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Conventional GPS trackers are small wireless devices that enable car owners to conveniently track the location of their vehicles from smartphones, tablets and computers. Whether you’re a commercial operator of a fleet and looking to improve logistical efficiency or just a concerned individual keeping an extra eye on a loved one for safety purposes, a GPS tracker can be a lifeline. Wildlife Dog Tracking System
These small wireless devices provide an extra peace of mind for those looking to monitor vehicle use and movement. Most typical GPS trackers plug into a car’s onboard diagnostic computer port while utilizing both the preexisting global positioning system and cellular-based data networks to triangulate a vehicle’s location and display on a digitized map. Thus, many trackers require a monthly subscription payment in order to operate.
In addition to tracking location, many also sport extra telemetric capabilities using data pulled from a car’s OBD-II and trip computer, allowing for vehicle health monitoring, erratic driving behavior alerts based on driver input (sudden braking, excessive acceleration or airbag deployment), crash detection with automatic roadside assistance calling and connectivity to emergency services, trip logging and geofencing.
Though because they’ve been around for a while, there is no shortage of choices. So we sifted through the overwhelming selection of GPS trackers to find you the best ones that money can buy. Though bear in mind, our list of recommendations does not stop here.
Unlimited distance real time tracking, lifetime warranty
Real-time GPS, magnetic mount, waterproof
Lifetime warranty, real-time tracking, waterproof, iOS/Android app
The Bouncie remains on our list as one of the best all-around GPS trackers money can buy. It is perfect for people who want to monitor a driver’s location, performance and safety. Small businesses will find its included route history logging, speed monitoring and geofencing useful for tracking fleets, all of which updates every 15 seconds. Additionally, the Bouncie includes safety services like crash notifications and roadside assistance connectivity. Its initial cost may be on the higher side of the market spectrum, but the monthly subscription fee is just $8 a month. And in return, you get one of the most comprehensive and feature-rich tracking devices on sale today.
Best For Monitoring Teen & Senior Drivers
Best For Monitoring Teen & Senior Drivers
Need to keep tabs on some new drivers? The Vyncs tracker is the way to go thanks to its set of family-oriented features. While it provides the same tracking features as the Bouncie, the Vyncs lets you configure more specific geofence zones and will send personalized driver score cards which you can use to help your teens improve their driving skills. Though unlike the Bouncie, crash detection isn’t available, which is reflected in its cheaper purchase price. But it can detect abnormal or erratic driver behavior, such as speeding, sudden braking and excessive acceleration.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option that sticks to the basics of vehicle location tracking and speed monitoring, the LandAirSea Sync does the job for a minimal cost of just under $25 and a monthly subscription fee under $9. Moreover, the Sync boasts the fastest refresh rate (updating location and information every three seconds) which allows users to track vehicles in almost real-time—a shocking feature, especially at this price. Like most devices, the Sync can recall trip summaries and route history, but it doesn’t offer as many alerts as other models selected here.
The MOTOsafety GPS tracker is another great alternative to some of the others listed here. It has location tracking, speed and vehicle health monitoring, trip logging and notifications for erratic driver behavior. In addition to the usual features, the MOTOSafety allows users to set alerts for driving outside authorized hours, which is seemingly absent from much of the competition The monthly subscription is high at $25 and the unit’s refresh rate only occurs every minute, which is the slowest we’ve seen. But its quality smartphone software and abundant set of notifications still makes it a contender worth considering.
If you’re a business or commercial entity that depends on a fleet of vehicles, nothing gets better than the MasTrack MT-OBD tracker. Short for “mobile asset tracking,” it provides all the features you’d expect from a GPS tracker and then some, with those extras geared specifically towards fleet management. Such features include speed threshold alerts, towing alerts, engine idle monitoring, tampering alerts and even an integrated backup battery. Managers can track vehicles using a smartphone, tablet or computer thanks to the included app and web-based portal.
Unlimited distance real time tracking, lifetime warranty
Real-time GPS, magnetic mount, waterproof
Lifetime warranty, real-time tracking, waterproof, iOS/Android app
Installing a GPS tracker could be as simple as plug-and-play, or it could require a bit of wiring, depending on the type of GPS tracker you purchased.
Trackers that plug into an OBD-2 port (usually located under the dashboard, near the driver’s door) are easy to install. Just plug them in and you’re good to go. The tracker is designed to draw power from the OBD-2 port, so you don’t have to worry about finding a power source for your GPS device.
Some GPS trackers are designed to be powered by the vehicle’s battery. They come with electric leads (usually one red and one black) that connect to the battery’s positive and negative terminals, which are also color-coded. The red lead connects to the positive (red) battery terminal, and the black lead connects to the negative battery terminal.
You’ll then need to find a way to (1) attach the GPS tracker to something sturdy under the hood with the help of Velcro or a magnet (if your tracker comes with a magnet), and (2) secure the wires that run from the battery to the tracker in order to keep them away from any moving parts.
Some GPS trackers are wireless and battery-powered, which means you can install them anywhere you’d like, just as long as they’re accessible from time to time so that you can replace the batteries when needed.
GPS tracking units can help keep tabs on a driver or vehicle’s location and even provide information about how a vehicle is being used. Commonly used for both theft protection and monitoring teenage drivers (or other people) borrowing your vehicle, they can provide a great deal of peace of mind for a modest outlay. We’ve evaluated our GPS trackers based on their size and usability (do they require a battery? If so, how long does a charge last?), the ease of accessing their data (often done through smartphone apps), their price and any potential subscription or data fees. We’ve also considered whether these units offer additional services like crash detection, roadside assistance, vehicle trouble-code diagnosis and maintenance reminders.
We evaluate all vehicle GPS trackers based on these weighted metrics:
All the GPS trackers in this review utilize a vehicle’s OBD-II (on-board diagnostics) port, which is typically located under the dash near the steering column. Location may vary depending on the vehicle so it’s typically best to refer to the owner’s manual. All passenger vehicles built since 1996 use OBD-II after federal regulatory agencies mandated automakers to standardize the system to monitor vehicle health and specifically, regulate emissions. When plugged in, the vehicle’s electrical system powers the tracker. While trackers will work on most cars with OBD-II ports, it’s best to refer to the tracker manufacturer’s website to confirm compatibility. Keep in mind that some devices cannot be used in battery-electric vehicles.
Most tracker devices use cellular data networks and the global positioning system to communicate information to their corresponding servers and apps. Because of this, updates may sometimes be delayed if the tracked vehicle enters a signal dead zone. Devices intended for use in the U.S., Canada and Mexico typically use the 4G LTE network, although devices used in other countries may require different cellular bands.
A tracker’s refresh rate or sample rate is how often the device receives new information from its transmitter and may vary depending on the model. While most trackers refresh every 30 to 60 seconds, parents or family members tracking an inexperienced teen or vulnerable senior driver may want a speedier unit or one that provides updates in real time. So, it’s important to research the refresh rate of the trackers if that’s a priority.
Geofences are preselectable areas or customizable zones on a digitized map—such as Google Maps or any map app—that can be designated at the touch of a finger. These zones act as sort of “perimeter fence,” which alert users if a vehicle leaves a designated area. Almost all the apps included with GPS trackers allow for the use of geofences. While most apps only let you configure circular zones, which have rough boundaries, some let you configure any shape for more precise area designation.
Some vehicle trackers, like the ones featured here, offer real-time vehicle health monitoring. In addition to utilizing a car’s OBD-II port for power and telemetry (detecting speed and erratic behavior based on driver input), some trackers can also read “fault codes,” or code signatures that specify where the source of a problem or malfunction may be. This feature varies by model. But because it’s already plugged into the same port mechanics use to diagnose malfunctioning vehicles, most manufacturers of GPS trackers added this functionality as a courtesy since OBD-II reading technology is ubiquitous.
According to the NCSL (National Conference of State Legislatures), several states prohibit installing a tracker in a car without the consent of the vehicle owner. Others generally prohibit tracking without the consent of the person being tracked. Exceptions do exist, particularly for a parental or guardian purposes of tracking minors. Though in general, most states allow the use of these GPS trackers. Ultimately however, laws vary by state, so it’s always good to check local regulations.
GPS trackers utilize the preexisting network of global positioning and communication satellites orbiting the planet to triangulate location data, similarly to how most new cars’ sat-nav systems use the same networks to direct you to a specific location anywhere in the world, as long as there are roads to take you there. Most GPS trackers use the previous 4G LTE wireless data band, with some older units still relying on the aging 3G network. That said, if you own an older unit, it’s important to make sure to stay up to date with the latest data transmission networks as the Federal Communications Commission implements new standards.
For example, Verizon announced that it will be shutting down its 3G network by 2023 with other carriers following suit, to make room for advancements in 5G. Once the 3G network disappears, if your unit depends solely on that cellular band, it will be rendered obsolete and unable to function.
Rik is equal parts geek, gearhead, and driving enthusiast. He’s been reviewing cars, auto electronics, and car accessories for over 25 years, and he’s held staff positions with Motor Trend, Consumer Reports’ autos team, and Wirecutter, the NY Times Company’s product-review website. Rik has also written DIY auto-repair manuals for Haynes. And he likes nothing better than to be exploring new places in a great vehicle.
Wildlife Gps Tags Since picking up my first set of MicroMachine toy cars as a toddler, I knew I had a passion for automobiles embedded in my soul. After graduating from Rutgers University in journalism, I’ve devoted my career to becoming a professional photographer and emerging voice in the car industry with columns at Automobile Magazine, MotorTrend, Hagerty, DigitalTrends.com/Cars, GearPatrol, and beyond.