Do you want to track your fleet of vehicles discreetly? Are you worried about your car being stolen? Or do you want to track your loved ones driving around your car?
A hidden GPS tracker could be the solution for all the scenarios mentioned above.
These trackers can provide you with location updates every few seconds or minutes.
You can get alerts when the tracker enters or leaves predefined zones. You can get movement alerts so you know if your car is being towed or stolen. Plus, you can also look over historical data.
Spytec GL300 Real Time GPS Tracker
Our Top Recommendation for Hidden GPS Tracker For Cars!
- The Spytec GL300 is a small-sized and lightweight.
- Portable GPS tracker suited for hidden applications.
- It offers features like real-time tracking, unlimited history, and boundary alerts.
- It requires a monthly subscription to work.
You can choose from hardwired, OBD, or portable GPS trackers. You can wire or plug the small and lightweight GPS trackers under the dashboard or place them in hidden locations, like under the seat or underside of the car.
I have put together a list of the best hidden GPS tracker for cars. Let us explore each tracker’s design and features to understand if it is suited to your application.
Best Hidden GPS Tracker For Car
Hidden GPS trackers can provide you with peace of mind. It can help you always know where your loved ones and assets are.
As the primary requirement of these trackers is to remain hidden, I have paid particular attention to the dimensions and weight of the device.
Most of the trackers on this list are portable, as they offer multiple placement options.
Here are my top 5 picks for the best hidden GPS trackers for vehicles:
- Spytec GL300 Real Time GPS Tracker – Best Battery Life Car GPS Tracker
- Americaloc GL300 MXW – Best Customer-Rated Car GPS Tracker
- LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker – Best Cat GPS Tracker for Discreet Applications
- Tracki 4G GPS Tracker – Best Small and Lightweight Car GPS Tracker
- Bouncie 4G LTE GPS Car Tracker – Best Feature-Rich Car GPS Tracker
1. Spytec GL300 Real Time GPS Tracker – Best Battery Life Car GPS Tracker
The GL300 is a multi-purpose portable GS tracker. It can be used to track your loved ones, vehicles, and other assets.
You can place the tracker as is inside the car. However, if you are placing it outside the vehicle, you will have to purchase a magnetic case separately.
Here is how the Spytec GL300 GPS tracker performs.
Design
The device weighs only 0.32 ounces, making it the lightest tracker on this list. It is a small rectangular-shaped device that can be easily concealed.
It includes a rechargeable 2600 mAh battery that lasts a week to 10 days with 2 hours of movement daily. It can last up to 25 days in standby mode. It takes about 5 hours to get a full charge.
If you need to track vehicles for a longer period, invest in a battery extender by Spytec which can increase the battery life by 12 times.
Usability
You need to create an account with Spytec GPS with details like name, contact, and the device IMEI. Then, charge and reboot the device. After that, you may have to drive around an open area for the device to calibrate.
Next, you can customize the settings and alerts. Considering the number of features available, you will need a couple of hours to set up your account. Visit Spytec’s help center for more details.
Features
You can set up boundaries and receive alerts when the tracker leaves or enters one. You can get a movement update.
The device wearer can press the SOS button on the face of the device, and you will receive a notification.
You can also get low battery alerts. In addition, you can choose to get mobile, web, text, or email notifications.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.15 x 1.15 x 1.64 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 ounces |
| Type | 4G |
| Battery | 2600 mAh, Li-polymer |
| Price | $39.95 |
| Subscription | Monthly - $30/month Annual - $25/month |
| Warranty | Monthly subscription - 6 months Annual subscription - Lifetime |
| Amazon Rating | 4.1 out of 5 (12,725 ratings) |
Pros
- The 2600 mAh battery has a good lifetime
- The tracker can be swapped between vehicles
- Spytec offers reliable service with 99% uptime
- You can buy extendable battery cases
Cons
- The subscription prices could be high
- Some users have reported issues with customer support
2. Americaloc GL300 MXW – Best Customer-Rated Car GPS Tracker
One of the distinguishing features of the GL300 MXW is that you can receive updates every 10 minutes to 10 seconds at no extra cost.
You can configure the setting on your own; the update frequency does not depend on the subscription plan. It is probably the reason it is one of the highest-rated car GPS trackers on Amazon.
Here is how the Americaloc GL300 MXW GPS tracker performs.
Design
The tracker weighs about 2.3 ounces. It includes a pre-installed international SIM card. It comes with a rechargeable battery that can last for a week or 3 to 4 days, depending on usage.
If you want to place the tracker outside the car, you must buy the magnetic weatherproof case. This will help keep the tracker out of sight and protect it from dust and water.
Usability
You can activate the tracker on Americaloc’s website. The setup process involves creating an account, paying for a subscription plan, and turning the device on. You should be done in about 30 minutes.
The web and app UI design is outdated. The interface is like what you would typically see on old Microsoft computers. But once you get past that, the platforms are easy to use.
Features
You can set up to 100 geofences with this tracker. You can choose the location update frequency.
You can track movements, stops, speeding, and low battery. You can choose to get email or text alerts.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.7 x 1.51 x 0.92 inches |
| Weight | 2.3 ounces |
| Type | Advanced CAT M1 technology |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Price | $80.00 |
| Subscription | Starting from 1 month: $30.00 to 12 months: $228.00 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 out of 5 (1,552 ratings) |
Pros
- You can get 60, 30, or 10 seconds updates at the same cost.
- You can set up to 100 geofences.
- Multiple sub-users can be created under the administrator account.
Cons
- The app and web interface are archaic.
- Monthly subscriptions could be expensive.
3. LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker – Best Cat GPS Tracker for Discreet Applications
Remote turning of device lights is the feature that makes the LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker one of the best devices for discreet applications.
It includes a built-in magnet for installing the tracker on any metal surface, like the underside of a vehicle.
Here is how the LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker performs.
Design
The tracker comes in a distinct circular shape and weighs about 2.6 ounces. It includes a 10 lb test magnet. The device is waterproof.
It has a rechargeable battery with a 1500 mAh capacity. The battery is expected to last up to 6 months in energy-saving mode. But if you opt for frequency updates, the battery may last up to a week.
Usability
You can activate the tracker on the brand’s website. The process involves creating an account and purchasing a monthly plan. The tracker may take about 10 minutes to acquire a signal and show your location.
You can use the SilverCloud app to manage the device and alerts. The app is pretty straightforward to use.
Features
ShareSpot is a feature using which you can share the device location with users via text or email. The message will include a link with live location access. Users will not have access to your account, but they can safely monitor the current tracker location.
Other features include geofencing and historical playback.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | D: 2.275 inches, H: 0.945 inches |
| Weight | 2.64 ounces |
| Type | 4G LTE CAT M1/ 4G LTE CAT NB1/ EGPRS (2G) |
| Battery | Li-ion rechargeable, 1500 mAh |
| Price | $29.95 |
| Subscription | From $19.95 to $49.95 per month (depends on plan features and tracking interval) |
| Warranty | Limited one year warranty |
| Amazon Rating | 4.2 out of 5 (19,909 ratings) |
Pros
- You can remotely turn off the lights on the device.
- Depending on the plan, you can get updates from 3 seconds to 3 minutes.
- The device is water and dustproof.
Cons
- Plans for frequent updates can be expensive.
- Limited alert types than the trackers on this list.
4. Tracki 4G GPS Tracker – Best Small and Lightweight Car GPS Tracker
With dimensions of 1.75 x 1.6 x 0.6 inches and a weight of 1.26 ounces, the 4G GPS tracker by Tracki is one of the smallest and most lightweight trackers on the market.
Its size is what makes it ideal for hidden GPS applications. As the tracker is portable, you can use it to track vehicles, assets, kids, or your elderly parents.
Here is how the Tracki 4G GPS tracker performs.
Design
As the tracker is small-sized, it has a limited battery of 600 mAh. If you want regular updates, ranging from 1 to 5 minutes, the battery may hardly last for 2 to 3 days.
You can use a battery extender with a capacity of 3500 mAh. But know that this will increase the device’s weight by 5.29 ounces.
Usability
You can use the Tracki app or web interface to activate and manage the device. You must create your account, choose a payment plan and activate the device. Both methods are user-friendly.
You can explore Tracki’s support videos to learn more about the device.
Features
Tracki features an SOS button that sends a text message with the tracker’s location when pressed.
You can set up alerts for geofences, movement, speeding, and low battery. In addition, Tracki has one of the lowest monthly plans for portable trackers.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.75 x 1.6 x 0.6 inches |
| Weight | 1.26 ounces |
| Type | 4G |
| Battery | 600 mAh rechargeable battery |
| Price | $28.88 |
| Subscription | $19.95 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Amazon Rating | 4.1 out of 5 (39,714 ratings) |
Pros
- One of the smallest and most lightweight portable GPS trackers.
- Tracki offers a lifetime warranty if the device is damaged or lost.
- Included SIM card enables worldwide coverage.
- It provides history for up to 5 years.
Cons
- The tracker has a short battery life.
- Additional battery and case can make the tracker heavy.
5. Bouncie 4G LTE GPS Car Tracker – Best Feature-Rich Car GPS Tracker
This is the only OBD tracker on the list. As the name suggests, the tracker plugs into the OBD of the vehicle.
The tracker offers 15-second updates and provides coverage in US, Canada, and Mexico.
Here is how the Bouncie 4G LTE GPS tracker performs.
Design
Dimension-wise, the tracker is smaller than the portable tracker on the list. It weighs only 1.13 ounces.
As the device plugs into the OBD port, you do not have to worry about charging the device. Instead, it will draw power from the vehicle’s battery.
Usability
The OBD device is considered plug-and-play when it comes to assembly. I recommend downloading the app and setting up your account before plugging the device in.
You will need car details like make, model, and VIN. Once the account is set, plug in the tracker and drive for 10 to 15 minutes for the device to acquire a GPS signal.
Features
With Bouncie, you can use Google Maps and choose between the street or satellite view. You can receive alerts for geofences.
It can provide insights into driving behavior with details like rapid acceleration, hard braking, maximum speed, and idle time. You can access unlimited tracker history.
It provides advanced safety features like accident detection, which notifies your contacts in the case of an accident. It provides vehicle diagnostic alerts like low battery or check engine light.
In the US, you also get roadside assistance. They can help you with flat tires, fuel, lock-out, and towing.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.0 x 1.75 x 1.875 inches |
| Weight | 1.13 ounces |
| Type | 4G LTE |
| Battery | NA. Plug into OBD Port |
| Price | $77 |
| Subscription | $8 |
| Warranty | Limited warranty against defects and malfunctions |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6 out of 5 (4,383 ratings) |
Pros
- Get automatic app updates every 15 seconds.
- Unlimited trip history is available.
- It supports smart integration with Google, Alexa, and IFTTT.
Cons
- It can only be used for car tracking.
- Bouncie offers a limited warranty on the tracker.
How We Picked And Tested The Hidden GPS Trackers For Car?
My search for the best hidden GPS car tracker began with online research. I looked up trackers from reliable brands, their features, battery, and usability parameters.
I also looked at customer reviews and ratings. All products on this list have thousands of reviews and have a rating of 4.1 or above.
As Five of these trackers are portable, and one of them is an OBD tracker, I was able to test all five GPS trackers together.
Key Decision-Making Factors
The device’s design was my priority, as the tracker is supposed to remain well hidden. So the trackers on the list are small-sized and weigh less than 2.7 ounces.
Next was usability. The portable and OBD trackers mentioned are easy to install and use. The assembly is more about downloading apps and creating and customizing accounts.
Other factors considered were features, accuracy, performance, and cost. Some of these trackers may have high monthly subscriptions, but they offer several features and serve the hidden purpose well.
FAQ’s
Yes. You can track your car when the engine is off. Portable trackers have built-in batteries and do not rely on the vehicle’s engine.
You can use OBD or hardwired trackers that typically sit under the driver-side dashboard. You can use portable trackers and place them in discrete locations like the underside of the car or door compartments.
You should only be placing GPS trackers on vehicles that you own. Secretly placing GPS trackers without the vehicle owner’s knowledge is considered an offense in the US.
Summary
Hidden GPS trackers can protect your vehicles and provide location information on your loved ones.
You can install portable trackers from Spytec, Americaloc, Tracki, and LandAirSea at different places in your car, like under the dashboard, seat, or carpet, inside the glove box, or near the front or rear bumper.
OBD trackers like Bouncie can fit into the OBD port of vehicles under the dashboard and stay out of sight.
I hope the above list of the best hidden GPS tracker for cars helps you find the suitable device suited to your needs. Also, let me know in the comments if you come across other hidden GPS trackers and how well they perform.
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.