Keep Track of Your Vehicle With the Best GPS Trackers for Cars!
Every year, approximately 700,000 automobiles are stolen in the U. S., causing billions of dollars in losses. Not to mention the anxiety and stress it instills in all car owners. If you're also afraid of losing your car, a tracking device could be just what you need.
GPS trackers for cars connect to your vehicle and use satellite technology to track its location. This can be useful for tracking where your vehicle is parked, monitoring its progress on a long journey, or ensuring it is not stolen. Some are for commercial use — such as tracking fleet vehicles — while others are for personal use, like monitoring a family member's driving.
Look for a GPS device that can track your vehicle in real-time. It should be solid and weatherproof to withstand harsh weather conditions and must have a long battery life. To help you decide, we scoured the market for the most popular GPS tracker for cars in 2024, and here are the results!
Buying Guide: GPS Tracker for Cars
The most common type of GPS tracker for cars is the real-time GPS tracker. These devices use satellite technology to provide updates on a vehicle’s location, speed, and other parameters. This information can be viewed in real-time on a computer or smartphone, making it ideal for tracking.
That being said, because numerous tracking device models are on the market, selecting one that meets your needs is tricky. For that, we have listed a few factors you should keep in mind while shopping for the ideal device.
Tracker Type
First, consider how you intend to use the tracker. Do you need to know where your car is at all times? Or would regular updates suffice? This will help determine how frequently the tracker must transmit data, which will, in turn, help you decide which type to go for.
There are two main types of GPS trackers: real-time and passive. Real-time trackers provide real-time updates on your vehicle’s location, whereas passive trackers only record data that can be accessed later. Several nations have launched satellite-based tracking systems into orbit that help these devices track the location of your vehicle.
For instance, GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU, and Galileo are all publicly available. These systems, consisting of 20 to 30 orbiting satellites and a tracking system that connects to multiple positioning systems, will provide precise positions anywhere on the planet. So choose one that is compatible with the positioning system launched in your region.
Offline Usability
Check to see if your device has offline interoperability, which means it can log trip data even when there is no internet connection. Ideally, your devices should be able to record trip data even when not connected to the internet and then transfer it to the servers once connected. This is required in order to avoid losing any trip data.
Design
You’ll want to choose a small and discreet tracker so it can be easily hidden if necessary. It should also be durable and water-resistant in case of any accidents or rough weather conditions. Look for a device with a strong exterior that can be easily attached to your car and one that will not get lost along the way.
A panic button is a nice feature in case of an emergency. This way, you can alert authorities or your loved ones if something happens and you need help. Similarly, plenty of devices offer SOS alerts through their apps, so you can go with whatever you’re most comfortable with.
Security
Your tracker is going to be housing tons of data, including sensitive information. That is why it’s necessary to get your hands on a secure tracker. Choose a tracker that offers security features such as tamper-proofing and encryption; this way, you can be sure that your sensitive data is safe and secure, and that no one will be able to access it without your permission.
Reliability
When it comes to GPS trackers for cars, dependability is essential. You should select a tracker with long battery life and accurate tracking capabilities so you can be certain that you’ll have no problems tracking your car or other vehicles. To see which are the most dependable, go to a third-party website and read the device reviews. Doing so will give you a clearer idea about the device you intend to purchase.
Budget
Consider how much you can afford to spend on a GPS tracker. Although you can’t put a price tag on your loved ones’ safety and security, it’s still important to compare the prices of different brands to get the most value for your money. There are many low-cost options on the market, so find one that works for you.
Installation
How simple is it to set up the tracker? Some GPS trackers for cars include detailed instructions, whereas others necessitate professional installation. Select a tracker that you can install yourself to avoid the hassle of calling a professional.
Battery Life
The battery life of a tracker varies greatly because they use various modes of energy to function. That said, long battery life is essential if you want to track a car for extended periods or avoid the hassle of recharging every few days.
Vehicle Compatibility
One of the first things to check is the device’s compatibility with your vehicle. If you have an older vehicle, make sure the GPS tracker you choose is compatible with it, since some are only compatible with specific car models.
Subscription Fees
This can also make or break the deal if the monthly fees are excessive and add up to a large sum annually. As a result, choose a tracker that fits your budget while keeping monthly or annual fees in mind.
Customer Support
In the long run, you’re bound to run into issues with technical stuff. Perhaps not immediately, but long-term use will inevitably lead to some difficulties. Keeping this in mind, it’s a good idea to look into the company before making a purchase to see if it provides tech support. That way, if you have any questions about your tracker, you have a company that provides excellent customer service.
Warranty
Choose a tracker with a long warranty to ensure it will last a long time. Many brands provide a lifetime warranty, whereas others only provide a one-year warranty. Although this is not a strict measure of a device’s quality, it can help you get maintenance and tech support for the rest of your life. So, choose wisely!
Additional Features
So, what other features should your GPS tracker for cars have? Some track in real-time, while others simply provide location data. Consider which features are most important to you, and then look for a tracker that provides them. Here are some extra features to look for in your device.
- Always go for shorter update intervals since they will give you real-time access to your location. Unfortunately, they deplete battery power faster than longer ones.
- Short refresh intervals produce an exact route for previous trips, whereas more extended update time frames are ideal for verifying a tracker’s location once or twice per day. Gauge what is more important to you and select one with that feature.
- Search for a tracker that is linked to multiple satellite systems because that will improve location accuracy and reduce delays or lags.
- Finally, look for a tracker with a global roaming SIM card that can be tracked from anywhere on the planet.
Now that you know what to look for in a GPS tracker, you can start shopping for the ideal one according to your needs. You can find a variety of trackers online, so be sure to compare prices and features before making your final purchase.
Comparing the Top GPS Tracker for Car of 2024
Brickhouse Security GPS Tracker – Best Overall
Looking for a device with coverage in the United States and Canada? Our first option is the perfect choice. Whether a car, truck, van, or vehicle, the Brickhouse GPS Tracker offers tracking every second of the day. The device is the right size to install stealthily on your car in just a few steps, and it automatically updates after a minute for exact location results — in fact, the premium plan guarantees updates every five seconds!
Thanks to the anti-theft function, you can keep your vehicle safe from looters and receive messages for any suspicious activity. Finally, it is PTCB-certified, includes a data plan, and also includes a SIM card. Overall, it’s our top pick since it offers real-time tracking, instant alerts, and detailed routes.
Pros
- Installation is a piece of cake
- Accurate instant updates
- Comes with a user-friendly app
Cons
- Takes a while to get activated
Trak-4 GPS Tracker – Long Battery Life
This next GPS tracker for cars can last up to 18 months on a single charge due to its large battery capacity. The battery only requires a cell charger or a USB cable and it’s small, making it ideal for hiding in your car — or even on your phones, tablets, and computers! It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use since it is made of durable materials. Plus, it’s simple to use, takes only a few minutes to set up, and instantly sends email and text alerts.
With this GPS tracker for cars, you will have access to in-motion ping rates, automatic daily check-ins, and animated trails of the travel direction. But that’s not all; it allows you to share your device’s location with friends and family in real-time. Trak-4 uses wireless internet and geocoding on your cell phone to provide accurate results even in the city’s most isolated or buzzing corners. As the cherry on top, it offers business-class features such as bulk device management, efficient billing, GPS reports, and more.
Pros
- Lets you set up multiple geo zones
- Long battery life
- Quick and precise location notifications
Cons
- No app available
Bouncie GPS Tracker – Best Value
The Bouncie GPS Car Tracker is ideal for monitoring a driver’s location, performance, and safety. The company claims that the installation process — which entails plugging the tracker into the Obd ii port, downloading the app, and signing up — will take less than 10 minutes.
Its trail history tracking, speed surveillance, and geofencing all refresh every 15 seconds. The device also includes safety features such as accident notifications and access to roadside assistance. While its initial cost is higher than average, the monthly fee is only $8, so you’ll easily be making up for that investment. In exchange, you will receive one of the most comprehensive geo-tracking devices on the market today.
Pros
- Conditional lifetime warranty
- Round-the-clock car health monitoring
- Excellent smartphone app
Cons
- You can only create circular zones
Optimus GPS Tracker – Versatile Pick
This next tracker works with a variety of vehicle types and will notify you immediately if there is any suspicious activity. With it, you will have access to distance traveled, parking history, and other information. The tracking system also comes with a water-resistant dual magnet case that attracts any metallic substrate in your vehicle.
The Optimus GPS Tracker has a 14-day battery life in standby mode and provides real-time location information via Google Maps. It also has geo-fencing capabilities and can send vehicle speeds, low battery warnings, and emergency alerts to your preferred smartphone through text or email. What’s more, the device has no hidden fees and has the simplest cancellation procedure!
Pros
- Water and weather-resistant case
- Generates driving alerts, geofences, and reports
- Customizable report frequency
Cons
- Battery drains fast with the “moving alerts” feature
Spytec GPS Tracker – Compact Design
Following that is another small device that can monitor vehicles, phones, and devices. Its 4G technology allows you to track and monitor your location on a map, create alerts, check speed limits, distances, and so on. The device includes Android and iOS apps that are simple to install and keep you up to date around the clock. Additionally, the software is simple to use and even allows you to go back in time and view the history of any journey you have taken.
This is one of the smallest geo-tracking devices on the market, measuring only an inch. It has a battery life of slightly more than a week and can be easily activated as soon as you buy it. All you need is a simple subscription to access the mobile and desktop tabs. From there, you only have to start the tracker, browse and select an ideal plan, and begin tracking! Even better, the device provides round-the-clock support, and a lifetime warranty, and it can be tailored to provide international coverage!
Pros
- Water and dirtproof
- Changeable maps and flexible measurements
- Durable and discreet
Cons
- Frequent recharging required
LandAirSea Sync GPS Tracker – Quickest Refresh Rate
This sleek tracking system easily attaches to your vehicles and can monitor your fleet, company car, or even your high schooler. It allows you to monitor and map in real-time on their SilverCloud App or internet application for credible real-time tracking of automobiles or fleet-related assets, and you’ll also receive up-to-date email and text message alerts. More than just a Bluetooth tracker, the device is also a powerful GPS tracker that is small enough to be useful in a variety of applications.
This GPS tracker for cars also has an LED light that can be turned off through the app, preventing the device from disclosing its location. Even better, this device is battery-free and conveniently plugs into your car’s OBD-II port. Aside from that, installation is simple and does not require the use of any special tools. Further, the company is quite dependable and even provides 24-hour tech support to help you with any problems you may be experiencing.
Pros
- Three-second refresh rate
- Quick device calibration
- Feature-rich, user-friendly website
Cons
- Website features are unavailable in mobile apps
People Also Asked
A: A GPS tracker for cars is a device that tracks the location of a vehicle using the Global Positioning System. It can be used to track a car's location in real-time and the vehicle's movements over time. There are various types available on the market, each with its own set of features.
A: A GPS car tracker consists of two parts: a receiver and a transmitter. Typically, the receiver is installed in the vehicle and receives signals from satellites in orbit. These signals contain information about the satellite's location, and the tracker can determine its own location by triangulating these signals.
A: Installing a GPS tracker for your car is a simple process. First, find a suitable location for the tracker. It should be placed somewhere that is not easily visible but also has good reception. Then, using the included wiring harness, connect the tracker to the car's battery. Finally, use the included mounting bracket to secure the tracker in a safe location.
A: If your GPS tracker for your car isn't working correctly, there are a few things you can try to do. First, ensure that the tracker is fully charged — if the tracker's battery is low, it may be unable to acquire a satellite signal. You could also move it to a better view of the sky. But, you may need to contact the manufacturer for further assistance if the problem persists.
A: A GPS tracker for cars can provide several advantages, including the ability to track your vehicle's location in real-time and receive notifications if it moves outside of a specific area. This is especially useful if your car has been stolen or if you simply want to know where it is at all times. Furthermore, some GPS trackers include features like speed tracking and geo-fencing, which can help you track your growing teens or keep a close eye on employees who use company vehicles.
A: As long as it receives power, a GPS tracker will continue functioning even when the car is turned off. The car's battery powers most trackers, so it will continue to function as long as the battery is charged.
A: There is no definitive answer to this question because it depends on several factors, including the GPS tracker's quality and the strength of the GPS signal. In general, a GPS tracker installed in a car can be very accurate if it is regularly updated with new data.
A: A car tracking device can travel a certain distance depending on its features and usage. Some devices, for example, only work when the car is within a specific range of the tracker, whereas others may be able to track the car's location even if it is further away. Similarly, some brands provide international coverage while others are limited to your home city.
A: You can do a few things to find out if your vehicle has a GPS tracker. First, look for unusual devices or wires that appear out of place. You can also use a GPS tracker detector to investigate if you notice anything suspicious — these devices are intended to detect tracking devices and will typically beep or flash if one is detected. If all else fails, you can always use a GPS jammer to block the tracker's signal and prevent it from transmitting the car’s location.
A: The accuracy of a tracker is determined by how quickly it refreshes and logs data. Some systems are efficient enough to record a GPS point every 10 seconds, while others update every 30 to 60 seconds. In general, the tracking is near real-time.
