ZDNET’s essential insights highlight that the Chipolo One Point and Card Point trackers are priced at approximately $21 and $23, respectively, making them attractive purchases within the Bluetooth tracker market. These compact devices stand out not only for their affordability but also for their impressive precision, durability, and their seamless integration into Google’s expanding Find My Device ecosystem. This compatibility ensures that users can locate lost items through a cohesive and intuitive platform that rivals Apple’s AirTag experience. Nevertheless, some minor trade-offs exist: the One Point fob offers only partial water resistance—meeting just the IPX5 splashproof standard—and the Card Point model features a sealed, non–user-replaceable battery. Despite those compromises, the overall design and performance remain exceptional.
For Android users, the launch of Google’s Find My Device network represents a pivotal moment in closing the gap between Apple’s and Google’s respective ecosystems. For years, Apple’s AirTags have been one of the critical differentiators that set the iPhone experience apart, giving users unparalleled item-tracking convenience. Now, with Google’s equivalent network gaining traction, Android devices can finally enjoy comparable locating power. Among the companies leading this evolution is Chipolo, a Slovenian technology firm with over a decade of expertise in what it prefers to call “finder” technology—a more user-friendly term emphasizing the act of recovering lost items. Chipolo’s latest offerings, the One Point and the Card Point, are designed exclusively for Android users who want reliable and well-engineered tracking tools tailored to their devices.
The Chipolo One Point is a compact, circular fob designed to attach effortlessly to everyday objects—keys, backpacks, luggage, or even a pet’s collar or bicycle handle. Measuring a mere 1.49 inches (37.9 mm) in diameter and just 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) thick, it is both unobtrusive and lightweight. Its IPX5 splashproof rating means it can withstand occasional rain or accidental spills, although it is not intended for full submersion. Powering this small but capable device is a user-replaceable CR2032 lithium coin cell, a standard battery known for reliability and convenience. With an estimated lifespan of around a year, replacement is straightforward, ensuring long-term usability. In practical use, the fob offers a reliable Bluetooth range of approximately 200 feet (60 meters), allowing users to trigger an audible alarm when searching for misplaced belongings.
By contrast, the Chipolo Card Point takes the form of a slim rectangular tile that slides effortlessly into a wallet, passport holder, or work bag. Measuring 3.35 x 2.11 inches (85.1 x 53.6 mm) and only 0.09 inches (2.4 mm) thick, it’s roughly three times the thickness of a standard credit card—just enough to incorporate the necessary tracking hardware and internal battery. Like its sibling, it also carries an IPX5 splashproof rating and offers the same 200-foot range for sound activation, making it easy to locate even when it slips between couch cushions or gets buried inside a packed suitcase. The primary difference lies in its sealed battery design; the Card Point’s ultra-slim build sacrifices the convenience of a user-replaceable power cell. Although some may view this as a limitation, it is a deliberate engineering choice to keep the profile as thin and discreet as possible.
Chipolo has added thoughtful incentives for users who register their devices via Google’s Find My Device app. Two years after activation, those users will automatically receive an email containing a 50% discount code toward the purchase of a new finder. Even better, Chipolo provides an environmentally responsible option for returning the old tracker for free recycling, ensuring that sustainability and consumer convenience go hand in hand.
Setup and operation of both Chipolo trackers are refreshingly straightforward. Users initiate pairing with a simple squeeze of the tag, and the Google app handles the rest in a matter of seconds. Once active, the finders emit a remarkably loud 105-decibel tone—powerful enough to stand out in noisy environments such as busy city streets or cluttered households. This thoughtful design prioritizes reliability, ensuring that lost items are actually findable rather than merely trackable in theory.
In real-world testing, the Chipolo One Point and Card Point have proven exceptionally precise. Whether hidden among couch cushions or concealed outdoors—say, tucked into a planter or attached to a bicycle rack—they consistently respond to location requests with impressive accuracy. Their functionality for Android users parallels the convenience that Apple devotees have long enjoyed with AirTags, effectively erasing a major usability gap between the two ecosystems. To push the evaluation further, these trackers were also entrusted to someone known for habitually misplacing everyday items—a true stress test of durability and reliability. Over the span of several months, the devices delivered consistent, lifesaving assistance, dramatically reducing the user’s frustration and time lost in daily life.
From ZDNET’s perspective, the buying advice is unambiguous. If you’ve ever envied the simplicity of Apple’s AirTags but prefer or rely on Android devices, the Chipolo One Point and Card Point now provide an equivalent, high-quality alternative. Those who frequently misplace keys, bags, or small accessories should consider the One Point Bluetooth tracker as a go-to option—it’s ideal for attaching to a keyring, slipping into a pocket, or fastening to a backpack zipper. Meanwhile, the Card Point version is purpose-built for wallets or other slim spaces where thickness and portability are paramount. Regardless of which form factor you choose, you can expect accuracy, convenience, and a seamless experience that integrates perfectly with Google’s ecosystem. In short, both represent excellent investments for anyone seeking smarter, stress-free item tracking.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/chipolo-one-point-review/
