Eufy Security SmartTrack Link
design
While this is a review of the Eufy SmartTrack Link, you’ll notice a lot of references to the Apple AirTag throughout. It’s hard to avoid, for all intents and purposes they’re two versions of the same thing and they’re fighting for the same place on your keychain.
A rounded square chiclet, the Eufy SmartTrack Link’s all plastic construction might limit the premium vibe a touch but it does help save weight in the process. At just 10 grams Eufy’s solution is around 10% lighter than the Apple AirTag despite being 5mm larger. If I’m being critical it feels a little hollow rather than a solid laminated block, but it’s only noticeable when you fiddle with it and does allow the SmartTrack to feature a clever hidden button so I’ll cut some slack here.
I don’t run a particularly busy keyring but the SmartTrack Link is small and light enough that I quickly forgot it was attached. Eufy’s design makes this an easier and less expensive possibility than Apple too thanks to a punch hole through the unit. An AirTag requires a separate case/adapter achieve the same thing so it’s a nice quality of life touch and well considered by Eufy.
It’s designed to stop you losing things, but if you happen to lose the SmartTrack Link itself there’s a QR code printed on the back that you can load with contact details via the Eufy Security app. It’s admittedly not as fancy a solution as Apple’s NFC approach and I do have concerns it’s at risk of being useless with a poorly placed scratch, but it’s nice that it’s there.
performance
The Eufy SmartTrack Link works with both iOS and Android though which kind of device you run will have a drastic impact on your experience. I’m an iPhone user so that means Find My integration but fewer native app options.
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Pairing was simple however strangely after setting up the SmartTrack Link I’ve never really needed to open the Eufy Security app again. I’m able to track the tag in the stock Apple Find My app rather than Eufy’s own offering and overall I found the Find My network provided more reliable tracking, more often.
I recently travelled overseas and popped the Eufy SmartTrack Link in my suitcase, it was made for moments like this. During my stopover in Dubai I had a brief moment of panic though when the Eufy Security app still showed my tag as being sat in Birmingham, it hadn’t pinged a location since I dropped it off at check in. I hopped over to the Find My app and there it was, happily making its way through the Dubai system. The SmartTrack Link was doing its job, it just needed the help of Apple to report it.
With the help of Find My the Eufy SmartTrack Link did exactly what I needed it to as a smart tracker. It showed me where it was with a decent level of precision and my iPhone was quick to notify me if it was no longer detected nearby. The software experience with Eufy’s own app may be stronger for Android users, but at a hardware level it’s certainly up to the job.
The Eufy SmartTrack Link also has a couple of extra tricks up its sleeve. Like an Apple AirTag a small built-in speaker which will chime if pinged from the phone app, handy if you’re not sure where you’ve left your keys – or which drawer you’re keeping the SmartTrack Link in before your next holiday.
Unlike an AirTag however it can also do the reverse, if you’ve got the tag but not your phone then squeezing the Link’s hidden inner button twice will make your phone ring via the Eufy Security app – even if it’s on silent. While it’s probably more likely you’ll misplace the tag rather than your phone, it’s a nifty feature that worked well in testing and it’s something Apple don’t offer.
summed up
If you’re looking for a smart tracker to throw in your suitcase for a long trip or keep hanging off your keys, Eufy SmartTrack Link is a strong choice. At nearly half the price of an Apple AirTag it offers the same basic functionality with a couple of other handy features too.
iPhone users will want to rely more on Apple’s Find My rather than the native Eufy Security app – but after the initial setup this doesn’t detract from the experience so is more a note than a genuine concern.
