You purchased a new car for private or business use. It is only natural that you want to take good care of it. That includes knowing who drives the vehicle and where. You worry even more if your teen is the one driving it. That is why you are thinking about getting the best GPS tracker for a car on the market.
These units are versatile and suitable for both private and business vehicles. They can help you to keep track of your car fleet, but also help if someone steals your car. You want to find the most suitable tracking device out there, but you don’t know where to start.
Our car GPS tracker reviews are an excellent place to begin your search. You will get a detailed insight into the pros and cons of the top six products currently available. We also included a detailed buying guide to help you learn more about GPS tracking devices!
Table of Contents
Reviews of Best GPS Trackers for Cars
1. LandAirSea LandAirSea Sync Real Time 4G LTE GPS Tracker
LandAirSea is famous for its reliable GPS trackers showing accurate information. This tracking device meets those expectations and delivers a great user experience. It is capable of determining a location within six feet, and it keeps track of the entire trip history. You can access this information with a historical playback feature.
The tracker uses a 4G network, and it works on a simple plug-and-play basis. Google Maps is the software utilized by the product. You can use the PC software of mobile apps to monitor the vehicle’s movement. Setting up a geofence and speed alerts promote safety. If you manage a fleet, an alert of the departure and arrival of the vehicle will also be useful.
LandAirSea decided to charge you with an activation fee to use the product for an entire year. There are no monthly charges, except if you decide for faster updates. The default update time is three minutes, and you can get up to three-second updates by paying extra.
2. Tracki 2021 Model Mini Real-time GPS Tracker
Tracki designed a mini tracker and one of the smallest GPS tracking devices on the market. For such a small unit, it is very powerful. It ensures excellent coverage in more than 185 countries with the international SIM card you receive in the box.
The product is easy to install, and the tracker is accurate in determining the vehicle’s position. The device has an SOS button in case the driver gets in trouble. It can send information about passing speed limits or geofence restrictions. You can receive notifications via the web or mobile app, and also choose SMS and e-mail alerts.
If you use non-stop real-time tracking, the battery can last for approximately three days. But if you choose occasional reports up to four times per day, the battery can last for a month. Charging the device is fast and doesn’t take a lot of time.
3. PRIMETRACKING Personal GPS Tracker
PRIMETRACKING covers the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with their Personal GPS Tracker. The device is fairly small and won’t take a lot of room. You receive everything you need in the package, including a long-lasting battery.
The tracker gives you detailed information about the vehicle’s movement. You can use geofence features and access the entire journey history. SOS and location change notifications are another useful safety feature, and the device can also monitor speed. The battery can last for approximately two weeks on a single charge.
The device offers ten-second updates with the default subscription plan. While that is more than enough for most users, some might want more frequent updates. The software is reliable and easy to use. Everything updates automatically in the interface, and the smartphone app works smoothly. The apps are compatible with both Android and iOS, and you can also access a web-based app.
4. Trak-4 GPS Tracker
Trak-4 GPS tracker offers a different approach when it comes to battery life. The product utilizes a durable battery, which can last up to 18 months with a single charge. You can recharge it with a USB cable or cellphone charger. That extended battery duration makes this ideal for business use.
The product is a bit bigger than similar GPS tracking units. It will require a bit more space, but you can easily place it in any location within the vehicle. The tracker features high-quality and durable housing resistant to water and severe weather conditions.
The subscription fee is quite affordable. Trak-4 is quite accurate in pinpointing the location, and it has ping rates from 60 seconds to 60 minutes. You can set geo-zones and monitor the entire fleet on a single map from your app. E-mail and text alerts are also an option, and tracker is optimized for the United States.
5. Optimus GPS Tracker
Optimus delivers a magnetic case with strong magnets to ensure the tracker sticks to the surface. The case is water-resistant to ensure the tracker works in all weather conditions. Since it utilizes GPS technology, the tracking system is reliable and can do a great job of pinpointing the car’s location.
A wide range of notifications allows excellent customization. You can get alerts on your e-mail, SMS, or phone if the tracker gets moving. Geo-fencing and speed limit alerts are also available, as well as the SOS button on the device.
The tracker provides the US and Canada coverage, and we can only hope the future versions will cover additional regions. The battery lasts for approximately 7-10 days if used constantly. You can prolong battery life by customizing the frequency of the reports that the device sends. The default setting is 60 seconds, although you can reduce it to 10 seconds if necessary.
6. LandAirSea 54 -Time 4G LTE GPS Tracker
Here is another GPS tracker designed by LandAirSea. This unit is more affordable, but it still delivers excellent performance. It comes with a magnetic mount that is exceptionally strong. The tracker will remain in position, and you don’t have to worry about losing it.
The device is equipped with LED lights, but you can disable them from the app. The tracker is capable of delivering reliable information on the vehicle’s location throughout the United States. The manufacturer perfected its cloud software and mobile app, and it is incredibly intuitive. Speed alerts, departure and arrival notifications, and history reports are only a part of what this software provides.
While the internal battery can last for up to two weeks, charging requires some patience. It could take several hours to refill the battery completely, which makes this primarily a personal GPS tracker for cars.
Car GPS Tracker Buying Guide
Now that you are familiar with the basics of what a GPS tracker is, you understand how useful this accessory can be. There is still the question of how to choose a suitable unit for your needs, and it is where our buying guide comes into play. From factors to consider explaining legal implications and how to use the device, you will learn everything about these devices below!
Top 6 Factors to Consider When Buying a GPS Tracker for a Car
Choosing a perfect GPS tracker for a car is virtually impossible. That is because different users might have different requirements. Those looking to utilize GPS tracking for personal use might not need the same features as people who plan on getting business trackers. Here are the main questions to consider during the selection process!
How Do You Plan to Use a GPS Tracker?
The first thing you want to clarify is how you plan to use the GPS tracking product you purchase. Here are some basic situations when you need this device:
- You would like to add it as a theft protection measure.
- You are a worried parent that wants to ensure their children are not using the vehicle. If yes, you want to check how they are using it.
- You are a business owner with a fleet of vehicles. The purpose of the GPS tracker will be to monitor that the vehicles are used in accordance with the company’s directions.
The product features you need depend on how you will use the device. That is why it is crucial to specify your basic requirements. From there, it will be easy to pick a suitable unit.
What Tracking System Do You Need?
GPS trackers for cars can have the following two tracking systems:
- Real-time
- Passive
As the name suggests, a real-time tracking system delivers information in real-time. The tracker collects data and sends it to your dashboard or mobile app immediately.These are popular because you will get informed about anything that happens with your car instantly. If someone takes it for a spin without your permission, you will know as soon as it moves. The downside is that the delivery might not work as reliably in remote areas with spotty reception.
Passive GPS trackers collect data inside the device. They log everything that happens as soon as it occurs. However, you don’t have immediate access to these logs. You need the device to transfer data and access it.
That comes with a couple of potential problems. The first one is that you don’t get alarmed immediately if something unusual occurs. Additionally, if an accident happens, the tracker will log the details. But a physical crash can also get the device destroyed, which will deem the accident info inaccessible.
How Would You Prefer to Monitor the Tracker?
GPS trackers can send information to your PC or mobile. The majority of devices can do both, which is good news. Monitoring the tracker via PC will require that you are by that computer and logged into the dashboard.
Mobile apps allow you to stay informed with what GPS tracker monitors while you are on the move. Whenever you feel like it, you can log into the app and see what’s going on with your vehicle.
Some units also support notifications and alerts. The product could notify you about the latest events, and you could also get alerts whenever your car is moving, etc.
Is the Installation Process Simple?
The great thing about GPS trackers is that you don’t have to adjust the unit frequently. Once you have everything installed, the interaction is done via a mobile app or PC control panel. You might need to change the batteries seldomly or replace the tracker once it dies.
The only hassle is the installation process, which is why you should ensure it is as straightforward as possible. Try to find a product manual for your desired units to read the steps required for installation. Some devices require to connect it to the electrical installations of your car, which can be complicated. Others, however, only require you to pick a suitable location within the vehicle and mount it safely.
Are You Getting a High-Quality Product?
The quality of construction of your GPS tracker can be critical, especially in adverse weather conditions and potential accidents. For example, imagine that you installed the tracking device where the driver can get it wet. And even if it’s not the driver, heavy rainfalls can lead to leaks inside the vehicle.
That is why it is crucial that the GPS tracking unit is water-resistant. It should also be dust and shock-resistant. Optimal resistance to impact is crucial in case of accidents. Although heavy crashes might still ruin the tracker, you want it capable of resisting minor accidents and bumps.
Are the Price and Fees Required in Accordance with Your Budget?
Did you know that a GPS tracker might require an initial investment and a subscription fee? The upfront cost involves getting the device and purchasing the accompanying software. However, you might need to pay a subscription fee to use the tracker, especially if you are a business user. Business subscriptions could come with a range of convenient features, such as history logs.
The initial price is a one-time investment, but the subscription to services means a recurring fee you will pay every month (or year). Make sure that they both fit with your budget, and you are comfortable with the cost.
A List of the Most Important Car GPS Tracker Features & Specifications
It is not easy to find your way around a GPS tracker product description or review. It helps when you know the essential features to focus on when checking out the item. Here are the crucial specifications of a GPS tracking device to take into account:
- The tracking system – real-time tracking system is the preferred way of monitoring information for most units. It delivers information to your mobile or PC app in real-time. Unlike that, passive tracking systems store everything in the device’s memory. You will need the product itself to download and access data.
- Size – the size of your GPS tracker depends on the location where you want to install it and your preference. Some areas will only accommodate small trackers, and you might prefer them to not attract attention.
- App compatibility – the device should be compatible with an app on your smartphone. Alternatively, you should be able to access a dashboard on your PC to communicate with the unit. The best devices out there offer support for both ways of interacting with the tracker.
- Alerts and notifications – this feature ensures the tracker notifies you about any changes detected, such as the vehicle starting to move. That can be useful in case of theft.
- Warranty – warranty details are a nice indicator of how much the manufacturer trusts the product. It can help you to determine whether the tracker is a worthwhile investment.
It is important not to confuse a GPS tracker with the classic navigation system for cars, which utilizes the same technology. If you need navigation software, don’t hesitate to take a look at our reviews of GPS for cars and find a suitable unit.
Bluetooth Trackers VS. GPS Trackers
People often confuse GPS and Bluetooth trackers. However, the big truth is that these devices are very different. Although they are both tracking units, they have a different working process and uses.
Why Would You Need a Bluetooth Tracker?
The main characteristic of Bluetooth tracking devices is that they track objects at short distances. They are very reliable, but only up to around 300 feet of range. That is because the working process relies on Bluetooth technology, which relies on the proximity between the tracker and the object you are tracking.
The devices are small, and they don’t take a lot of space. They also have an affordable price tag, and you can purchase them cheaply. However, their limited price range doesn’t make them suitable for cars. While you might get informed about a vehicle leaving the driveway, you will quickly lose range. That is why Bluetooth trackers are usually used for cellphones, keys, and other small items.
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- A long-lasting battery
- The trackers are compact-sized
Cons
- Only works at ranges up to 300 feet
- Not a great choice for tracking cars
GPS Trackers – Pros and Cons
GPS trackers utilize satellite technology, and they are capable of tracking a car anywhere on the planet. That makes them extremely useful because you can never lose track of your vehicle as long as the tracker is inside it.
You can set the tracker to send you notifications as soon as your car is on the move. The geofencing feature allows limiting of moving within a specified area. However, if the vehicle goes out of it, the device alerts you instantly.
Users can also see history reports for previous car locations. GPS trackers come with a subscription fee, which can put their price tag higher than usual. Additionally, make sure to consider legal implications before installing the tracker.
Pros
- Very reliable and accurate in determining the car’s position
- Capable of keeping history reports for previous locations
- Alerts and notifications sent as soon as your car gets moving
- Use the geo-reference feature to discover when the vehicle leaves a certain area
Cons
- The price varies depending on the model and subscription charges
- Legal implications need to be considered when using the tracker.
What Is GPS Tracking?
GPS tracking allows you to monitor the location of an object remotely. These tracking systems utilize Global Positioning System (GPS), which has been around for several decades. It had been designed by the US government for its military purposes. However, it has a wide commercial use today.
The tracking system utilizes satellites spread around the Earth’s orbit. These can monitor the location of an object. If you are using a GPS tracker for cars, it will observe the location of the vehicle at all points.
The unit is also capable of detecting if the vehicle is moving. While it is moving, GPS technology enables staying informed of the car’s location constantly. You don’t have to be close to the car to monitor its movements. It is possible to use a mobile or PC app to log into the system and access movement data.
How Does a GPS Tracking System Work?
A GPS tracking system uses GNSS, which is a Global Navigation Satellite System. It is a network of at least 24 satellites that travel around the Earth. If you want to use this technology, you need a GPS tracker. It is a device you place in your car or the object you desire to follow.
Once you install your device and get it running, it starts communicating with the satellites. That is how it enables to identify the accurate position of the car. The technology has been around for decades, and it has been perfected to achieve fantastic accuracy. That means it can locate your car within a couple of feet at all times.
After the location is established, a GPS tracker sends that information to your PC dashboard or mobile app. Alternatively, the device might collect the data on its inner storage. That, however, you can’t access tracking information in real-time. You can only transfer data once you have physical access to the device.
The tracker might use its own battery, which can last for a long time. However, it could require an occasional charging or battery replacement. Alternatively, you can connect the GPS tracker directly to the car’s battery. That way, you don’t have to worry about when the battery dies.
GPS devices utilize the mobile network to send data to the smartphone and PC apps. That is why they are usually equipped with a SIM card. The card should have granted mobile internet access to be able to send the required information. If you picked a real-time tracking system, you would receive data about the car’s movement as long as the connection is active.
Understanding GPS Technology
If you want to use GPS trackers, it is essential that you understand GPS technology. Here is a glossary that will help you to learn the basic terms used in this area:
- Geo-fence – a feature available in trackers that use real-time monitoring. You can set an area where the vehicle can move freely. As soon as it leaves that area, geo-fencing sends you an alert.
- Triangulation – it is a process of determining the position of your vehicle by identifying the position of the tracking device. The process is capable of calculating the car’s location within several feet.
- Teen tracking – a useful feature for parents who want to monitor their children’s driving habits. It might be crucial to promote safety and avoid accidents.
- Lithium battery – these are long-lasting batteries for your tracker. It might also use alkaline batteries, but they require more frequent changes.
- Hard-wire – it is used to describe connecting something to another electronic system. In this case, it describes when you connect the GPS tracker to the vehicle’s battery.
- GSM – these are global system mobile communications. They are used for trackers who utilize SIM cards to send information via these networks.
The Benefits of GPS Tracking System
The exact advantages depend on whether you use the GPS tracker for a personal or business car. That is why we will divide these benefits accordingly. If you mount the tracking device on a private vehicle, here is what you get:
- Theft prevention – your car might be in the driveway, and what is a thief decides to steal it? The tracker will alert you as soon as the vehicle leaves the zone you set as safe. That way, you can inform the police and give them tracker information to find the vehicle easily.
- Teens and minors in the house – if you are worried that your children might take the car up for a drive without your permission, a GPS tracker will reveal their plans.
- Peace of mind – the fact that you know that the vehicle is moving will give you peace of mind.
- Safety – in cases of accidents, the tracker can log the location and other relevant information. If you get stuck in the middle of nowhere, the SOS button can send a request for help.
Benefits of GPS Tracking Systems for Fleet Management
If you are an owner of a company with a vehicle fleet, these are the advantages to expect from GPS trackers: - Know where your drivers are – did the driver take the vehicle for private use? Are they wasting time in a bar instead of driving the vehicle? Real-time tracking will show you accurate information so that you can know whether to trust the drivers.
- Saving money – trackers can assist in ensuring the driver doesn’t go off-track. Combined with a GPS for cars that provides directions, that ensures you save money on fuel consumption.
- Improved efficiency – a GPS tracker is a signal to the driver that he needs to follow the agreed route closely. That ensures they will reach the destination in the shortest possible timeframe.
- Reliable customer service – if a customer calls for a vehicle, you can see which one is the closest. That ensures you provide improved service to all clients.
- Enhanced safety – GPS trackers can monitor speed, which can tell you about the person’s driving habits. You can use this information to ensure everyone is following speed regulations on the road. SOS buttons for help and device logs could help in case of an accident.
Are Car GPS Trackers Legal?
Here is what you need to understand – GPS trackers for cars are legal. However, they come with specific legal implications you should consider before installing these devices. It essentially comes down to informing anyone who is driving the vehicle that there is a tracker inside it.
Let’s say that you install a GPS tracker in a private car. If you are worried that your teens might steal the vehicle, you can go ahead and set up the device. As a parent, you can use this item to monitor kids. It is also suitable and legal for theft prevention.
However, if you want to use a GPS tracker to watch where your partner or spouse goes, that might be illegal. If you haven’t informed them about tracking, they might file a lawsuit, so be careful.
When it comes to business use, most countries allow you to use GPS trackers to watch your vehicle fleet. However, make sure to consult with a lawyer before you install this device in your cars. They will let you know all the legal implications surrounding GPS units in your country and area.
You should also consider how the drivers will react to a GPS tracker inside their vehicle. Your employees might think you don’t trust them, which is why you need GPS for spying. That is why it is crucial to sit down and explain how these trackers could help in case of an accident, and why they are beneficial for the company and drivers themselves.
FAQs & Answers
- Q: What is an SOS button on a GPS tracker?
A: The SOS tracker is an important feature in cases of an accident or a road problem. If the driver is in the remote area or can’t use their smartphone, and they participated in an accident or have a flat tire, they can’t change, the SOS button can help. By pressing the button, you send a request for help to a particular individual or local authorities. - Q: What is the usual warranty on GPS trackers?
A: That significantly varies from one manufacturer to another. The usual warranty coverage should be at least 1-2 years. - Q: Can I use the GPS tracker app on both Android and iOS?
A: That depends on the manufacturer and the device. However, the majority of them support both iOS and Android. That means you can use an iPhone, iPad, smartphone, or tablet to access GPS tracking details. Using a PC app is also an option if you are close to a computer. - Q: How to Find a GPS Tracker in Your Car?
Wrap Up
A GPS tracker can be an extremely useful car accessory. Whether you are a worried parent or a business owner tracking their fleet, you can benefit from a wide range of data delivered by these devices.
The only thing to ensure is to find the best GPS tracker for a car out there. It is all about ensuring that the features offered are the ones you need. Choose the desired update frequency, notification options, and other features. Finally, don’t forget to consider the initial cost and subscription fees to ensure they meet your budget.
We hope that our car GPS tracker reviews helped you find a suitable unit. Ultimately, it is crucial for the tracking device to offer impressive accuracy. You want the tool to pinpoint the vehicle’s location within several feet, and provide regular updates. That way, you secure staying informed about the car’s movement at all times.
