UGREEN Finetrack 2, Finetrack Mini 2 and Finetrack Duo Review

Bluetooth trackers are now part of everyday life for many people, whether on their keys, in their rucksack or in their wallet. These little helpers ensure that we can find lost items quickly. This is precisely where UGREEN wants to get involved and is now expanding its FineTrack series with three new models.

After the predecessor already made a positive impression on us in last year's test, we are now taking a closer look at the new generation. Today we want to find out how the three trackers perform in everyday use, what the differences are and whether UGREEN continues to offer an interesting alternative to significantly more expensive solutions.

About UGREEN

UGREEN is now a well-known manufacturer of technology accessories and offers a wide range of products for smartphones, PCs and tablets. Chargers, power banks and docks in particular have been very popular with users for years.

However, the manufacturer is now increasingly expanding its portfolio to include new product categories. These include NAS systems and Bluetooth trackers such as the FineTrack series. UGREEN is now launching three new FineTrack models on the market.

Technical data

Scope of delivery, design & workmanship

As soon as we unpack them, we quickly notice that UGREEN has made some changes to the design of the new FineTrack series. The three trackers are clearly different from each other, but all appear to us to be cleanly finished and of high quality. Overall, they make a decent and solid impression for the price range. Let's take a look at the models individually.

FineTrack 2

The FineTrack 2 comes in a round housing with a diameter of 34 mm, which is shaped like a soccer ball. This clearly sets it apart from many classic trackers and makes it look more discreet and playful without appearing cheap. The surface is matt black and made of rubber, which feels really comfortable in everyday use. In addition to a status LED, the manufacturer has also installed two yellow bars on one side, which are even reflective in the dark. Directly underneath is the UGREEN lettering, which also functions as a well-hidden button.

The permanently integrated eyelet, into which the manufacturer has also pre-fitted a strap, is particularly practical. Another spare strap is included in the scope of delivery, as well as all kinds of documentation. Incidentally, the FineTrack 2 comes in a 1-pack and with a permanently installed battery that cannot be replaced. However, the tracker has a good IP68 protection class.

FineTrack Mini 2

The 36 mm wide and 10 mm high FineTrack Mini 2 goes in a slightly different direction and clearly focuses on compactness. It is significantly flatter and therefore the perfect candidate for purses, small bags or anywhere where space is at a premium. Visually, it looks modern to us and also has the two reflective lines next to the status LED. There is also a hidden button in the middle of the UGREEN logo, which is necessary for establishing a connection or resetting the FineTrack Mini 2. All important technical data is printed on the back of the tracker, as is the opening for the speaker in the middle.

Unfortunately, UGREEN has not provided this model with an integrated eyelet. However, four matching silicone sleeves with eyelets and the corresponding carabiner rings are included in the scope of delivery. We simply slide the tracker into these and then not only have an eyelet, but also protection. This is not a bad thing, as it allows us to decide for ourselves whether we prefer maximum compactness or would rather mount the tracker.

In addition to the four cases and the four carabiner rings, the scope of delivery only includes some documentation. Unfortunately, UGREEN does not provide us with a replaceable battery here either. However, just like its big brother, the battery life is said to be an impressive five to seven years and, of course, we also get an IP68 protection class. UGREEN delivers the FineTrack Mini 2 in a pack of four.

FineTrack Duo

The FineTrack Duo looks almost exactly like the old Smart Finder from UGREEN, which performed well in our test last year. It is a dark shade of gray and is 36 mm wide and 9 mm high. Unfortunately, the FineTrack Duo has not been given the new, fresh design of the other two models, but it still looks stylish. The large integrated eyelet is great, allowing us to attach the tracker directly to the key ring without any detours.

A look at the front shows the button for the connection, which is also the status LED. All kinds of technical data are printed on the back. Interestingly, there is a concealed USB-C port at the bottom, which we can use to recharge the tracker if necessary. In contrast to the other two models, we don't get such a long battery life here. According to UGREEN, we get up to 12 months, but we have the option of recharging. The port is only covered by a rubber cap, which is relatively easy to remove. It can easily get lost in your pocket or on your key ring. The scope of delivery therefore includes four replacement caps, as well as four small carrying straps and a few stickers. Of course, documentation and the matching USB-C to USB-A cable are also included. It's a pity that UGREEN didn't rely purely on USB-C for the cable. Incidentally, the manufacturer does not provide us with an IP protection class for the model, but the tracker is also available to buy in a pack of four.

Features & Setup

UGREEN continues to keep things pleasantly simple with the new FineTrack series. All three models do not require their own app and can be integrated directly into the smartphone network.

On the iPhone, this works as usual via the "Where is?" app. All we have to do is put the tracker into pairing mode by pressing and holding the button, add the object in the app, name it and that's it. That's all it takes and that's exactly what the setup does in just a few minutes. To use this, however, at least iOS 14.5 or later must be installed on the iPhone.

In everyday life, we are then offered the typical functions. Location display on the map, a signal tone to quickly find the object nearby and separation detection with notification if we do leave the object behind. There is also a lost mode with contact details that can be stored, just like the original AirTags. Another practical feature is that the trackers can also be shared with other people. For example, family members or partners can also access the location and locate the tracker via their own device. What is still missing is the ultra-wideband chip, which Apple has reserved for itself to date. So there is no arrow navigation accurate to the meter, only classic Bluetooth positioning via the network, which is already very good.

The FineTrack Duo is the exception in this trio. It also works with Google's "Find My Device" network and can therefore be used in both Android and iOS environments, which makes it quite flexible. On Android, setup is carried out directly via the Google network or the "Find my device" function in the system and is completed just as quickly as with Apple. The same basic functions such as location display and alarm sound are then also available there. At least Android version 9.0 or higher must be installed.

PRACTICAL IMPRESSION

In everyday use, the new FineTrack models make a mature impression overall. Set-up is straightforward, we had absolutely no connection interruptions in the test and tracking also worked reliably via the respective networks. There are fewer major differences in the basic functions, but rather in the area of application of the individual models.

FineTrack 2 field report

The FineTrack 2 is the classic standard model in the range. Once set up via Apple's "Where is?" app, the tracker runs virtually unobtrusively in the background. The connection to the iPhone remained stable in the test and the location update also worked reliably.

We were particularly impressed by the loudspeaker. A rough measurement using a smartphone was significantly better than the first generation AirTag. Especially when the tracker is deep in a pocket or between clothes, this really makes a big difference in everyday life. The range is at a typical Bluetooth level.

We also liked the design with the reflective strips or the status LED and the interesting soccer design. Admittedly, we have to criticize the size somewhat negatively. Of course, the tracker looks robust and high-quality, but with its 34 mm diameter it is also a little bulky. If you use the tracker on an already packed key ring, we would personally prefer something smaller and flatter. However, UGREEN assumes that the soccer does not immediately stand out as a tracker and therefore blends more inconspicuously into everyday life.

One interesting aspect of the FineTrack 2 is the battery. This is permanently integrated and cannot be replaced. Opinions are likely to be somewhat divided on this point. On the one hand, there are of course users who would have preferred a replaceable battery. On the other hand, UGREEN promises a battery life of five to seven years, which is quite a long time for a Bluetooth tracker. With conventional button cells, we would probably have had to change the battery several times during this period, which would also result in a lot of battery waste. Of course, when the tracker is disposed of at a later date, electronic waste is generated, so neither solution is perfect.

Nevertheless, we can certainly understand UGREEN's idea. The long runtime fits well with the low price of the tracker and the closed housing also enables the IP68 protection class. This would probably have been much more difficult to achieve with a replaceable battery. Incidentally, the FineTrack 2 survived a short test under water without any problems. Afterwards, both the loudspeaker and the locator continued to function without any restrictions.

FineTrack Mini 2 field report

Technically, the FineTrack Mini 2 is identical to the normal FineTrack 2. The difference here is clearly the size. The much more compact housing makes the Mini 2 particularly suitable for purses, smaller bags or other objects where a normal tracker would quickly appear too large.

Another positive feature of the FineTrack Mini 2 is the scope of delivery. UGREEN includes matching protective covers with carabiner rings. This allows us to decide for ourselves whether we simply want to use the small tracker loose or attach it. With many other trackers, you have to buy such accessories separately. However, it is a bit of a shame that UGREEN has not included an integrated eyelet in the housing. This means that you always have to rely on the additional case to attach it.

Despite the smaller design, the signal tone is also pleasantly loud. In everyday life, we were able to find the tracker without any problems, even when it was lying somewhere between other objects. The connection also remained stable in the test and there were also no anomalies when locating it - it simply works. The FineTrack Mini 2 also has an integrated battery, which is not replaceable. However, like its big brother, it also has IP68 water and dust protection. And here too, the tracker was briefly submerged in water and still worked as before.

FineTrack Duo experience report

The FineTrack Duo is definitely exciting in everyday life. The reason for this is, of course, the dual support of Apple's "Where is?" network and Google's "Find my device". This is particularly interesting for Android users, as good trackers are still much rarer in this area. If you use both systems, the tracker could be particularly interesting for you.

The setup under Android worked well in the test and ran directly via Google's system integration. However, it is still noticeable that Google's network currently does not quite reach the range and speed of the Apple network. The location update worked reliably, but sometimes took a little longer. It is also important to know that although the FineTrack Duo supports both systems, it is not possible to connect to both at the same time. This means that we always have to choose one network and set up the tracker again if we switch.

The Duo also delivers a decent speaker, even if it doesn't feel quite as loud as the other two models. However, the signal tone is loud enough for everyday use and is definitely one of the stronger points of the new FineTrack generation. Another nice feature is the large integrated eyelet, which makes it very easy to attach to the key ring.

A practical feature of the new FineTrack Duo is the integrated USB-C port. This makes it very easy to recharge the tracker and you don't have to worry about button cells or changing batteries. According to UGREEN, one battery charge should last for up to twelve months before the tracker needs to be plugged in again. Although this is significantly shorter than the other two models, a normal USB-C cable is sufficient for recharging.

However, the solution is not without its drawbacks. There is no official IP certification for the Duo. Compared to the other FineTrack models, this is a significant disadvantage. We are also somewhat critical of the small dust cover over the USB-C port. This only sits on the port and is not firmly attached to the housing. This means that it is likely to get lost, especially on a key ring or in pockets. However, UGREEN seems to have planned for this itself and therefore includes several spare caps in the scope of delivery.

Data protection & security functions

If we take a look at data protection, we see that UGREEN largely relies on the security mechanisms of the respective Apple and Google networks.

Fortunately, there are no proprietary experiments or additional apps, which means that many things are regulated directly via the respective operating system.

The FineTrack 2 and FineTrack Mini 2 automatically use the familiar anti-stalking functions of Apple's "Where is?" network. This means that if an unknown tracker is carried for a longer period of time without being assigned to your iPhone, a corresponding warning appears on the device. We can also trigger a signal tone to make it easier to find the unknown tracker. All this makes it quite safe to use because it is not so easy to be tracked without being asked. The FineTrack Duo also supports these functions, depending on the network used. Then via Google's "Find my device" system in Android, even if Google is probably not yet quite as fast at displaying the notification.

All in all, however, all three models basically offer the same protection mechanisms that are now familiar from other modern Bluetooth trackers.

Conclusion

With the new FineTrack series, UGREEN has delivered a successful update to its Bluetooth trackers. All three models make a solid impression on us in everyday use, are easy to set up and integrate seamlessly into the respective Apple and Google networks. We continue to like the ease of use in particular.

The FineTrack Mini 2 is likely to be the most interesting choice for most users when using the Apple system. With the exception of the UWB chip, it offers the most important functions of an AirTag, is nice and small, has a pleasantly loud speaker, is IP68-certified and comes with matching protective covers. All this for what we consider to be a fair RRP of 39.99 euros in a pack of four. If you are simply looking for a reliable tracker for your keys, bag or rucksack, this is the best overall package, provided you can live with the non-replaceable battery.

The FineTrack 2, on the other hand, is clearly aimed at users who prefer a slightly larger tracker. The football design is definitely interesting and looks good, even if we personally find it quite large. In our opinion, a tracker can be nice and small so that it can be used flexibly in everyday life. It's good that UGREEN gives us the choice here. However, with an RRP of 19.99 euros for a single pack, the price is already significantly higher and is around twice as expensive as a single FineTrack Mini 2.

The FineTrack Duo remains the most exciting. The support of Apple's "Where is?" and Google's "Find my device" makes it particularly interesting for Android users who may also be using the Apple system from time to time. Although only one of the two networks can be used at a time and Google's system does not yet work at the same level as Apple's, UGREEN is bringing one of the most flexible solutions in this category onto the market. The RRP is 44.99 euros for a pack of four.

All in all, UGREEN shows once again that good Bluetooth trackers do not necessarily have to be expensive. The FineTrack Mini 2 in particular leaves the strongest impression in the overall package and is likely to be the best choice within the new series for most users.