GPS tracking devices are essential for car owners because they provide an avenue for them to find their vehicle if stolen. Additionally, the gadgets allow multiple people to monitor the car while recording the routes used. If you are the parents of a teen who recently started driving, a caretaker of an elderly driver or a manager of a logistics company, the best GPS tracker for cars is a vital investment.
These devices come with subscription costs that are either billed monthly or annually. These fees ensure that you get constant vehicle coverage through a specialized mobile app or SMS and email notifications. Also, the best GPS tracker for cars should have features that provide alerts based on your settings or when someone presses the SOS button.
If you are interested in finding a device with these features and more, we have compiled a list of options to help you find the right fit for your needs. Also, we have discussed the essential factors to consider when looking for the best GPS tracker for cars. After all, understanding what the devices offer is the first step towards making an informed purchasing decision.
5 Best GPS Trackers for Cars
1. Amcrest GPS Tracker for Vehicles GL300
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Amcrest GPS GL300 GPS Tracker for Vehicles (4G LTE) - Portable Mini Hidden Real-Time GPS Tracking...
- COMPACT 4G GPS TRACKER - Perfect for tracking vehicles, loved...
- REAL-TIME SMARTPHONE & PC TRACKING – With lighting fast 4G LTE...
- GEO-FENCING, SMART ALERTS & REPORTS - Create custom geo-fencing...
- BUILT TO LAST – EXTENDED BATTERY – This Amcrest 4G GPS...
- LIFETIME SUPPORT – IMPORTANT - This device is configured to...
The Amcrest GPS tracker GL300 is sleek and compact to help you keep it hidden when keeping track of assets, the elderly or teen drivers. The device has an IPX5 weatherproof rating, allowing it to endure harsh operating environments when mounted outside the vehicle. Also, its battery life can last about two weeks when full.
If you are looking for the best GPS tracker for cars that offers real-time tracking, the Amcrest GL300 has you covered. It relies on the fast 4G LTE network that can send data updates every 5 seconds. Plus, their phone app, available on iOS and Android, gives plenty of control over when and how you want to receive your alerts.
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2. Tracki Mini Real-Time GPS Tracker
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Tracki GPS Tracker for Vehicles, Car, Kids, Dogs, Motorcycle. 4G LTE GPS Tracking Device. Unlimited...
- Unlimited distance real time tracking 4G LTE +extra triband....
- Tracki is smallest & lightest, 1.75x1.5x0.55in, weight only...
- Rechargeable battery life is up to 5 days (the more it moves the...
- Works with GPS satellites when outdoors as primary tracking...
- Lifetime warranty including lost or damaged device. Tracki is...
For the best GPS tracker for cars operating in over 185 countries, the Tracki Mini GPS Tracker is a reliable solution. The company offers a lifetime warranty program for the device and will replace a unit your original one gets lost. As for the battery life, the car tracker can last for four weeks if you require updates four times a day, and you can get 2-3 days for updates every 1-5 minutes.
Get a mobile app or use any web browser to get data on various aspects of driving with accurate reports from the device. Also, you can view information on the geofencing feature, speed data, SOS and low battery notifications.
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3. PrimeTracking Personal GPS Tracker
2022 PrimeTracking GPS Tracker for Vehicles | Car GPS Tracker for Kids, Spouses, Seniors, Pets, Cars...
- Monitor affordably - subscription required: Just like a cell...
- Never worry or wonder again: Make sure people get where they’re...
- Put it anywhere: The tiny, lightweight Prime Tracking GPS fits...
- Track anywhere in North America from anywhere, anytime: Easily...
- Get information instantly: State-of-the-art 4G LTE technology...
The PrimeTracking Personal GPS Tracker offers unlimited data coverage thanks to the SIM card it uses. Concerned parents and company managers can rest easy since they can monitor drivers, speed and safety of their kids, assets and vehicles. The design is small, ensuring you can keep it virtually undetectable and hidden from view.
Take GPS tracking to the next level with real-time data via Google Maps for checking the location, routes and address of the tracker via the app. Plus, you can designate a safe zone with the geofencing feature or increase car safety by getting report cards if there was reckless driving.
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4. LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
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LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker, - USA Engineered & Assembled, Waterproof Magnet Mount. Full Global...
- Personal GPS for reliable tracking of people, vehicles, and/or...
- Ultra-compact design | 100% Waterproof | Built-in Super Strength...
- Attaches to vehicle | Fits in small pockets | Discretely hide in...
- Track & map (with Google Maps) in realtime on web-based software...
- Text & email alerts | Geofencing | Vehicle Tracking | Location...
If you want discrete tracking features, the LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker should be at the top of your buying list. The tiny device can easily remain hidden, and it is waterproof so that you can mount it on the outside of the vehicle. Consequently, you do not need to buy a separate case for it.
This device is packed full of useful features like ShareSpot for sharing links to live GPS location, InstaFence for creating a geofence and unlimited reports. Plus, you can access the information on their SilverCloud web-based platform. A free app is available on iOS and Android for those who want to use their phone.
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5. AMERICALOC GL300 GPS Tracker MXW
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AMERICALOC 300 Mini Portable Real Time Personal and Vehicle GPS Tracker
- GPS Tracker for vehicles, people, assets. New version of the...
- This is the longest battery life version and the one that works...
- Alerts: movement,parked, speeding, device on/off, low battery,...
- Real Time Tracking and 1 year of tracking history. Track from any...
- 1 minute location updates while moving. Can be configured for...
The AMEROCALOC GL300 MXW delivers premium GPS tracking features. Get detailed reports on the engine run and idle time, the battery life and whether the device is off. Plus, you can press the SOS button to send your location to first responders if you have an emergency on the road.
The device allows you to track within the US, Canada and Mexico. Receive tracking information in either Spanish or English through a companion phone application or a laptop. Plus, you can access up to a year of your tracking history at no extra costs.
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Factors to Consider When Buying GPS Trackers for Cars
a) Types of GPS Trackers
1. Plug-In GPS Trackers
Cars manufactured from 1990 come with an OBD II connection port used for providing detailed reports on the condition of the vehicle, functioning of the sensors and monitoring when maintenance is required. Additionally, the OBD port can power and exchange data with plug-in GPS trackers.
These types of devices are often compact while requiring simple installation procedures to work well. Plus, such a vehicle tracker can sense whether the car is on and choose the best times to send reports to avoid draining the vehicle battery. Plug-in models are excellent for both personal and professional uses.
Unfortunately, a plug-in GPS tracker is tricky to keep out of sight. Thus, they are not suitable when you want anti-theft protection. Also, you need to monitor its energy consumption so that you do not drain your car battery.
2. Battery Powered Tracking Devices
If you do not want a device that draws power from your vehicle, a battery-powered GPS tracker is the best option. Admittedly, these models do not consume much energy, and their battery life will often last a long time. But, the duration depends on how often you want to receive tracking information.
A battery-powered GPS tracker is ideal for emergencies. However, you will need to check on them more frequently than other types so that the battery life does not run out when you need it the most. On the plus side, these units are more compact and can remain hidden from view.
3. Hardwired GPS Trackers
If your car's OBD port is not working or you lack one altogether, hardwired GPS trackers are your best bet for monitoring the vehicle's location. Since you do not have to hook them up at a specific place on the car, these units are ideal for people concerned about safety. You can keep the device hidden from view so that a thief does not spot it underneath your dashboard.
If you run a logistics company, buying hardwired GPS trackers will give you more flexibility for monitoring vehicles. On the other hand, your car's OBD port may not be compatible with the kind of tracking services you need. Hence, a directly connecting device should solve your problems.
b) Tracking Features
1. Real-Time Tracking
If you require emergency roadside assistance, monitoring a teen driver or an elderly one, having real-time tracking is essential. These days, the best GPS trackers allow you to check on the car's address while it is in constant motion. Thus, you can relax with accurate and continuously updated data on the location and driving habits of the vehicle.
2. Trip History
Constantly getting email alerts or notifications on your mobile app can be annoying, especially when reporting data about mundane driving habits. Of course, having a teen driver, managing a company with multiple cars or watching over elderly parents requires diligence on your part. Thankfully, you can get a car tracker that can summarize and store trip data and enable you to access the history at any time.
The report feature offers many details through graphs where you can see average trends. Also, you can view the location where each stop was made, the engine time, distance traveled, average speed, and when the engine was idle. Some units allow you to access this data via a program that overlays the entire history on a map.
As a safety feature, you can find out if the driver exceeded the speed limit at any point in the trip. Hence, parents and company managers can get access to more data from a phone app.
3. Geofencing
A geofencing feature means that you have the control of selecting an area where the vehicle should operate. If the car goes beyond the demarcated location, you will receive alerts. Typically, geofencing works by selecting landmarks on a map.
As a result, you can increase the safety of the vehicle and driver if you are responsible for following up on such data.
c) Additional Features
- An SOS button is a feature for enhancing safety for drivers and vehicles. You can send a report with your address to first responders for either roadside assistance or during an emergency by pressing this button.
- It would be impractical to keep a phone app constantly open so that you can monitor driving habits. A modern GPS device allows you to set up how you will receive notifications. You can choose to view them on your phone or receive email alerts whenever something major happens with the vehicles or drivers.
- A waterproof car tracker gives you more options for keeping it hidden. Ideally, people prefer to mount their units inside the vehicle. An exterior one needs to be weatherproof and withstand any debris hitting it while still functioning optimally.
- Privacy is a key part of enhancing your safety with a GPS tracker. Data about your passwords should remain a secret so that it does not fall into the wrong hands. After all, a hacker can see your driving history from the information.
- Most trackers are easy to use and install in the vehicle. Whether it is a plug-and-play function or a simple installation procedure, you should not have to look for a professional to set it up.
- It is crucial to have options to access the data from your car tracker. Whether you prefer to go to the web, use your smartphone, or get email alerts, freedom of choice is vital. Also, you need to find a platform that supports multiple users if both parents want to take turns keeping track of their teen or elderly drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions on GPS Trackers for Cars
1. Where would you put a GPS tracker on a car?
Wired and plug-in trackers need to be close to a power source like the battery or the OBD port. On the other hand, you can find a spot around the exterior of your car if you use a weatherproof, battery-powered tracker.
2. What is the best way to track a car?
You can track your car conveniently through GPS units. Although the costs of paying a periodic subscription fee may be high, the benefits of safety and peace of mind are much higher.