Quick Answer: For most people, Chipolo ONE wins — it's louder (120dB), lighter, has a 2-year battery, and works with both iOS and Android. Samsung SmartTag 2 is the better choice only if you own a recent Galaxy phone (S21+ or newer) and want UWB precision finding plus deep SmartThings integration. Neither is recommended for iPhone users, who are better served by Apple's AirTag.
At a Glance: Specs Comparison
The two trackers differ most on compatibility, battery life, volume, and precision finding. Chipolo wins the core fundamentals; SmartTag 2 has the premium extras for Samsung power users.
| Feature | Chipolo ONE | Samsung SmartTag 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (single) | ~$25 | ~$29.99 | Chipolo (multi-pack value) |
| Compatibility | iOS 14+ & Android 6+ | Samsung Galaxy only (Android 8+) | Chipolo (by a mile) |
| Volume | 120dB | ~90dB | Chipolo |
| Battery life | Up to 2 years | 6–7 months | Chipolo |
| Water resistance | IPX5 (splash) | IP67 (submersible 1m/30min) | SmartTag 2 |
| Precision finding | No (Bluetooth proximity) | UWB (select Galaxy phones) | SmartTag 2 (for Galaxy users) |
| Dimensions / weight | 37mm × 6.5mm / 5g | 43.1mm × 27.8mm × 9mm / 13.4g | Chipolo (smaller, lighter) |
| Smart home integration | Alexa, Google Assistant | Deep SmartThings routines | SmartTag 2 |
| Battery type | CR2032, user-replaceable | CR2032, user-replaceable | Tie |
Compatibility — The Most Important Factor
Chipolo ONE works with almost any modern smartphone. Samsung SmartTag 2 is exclusively for Galaxy owners. This single difference will make the decision for most people instantly.
Chipolo's approach is universal: it supports iOS 14+ and Android 6+, which means it works in mixed-device households, with non-Samsung Androids (Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus), and with iPhones. Samsung SmartTag 2 works only with Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 8.0+ and requires the SmartThings app. It's a classic walled garden: powerful inside the ecosystem, useless outside it. If you don't own a Galaxy phone, there's nothing more to compare.
iPhone users who specifically want Chipolo hardware should look at the Chipolo ONE Spot, which integrates with Apple's Find My network. For most iPhone users, though, AirTag remains the better-integrated choice. For SmartTag troubleshooting, see our Samsung SmartTag not working guide.
Finding Experience: Range, Precision, and Volume
SmartTag 2 offers UWB precision finding for compatible Galaxy phones; Chipolo ONE is significantly louder when ringing. Each has a meaningful edge in a different dimension.
- Bluetooth range: Samsung claims 120m (390ft), Chipolo claims 60m (200ft). In real-world use through walls and furniture, both reliably connect within 50–60 meters. Don't base your decision on the claimed spec difference here.
- UWB precision finding: SmartTag 2's standout feature. If you own a Galaxy S21 Ultra, S22+, S22 Ultra, or any S23/S24 series phone, the SmartThings app gives you a directional arrow and distance readout, nearly identical to the experience of finding an AirTag on iPhone. Chipolo ONE has no UWB chip; it relies on Bluetooth proximity (a ring that grows stronger as you approach).
- Volume: Chipolo's decisive advantage at 120dB, one of the loudest trackers in its price range. SmartTag 2's ~90dB alarm is adequate but noticeably easier to muffle inside a bag or coat pocket. In a noisy environment, that 30dB gap is the difference between finding your keys in seconds or hunting for two minutes.
Neither tracker uses GPS. Tracking relies on Bluetooth proximity and crowdsourced networks. For a full explainer, see Does AirTag Have GPS?
Battery Life
Chipolo ONE's 2-year battery life means three to four times less maintenance than SmartTag 2's 6–7 months. Both use a standard CR2032 coin cell, and both apps notify you when battery runs low.
Chipolo's longevity is a genuine quality-of-life advantage. Attach it to your keys or wallet and forget about it for the better part of two years. SmartTag 2 will need battery swaps roughly every six months. Replacing the battery is straightforward on both: pop the back, swap the cell. For tips on the process, see our AirTag battery replacement guide (the procedure is nearly identical).
Design and Build Quality
SmartTag 2 wins on waterproofing (IP67 vs IPX5); Chipolo ONE wins on size, weight, and color options.
- Size and weight: Chipolo's circular disc (37mm × 6.5mm, 5g) fits unobtrusively on any keychain. SmartTag 2 (43.1mm × 27.8mm × 9mm, 13.4g) is nearly three times heavier, which is noticeable on lighter items.
- Water resistance: SmartTag 2's IP67 rating means it survives submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Chipolo's IPX5 handles rain and splashes but not dunks. If you're tracking outdoor gear, a bag strap, or a pet collar, SmartTag 2's waterproofing matters. For context, see Can AirTags Get Wet?
- Colors and aesthetics: Chipolo comes in multiple bright colors, making it easy to spot if dropped. SmartTag 2 is white only.
- SmartTag 2 power button: A physical button on the back that can trigger SmartThings automations. Useful for smart home users, and unique to this product.
App Experience and Extra Features
Chipolo's app is clean and cross-platform; SmartThings offers deeper automation and UWB precision for Galaxy users.
The Chipolo app is focused and straightforward: map with last known location, ring the tracker, set out-of-range alerts. Standout extras: double-press the tag to ring your phone (even on silent), use the tag as a camera shutter remote for selfies, and integrate with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for voice-activated finding.
The SmartThings app is more powerful for Samsung users. Beyond tracking, you can program the SmartTag 2 button to trigger home automations: single press turns on your smart lights, long press starts the robot vacuum. UWB precision finding works when you're in range of a compatible Galaxy phone. The downside: voice assistant support is Bixby only, and the feature depth is irrelevant if you're not in the SmartThings ecosystem. If you run into issues, our SmartTag troubleshooting guide covers common fixes.
For accessory pairings that work with both trackers, see best tracker holders and accessories.
Price and Value
Both trackers sit in the same $25–$30 range, but Chipolo pulls ahead in multi-pack deals and overall day-to-day value. A single Chipolo ONE is ~$25; a four-pack drops to roughly $19 per unit. SmartTag 2 is ~$29.99 each. Both are available on Amazon:
For most users, Chipolo's longer battery, louder alert, and universal compatibility make it better value. SmartTag 2's UWB and waterproofing carry a real price only if you're a Galaxy owner who can actually use them.
Who Should Buy Which? (Verdict)
This decision comes down to your phone, not the trackers.
Buy Chipolo ONE If:
- You have a non-Samsung Android (Pixel, Motorola, etc.) or an iPhone
- You live in a mixed-device household
- You prioritize a loud alert (120dB) to find items by ear
- You want 2-year battery life and minimal maintenance
- You want to track multiple items (multi-pack pricing is unbeatable)
Buy Samsung SmartTag 2 If:
- You own a Samsung Galaxy phone (required: no Galaxy means no SmartTag 2)
- You have a Galaxy S21 Ultra, S22+, S23, or S24 series and want UWB precision finding
- You use SmartThings smart home and want the tag to trigger automations
- You need IP67 waterproofing for outdoor gear or items that get wet
Consider Neither If:
- You have an iPhone. AirTag integrates far more deeply with iOS and uses the largest crowdsourced network of any tracker. For iPhone users comparing AirTag to other options, see our AirTag vs Tile comparison instead.
FAQ
Does Samsung SmartTag 2 work with iPhone?
No. SmartTag 2 requires a Samsung Galaxy device running Android 8.0+ with the SmartThings app. It cannot be set up, managed, or tracked from an iPhone or any non-Samsung Android device.
Is Chipolo compatible with Samsung phones?
Yes. Chipolo ONE works with any Android 6.0+ device (including Samsung Galaxy phones) plus iOS 14+. It's the most universal tracker in this category.
Which tracker is louder — Chipolo or SmartTag 2?
Chipolo ONE is significantly louder at 120dB versus SmartTag 2's ~90dB. That 30dB gap is meaningful in practice. Chipolo's alert carries through walls and ambient noise where SmartTag 2 can be muffled in a bag.
Does Chipolo have Precision Finding like SmartTag 2?
No. Chipolo ONE uses Bluetooth proximity (a ring strength indicator that tells you when you're getting closer). Samsung SmartTag 2 has a UWB chip that enables a directional arrow and distance readout on compatible Galaxy phones (S21 Ultra, S22+, S23/S24 series), similar to AirTag's Precision Finding.
How long does the battery last on each?
Chipolo ONE: up to 2 years on a CR2032 cell. Samsung SmartTag 2: up to 6–7 months on a CR2032 cell. Both are user-replaceable and both apps notify you when battery is low.
Can I use Chipolo or SmartTag 2 to find my phone?
Yes, both support two-way finding. With Chipolo ONE, double-press the tag to ring your phone even if it's on silent. With SmartTag 2, press and hold the tag's button to ring your connected Galaxy phone.
Which has a better crowdsourced network for far-away items?
Both networks are smaller than Apple's Find My. Chipolo uses an opt-in community network; SmartTag 2 uses SmartThings Find (any nearby SmartThings user updates your tag's location). Real-world effectiveness varies by location. Neither approaches the density of Apple's network, so both are strongest for finding nearby or recently-seen items.
Is Samsung SmartTag 2 worth it over the original SmartTag?
Yes, clearly. SmartTag 2 (Oct 2023) adds IP67 waterproofing (up from IP53), longer range claims, UWB precision finding on compatible Galaxy phones, and a refined design with a programmable button. It's a much better product than the 2021 original.