This smart luggage lock has effectively replaced the AirTag for me when traveling

I’m a big believer in securing my travel luggage, and don’t travel without finder tags fitted. I’ve lost count of the number of times that taking these simple devices have saved me time, hassle, and money.

So, how about a padlock that has a built-in finder tag? This is exactly what the KeySmart SmartLock offers: a TSA-compliant padlock with a finder tag that’s compatible with Apple’s Find My network. 

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First, a word on TSA-compliant travel padlocks. By virtue of the design, they’re not great, and offer the most basic level of security. I can open any travel padlock in seconds using low-skill attacks, and if you’re not in the mood to learn how to open one of these yourself, the internet is rife with keys that will do the job. 

But for securing your luggage in an airport or when going on a cruise, they’re better than nothing, and having one puts a hurdle in the way of anyone wanting to mess with your stuff.

The SmartLock is quite big and bulky as travel padlocks go — it weighs about 3.5 ounces — but it combines two functions in one. And that bulkiness gives the padlock a decent level of resistance to physical attack. You’re not going to be break this with your hands or a small multitool. 

The SmartLock is IPX3 rated, so it will shrug off train and water splashes with ease, but won’t tolerate immersion. Security is offered by a 3-digit combination lock and a wire loop. Like I said, not great, but good enough to deter opportunist thieves looking for an easy pick. 

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As for tracking, the finder module is compatible with Apple’s Find My network (no Android support) and as such has the same limitations as all other third-party trackers (basically, you get everything that an AirTag offers except for precision finding). 

Powering the finder tag is a replaceable CR1632 button cell that’s located behind a battery cover that needs a coin to remove. The battery only powers the finder tag, and the lock is perfectly functional when the battery is flat (you just lose the finding functionality).

Setup is easy: just press the pairing button on the front, fire up the Apple Find My app, tap the + and select “Add Other Item” and you’re good to go. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

A single SmartLock costs $30, but you can also get a 3-pack for $80 and a 5-pack for $120. If you want a one-stop finder and padlock solution, this is a great option.