PERSONAL SECURITY BUYER’S GUIDE

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING UP A SECURITY DEVICE

BLUETOOTH

A lot of the devices here use Bluetooth to monitor their whereabouts. If your phone has a lot of competing connections — headphones, smart watches and so on — these can hinder the device’s functions.

SMARTPHONE SUPPORT

Consequently, items that use Bluetooth will need your phone either permanently, or infrequently, connected in order to function – making this item even more important than ever.

ONGOING COSTS

Do you need a subscription, or change the batteries? Plan ahead, and weigh up the costs versus the benefits for items in the same categories.

STYLE

You want something discreet for your tracker, or else it advertises to the world ‘Hey I’ve got something worth stealing!’ Consider its weight and size, and if it’s going to add mass to an already bulky set of keys, for instance.

BATTERIES

Anything that needs to be recharged is at risk of failure, but the same can be said with something that consumes single-use batteries. Keep an eye on your device’s health — the best will remind you when they’re running low.