Chipolo POP

In the world of Bluetooth item trackers, Chipolo has been a notable player for a long time. The Chipolo POP is one of their newer offerings, designed to provide a flexible and effective way to locate your misplaced items, with a key differentiator: it aims for broad compatibility. This guide cuts through the noise to explain what Chipolo POP is, its practical uses, and its pros and cons.

What is Chipolo POP?

The Chipolo POP is a compact, disc-shaped Bluetooth tracker. It’s built with a focus on bright colours and ease of use. Unlike some earlier Chipolo models that were specific to their own app or only to Apple’s Find My network, the defining feature of the Chipolo POP is its dual compatibility with either Apple’s Find My network or Google’s Find My Device network. It includes a loud built-in speaker, a replaceable CR2032 coin-cell battery (lasting up to a year), and an integrated keyring hole.

How Does It Work?

The Chipolo POP, like other Bluetooth trackers, functions by emitting a secure Bluetooth signal. The magic happens when it connects to one of the major crowdsourced finding networks:

  1. Network Selection: During initial setup, you choose whether to pair your Chipolo POP with Apple’s Find My app (for iPhone, iPad, Mac users) or Google’s Find My Device app (for Android users). Crucially, it can only work with one network at a time.
  2. Bluetooth Signal: Once connected, the Chipolo POP constantly broadcasts its Bluetooth signal.
  3. Crowdsourced Location: When any device connected to the chosen network (billions of Apple devices for Find My, or millions of Android devices for Find My Device) comes within Bluetooth range of your Chipolo POP, it anonymously and securely relays the tag’s location data to the cloud.
  4. Map Location: You can then view your Chipolo POP’s updated location on a map within the respective Apple Find My or Google Find My Device app on your smartphone.
  5. Direct Chime: When within direct Bluetooth range (up to 90 meters / 300 feet), you can use the app to make your Chipolo POP play a loud 120dB chime, helping you pinpoint it by sound.
  6. Find Your Phone: If you have your Chipolo POP but can’t find your phone, you can double-press the Chipolo POP button to make your phone ring, even if it’s on silent (this feature typically works through the Chipolo app, which can run concurrently with the Find My/Find My Device connection).

What Are They Good For?

Chipolo POP is a versatile item finder suitable for anyone prone to misplacing everyday items, particularly those who appreciate the flexibility of choosing their preferred tracking network.

  • Keys: Its built-in keyring hole makes it a natural fit for your house or car keys.
  • Bags & Backpacks: Easily attach it to school bags, gym bags, handbags, or luggage for travel.
  • Wallets: While dedicated card trackers exist, the slim profile of the POP can fit into some larger wallet compartments.
  • Finding Your Phone: The reverse-finding feature is a handy bonus if you frequently misplace your smartphone around the house.
  • General Items: Anything you might put down and forget – remote controls, tools, even pet collars (though dedicated pet trackers offer more features).

Pros and Cons of Chipolo POP

Pros:
  • Dual Network Compatibility: This is the biggest advantage. A single Chipolo POP model can work with either Apple’s Find My network or Google’s Find My Device network. This makes it highly flexible, especially for households with mixed phone ecosystems or if you switch phone brands.
  • Affordable: Competitively priced, often a more cost-effective alternative to first-party trackers, especially when you factor in not needing extra accessories for attachment.
  • No Mandatory Subscription: Basic finding features are free, with no ongoing fees.
  • Loud Chime: At 120dB, the speaker is very loud, making it easier to locate items hidden under cushions or in noisy environments.
  • User-Replaceable Battery: The CR2032 coin cell battery can be easily swapped out, extending the tracker’s lifespan beyond a year.
  • Integrated Keyring Hole: Ready to attach to keys or bags right out of the box, unlike some competitors that require separate accessories.
  • “Find My Phone” Feature: The ability to ring your phone from the tracker is a convenient bonus.
  • Colours: Available in multiple vibrant colours, which can help with identification and personalization.
  • Water Resistant: IP55 rated, meaning it’s protected against dust and splashes of water (e.g., rain).
Cons:
  • No Simultaneous Network Use: You must choose either the Apple Find My network or the Google Find My Device network during setup. It cannot use both at the same time, meaning you only benefit from one network’s density.
  • No Ultra Wideband (UWB): Unlike Apple AirTags (and some Samsung SmartTags), Chipolo POP does not include UWB for highly precise directional finding (the “hot/cold” arrows). You’ll rely on the chime and Bluetooth signal strength indicators for nearby finding.
  • Network Density Varies: While both Apple and Google’s networks are vast, their density can vary by location. In very rural or less populated areas, location updates might be less frequent.
  • Not a True GPS Tracker: It’s a Bluetooth tracker, not a GPS device. It won’t provide continuous real-time tracking of an item moving across long distances independently.
  • Limited Additional Features: Compared to some dedicated brand trackers or premium GPS trackers, it focuses on core finding functionalities without extensive health monitoring or complex integrations.

The Chipolo POP stands out as a strong universal option in the Bluetooth tracker market. Its cross-platform compatibility and loud chime make it a highly practical choice for anyone looking for an efficient and no-fuss way to keep track of their everyday essentials.