We investigated the Motorola Moto Tag reviews available online and here is a summary of those reviews and ratings, including a list of pros and cons.
The Motorola Moto Tag is generally considered a viable and often superior tracking option for Android users, especially those with Ultra Wideband (UWB) compatible phones, but its performance is highly dependent on the developing Google Find My Device (FMD) network and some users report significant setup and battery issues.
The average user rating is 3.6 out of 5 stars based on 205 reviews on one site, and the critic reviews range from decent (70/100 to 8.1/10).
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons of the Moto Tag
✅ Pros (What Users Like)
- Android Compatibility: It is widely considered the best dedicated tracker for the Android ecosystem, working with the Google Find My Device network.
- Ultra Wideband (UWB): Supports UWB for precision tracking (similar to AirTag’s precision finding), though this requires a UWB-compatible phone.
- AirTag Accessory Compatibility: It is very similar in size to the Apple AirTag and often fits a wide range of existing AirTag cases/holders, which is a huge convenience.
- Easy Setup (for some): Many users report that initial setup and pairing are easy.
- Tracking Performance: When the Google FMD network is working well (especially in crowded areas or cities), the tracking is accurate and reliable.
- Build Quality: Mentioned as having good build quality and an IP67 water protection rating.
- Extra Features: The physical button can be customized, including functioning as a remote camera trigger.
- Replaceable Battery: Uses a replaceable battery (unlike some competitors).
❌ Cons (What Users Complain About)
- Google FMD Network Dependence: Tracking relies on other nearby Android phones participating in the network. If the tag is lost in a sparsely populated area, it may be useless and only show the last location it was connected to your phone.
- Battery Life Issues: This is a major complaint. Many users report the battery draining rapidly, sometimes in as little as a few weeks or months, despite an expected one-year life.
- Difficult Setup (for others): While some found it easy, many users reported a massive pain in the setup process, including difficulty getting it to show up on the Find My Device list, requiring constant resets and troubleshooting.
- Quiet Speaker: The built-in speaker for ringing the tag is often described as too quiet and inaudible outside or in a noisy environment.
- Moto Tag App Issues: The dedicated Motorola companion app is sometimes called “crappy,” displaying persistent notifications and often failing to update the tag’s firmware.
- Range and Functionality: Some users report that it only works well within very close Bluetooth range of the paired phone. Features like ringing the phone from the tag, or camera activation, are not consistently functional for all users.
- Precision Tracking (UWB): Even with UWB, some users find the proximity indicator to be a general circle rather than the precise distance measurement found on AirTags.
Motorola Moto Tag vs Apple AirTag
Is a Moto Tag as good as an AirTag?
The consensus is “almost, but not yet fully.”
- Hardware: The Moto Tag hardware is highly competitive, especially with UWB support and its AirTag accessory compatibility. Some reviewers consider it a clone and “essentially as good as an AirTag” for tasks like luggage tracking.
- Network: The key difference is the underlying tracking network. The AirTag relies on Apple’s vast and mature Find My network, which many users find more reliable and densely spread. The Moto Tag relies on the Google Find My Device network, which, while improving, is still seen by many users as less consistent and the source of most location/update issues, particularly in less-populated regions.
- Software/Reliability: The Moto Tag is held back by consistent reports of poor battery life and frustrating initial setup/software glitches that AirTag users rarely face.
Is the Moto Tag worth it?
Yes, for Android users, especially when on sale, if you have a UWB-enabled phone, and if you can tolerate potential battery and setup issues.
It’s currently a good option for Android to leverage UWB precision and the FMD network. However, if reliable, long-term battery life and seamless setup are your top priorities, the current generation of Moto Tag might be a frustrating experience based on the reviews.