The Best GPS Trackers
GPS devices are a borderline-essential part of life at this point, so it's no wonder there are so many to choose from. But there's as much of a range in quality as there is in quantity when it comes to these wayfaring devices. From their location accuracy to their ease of installation, there's a lot to take into account when deciding on the best options. That's why we've decided to make this list and help you cut down on the hassle. Read on and get ready to go where you want to with greater ease than ever.
What to Look For
There were a few questions we kept in mind when considering the best GPS trackers to recommend: Is the location accuracy strong and consistent? Is it easy to set up and use? And can it work in a wide range of locations and conditions? We found a few GPS devices that blew us away with what they had to offer. Tracki produces our favorite option by stuffing an incredibly accurate navigator into an even more impressively tiny package. But Jiobit wasn’t to be outdone in either quality or size, providing a tracker that offers accurate directions with foolproof digital security into an equally diminutive shell. Keep reading to see why these and other GPS devices for your car deserve to become your new traveling buddies.
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker
Small but safe
GPS devices are rarely as reliable or compact as this outstanding navigator from Tracki. The battery can sustain five days of real-time tracking, which is amazing considering it’s small enough for two of them to fit in the palm of your hand. It can also use wifi backup tracking if satellites aren’t available, and it has a built-in SIM card for extra speed. You can definitely find bigger GPS devices, but it’ll be hard to find one that’s better.
Pros
- It’s small enough to keep in a pocket or discreetly in your car, so you can keep track of people and things from your phone.
- The monthly fee is competitive when compared to other GPS devices for your car, especially if you pay for a long-term plan.
- Its SOS button offers an extra level of security and confidence for the user.
Cons
- It can take a somewhat long time to update your position in real-time.
- The monthly fee may place this option’s cost outside of some folks’ budgets.
Optimus Waterproof GPS Tracker For Car
The satellite middleman
This is one of few GPS devices for your car that can claim to be magnetic, waterproof, and compact simultaneously. The tracker can report its location in intervals anywhere from ten seconds to ten minutes and will send you text alerts when the battery or signal is low. And with the strong battery that lasts two weeks at one-minute intervals, it’s one of the most reliable GPS trackers on the market. Perfect for keeping tabs on the location of your assets, this little tracker is a simple solution for peace of mind.
Pros
- The magnets make it easy to store or place in discreet locations.
- It reports coordinates accurately no matter what time interval you set for updates.
- The power button requires a firm press, which greatly minimizes the chance it’ll turn off accidentally.
Cons
- Bad weather can cause delays with the location reporting.
Jiobit Smallest GPS Tracker
The featherweight champion
There are many miniature GPS trackers, but none quite as small as this one. This tracker is designed to be clipped to surfaces, so it’ll work well whether it’s on your dashboard or placed in a wandering loved one’s pocket. It also features encrypted data transmission that hackers can’t see, which few GPS devices for your car can claim. This tracker is for anyone who wants a “set it and forget it” solution.
Pros
- The battery lasts a very long time if your phone is kept relatively close to the tracker.
- If you need a GPS tracker for a young child or senior prone to wandering, this is the perfect option. Due to the small size, it’s less likely to be removed from their person, and you can even sew it into their clothing.
- Its accompanying app is easy to use and simple to set up.
Cons
- Canceling your subscription to the app deactivates the device permanently.
Optimus GB100M Car Battery GPS Device
Maximize your power
This is one of the only GPS devices for your car that runs off the power of the car itself. Optimus provides a tracker that plugs directly into your battery, ensuring you’ll never misplace it or run out of juice. It also supplies other types of handy data that other GPS devices for your car won’t, like the distance you’ve driven and where you’ve parked. If you need a tracker that specializes in automotive detail, this should be your first stop.
Pros
- Car thieves won’t be able to easily remove this tracker if your car is stolen, especially since it’s hard to detect.
- The data it supplies is specific enough that it works well for showing first-time drivers the ropes.
Cons
- The location tracking is accurate but frequently beset by delays.
Trak-4 12v GPS Device
In it for the long run
When it comes to GPS trackers that won’t wear out, this tracker is an indispensable tool. This battery lasts a whopping 18 months at full charge and features a weatherproof casing to boot. It also features a generous subscription plan, which includes essential features such as geofencing and text alerts. If other GPS devices for your car haven’t been able to weather the storm—literally or figuratively—we think you’ll like what this one has to offer.
Pros
- Its durability and longevity make it ideal for professional drivers such as truckers or forklift operators.
- Unlike most GPS devices for your car, this one runs off a website instead of an app, which cuts down on user commitment and phone storage.
- An adhesive magnet case is available to ensure total placement stability.
Cons
- You have to wire it up to a 12V power system yourself, so there’s a bit of an electrical learning curve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some of these devices stop working entirely if you cancel your app subscription?
It’s mainly a safety precaution that prevents hackers or thieves from being able to trace you using your discarded tracker. It might seem inconvenient, but disabling GPS devices for your car after use is far preferable to having your whereabouts known by malicious entities.
How can I ensure these GPS devices for my car are working accurately?
For the most accurate results, make sure your device is set to send your location in the smallest time intervals possible. Also, keep in mind that it’s very normal for the satellite signal to come at a slight delay and that this won’t affect the accuracy of the registered locations you’re at or have been to.
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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.