On November 11, Nomad debuted its latest Find My-enabled accessory, the Tracking Card Pro. With a sleek new design and impressive battery life, it works hard to earn its name as a premium tracker.
It took Nomad years to make a MagSafe wallet — and they're known for wallets. Nobody can call the company timely.
Despite many other wallet-style tracking cards with Apple Find My now available, Nomad was also late to the party when it first hit the market. Now, though, Nomad is trying something different out.
The Nomad Tracking Card Pro sits alongside Nomad's original tracker, with the former a more luxe version, with a metal-accented design. I've been testing it out for a bit, and while it isn't perfect, it's definitely worth checking out.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: Updated design
The Nomad Tracking Card Pro comes in both white and black and is still the same footprint as your typical credit card. That means it will mostly slip into any wallet with ease.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: The card is printed to look like a credit card
The front of the card is printed faintly with a faux chip and the Nomad logo, making it appear like a credit card. On the back, there's a fake magnetic strip to keep up the credit card disguise and some Find My branding.
Both the strip and the chip are solely there for aesthetics and don't serve any functional purpose. It just gives the card a different look that might not get immediately tossed by thieves, and the white one especially looks very crisp and clean.
This card may have the same length and width of a credit card, but its thickness is decidedly not. It's much thicker than a credit card is.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: Comparing the new Nomad tracker to the Apple Card thickness
When viewed from the side, you can see the aluminum body of the card that is sandwiched by two pieces of polycarbonate. It measures 2.5mm thick, which is more than three times a regular credit card.
This will likely preclude it from fitting into some tight spots, like certain MagSafe wallets that already only fit two or three cards. That said, it does look very nice and feels ultra lightweight when held.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: Battery and power
There is a reason that the new Tracking Card Pro is thicker. That's because the battery is more than three times the capacity of the original tracker.
The original Nomad Tracking Card would last five months, while the Nomad Tracking Card Pro can last 16 months. That is very impressive and one of the longest battery ratings I've seen on a tracking card.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: The Tracking Card Pro is a bit thick to hold the extra battery
Typically, the cards that boast one to two years of battery life are consumables and must be recycled after the battery dies. The Nomad Tracking Card Pro rechargeable via Qi or MagSafe, allowing it to continue to be used for years.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: It can be charged wirelessly with MagSafe
It even has enough magnetic strength to hold itself upright on MagSafe chargers.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: Compared to AirTag
There are several notable differences between a tracking card and an Apple AirTag. The most obvious is the design since the Tracking Card Pro is sleek enough to fit comfortably in your wallet.
AirTag in a wallet definitely creates a bit of a bulge when put into a wallet or pocket. It's especially bad if you sit on your wallet as it can be very uncomfortable.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: I love the metal body
Once Apple opened up the Find My program to third parties, third-party card-style trackers proliferated. The form factor is fantastic for wallets, passports, bags, and more where space is at a premium.
AirTag and third-party trackers all show within the Find My app. You can see the last known location, make it audibly chime, and get alerts if you ever leave it behind.
Technically, AirTag is more powerful with ultra-wideband Precision Finding. It's not essential though, because as long as you get close, the chime will help you find what you lost.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: Add and manage it from the Find My app
Nomad Tracking Card Pro can be shared with others, which is helpful so they don't get stalking alerts just for traveling with you. Finally, it can be put into lost mode, which can help others return the lost item to you.
Pretty nice.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: Should you buy it?
The new Nomad Tracking Card Pro is fantastic. I love the extra-long battery life and credit card copycat design.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: It's nice to have ample battery
But the extra thickness does mean that it won't work for everyone. If you need something thinner, the regular Nomad Tracking Card is about 30 percent thinner.
For the price, I think Nomad Tracking Card Pro is totally worth it. Assuming you can fit it in your wallet or whatever else you hope to track.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: It's not a bad price, works well, and looks great
It's thinner than an AirTag, with longer battery life, and it can be recharged. By all accounts, it's a fantastic alternative to AirTag for tight spaces.
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: Pros
- Sleek new design with polished metal sides
- Impressively long battery life in a compact body
- Native support for Apple Find My
- Wireless charging
Nomad Tracking Card Pro review: Cons
- Apple still prevents UWB tracking for third parties
- More expensive than an AirTag
Nomad Tracking Card Pro rating: 4.5 out of 5
Where to buy Nomad Tracking Card Pro
Buy the new Nomad Tracking Card Pro from the company's website in black or white for $39, or buy two and save 10%.
