Car GPS trackers are frequently employed as a deterrent to theft, as well as a tool to keep track of elderly relatives and newly licenced teens. Regardless of why you choose to use one, these small devices can be very useful. Simply place it inside a vehicle or connect it to anything inconspicuous, and you’ll be able to track the whereabouts of your vehicle using a website or smartphone app.
What all GPS car trackers have in common is that they all offer similar features. Because they’re usually small, they’re easier to conceal. Some use magnets to connect to the outside of the car, while others are designed to be hidden inside. Some are battery-powered and must be recharged, while others are connected to your vehicle’s OBD port and take power from there.
These little gadgets send out automated signals every few seconds (usually 5-30 seconds, depending on the model) to alert the vehicle’s owner of its whereabouts. GPS trackers include SIM cards as well as the necessary equipment to broadcast their whereabouts. In some ways, they resemble a very basic cell phone, and they, too, require a monthly subscription to operate.
Depending on the options you choose, most cost between $5 and $25 a month.
If you’re seeking for the best car GPS tracker that doesn’t require a monthly cost, you’ll have to go elsewhere. Some companies promote “no monthly price,” but instead require you to purchase 12-month subscriptions in advance. Because of the connectivity needs, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever discover a good GPS tracker with no monthly fees. Fortunately, most subscriptions are reasonably priced.
There are numerous competing versions on the market, which can make finding the ideal tracker seem daunting. Fortunately, we’ve spent the time to evaluate the best models on the market and put up a detailed shopping guide for the best auto GPS trackers on the market right now.
Best GPS Tracker for Cars: Bouncie 4G LTE GPS Car Tracker
One of the most popular automobile GPS trackers on the market is the Bouncie 4G LTE GPS Car Tracker. It has outstanding location monitoring capabilities, including real-time location tracking (at 15-second intervals), vehicle speed tracking, comprehensive trip history, and alerts when a vehicle enters or exits a predefined “geo-zone.”
It’s also Google Maps compatible, so you can follow your vehicle’s whereabouts in real time using satellite or street view. The data can be viewed via the website or the Bouncie app, which is available for iOS and Android. Many competing gadgets lack important safety measures, which the Bouncie does. For example, if the car is involved in a collision, an accident detection feature will issue an alarm.
This is a very handy feature for nervous parents. There’s even a roadside assistance service from Bouncie in the United States.
Best of all, the Bouncy is reasonably priced. The device itself is reasonably priced, and the membership charge is only $8 per month. There are no setup fees or contracts, and you can cancel at any moment.
This device connects to the OBD port on a vehicle and receives electricity from there. This also enables the Bouncie to warn you of automotive fault codes like a low battery or a check engine light.
The Bouncie is powered by the car and does not require charging.
This also means it only works when the car’s ignition is turned on, which is the device’s one significant drawback.
Pros
- Low monthly fee ($8)
- No activation or cancellation fees
- Accident detection
- Accurate tracking with 15-second data refresh
- Compatible with Google Maps
Cons
- Only works when the car’s ignition is on
The AMERICALOC GL300 is a highly precise tracker that is both small and discreet, measuring only 2.7 x 1.5 x 0.9 inches. It’s battery-powered, so you can hide it anywhere: in the glove box, under the seat, or even with a magnetic casing attached to the bottom of a car (sold separately).
CAT M1 technology is used in this model, which gives longer battery life and greater coverage than rival models. It may be programmed to transmit updates every 10, 30, or 60 seconds, albeit the more updates it sends, the faster the battery drains.
On the lengthier settings, expect to wait 1-2 weeks between charges.
You may track your progress with an app or on the internet, and your data is saved for a year. You may set up customizable notifications for things like movement, speeding, entering or leaving designated zones, low charge, and so on. The only significant disadvantage to this model is the price.
The device itself is more expensive than typical, and the monthly fee ranges from $19 to $25 depending on how long you join up for. This is a good alternative if you have the funds and are searching for a high-quality GPS tracker that is easy to hide in or on your vehicle.
Pros
- Compact and battery-powered
- Easy to hide almost anywhere
- Track from any computer or the iOS/Android app
- Customizable update frequency
- CAT M1 technology for better coverage and longer battery life
Cons
- High monthly costs (up to $25/month)
Best Mini Car GPS Tracker: Spytec GPS GL300
The Spytec GL300 is a small, easy-to-use tracker that is also easy to conceal. This device’s modest size (under two inches broad and an inch thick) makes it ideal for concealment in cars. It’s also an excellent alternative for keeping track of your children or loved ones while they’re at school or in a purse. The Spytec is battery-powered, and depending on usage habits, a charge can last up to two weeks or longer.
An extended battery with a six-month life span is also available. Although the device itself is inexpensive, the monthly fee is greater than typical. You won’t receive all of the bells and whistles of the more expensive versions,but you will be able to see when the tracker departs or enters a designated zone and follow its location in real time.
If you keep an active membership, the GL300 comes with a lifetime warranty. A subscription costs $24.95, but if you pay for a year in advance, it drops to $19.95 a month. There are also discounts for fleets.
Pros
- Two week+ battery life
- Compact design
- Budget-friendly device
- Lifetime warranty (with an active subscription)
Cons
- Pricey subscription ($20-$25 per month)
The Global-View Magnetic GPS Tracker is a strong tracker with a built-in magnet that can cling to any metallic surface. It doesn’t require an external shell or magnet, unlike other gadgets, because everything is built in. A lithium-ion battery powers the device, which can last up to two months depending on usage patterns.
The design is compact and adaptable, making it ideal for automobiles, construction equipment, trailers, and other applications. The tracker (with cellular connectivity) is also available in more than 140 countries, making it a useful tool for international businesses and travellers.
Data can be tracked using the website or a mobile app. You can also set up automated weekly reports to be received through email, which is a unique feature. This allows you to keep an eye on equipment without having to actively monitor it.
Automated alerts can also be set up, albeit they are delivered by email by default. If you want, you may also opt to receive SMS alerts. However, at $23.99 per month, the price is a little high. If you buy in advance for a year, you’ll save $219.99, bringing the monthly cost down to $18.33.
Pros
- Quickly attaches to any metal surface
- 12-month tracking history
- Two-month battery life
- Works in 140+ countries
- Plans start from $18/month
- Automated alerts and summaries
Cons
- Automated alerts come via email by default
- High monthly costs (up to $23.99/month)
Best Cheap GPS Tracker for Cars: LandAirSea Sync GPS Tracker
The LandAirSea Sync is a low-cost GPS vehicle and equipment tracker. The device itself is excellent value, and the monthly fee of $8.95 is also extremely low. This is certainly the greatest car GPS tracker for you if you’re on a budget. Given the low price, it’s surprising that this model is built in the United States. This device connects to your car’s OBD port and draws electricity from there.
However, because this model has an internal battery, it can work for several hours even when the car is turned off. This gives you the best of both worlds because you won’t have to manually charge the tracker and you won’t have to worry about your vehicle being towed or stolen and the tracker not working.
The only significant drawback is the lack of precision. The LandAirSea GPS has a tendency to track movement that does not occur, such as minor movements when the automobile is parked. If you can get beyond this little problem, this tracker offers excellent value both when you buy it and in the long run.
Pros
- Budget-friendly device and subscription
- Subscription costs just $8.95 per month
- Easy installation
- Manufactured in the USA
Cons
- The device can sometimes track movement inaccurately
