Pebblebee Halo
pros and cons
- Super-loud speaker, beats the AirTag hands down
- Strobe makes finding in low-light conditions easier
- Rechargeable using USB-C.
- Bulky compared to regular finder tags
- Alert Live requires ongoing subscription
- More expensive per tag than even the AirTag.
on Google.
Tracker tags have revolutionized how we keep track of personal belongings, offering a seamless combination of convenience, security, and peace of mind in a single device. With new advancements like extended range and integration into massive networks such as Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub, finding lost or stolen items has become faster and easier than ever before.
But what if a tracker tag could do more than locate your belongings? What if it could help keep you safe? Not in a creepy, invasive way, but as a personal safety device, one that can discreetly or loudly alert your friends, family, or loved ones during an emergency.
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This is precisely what Pebblebee has achieved with the innovative Halo
More than just a finder tag
The Halo is much more than a simple tracker. The device combines a physical emergency trigger, a 130dB siren, a 150-lumen strobe, live location sharing, and an everyday-carry flashlight into one compact, rechargeable keychain device.
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Measuring just 1.1 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches (28 x 69 x 18 mm) and weighing only one ounce (28 grams), the tracker is small enough to clip onto your keys, handbag, or backpack, yet large enough to house an impressively long-lasting battery that keeps the device powered for up to one year per charge.
Lots of customization is possible in the Pebblebee app.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Easy activation
Activating the Halo is simple and intuitive. The device is pull-apart, meaning you only need to grab and pull it to trigger an alert. This motion is easy to perform, even in high-stress or adrenaline-filled situations.
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Despite its ease of activation, the Halo is designed to stay securely held together during normal use, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally setting it off.
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When activated, the Halo doesn’t just make noise and flash lights. The device also sends its live location to up to five trusted contacts in the user’s Safety Circle. These contacts will continue to receive real-time location updates until the alert is deactivated using the Pebblebee app. This feature, called Alert Live, is included with a complimentary 12-month subscription, which can be renewed annually for $24.99.
Silent alerts
For situations where noise or flashing lights might escalate the danger, the Halo offers a silent alert option. This thoughtful feature allows users to notify their Safety Circle discreetly, without activating the siren or strobe. It’s perfect for emergencies where subtlety and stealth are crucial, such as dealing with a suspicious individual or navigating a tense situation where drawing attention could worsen the threat.
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With this feature, the Halo empowers users to adapt their response to the situation, offering peace of mind and an added layer of security in unpredictable circumstances.
How does it compare to the AirTag?
The Apple AirTag’s
Halo vs. AirTag.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
For iPhone users, AirTags are hard to beat.
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When it comes to third-party tags, Halo is about as good as you’ll find, both for locating the tag and in speaker volume (the Halo is far louder than an AirTag). The addition of a strobe makes finding the tag in low-light conditions (or when it’s buried in the sofa) a lot easier.
The built-in battery is also nice, because it means not having to mess with potentially dangerous button cells.
But what about…?
Now, let me address a question I anticipate hearing: ‘Why bother with the Halo when you could carry pepper spray, a knife, a stun gun, or some other self-defense tool?’
A fair question, but here’s why the Halo still stands out:
- Training and proficiency: Many self-defense tools require proper training to use effectively. Without training, these items may not provide the protection you’re hoping for and could even put you in greater danger. The Halo, on the other hand, is simple to use in any situation.
- Legality and accessibility: Self-defense tools like pepper spray, knives, or stun guns are illegal or heavily restricted in many places around the world. Even in regions where they’re legal, you often can’t carry them in certain locations, such as airports, schools, or government buildings. The Halo faces none of these restrictions and can be carried virtually anywhere.
- Safety: Physical self-defense tools can be turned against the user in a confrontation, which is a serious risk. The Halo avoids this issue entirely while still offering powerful deterrence features.
- Alerts: Most self-defense tools can’t notify trusted contacts when you’re in danger. The Halo’s ability to send live location updates to your Safety Circle is a critical feature that sets it apart, ensuring help can be on the way even if you can’t call for it yourself.
While traditional self-defense tools certainly have their place, the Halo offers a safer, more accessible, and proactive alternative for personal protection.
ZDNET’s buying advice
The Pebblebee Halo