I carried this Bluetooth tracker card in my backpack for a week – and it withstood my clumsiness

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.

Once again, I’m talking about lyricism apple airtags. I absolutely love them. They have been a piece of technology that has truly changed my life.

But as much as I respect them, they’re not perfect. One thing that hasn’t changed in the nearly five years since their release is their size. No matter how big a fan I am – and I consider myself their No. 1 fan – even I have to admit that their tiny UFO-like design doesn’t fit well in a wallet or purse.

Too: This AirTag alternative with a 130dB siren and strobe light has my name written all over it

I’ve tried all kinds of solutions to get the AirTag to work for a wallet, even trying to take one apart and re-fit it into a 3D-printed credit card shell. But, in the end, the best option I found is The clip that Ridge uses On this Purse –and even that is far from ideal.

Thankfully, third-party tags have hit the market, and many of them are perfect for keeping in a wallet or purse. Even better, some offer some improvements over Apple’s AirTag.

One tag I’ve been testing recently is UAZ Metropolis by Urban Armor GearA company known for its tough smartphone cases. The Metropolis ticks all the boxes for me and is now my tag of choice for my wallet.

Why it works for wallet

Metropolis is designed to fit perfectly with your credit cards. It measures 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.1 inches (85.8 × 53.6 × 3.0 mm), making it the thickness of four credit cards.

Too: This Bluetooth tracker has effectively replaced my AirTag with its superior durability alone

The card is made of a hard polycarbonate shell, ultrasonically welded at the edges. It’s IPX4-rated, which means it’s not dust-resistant and can handle splashes. I even dipped the card several times, and it continued to work flawlessly.

Durability: Can it handle everyday use?

A common concern with slim tracker cards is their durability. Wallets and purses experience a lot of bending and flexing, which can potentially damage anything with a rechargeable battery.

Too: I took apart the new AirTag 2 and found a serious flaw in Apple’s popular tracker

To test it, I carried the Metropolis Tag in my back pocket without a wallet for over a week. Despite all the tilting and flexing, the tag remained unaffected.

Battery life and charging

Inside the Metropolis is a 110 mAh battery that lasts for about five months under normal use. When it’s time to recharge, you can pop it on a Qi or MagSafe wireless charger for a few hours.

According to UAZ, the battery is designed to last up to 300 recharge cycles. This equates to over 100 years of use based on battery lifespan, so it’s safe to say that the battery is built to last.

Metropolis works with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub networks. During setup, you choose which network you want, and you can reset the card later if necessary.

Too: I removed my AirTag just minutes after trying this Bluetooth tracker option – here’s why

Bluetooth detection range is about 200 feet (60 m) under ideal conditions, dropping to about 100 feet (30 m) indoors. These categories are specific to Bluetooth trackers.

A question I’ve been asked a lot is whether RFID-blocking wallets limit the range of tracker cards. After testing several cards and wallets, I can say with confidence that they have no significant impact.

However, metal wallets like Ridge Wallet may block the signal. If this happens, you can slide the tracker behind the money strap, which is Ridge’s recommended solution.

A standout feature of the UAZ Metropolis is its 95 dB speaker. This is as fast as a power tool and significantly faster than the first generation AirTags. It’s the equivalent of the second-generation AirTag, making it perfect for finding a lost wallet in a pile of clothes, in the couch, or even in the car.

Too: This AirTag-like card tracker is my top pick for Android and iOS users — and it’s rechargeable

The Metropolis has a slot cut out so it can serve as a luggage tag. However, I am not a fan of using tracker tags for air travel as I have seen many bent or damaged. Instead, I recommend placing the tag inside your luggage or using a sturdy tag holder for added security.

ZDNET’s shopping advice

I really like this UAZ Metropolis Card. It’s functional, stylish and works seamlessly with both Apple and Google’s tracking networks. Also, it does not require any third-party apps to operate.

You can rest assured that no one will use it to secretly track you – it will trigger an unknown tracker alert if they do.

The card also attaches well UAG Thin Kevlar Magnetic WalletWhich adds a touch of style and practicality.

Too: Best Bluetooth Trackers of 2026: Our Top Picks for Keeping Track of Your Stuff

At $45, the Metropolis is priced competitively compared to other high-performance tracker cards, such as braid, rolling squareOr keysmart (Deals may vary though, so shop around).

I especially like the rounded corners and sleek, premium feel of this card. It’s much less likely to rub against the edges of a wallet or purse than some other cards I’ve tested.

The UAZ Metropolis is an excellent alternative to Apple AirTags, especially if you’re looking for a tracker that fits in your wallet or purse. Although it doesn’t support Apple’s Precision Finding, its slim design, durability, and compatibility with both Apple and Google networks make it a strong contender in the tracker market.