apple's Find My technology -- the first of its kind. While it isn't made of the most premium material and certainly isn't a leather alternative, it's a great wallet if you want built-in Bluetooth tracking without all the hassle of an added AirTag.

KeySmart's SmartCard lets you instantly turn any wallet into a trackable one by simply sliding it in place. It's super thin, works with Apple iOS Find My, has a wireless rechargeable battery, and is IPX7-rated. ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes personally prefers these nifty cards over an AirTag, which needs battery replacing and can be bulky.

Nomad also offers a tracking card that is enabled with Apple's Find My technology. Newly released in May 2024, the tracking card was back ordered for several weeks but is finally back to purchase as of the last publication of this article. This product is available for backorder at the time of publication on 10/24.

Chipolo's Card Spot is shaped like a credit card, connects to Apple's Find My network, and gets ZDNET reviews editor Kerry Wan's pick for the best Bluetooth wallet tracker. The Card Spot is designed to live in your wallet, measuring a thickness of 0.09 inches -- about the same as two credit cards stacked together.

Nomad Goods also offers a card for the AirTag. Pop in your AirTag and slide it into your favorite wallet. It's as simple as that. Author's Note: This card is currently out of stock at the time of publication on 10/24.

Similar to the Nomad AirTag card, the TagVault allows you to pop an AirTag into a thin card-like casing, too. Plus, you get two in this pack.

ZDNET sourced external industry experts for this article. Here is more information about them:

From keychains to mounts and more, there are many AirTag accessories to choose from. Here are a few others we've tested.

Also:The best Bluetooth trackers you can buy: Expert testedAlso: The best AirTag accessories you can buy Also: Attention Apple AirTag users: Don't ignore this warningRidge Wallet specs: Type: Material: |Dimensions:Journey LOC8 tracking wallet and phone stand features:Type:Dimensions:Card capacity:Bosca AirTag Wallet featuresType:DimensionsCard capacity: Spigen AirTag Wallet S specs: Type: Material: Dimensions: Ekster Wallet for AirTag specs: Type:Material: Dimensions:Doeboe AirTag Bifold Wallet specs: Type: Material: Dimensions: Also:How to tell if an AirTag is tracking youBest AirTag walletCostTypeCard capacityChoose this AirTag wallet...If you want...CapacitySecurityCostYour needs: Also: The best AirTag accessories of 2024Also: The best bluetooth trackers of 2024Also: I built a custom AirTag that Apple will hate me for. Here's how you can tooAlso: How to find out if an AirTag is tracking youLiz HoRicky Allen: ZDNET

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The best AirTag wallets of 2024: Expert tested | ZDNET