The Best GPS Trackers For Vehicles
When you need to know where a specific vehicle is, a GPS tracker can help you track it. Whether you're a parent with a new driver, a manager of a fleet of cars, or anyone else, these handy devices are easy to install and surprisingly affordable. If you're ready to track vehicles, check out our list of the best car trackers available.
What to Look For
We wanted to locate the best trackers in the world, so we scoured the options with four important questions to guide us: Is it easy to install and connect to a smartphone? Does it reliably transmit accurate GPS coordinates? How is it powered? Is the price fair for the quality? Our top pick came from Optimus Tracker since their bundle boasts durable hardware, an easy setup, and robust customization for a bargain price. But if you’re interested in a more professional-grade tracker, we recommend checking out Vyncs’ option, which plugs right into an OBD port for battery-free power. If we’ve piqued your interest, read on to find the right pick for you.
Optimus Tracker 2.0 Bundle with Twin Magnet Case
Responsive and reliable
You won’t have to worry about this vehicle tracker falling off. The case attaches to your vehicle with two strong magnets. And, for even more durability, the case is watertight and water-resistant. The battery can last up to two weeks, and it comes with a charger. You can even opt to get notified if the battery level is low so that you know when it’s time to charge. And you can receive notifications for other alerts, too. You can set up custom notifications so you will receive an alert if the tracker moves, the vehicle begins speeding, or the tracker leaves a specific area.
Pros:
- You can adjust the frequency of notifications to help extend the battery life.
- Notifications are customizable and come via email and text, so you don’t have to be logged into the app to get them (though the app offers helpful information).
- There isn’t a long-term contract to worry about with this GPS tracker. You can cancel anytime, and you won’t have to worry about hidden fees adding up.
Cons:
- If there’s no cell signal, you won’t get notifications. However, the tracker will store them and attempt to send them again once a signal is re-established.
Vyncs GPS Tracker for Vehicles
Ditch the disposables
These trackers are a great option for commercial purposes. They plug directly into the vehicle’s OBD-2 system, and this system provides power. That means there aren’t any batteries to try to remember to charge.
You can see real-time tracking, so you’ll always know where your vehicles are. It collects data every second and pushes an update every minute. If you prefer more frequent updates, you can upgrade to 15- or 30-second options. If the vehicle is turned off, this tracker goes to sleep. However, it will continue to power on every hour to send an update of the location.
Pros:
- There are no batteries to remember to charge.
- It can be set to update every minute, so you’ll always know where your vehicle is.
- When the car is running, you can see diagnostics and fault codes from the OBD-2 system, as well as vehicle speed, braking and acceleration problems, and fuel level. It really provides all the information you need to keep full tabs on your vehicle.
Cons:
- Due to the advanced technology, this option comes at a higher price than most.
AccuTracking VTPLUG TK374 Vehicle Tracker
Don't break the bank
If you’re looking for an inexpensive vehicle tracker, this is the perfect pick. Not only is the device itself affordable, but you can choose between four different monthly price points to help fit your budget. If you sign up for a longer contract, these prices drop even lower.
You plug this into your vehicle’s OBD system, and it quickly provides real-time GPS tracking. Basic diagnostic information is also available, and you can see a two-month history. You can get notifications as text messages or emails. Each tracking report is very detailed. You can also set up a master account and keep track of multiple trackers with their own accounts.
Pros:
- This tracker is also compatible with Alexa. You can ask things like, “Where is my car?” and get a real-time response.
- It’s simple to install, with no wiring, so you can quickly move it from one vehicle to another.
Cons:
- There may be an additional monthly fee if you want to use it in a country other than the US, Canada, or Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all GPS trackers require a monthly subscription?
In our research, we’ve found that almost all GPS trackers require some form of a service fee. GPS trackers will not operate without a cellular connection and a SIM card, which allows the tracker to transmit its location to a server, which in turn reports the information to you. The subscription covers these costs.
What’s the difference between satellite tracking and GPS tracking?
We use GPS navigation systems to provide directions to a specific location or address. Though a GPS tracker also receives its data from a satellite, its purpose is to transmit that data to a person who may be in another city, state, or even country. GPS trackers are for finding a vehicle; satellite navigation is for finding your destination.
What’s the difference between “active” and “passive” GPS trackers?
In short, passive trackers gather and store GPS information for later use, while active trackers are designed to give you real-time information on current location/speed/direction. For example, apps that runners use to track the route they run are passive trackers – they can look on an app, see the course they ran, then store that information and compare it to the speed and timing of the same run the next day. Active trackers report the location of the tracked vehicle directly to an app and may not store that information for use later.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.