Peeblebee’s Card is a great tracker very few people will use

Bluetooth trackers are cheap and widespread, with devices of all shapes and sizes coming out to help you keep an eye on all your important items. Apple’s AirTags, backed by a vast network that allows users to pinpoint the tracker’s location, tend to outdo other trackers, but a number of competitors have popped up, albeit piggybacking on Apple’s foundation.

This includes Pebblebee, which offers several trackers of various sizes and uses. The Peeblebee Card in particular fits perfectly in a wallet or clutch and is designed to keep track of other cards and cash. I tried out this simple card tracker and it gave me peace of mind. I also started to wonder if I really needed the Pebblebee Card, as this rather special device is different from others only in its design.

Pebble Bee Card

The Pebblebee Card is a slim, matte black Bluetooth tracker that’s compatible with both Android and Apple devices. Its slim design is designed to fit anywhere a card can fit.

battery

18 months

range

500 feet

water resistance

IPX6

Strong Points

• Slim design
• Long Bluetooth Range
• Loud alarm

Cons

• expensive
• Potentially extra
• Weak charging cable

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Pricing, Specifications and Availability

Pebblebee cards can be purchased directly from Amazon and Pebblebee.com. They are compatible with both Apple and Android devices. iOS users can integrate the card with the Find My app, while Android users can use the Peeblebee app. The card can only be connected to one of the apps; you can’t use both at the same time and a factor reset is required to switch.

The card is extremely light and thin, weighing just 15g and measuring less than 3mm thick, and comes with a small charging cable that’s powered via a USB-C outlet.

What I like about Pebble Bee Cards

Simple, effective and durable

This device has the two most important features I look for in a tracking card: First, it’s extremely thin. At 2.5mm thick, it’s a bit thicker than most cards and IDs, but the dimensions are the same, so it fits easily into a wallet, clip, or card holder.

Second, the tracking feature actually works: Peeblebee cards are compatible with Apple’s Find My app, allowing you to track your precious belongings across a vast network of devices around the world. There’s also a Pebblebee app for Android users (though it can only connect to one network).

The Peeblebee boasts a Bluetooth range of 500 feet. I live in a relatively small apartment (I work from home), so this isn’t particularly useful to me, but for those who live and work in a large space, the extended range could be very useful, especially compared to other trackers. I tested it in a park, with some distance between the card and me, and was impressed with the range. It worked well in flat, open areas, but be aware that obstructions may limit the connection.

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When you’re within range, it will sound a sound to help you pinpoint your location. The tracker emits a loud, high-pitched tone, which is great for finding something buried inside or under other fabrics (not a good idea for just testing the card, especially if you have people or animals with sensitive ears). The sound lasts for a few seconds, but you can turn it off once you’ve found the device. The sound varies in frequency and rhythm to make it stand out from other sounds. Overall, it makes it easier to find your card, but it’s very frustrating. That’s the trade-off if you lose something important.

The card can also be charged with the included cable, which connects via two small prongs on the back of the card. It’s not as secure a connection as connecting your phone, but it still works fine. The other end has a USB-C input, which allows you to charge it with your laptop or phone. This is convenient, although the battery life is listed as 18 months, so you might not need to charge it often.

The card boasts an IPX6 waterproof rating, which is surprisingly strong. It’s protected against a constant stream of water, such as a heavy rain, but can’t be submerged. It may be more waterproof than the items and cards you put it in with, but this is helpful. It’s possible that it might get wet, but I don’t think it’ll get wet often.

What I didn’t like about the Pebble Bee cards

Design may be limited

While I found the product to work effectively and easy to put away and trust once I started using it, I have some concerns as I start looking at other options. Peeblebee is looking to compete with Apple when it comes to trackers, and the AirTags are the top devices to surpass. The Peeblebee Card holds its own in terms of design, but the $50 price tag will put most people off, making it more expensive than Apple’s AirTags and Tile’s Slim.

The charging cable is a big plus, but it feels delicate — it’s small and thin, and the prongs that connect to the card are tiny and I worry they might break off easily. I’m happy to be able to charge the battery, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to find that very small, very special black cable in 12-18 months’ time.

Shape is also something to consider. The super slim rectangular design lends itself well to a wallet, card clip, or passport holder (I find it invaluable as a last minute item when traveling), and I’m happy to use it that way. Other than that, it’s hard to find a use for it that is as valuable, or more valuable, than a standard tracking tag that you can slip into a wallet or attach to a keychain. The Pebblebee card is a quality product, but not very versatile.

Conclusion: Should you buy a Pebblebee card?

The Pebblebee card is simple, functional and useful. I was impressed with the range, location feature and easy integration with Find My.

Whether it’s directly valuable to you is another matter. I like to carry a card tracker with me in my wallet or passport holder, and that’s where most of the effective use comes in. If you just want to throw it in a bag, purse, or backpack, you’re probably better off with a different form factor tracker.

The tracker’s card-like design is both its charm and its drawback, and it all comes down to this specific need. That said, I do appreciate the additional features this tracker offers to help me keep track of my wallet.