In brief
- A 4G GPS locates the pet live, wherever there is network coverage.
- The medallion lets the person who finds it reach you, with no app.
- The AirTag is designed for objects and depends on nearby iPhones.
- The medallion and the GPS complement each other: one still works when the other needs recharging.
When a pet goes missing, two questions arise: where is it? and how can the person who finds it reach me? The medallion, the AirTag and the GPS do not answer them in the same way.
The GPS helps you find your pet.
The medallion helps the person who found it find you.
| Criterion | QR/NFC medallion | AirTag | 4G GPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answers the question | Who does this pet belong to? | Where is the object? | Where is my pet? |
| Live location | No | Partial | Yes |
| The person who finds it can reach you | Yes | Partial | No |
| No app for the finder | Yes | Partial | — |
| Battery | None | Replaceable battery | Rechargeable |
| Subscription | None | None | 4G connectivity |
| Designed for a pet | Yes | No | Yes |
Yes YesPartial PartialNo NoPartial: depending on nearby devices and their settings.
The QR/NFC medallion: being identified
The medallion does not locate your pet. It lets anyone with a smartphone open the pet’s profile and call you. With no battery and no subscription, it works as long as it is on the collar. Details: how a QR/NFC medallion works.
The AirTag: a tracker for objects
The AirTag reports its position when an iPhone passes nearby. Useful in town, hit-and-miss elsewhere, and designed by Apple for objects. The detailed comparison with GPS: AirTag or GPS for your dog.
The 4G GPS: being located
The GPS works out its position and sends it itself over the mobile network. You follow your pet live, set up safe zones and view its history.
The medallion: being identified
The 4G GPS: being located
Which to choose?
- Being reached by whoever finds itThe medallion: no battery, no subscription, readable by anyone.
- Knowing where it is, liveThe 4G GPS: position, safe zones, history.
- Both at onceMedallion and GPS, in the same Bixar app.
The medallion and the GPS do not compete: they cover the two moments of a disappearance. Why pair them: GPS and medallion, the duo.
