If you are looking to keep an eye on your four-legged companion’s movements, two products stand out: Apple’s Airtag and Invoxia’s Minitailz. Both solutions offer specific features, but which one is best for your dog? Here is a detailed comparison to help you make the best choice.
AirTag for Dogs vs Minitailz: Strengths and Limitations #
| Strengths of the Airtag for Dogs | Strengths of Minitailz |
|---|---|
| - Integration with Apple’s Find My network - Lightweight and discreet - Long battery life - Ease of use - Waterproof (IP67) |
- Accurate GPS tracking - Reliable coverage in 40 countries - No distance limit - Safety zones (geofencing) - Live Tracking in emergencies - Heart and respiratory health scan - Detection of atrial fibrillation* (Afib) - Activity and barking monitoring - Sleep score - Daily and weekly health and activity reports - Waterproof and dustproof (up to 3.3 feet deep: IP67) - Long battery life - Ease of use |
| Weaknesses of the Airtag | Weaknesses of Minitailz |
| - Depends on proximity to Apple devices - No interaction with Android - Limited features for pet tracking - No health or activity tracking - One-year battery life but requires battery replacement - Unattractive accessories - Potential danger of waves for pets |
- Larger and slightly heavier - Coverage limited to certain countries |
*Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is a common arrhythmia in dogs, which can be a symptom of more serious heart disease such as mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Feature Comparison Between the AirTag for Dogs and Minitailz #
| Airtag | Minitailz | |
|---|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | ✔️ (via Find My network) | ✔️ |
| Anti-escape Alerts | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Position History | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Position Sharing | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Live Tracking | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Virtual Fences | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Zone Entry/Exit Alerts | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Proximity Radar | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Heart Rate Scan | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Breathing Rate Scan | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Afib Detection | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Activity Tracking | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Sleep Score | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Barking Detection | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Battery Life | About 1 year (CR2032 battery) | Up to 15 days (rechargeable, cable included) |
| Dimensions | 1.26 inches in diameter | 1.65 x 1.65 x 0.63 inches |
| Weight | 0.024 pounds | 0.082 pounds |
| Price | $42 + accessories | $106 + subscription |
| Tracking Technology | Bluetooth + Find My network | 4G LTE-M, Wi-Fi, BLE |
AirTag for Dogs and Minitailz: Are They Safe? #
For all dog owners, the priority is to keep their dog healthy. And this also involves choosing the right tracker! Invoxia is well aware of this and has made Minitailz the safest solution for all dogs.
Exposure to Waves #
Minitailz operates with 3 transmitters: BLE, Wi-Fi, and LTE-M. The actual specific absorption rate (SAR) of Minitailz is only 0.006 W/kg in connected mode, well below the limit of 2 W/kg. This makes it a safe solution for animals, even when connected continuously.
On the other hand, the Airtag primarily uses Bluetooth to transmit its position via the Find My network. However, some studies suggest that prolonged use of an Airtag, especially on an animal, may pose risks. As explained by CNET, according to experts, the SAR of the Airtag is not specifically designed for prolonged use on dogs, and emission levels may be problematic for small animals. Therefore, caution is advised when using an Airtag on a dog, particularly for small breeds.
Ingestion Risks #
A second risk can arise with a dog tracker: the ingestion of the device.
For Minitailz, although compact, it is large enough to avoid ingestion. Additionally, its solid attachment system prevents the case from detaching, thus removing any temptation to chew on it or, worse, swallow it!
On the other hand, the Airtag may be convenient due to its size, but it can quickly become dangerous. Cases of ingestion have already been reported, particularly in the United States, where the use of the Airtag for dogs is more developed than in Europe. In the event of corrosion, the risks of causing internal injuries are very real…
AirTag for Dogs or Minitailz: Key Takeaways #
The choice between Apple’s Airtag and Minitailz primarily depends on your specific needs and the environment in which you live with your dog. While the Airtag for dogs can work perfectly in cities with a high density of Apple users, the chances of finding your dog if it escapes diminish if you move away…
With Minitailz and its LTE-M coverage, tracking occurs regularly, even in less populated areas! Its additional health and activity tracking features also make it a preferred tracker for owners who want more than just GPS tracking.
Invoxia’s Minitailz stands out as a true connected tool for monitoring your dog’s location, health, and activity, offering advanced features such as:
- Anti-escape Alerts: Thanks to virtual safety zones, you are alerted in real-time as soon as your pup leaves. You can act quickly in case of an escape to maximize your chances of finding them quickly.
- Heart and Respiratory Health Analysis: A true technological gem powered by artificial intelligence, Minitailz accurately measures your dog’s heart and respiratory rates. Each day, you have access to detailed reports in the form of fun graphs and texts. This way, you can ensure everything is fine health-wise!
- Detailed Activity Tracking: Minitailz allows you to see in detail all the actions your dog performs throughout the day. Whether it’s walking, running, playing, or even barking, each activity is recorded and timed for a complete view of their day. The Airtag, on the other hand, only tracks your pup’s location.
- Sleep Evaluation: An active dog also needs rest, and Minitailz’s sleep score feature helps you monitor the quality of their nights. This score combines several data points such as sleep duration, restlessness, and any interruptions, allowing you to know if your dog is sleeping well.
- Daily and Weekly Reports: Every day, Minitailz sends you a complete summary of your dog’s activities and health, generated automatically. Additionally, each week, a more detailed report is sent, including comparisons with other dogs, allowing you to analyze your companion’s habits in depth.
AirTag for Dogs vs Minitailz: Make Your Choice! #
To keep an eye on your dog’s location in densely populated areas, a simple Airtag may suffice. But beware of the dangers that come with it!
On the other hand, whether you live in a big city or the countryside, Minitailz is the ideal solution. It relies on the LTE-M network that covers the entire country well and has already allowed several users to find their dog. And unlike the Airtag for dogs, Minitailz poses no danger to your four-legged companion’s health, allowing you to stay calm when they wear it, even continuously.
If your priority is occasional location tracking in urban areas, the Airtag may be sufficient, provided you don’t use it too often to avoid any danger. However, for more comprehensive tracking, both in terms of location and your pet’s health, Minitailz stands out as the most complete and secure choice!