Apple AirTag (2nd generation) vs Tractive GPS DOG 6

The most common question: is an AirTag enough? AirTag is $29 with no plan but has no GPS, so it only shows where an Apple device last heard it. Tractive has GPS and a SIM, so it updates live anywhere with signal, for €69 plus a plan.

Pick Apple AirTag (2nd generation) if

Your pet stays close to home in a busy area with plenty of iPhones around
You won't pay a monthly plan, and a year-long coin cell suits you
You only need a last-seen position, not live tracking

All Apple AirTag (2nd generation) facts

Pick Tractive GPS DOG 6 if

Your dog bolts into fields, woods or quiet streets where no phone may pass
You want live tracking, escape alerts and a location history
You use Android as well as iPhone (AirTag needs Apple devices)

All Tractive GPS DOG 6 facts

Where they differ most

How it finds

Apple AirTag (2nd generation): Bluetooth tag
Tractive GPS DOG 6: Cellular GPS

Plan needed to see location

Apple AirTag (2nd generation): NoNo
Tractive GPS DOG 6: YesYes

3 years, all in

Apple AirTag (2nd generation): $29
Tractive GPS DOG 6: €345 if the price holds

Device

Apple AirTag (2nd generation): $29
Tractive GPS DOG 6: €69

Cheapest plan

Apple AirTag (2nd generation): No plan needed
Tractive GPS DOG 6: €120/yr, Basic

Where it works

Apple AirTag (2nd generation): Wherever Apple devices are nearby
Tractive GPS DOG 6: 175+ countries

Every fact, side by side

Open a row to see notes and sources. Highlighted rows differ.

Apple AirTag (2nd generation)

Tractive GPS DOG 6

What it costs

Finding your pet

Fits your pet

What else it does

Who you're trusting

Three years, all in

Device plus three years of the cheapest plan, at listed prices. Apple AirTag (2nd generation) is priced in USD and Tractive GPS DOG 6 in EUR, so they are shown separately, not ranked.