Are you worried about your teen’s driving skills? Or do you want to track if your senior parents have safely reached their destination? Or do you want visibility over your business vehicle fleet?
A car GPS tracker backed with technology can do more than provide location updates. For example, some trackers can analyze drivers’ driving habits by giving details like speeding and hard braking. Other trackers proactively send alerts about vehicle health.
Some trackers are versatile, while others are built explicitly for cars. For example, battery-operated trackers can be placed in vehicles or bags or carried around. In contrast, OBD trackers are attached to your vehicle’s OBD port.
These trackers can also vary in terms of device price and monthly subscription costs. How do you go about selecting the best GPS tracker for cars? To begin with, let us explore our curated list of GPS car trackers.
Tracki 2023 4G Model Mini Realtime GPS Tracker
Our Top Recommendation for Car GPS Tracker
- Unlimited distance real time tracking 4G LTE +extra triband
- Rechargeable battery life is up to 5 days
- Lifetime warranty including lost or damaged device
- Tracki is smallest & lightest, 1.75×1.5×0.55in, weight only 1.26oz
Best Car GPS Trackers in 2023
If you search using the keyword ’best GPS tracker for cars’ on Amazon, it returns over 280 results. So how do you sort through these results? What factors to consider? Which tracker to explore? This can understandably be an overwhelming experience.
But do not worry. We have made an effort to explore different trackers and bring the best to you by considering factors like accuracy, battery, usability, price, features, customer support, and reviews.
Here is our list of the top 5 GPS car trackers.
- Tracki 2023 4G Model Mini Realtime GPS Tracker: Best versatile and portable tracker
- Bouncie 4G LTE GPS Car Tracker: Best for new drivers
- Spytec GL300 Real Time GPS Tracker: Best for long-term tracking
- Vyncs 4G+ GPS Car Tracker: Best for vehicle maintenance
- LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker: Best for discreet tracking
1. Tracki 2023 4G Model Mini Realtime GPS Tracker
When it comes to versatility, the Tracki 4G Mini GPS tracker is our favorite choice. Currently, it is the smallest tracker you will find on the market, with dimensions of 1.75 x 1.6 x 0.6 inches. It weighs about 1.26 ounces.
Apart from the device, in the box, you will receive a belt clip, magnet, lanyard, and keychain for attachment. You can attach the tracker to your car using the magnet, place it in your children’s backpacks, or have field officers place the device on their belts.
It also includes a SIM card, which enables the tracker to work in over 190 countries.
To activate the device and to view updates, you can use Tracki’s Android or iOS app or the web interface. The tracker is easy to install, activate and use. If you need help, explore the Support section on Tracki’s website.
The tracker provides updates every 60 seconds to 5 minutes using GPS technology. This can be limiting compared to trackers that provide updates every 15 to 5 seconds. Its accuracy is within 5 to 20 m.
One of the distinguishing features of Tracki is that it offers indoor tracking using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In addition, some of the alerts you can customize using the tracker are SOS, geofencing, speeding, and movement.
The device costs $28.88, and the monthly subscription is $19.95. This makes it one of the most affordable options in the market. Tracki offers live phone support and a lifetime warranty.
The tracker comes with a 600 mAh battery. You will have to charge the device every other day if it is set to update every minute. You can purchase the battery extender from Tracki to overcome this limitation.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tracki |
| Model | Tracki 2023 4G Model Mini Realtime GPS Tracker |
| Dimension | 1.75 x 1.6 x 0.6 inches |
| Weight | 1.26 ounces |
| Battery | 600 mAh rechargeable battery |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Device Price | $28.88 |
| Monthly Subscription | $19.95 |
| Our Rating | 4.1 out of 5 (37, 093 ratings) |
Pros
- One of the smallest and lightweight trackers available.
- Outdoor and indoor tracking is offered.
- A variety of attachment options is included.
- SIM card included for global coverage.
- Tracki provides a lifetime warranty on the tracker.
Cons
- The 600 mAh battery provides limited capacity.
- The battery extender can make the device bulky.
2. Bouncie 4G LTE GPS Car Tracker
If you are looking for a no-fuss car tracker for new drivers, consider the Bouncie 4GLTE GPS device. The tracker plugs into the vehicle’s OBD port, one of the easiest installations we have encountered.
As long as the vehicle’s battery is running, the tracker will also run. This removes the overhead of keeping an eye on the battery percentage and recharging the device multiple times a week.
Download the Bouncie app, and set up your account before you plug in the tracker. Then drive around for 10 to 15 minutes for the tracker to calibrate.
Using the Bouncie app, you can keep track of a single vehicle or a fleet with a single account. The app automatically refreshes every 15 seconds. If the device has lost signal and cannot update the app, it will continue to track the location. Once the signal is restored, your account will be updated.
Bouncie offers a range of information and alerts. For example, you can see events like maximum speed, idle time, rapid acceleration, and hard braking for all trips. You also get unlimited trip history.
The tracker offers safety features like accident detection and notification. Bouncie offers free roadside assistance to its US users three times annually.
The tracker also helps maintain your vehicle’s health. For example, if the vehicle battery is low or the check engine light is on, you will receive an alert for the same.
The device is priced at $77. The monthly subscription is $8, which is the lowest in the market.
Bouncie supports smart integration with Alexa, Google, and IFTTT. Currently, the integration with Alexa and Google has limited capabilities. But the IFTTT integration does look promising.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bouncie |
| Model | Bouncie 4G LTE GPS Car Tracker |
| Dimension | 1.0 x 1.75 x 1.875 inches |
| Weight | 1.13 ounces |
| Battery | Plugs into the vehicle’s OBD port |
| Warranty | Limited warranty against defects and malfunctions |
| Device Price | $77 |
| Monthly Subscription | $8 |
| Our Rating | 4.6 out of 5 (4,132 ratings) |
Pros
- The Bouncie app automatically updates every 15 seconds.
- The tracker provides insights about vehicle health.
- Accident detection and notification feature are offered.
- Low monthly subscription.
- Smart integration with Alexa, Google, and IFTTT.
Cons
- Limited warranty offered.
- The flashing lights on the tracker cannot be turned off.
3. Spytec GL300 Real Time GPS Tracker
The Spytec GL300 is one of the best GPS trackers for cars. Its real-time tracking capability is top-rated compared to other trackers on this list.
One can use the tracker for various applications like fleet tracking, asset monitoring, employee monitoring, and other personal uses.
We deem it the best for long-term tracking as the tracker’s internal battery has a 2600 mAh capacity. This is pretty good for a battery-operated tracker. We found the battery can last for about 7 to 8 days for applications like car tracking.
And if the capacity is insufficient for your application, you can buy battery extenders that can improve the tracker capacity by 12 times.
You can customize a range of alerts like boundary entry and exit, low battery, trip start and end, speeding, and movement. You can choose to receive the alerts on mobile, web, text, or email. You can take a look at your complete trips using the time machine trip feature.
The device is priced at $39.95. Two subscription options are available: Monthly – $30/month and Annual – $25/month.
It would be best to opt for the annual subscription as you get benefits like 24/7 tech support, free upgrades, 50 users per account, and a lifetime device warranty.
The Spytec app is packed with features. This can get overwhelming for some users. The app is relatively easy to use, but it has a learning curve. Activating the device and setting up the account can take an hour or two.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Spytec GPS |
| Model | Spytec GL300 Real Time GPS Tracker |
| Dimension | 3.15 x 1.15 x 1.64 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 ounces |
| Battery | 2600 mAh, Li-polymer |
| Warranty | Monthly subscription - 6 monthsAnnual subscription - Lifetime |
| Device Price | $39.95 |
| Monthly Subscription | Monthly - $30/monthAnnual - $25/month |
| Our Rating | 4.1 out of 5 (12, 279 ratings) |
Pros
- Live tracking feature offered to all users regardless of subscription plan.
- Spytec offers industry-leading 99% uptime.
- The 2600 mAh internal battery provides good capacity.
- Lifetime warranty offered on annual subscription.
- Battery extenders with weatherproof cases are available.
Cons
- The subscription plan can be comparatively expensive.
- The app can initially be confusing to use.
4. Vyncs 4G+ GPS Car Tracker
The Vyncs 4G+ GPS car tracker is another device that attaches to the vehicle’s OBD port. Vyncs also provides accessories for heavy-duty vehicles that are not OBD-compliant. This makes installing the tracker a breeze.
Ensure that you have the app downloaded and your account set up before connecting the tracker. While connecting, your engine should be off, and the car should be in an open area for good signal strength.
Vyncs’s GPS sampling rate ranges from 20 to 60 seconds. In the case of 20 seconds, the user account gets updated every minute. Whereas within 60 seconds, the update is done every three minutes. The tracker continues to work even when the engine is turned off. It will update its location every hour.
In terms of alerts, Vyncs provides information about rapid acceleration, movement, hard braking, zone departure, and arrival.
The best part of Vyncs is the vehicle diagnostic information it provides. For example, you can check engine lights and low battery alerts. You can get maintenance reminders for activities like oil changes and tire rotations.
It also provides extensive information about fuel consumption. Vyncs will analyze driving habits and fuel usage and provide optimization tips.
Vyncs advertises there are no monthly fees. That is true, but you do need to pay upfront for an annual plan. The annual plan includes the cost of the device and one year of service and data. You will also be paying a one-time activation fee.
The pricing options for Vyncs range from $99.99/year to $119.99/year. After the first year, you will have to pay a renewal fee.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Vyncs |
| Model | Vyncs 4G+ GPS Car Tracker |
| Dimension | 0.9 X 1.9 x 2.4 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 ounces |
| Battery | Plugs into the vehicle’s OBD port |
| Warranty | Lifetime device assurance |
| Device Price | Included with annual plan |
| Annual Subscription | Vyncs Basic 4G+ - $99.99Vyncs Pro 4G+ - $119.99Vyncs Premium 4G+ - $109.99Vyncs Fleet 4G+ - $119.99(includes one device, one year of data plan and service) |
| Our Rating | 4 out of 5 (6,457 ratings) |
Pros
- The device is easy to install and use.
- Provides alerts for vehicle diagnostics and maintenance reminders.
- Vyncs tracks driving habits and fuel consumption.
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- USA-based telephone support is offered.
Cons
- The app refresh time could be limiting.
- Users have to pay a one-time activation fee.
5. LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
The LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker is circle-shaped, a unique feature compared to other models on this list. Weighing around 2.64 ounces, the tracker is lightweight. This makes it easy to place the tracker in your child’s backpack, carry it in purses or pockets or attach it to cars.
The tracker has a built-in super-strength magnet. It helps the tracker stay in place when attached to a metal surface. For example, using the magnet mount, you can place the tracker on the underside of the car.
The device offers updates in intervals of 3 minutes to 3 seconds. The refresh rate depends on the plan you purchase.
The tracker has an internal battery of 1500 mAh capacity. If you opt for the 3 minutes update, plan the battery to last for about 40 hours. With the 5 or 3 seconds plan, the battery will discharge much quicker.
In terms of usability, the SilverCloud app and the web interface are straightforward. You will get an instruction guide with the box.
There are four lights available on the face of the tracker. Three of them can be on depending on signal availability. You can remotely turn off these lights while the tracker remains fully operational. This is why the tracker is suited for discreet operations like theft prevention.
Some other alerts you can set up are speeding, movement, ShareSpot, and InstaFence.
The device is priced at $29.95. The monthly subscription starts at $19.95. This makes it a pocket-friendly option overall. But the monthly costs increase if you opt for lower time interval plans. For example, the 3 seconds update plan is available at $49.95/month.
LandAirSea does offer prepaid plans wherein you can get discounts from 10 to 50%.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | LandAirSea |
| Model | LandAirSea 54 with Sharespot (TM) Location Sharing and Tracking System |
| Dimension | D: 2.275 inches, H: 0.945 inches |
| Weight | 2.64 ounces |
| Battery | Li-On rechargeable, 1500 mAh |
| Warranty | Limited one year warranty |
| Device Price | $29.95 |
| Monthly Subscription | From $19.95 to $49.95 per month (depending on plan features and tracking interval) |
| Our Rating | 4.2 out of 5 (18,932 ratings) |
Pros
- The tracker is weatherproof.
- Flexible subscription plans are offered from 3 minutes to 3 seconds.
- Remotely turn off lights for discreet applications.
- Integrated with a strong magnet.
- Energy-saving modes can extend battery life.
Cons
- The monthly plans with quicker refresh rates can be expensive.
- Limited warranty offered.
How We Picked and Tested the Car GPS Trackers?
Our search for the best GPS car trackers began with online research. First, we looked for highly rated products based on several quality factors. We then did in-depth research on individual trackers to understand their features and if the tracker offered consistently good performance.
We then performed hands-on testing for these trackers. We opted for the most basic subscription plans offered. We pay attention to installation, usability, features, and performance during testing. We performed all alert testing in a safe environment.
Key Decision-Making Factors
We consider several factors before any product lands on our list of recommendations. Here are a few for your understanding.
Performance
We test whether the product has the features advertised and how well they perform. We paid particular attention to accuracy and update times. Accuracy cannot be 100% correct, but we picked trackers whose readings were a few meters away from the actual location.
Usability
The car tracker is meant to make your life easier. We test how easy or difficult the installation and using the app or web account processes are.
Price
All trackers have a device price and need a monthly or annual subscription plan to remain functional. In addition, some companies charge activation and renewal fees. We have also considered the discounts offered on bulk purchases and long-term plans.
Value-Added Features
All car trackers have some features that set them apart from their competitors. This could be specialized alerts or smart home integration. We attempt to answer the query, is the tracker worth your hard-earned money?
FAQ’s
Yes. Most of the trackers we have reviewed do require a monthly fee. Even if brands advertise as a no-monthly fee tracker, there is typically an annual plan or other upfront costs to be paid.
Yes. You have battery-operated, hardwired, and OBD car trackers. The hardwired and OBD car tracker derives power from the vehicle’s battery. Depending on the model, the tracker may continue to work or not when the engine is turned off.
You can place the car tracker under the dash, under the seats, near the front or back bumper, underside of the car, or under the carpet. However, avoid placing the tracker too deep in the seat or storage trunks, as finding a GPS signal in such enclosed places can be difficult.
The device themselves can cost anywhere from $30 to $80. Then you need to consider monthly and annual subscription plans. These plans can cost anywhere from $100 to $400 or more annually. But, again, it depends on the plan features and update rate.
Conclusion
GPS car trackers can give you peace of mind. You can know where your loved ones are at all times. You can share your location with family members or call for help in case of emergencies. From a business perspective, these trackers can help with fleet, asset, and personnel management.
When looking for the best GPS tracker for cars, consider factors like design, usability, price, update rate, battery, and other value-added features.
If car tracking is a priority, then Tracki, Spytec, and LandAirSea are good options. However, if you need help with vehicle diagnostics, the OBD trackers Vyncs and Bouncie would be the better choice.
If you have used any of these trackers, let us know how you would rate their performance.
Stefan Quartemont is an experienced author and expert on GPS technology, with a particular interest in its practical applications. He gained his knowledge of GPS tracking during his studies at Texas A&M University and has since become a regular contributor to TraxFamily.com, providing valuable insights into the latest developments in GPS tracking. Stefan’s expertise and passion for leadership make him a respected authority on GPS technology, and his work with TraxFamily.com is highly beneficial to anyone interested in staying up-to-date on this exciting technology.