At this rate, the number of smart trackers seems to be growing by the day, and depending on your device and preferred ecosystems, like Apple, Android, or even Google, it can make anyone’s head spin. Phones, watches, and now trackers feel pretty commonplace on daily trips when out and about.
I’m an iPhone user, and over the past year or so, have pretty much been confined to either the Tile or AirTag. But with Apple’s Find My Network software jumping on board with various third-party brands, it feels like the floodgates have opened. Enter the Chipolo POP. This vibrant, little tracker works with both Apple’s Find My Network and Android’s Find My Device Software, which works with any Android phone with a Google account, which is pretty much all of them.
While it’s not a perfect tracker, for reasons which we’ll get into, it certainly provides fantastic value at A$50, making it a perfect gift for anyone regardless of their phone platform, or simply as a treat to yourself.
Design
The Chipolo POP is relatively small and comes with a keyring hole up top, making it an option that’s easy to attach to any keys or accessories. I love the AirTag, but hate that I have to buy a holding case of some sort just to attach it to my keys, so this gets a big tick right out of the box.
At the same time, some things are going against it. It’s made from plastic, so it feels a little flimsier than something like an AirTag that is made from both plastic and stainless steel, but given you don’t necessarily need to interact with it that much, it’s hardly a dealbreaker.
It also comes in six colours, including white, black, green, blue, yellow and red. They’re all vibrant and fun, and I’m glad I got to check the green out, as it’s what I would have chosen anyway. There’s no USB charging here either, but the POP can be opened to replace its internal CR2032 battery, which should last about a year. That being said, it’s nice and easy to get open.
Overall, there’s not much else to report as far as design is concerned, but I love the range of vibrant colours and included keyhole, making it an easy addition alongside any of your keys and accessories.
Functionality
While it’s great to be able to use the Chipolo POP on both Android and Apple’s Find My networks, it’s worth noting that they can’t be used simultaneously. You’ll need to reset the tracker to switch networks, but it’s a welcome option for the sake of versatility.
The Chipolo POP utilises Bluetooth 6.0, which is great, but unlike an AirTag, for example, doesn’t utilise ultrawideband tracking. This means that newer iPhones, for example, can’t take advantage of directional tracking, which gives users a much more accurate description of where their tracker is.
That being said, Bluetooth 6.0 can reach up to 90 metres or 300 feet, so it’s a fair compromise, as that is huge for a Bluetooth tracker. It’s worth noting that you will need a compatible Bluetooth 6.0 phone for that to be able to work as mentioned. But realistically, the POP can give you the last known location of the tracker if nobody is around, but in a relatively populated area, you shouldn’t have an issue tracking this down.
It also includes an IP55 rating for good measure, which means you can expose this to dust and splashes of water; just don’t submerge it underwater. The POP also has an internal speaker, which is relatively loud, and I could hear it from almost 20 metres away.
Software
Through the Chipolo app, you’ll be up and running in around 5 minutes. It’s crazy how easy it was; simply press the middle of the POP tracker and the app will recognise it, add it via the app and even prompt you to add it to the phone’s internal tracking app, like Find My on an Apple device.
The app itself is basic and easy to navigate, but it does include a few useful extra features that add tremendous value to the overall experience. By double-clicking the POP, you can call your phone if you’ve lost it, meaning the tracker can even work the other way around.
Via the app, you can also change the ringtone that the POP makes, access its internal mapping system should you not want to use your main device’s inbuilt one, and even settings to allow Bluetooth, location, notifications and motion. While it gives you the option to do so, you generally want all of these enabled at any given time for this to work as intended.
Verdict & Value
Overall, the Chipolo POP is a fantastic tracker alternative that almost anyone can take advantage of, given its compatibility with Apple, Android and Google networks.
While it lacks things like an ultrawideband chip or USB-C charging, its IP55 rating and Bluetooth 6.0 compatibility make up for it in other ways, providing similar accuracy and durability in the process.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Six vibrant colours; IP55 rating; Bluetooth 6.0 support; Works on Apple, Android and Google networks
Lowlights: Plastic build; No USB charging; No ultrawideband support
Manufacturer: Chipolo
Price: A$50
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Chipolo.
