Once you become a faithful iPhone customer or switch to a Mac, you soon realize that the Apple brand universe is immense and the purchase possibilities are endless. There is no shortage of tech devices and accessories created to enhance your life — some great, some not so great. The problem with having so many options is that most Apple products aren’t exactly cheap. You’ll pay a pretty penny for some of the brand’s more popular accessories, so knowing which ones are worth the money and which aren’t is important before you start collecting gadgets and devices. Apple experts say you should never waste your money on this one accessory (and a far more affordable dupe is a better option).
Air Tags
Apple launched air tags in 2021. The small circular devices can be attached to wallets or key rings so that you can find them on your iPhone Find My App – but Layla Acharya, the owner of EdWize, cautions against spending your money on this pick. “This device is approximately $29 dollars and would not serve a great purpose as people do not misplace items like keys and wallets so often,” Acharya said. “This will be a waste of money for most iPhone users and will not benefit you in any significant way.”
Another reason not to buy an Air Tag is because similar dupes have cropped up that work just as well, including the Tile Mate, which has a 250-foot range, is compatible with iPhone and Android, and costs slightly less (at around $25). And if that price is still too high for your liking, a quick search on Amazon reveals even cheaper alternatives that come in packs of three or four, so you can outfit a number of items with trackers without having to spend Apple prices.
Buy This Instead: Magsafe Leather Covers
So maybe Air Tags won’t be on your holiday gift list after all. Acharya says a great swap is the Magsafe Leather Cover, which comes in several colors and keeps your iPhone safe (while making you feel like you’ve updated your phone without spending a great deal to do so).
“This will also give a new look to your iPhone and you can match colors with your dresses which is tempting news for well-groomed people who love to dress in style,” Acharya said. “It also allows the charger to attach to its magnetic back which allows you to keep both things together, especially while traveling. The prices for these covers start at $49 and can go up to $165.”
