Lildog GPS vs. Apple AirTag – what’s really the best choice for your dog or cat?

Two different technologies with completely different purposes

The most important thing to understand is that Lildog and AirTag were not created for the same use case. AirTag is built for keys, bags, and other objects that don’t move on their own. Lildog, on the other hand, is designed specifically for dogs and cats, created to track them in real time – wherever they may run.

How does tracking actually work?

Lildog: GPS + mobile network

Lildog uses both GPS and mobile connectivity (NB-IoT/LTE-M). This means you can see your pet’s position in real time, even across long distances – in forests, fields, new areas, and completely independently of how many people are nearby.

The technology functions like a tiny mobile phone that regularly sends its location to the app. It requires a subscription, but in return you get coverage wherever there is mobile signal.

AirTag: Bluetooth + the “Find My” network

An AirTag does not use GPS. Instead, it emits a small Bluetooth signal that is detected by nearby Apple devices when they pass by. This works well in cities or busy neighborhoods, but is far less effective when a dog or cat roams in areas with few people.

If your pet ends up in the woods, open countryside, or any quiet place without iPhone traffic, an AirTag becomes extremely difficult – or impossible – to track.

Accuracy and responsiveness

Lildog

• Real-time positioning
• GPS accuracy down to a few meters
• Reliable while your pet is moving
• Location history and activity insights

AirTag

• No real-time tracking – only updates when an iPhone passes by
• Can be highly inaccurate across large areas
• Not designed for tracking moving animals
• No history or activity data

Safety and suitability for animals

Apple has publicly stated that AirTags are not designed for pets. Features like anti-stalking alerts – notifications sent to nearby iPhone users if an AirTag appears to be moving with them – can cause confusion or false warnings when attached to an animal.

Lildog, however, is purpose-built for dogs and cats. It is robust, waterproof, and designed with secure attachment that withstands movement, play, and weather. Both the hardware and the app are focused on pet safety and reliability.

Coverage and range

Lildog: Works anywhere mobile networks support NB-IoT/LTE-M. Ideal for active pets that may wander far from home.

AirTag: Fully dependent on nearby Apple devices. If no iPhones pass by, you won’t receive any location updates.

Battery life and usage patterns

AirTags have long battery life because they transmit very little data. They are not designed for continuous real-time tracking – this would drain the battery quickly.

Lildog offers adjustable update intervals depending on how often you want location data. It is built for active, real-time tracking of pets, not only for lost items.

Price and subscription

A GPS tracker requires a subscription – just like a mobile phone – because it uses the mobile network to transmit data. AirTag is cheaper upfront and has no subscription costs, but also offers far less functionality.

Which option is right for you?

If your goal is simply to find forgotten items like keys or bags, an AirTag is a solid choice.

But if you want to protect a living animal – one that runs, explores, changes direction, and can travel far – then a dedicated GPS tracker like Lildog is in a completely different league.

Choose an AirTag if…

• You only need to track stationary objects
• You mainly need it in urban environments
• You want the cheapest and simplest option

Choose Lildog if…

• You want to see your dog or cat in real time
• You need long-range tracking and GPS precision
• You want a robust, pet-friendly device
• You want real peace of mind – wherever your pet goes

Conclusion

Lildog and AirTag solve two very different problems. AirTag is excellent for locating misplaced items. Lildog is designed to provide true safety for dogs and cats, with technology that continues to work even when your pet is moving fast and far away.

For pet owners who want reliability, control, and peace of mind, a dedicated GPS tracker is clearly the best choice.