Are you looking for devices that can help track your personal vehicle or business fleet? Hardwired GPS trackers are a possible solution you should explore.
These trackers offer benefits like secure installation, tracking available 24/7, a backup battery that notifies you in the case of power disconnection, ignition on/off, and other driving alerts like speed and harsh braking.
Some trackers also let you control specific systems of the vehicle. For example, you can remotely enable or disable your vehicle, adding a layer of safety.
So with several brands, models, and features on offer, how do you select the best hardwired GPS tracker for cars?
We have compiled a list of trackers to help you get started.
Spy Spot 4G Hardwire GPS Tracker
Our Top Recommendation For Hardwired GPS Tracker For Cars!
- The Spy Spot hardwired GPS tracker can provide you with location updates.
- It includes a kill switch using which you can remotely enable/disable your vehicle.
- Low-cost service plans are now on offer.
- It also offers geofence and speed alerts.
4 Best Hardwired GPS Tracker For Car
You may need professional help with installing your hardwired GPS tracker. But it is a one-time process. The vehicle battery powers the tracker. You can always locate your car without worrying about the tracker running out of charge.
You also get driving-specific alerts that are not available with portable trackers.
Here are our top four recommendations.
- Spy Spot 4G Hardwire GPS Tracker – Best Ultra-Thin Hardwired GPS Tracker
- Optimus GV50MA Wired GPS Tracker – Best Customer-Rated Hardwired GPS Tracker
- MasTrack Hardwired GPS Tracker – MT-121 – Best Hardwired GPS Tracker with Premium Features
- Americaloc ST4340 GPS Tracker – Best Hardwired GPS Tracker with Real Time Tracking
1. Spy Spot 4G Hardwire GPS Tracker – Best Ultra-Thin Hardwired GPS Tracker
Typically hardwired trackers sit under the dashboard and are conveniently out of sight. But if discrete application is a priority, the Spy Spot tracker can be a good option. The USP of the tracker is that it is the smallest and thinnest device on this list.
Another distinguishing feature is that it includes a kill switch that can help remotely enable/disable your vehicle.
Here is how the Spy Spot 4G hardwire GPS tracker performs.
Design
The device has dimensions of 2 x 1.8 x 1 inches. It weighs less than 2 ounces. It is the smallest and lightest device on this list. Its outer shell is made from ABS plastic.
It has a 3-wire installation. The black wire connects to the ground, the red to a constant 12 V source, and the white to a switchable 12 V source. Ensure the voltage parameters are maintained for the safety of your vehicle and tracker.
Usability
You can activate the device on Spy Spot’s website. You will need to provide the IMEI number and select a service plan.
The tracker includes a SIM card and a data plan. It takes about 24 hours for the card to activate.
You can manage and track the device on the SpySpotGPS tracking platform or app. Both mediums do well in terms of functionality, but the app has a better UI.
Features
The included kill switch is a notable feature of the Spy Spot GPS tracker. This lets you disable the vehicle starter remotely through the website or app. It takes about 30 seconds for the command to go into effect.
You will have to enable the starter from the tracking platform for the vehicle’s power to turn on. The feature can help protect your valuable asset.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2 x 1.8 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 1.95 ounces |
| Battery | Draws power from vehicle battery |
| Coverage | USA, Canada, and Mexico |
| History | 6 months |
| Price | $58.00 |
| Subscription | Starts from $9.95 to $24.00(depends on payment frequency) |
| Warranty | NA |
| Customer Support | Availability - Monday to Friday Website - message email |
Pros
- The tracker includes a kill switch that can disable/enable your vehicle.
- It is a compact device that fits discreetly under the dashboard.
- The premium plan offers 1-minute updates.
Cons
- It offers hourly updates with low-cost service plans.
- You must pay an activation fee.
2. Optimus GV50MA Wired GPS Tracker – Best Customer-Rated Hardwired GPS Tracker
If you are looking for a people-approved hardwired GPS tracker, the GV50MA from Optimus can be a good option. It has an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5.
It offers 30-second updates while in motion. It includes a backup battery. Its coverage is limited to the USA and Canada.
Here is how the Optimus GV50MA wired GPS tracker performs.
Design
Dimension-wise, it is not the smallest of GPS devices, but it still fits under the dashboard. It has a 2-wire installation.
The black wire connects to the ground, and the red connects to a permanent power source. You can optionally connect the white wire for ignition-specific alerts.
It has a li-polymer backup battery with a 190 mAh capacity.
Usability
You can activate the tracker by providing the IMEI of the device and choosing a subscription plan. You will receive an email with further instructions. The SIM card will take up to an hour to activate.
You can track the device using the online tracking platform or the Optimus app. As the platforms use Google Maps, you can get the benefits of street view and live traffic.
The user interface is not the best, but the tracking mediums are easy to use and provide functionality.
Features
You can set up geofences. So when the tracker enters or leaves such an area, you will be notified. You can view the current speed and direction of the vehicle.
If the device gets disconnected from the power source, the backup battery will help send a disconnection alert.
You can get detailed reports about routes taken and parked locations. You can access historical data for up to a year.
With Optimus, you get a lifetime warranty on the tracker, but you must have an active subscription.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 2.12 x 0.5 inches |
| Weight | Around 3 ounces |
| Battery | Powered by vehicleLi-Polymer - 190 mAh |
| Coverage | USA and Canada |
| History | 1 year |
| Price | $39.95 |
| Subscription | $11 to $12.95/month(depends on payment frequency) |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty with an active subscription |
| Customer Support | Email and Phone Availability: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Pros
- You get updates every 30 seconds and on corners while in motion.
- Optimus offers a lifetime warranty on trackers with an active subscription.
- It has comparatively low-cost subscription plans.
Cons
- The device may need to be professionally installed.
- Coverage is limited to the USA and Canada.
3. MasTrack Hardwired GPS Tracker – MT-121 – Best Hardwired GPS Tracker With Premium Features
If you are looking for a feature-rich, hardwired GPS tracker, explore the MT -121 model.
The tracker offers location updates every 1 to 5 minutes. You cat set speed thresholds.
You can get alerts about aggressive driving. It offers access to unlimited historical data. There is no limit on the number of email and text alerts you can receive.
Here is how the MasTrack hardwired GPS tracker performs.
Design
The tracker weighs around 2 ounces. It can be used for discrete tracking. It comes with three wires that must be connected for the device to work and other optional wires.
The three required wires are black, red, and white. The black to the ground, red to a constant 12 V source, and white to a switched 12 V source.
It has a backup battery that will let you know when the tracker is disconnected from the power source.
Usability
Again, the activation process is straightforward, and you can complete it on MasTrack’s website. It will take an hour for the SIM card to activate. When placing the device, ensure the label side faces downward as the GPS antenna is on the opposite side.
You can download the MasTrack Live GPS app or use the online platform for tracking. Both mediums have similar functionality. But the design and navigation must be improved for a better user experience.
Features
You can set a speed threshold and receive an alert when the vehicle crosses the set limit. You can get aggressive driving alerts like speeding, rapid acceleration, and harsh braking.
The ignition event alerts let you know immediately when the vehicle is turned on and off. The tracker also alerts you when it detects conditions that could mean a possible collision.
If required, you could use the optional wiring to control a specific system of the vehicle. For example, you could remotely manage the fuel or ignition system.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.6 x 2.18 x 0.5 inches |
| Weight | Around 2 ounces |
| Battery | Powered by vehicle batteryBackup battery available |
| Coverage | USA (including Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska)For other countries, contact the sales department |
| History | Unlimited |
| Price | Starts from $68.00 |
| Subscription | Basic - $10.99 Essentials - $17.99 Premium - $22.99 Lower prices available on 3, 6 and 12-month long-term plans |
| Warranty | NA |
| Customer Support | Live Support:Monday to Friday - 9 AM to 6 PM EST. You can drop messages or voicemails for after-hours and weekend support. |
Pros
- You get unlimited email and text alerts.
- You can access unlimited historical data.
- It offers aggressive driving alerts like harsh braking and rapid acceleration.
- With a yearly plan, you can get roadside assistance.
Cons
- The basic plans have limited features.
- The premium service plans can be expensive.
4. Americaloc ST4340 GPS Tracker – Best Hardwired GPS Tracker With Real Time Tracking
Most hardwired GPS trackers offer updates every 1 to a few minutes. But if you need updates every few seconds while the vehicle is in motion, consider Americaloc ST4340.
The tracker offers updates every 60, 30, and 10 seconds. And the best part is you do not have to pay anything extra for frequent updates. It also offers worldwide coverage.
Here is how the Americaloc ST4340 hardwired GPS tracker performs.
Design
The tracker has a water and dust-resistant body. It has an IP67 rating. It comes with a 2-wire installation.
As with the other trackers, the black connects to the ground while the red connects to a (8-32 V) positive source. The blue wire can be optionally connected to the ignition.
The device has a lithium-ion backup battery with a 450 mAh capacity. The backup battery can keep the tracker running for up to an hour.
Usability
You can activate the device on your own by inputting your personal details and the IMEI code. You can also contact the customer support team to activate the device.
You can use the website or download the Americaloc Viewer app. Both mediums offer functionality, but their designs are old-school. It feels like working with old Windows software. So design improvements will be much appreciated by users.
The location updates are pretty accurate. You can get alerts through email or text.
Features
You can define safe zones and receive alerts when the vehicle leaves or enters these zones.
You can get driving-specific alerts like when drivers make harsh turns or rapidly increase speed.
It offers updates every 30 seconds or on corners while in motion. This way, you do not miss any critical route information. You can set the tracker to provide 10-second updates as well.
The backup battery can alert you when the tracker is electrically disconnected.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.91 x 1.77 x 0.77 inches |
| Weight | 2.82 ounces |
| Battery | Hardwired to carBackup - lithium-ion, 450 mAh |
| Coverage | Worldwide ( USA, Canada, Mexico, and 180+ countries) |
| History | Tracking history available |
| Price | Starts from $49.08 |
| Subscription | From $30/month to $228/year |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Customer Support | Phone (Monday to Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM CT) Email (Weekend and after-hours) |
Pros
- You can get 60, 30, and 10-second updates at the same price.
- It includes a 450 mAh battery backup.
- You can monitor driver behavior with speeding and harsh driving alerts.
Cons
- The monthly subscription plans are comparatively pricier.
- The tracking platforms need design improvements.
How We Picked And Tested The Hardwired GPS Tracker For Car?
We began our search for the best hardwired GPS trackers online. We looked at trackers from different brands, their features, customer reviews, and shortlisted products.
As the devices must be hardwired to vehicles, we tested them individually.
Key-Decision Making Factors
We considered the size and weight of the trackers as the device should conveniently fit under the dashboard and stay out of sight.
The trackers mentioned above include a 2 or 3 wire installation. If you know your way around the car’s electrical system, you can install the tracker on your own. Or you could get it installed by professionals who handle audio equipment.
Next, we looked at features like location update frequency, driving behavior, speed, and maintenance alerts.
Usability, performance, accuracy, and cost were the other factors considered.
FAQ’s
Wired GPS trackers work best for cars as they come with a one-time installation. You do not have to worry about charging the device. Most wired trackers also offer vehicle-specific alerts and diagnostic reports.
It depends on the brand and model. The four GPS trackers mentioned above include a SIM card and a data plan. In cases where a SIM card is not included, you can buy a local card with a basic data plan for around $5 to $10.
Most hardwired GPS trackers come with a 2 or 3 wire installation. Typically one wire is to the ground and another to a constant power source. Professionals who install stereos and alarms can also help you with tracker installation.
Summary
Hardwired GPS trackers can be installed under the dashboard. They are best suited for discrete vehicle tracking.
The device draws power from the vehicle’s battery. Most devices include a backup battery, which keeps the tracker running for up to an hour when the power gets disconnected.
These trackers provide real-time tracking and geofence alerts. They can also offer vehicle-specific details like speed, mileage, and aggressive driving alerts.
We hope our list helps you get started with finding the best hardwired GPS tracker for cars.
Carson Harris is a highly qualified author and expert in GPS tracking technology. With a background in electrical engineering and machine learning, he has established himself as a trusted source of information. Carson’s work experience at Garmin and Panasonic has further enhanced his expertise. He possesses creative skills in website design and AI applications. Known for his clear and concise communication, Carson’s articles on Trax Family’s website provide valuable insights on GPS trackers.