Competition in the personal tracker space continues to heat up with T-Mobile's launch of the SyncUp Tracker.

While the $30 AirTag uses Bluetooth to locate lost items, T-Mobile claims that with the power of its LTE and GPS networks, the SyncUp Tracker "can be found virtually anywhere." However, T-Mobile's option costs $5 per month per tracker. [SyncUp Tracker] brings peace of mind to our customers' most prized possessions and valuables, and that's what our network is committed to," Matt Steinhoff, T-Mobile's chief marketing officer, said in a press release.

A major advantage T-Mobile has over Apple is the carrier's LTE network. Apple is using the Bluetooth and Ultra Widband sensors in recent iPhones in a novel way to help nearby iPhones receive AirTag Bluetooth signals and find lost items, but that doesn't mean much if the lost item happens to be far from where you are. If the lost item happens to be far away from where you are, it doesn't make much sense.

For example, attaching an AirTag to a car is of little use if the thief drives off into the woods to pick up parts. SyncUp also does not need to be in close proximity to a smartphone to work.

Other SyncUp features include the ability to set virtual boundaries and receive notifications when the tracker leaves the specified range; like AirTag, it has a built-in speaker that can ring when you are nearby; T-Mobile's tracker is also has an optical sensor to detect if it is moving from inside a locker or backpack, as well as IP67 dust and water resistance. And finally, it has a rechargeable 900mAh battery that can last up to seven days, depending on usage; Bluetooth keyfinders like the AirTag typically use replaceable batteries, with a battery life of about one year.

That is why the SyncUp Tracker, despite its versatility, could run into problems: instead of having to worry about replacing the battery only once a year, the SyncUp needs to be charged weekly. Otherwise, it is essentially dead weight.

T-Mobile customers can purchase SyncUp Trackers in stores starting May 7. They are priced at $60 ($31 more than AirTag) and can be paid in installments of $2.50 per month over 24 months. SyncUp Trackers also require a $5 monthly data fee with AutoPay.