Living in a part of Los Angeles where carrying pepper spray on walks feels necessary, but remembering it and legal restrictions pose challenges, I found an unexpected solution in Pebblebee's $59.99 Halo Bluetooth tracker. This device doubles as a personal safety tool with a built-in siren, making it a suitable replacement for pepper spray that can be carried anywhere.
Key Safety Features
A quick pull of the Halo's cap triggers a 130dB siren, flashing LED strobe, and automatic alerts to up to five trusted contacts via text message. Pebblebee's Alert Live service shares your location for 24 hours or as a one-time snapshot. The service is free for the first year, then costs $24.99 annually. Without renewal, you lose real-time location sharing and the ability to alert multiple contacts simultaneously.
Tracking and Connectivity
The Halo supports both Apple's Find My network and Google's Find Hub, similar to Pebblebee's Clip 5. Tracking performance is solid, though it lacks ultra-wideband precision found in AirTags. Pairing with Pebblebee's app was quick, but connecting to Apple's Find My required more button presses than advertised. Once set up, it integrated seamlessly into daily life.
Real-World Use
During an evening walk, rustling behind me prompted me to use the Halo's light, revealing a raccoon. The ease of accessing safety features was reassuring. The Halo's bright light and siren can deter attackers without the risk of pepper spray being turned against you. Unlike the Clip 5 requiring six button presses, the Halo's simple pull-action makes it accessible for less tech-savvy users or those with dexterity issues. A silent alert option allows discreet notification without drawing attention.
Comparison and Value
At $59.99, the Halo costs nearly double that of basic trackers like Clip 5 or AirTag, and some personal safety devices like She's Birdie 3.0. However, its design and feature set justify the price. While I prefer AirTag for luggage tracking, the Halo remains clipped to my purse for daily safety. Having two trackers may be overkill, but it's preferable to relying on pepper spray that might be forgotten at home.
