GPS trackers can make car tracking a hassle-free process. These GPS trackers can be hardwired, plugged into your car’s OBD port, or be battery-powered portable devices.
Today we will be focusing on small and lightweight portable trackers. One of the primary benefits of using these trackers is that you get multiple placement options. For example, place the tracker inside the glove box, under the seats or carpet, or inside door compartments.
Most of these trackers come with magnetic cases, so you can attach them to the car’s underside. The magnetic mounting option makes the tracker ideal for discreet applications.
These trackers can provide real-time location and movement updates. Their battery life can vary depending on their capacity and usage.
If you are looking for the best smallest GPS tracker for cars, the list I have compiled with the top 5 options can be a good starting point.
Spytec GL300 Real Time GPS Tracker
Our Top Recommendation for Smallest GPS Tracker For Cars!
- Spytec GL300 is a waterproof and water-resistant tracker.
- The device is compact and lightweight.
- It can provide real-time updates, customized alerts, and unlimited history.
- It also offers a good battery life with a 2600 mAh capacity.
5 Best Smallest GPS Tracker For Car
As the title says smallest, one of the key aspects I have considered is dimension and weight. Separate magnetic cases can add weight to the device but are worth the extra pounds and investment.
Usability, features, performance, and price are some of the other consideration factors.
Here is a list of the top 5 smallest GPS trackers for cars:
- Spytec GL300 Real Time GPS Tracker – Best Performing GPS Tracker for Cars
- Tracki 4G GPS Tracker – Best Small-Sized GPS Tracker
- LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker – Best GPS Tracker for Discreet Applications
- Brickhouse Security Spark Nano 7 GPS Tracker – Best Customer-Rated GPS Tracker for Vehicles
- Trak-4 GPS Tracker – Best GPS Tracker for Long Battery Life
1. Spytec GL300 Real Time GPS Tracker – Best Performing GPS Tracker For Cars
The portable GPS tracker from Spytec is a device that performs well in all departments. For example, it is the most lightweight device on this list. It offers a good battery life with a capacity of 2600 mAh.
You can choose to get alerts once a day or every 5 seconds, regardless of the subscription plan you choose.
Here is how the Spytec GL300 real-time GPS tracker performs.
Design
The portable tracker is water-resistant, weather and dirtproof. So that means it can be conveniently used for indoor and outdoor tracking applications. The device weighs only 0.32 ounces. It is about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick. So it can easily be concealed.
The magnetic case that comes with the device is water and crush resistant. It has a firm magnetic mount with a pull force of about 60 lbs.
Usability
First, create an account on Spytec’s website to set up the device. You may come across its new name during the login process – Hapn.
Once you create an account, you must charge and reboot the tracker. The tracker can take up to 5 hours to get a full charge. The tracker may take around 10 to 15 minutes to get a GPS signal and start reporting.
You can use the desktop or mobile app to customize alerts and settings. Spytec offers video tutorials to help with the software.
Features
You can view the map on the app in dark or light mode or satellite view. You can set up boundaries and get entry and exit alerts. These boundaries can be customized to take any shape.
You can set the update frequency as per your requirement. Frequent updates will drain the battery in 3 to 4 days. But if you stick to 2 hours of movement daily, the battery can last a week or up to 10 days.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.15 x 1.15 x 1.64 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 ounces |
| Type | 4G |
| Battery | Lithium polymer, 2600 mAh |
| Price | $39.95 (device), $69.95 (with magnetic case) |
| Subscription | Monthly - $30/monthAnnual - $25/month |
| Warranty | Monthly subscription - 6 months Annual subscription - Lifetime |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3 out of 5 (3,796 ratings) |
Pros
- The tracker is water-resistant, dust and weatherproof.
- It is one of the lightweight trackers available.
- It has a good battery life with a 2600 mAh capacity.
- You can get real-time updates regardless of the subscription plan.
Cons
- The subscription prices can be high.
- Some users may find the app challenging to use.
2. Tracki 4G GPS Tracker – Best Small-Sized GPS Tracker
If you want a small tracker that fits into the palm of your hand, it is the one by Tracki. Being small and lightweight is the specialty of this tracker.
It includes a SIM card that provides coverage worldwide. One of the issues with the tracker is its short battery life, but you can buy battery extenders as a solution.
Here is how the Tracki 4G GPS tracker performs.
Design
Dimension-wise, the tracker is about 1.75 inches in length and about half an inch in height. It weighs only about 1.26 ounces. It is as small as a cookie. This makes it easier to place the tracker anywhere inside the car.
You get multiple attachment options like a magnet, lanyard, key chain, and belt clip.
The tracker comes with a 600 mAh battery capacity. If you opt for frequent updates, the battery may last up to 2 to 3 days. If you invest in a battery extender, it offers an additional capacity of 3500 mAh.
Usability
You can use the web interface or download the Tracki app to activate, manage and use the tracker.
You will have to create an account by providing personal details and verifying your email. Then you can add the device and pay for a subscription plan. The device will take a few minutes to get a GPS signal.
Both the web interface and the Tracki GPS app are intuitive and easy to use. You can refer to the support videos available on Tracki’s website and learn how to customize the device.
Features
The tracker has an SOS button on the face of the device. When the button is pressed, it sends a text message with the device’s location.
You can set up geofence and movement alerts. You can launch the breadcrumb detail feature, which lets you view the path taken by the tracker.
You can customize the buttons on the tracker to send audible rings to your phone.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.75 x 1.6 x 0.6 inches |
| Weight | 1.26 ounces |
| Type | 4G |
| Battery | Lithium-ion, 600 mAh |
| Price | $28.88 |
| Subscription | $19.95 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Amazon Rating | 4.1 out of 5 (40,214 ratings) |
Pros
- It is one of the smallest and most lightweight GPS trackers available.
- It provides worldwide coverage.
- Tracki offers a lifetime warranty on the tracker.
- It supports GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth tracking technology.
Cons
- It has a short battery life.
- Indoor tracking results can be inaccurate.
3. LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker – Best GPS Tracker For Discreet Applications
If you want to discreetly track your car, and add an extra layer of protection, then the portable tracker from LandAirSea could be your solution.
The USP of this device is that you can remotely turn off the lights on the tracker while it continues to function and report location details.
Here is how the LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker performs.
Design
The tracker is shaped like an ice hockey puck. It weighs about 2.64 ounces, which is pretty lightweight.
The device comes with two rubber gaskets which are pre-installed. They make the device durable in the long run.
The device also comes with a 10lb test magnet using which you can mount the device on the underside of your vehicle.
Usability
You can set up the device by clicking on the ‘Activate New Device’ tab on the brand’s website. Select the type of tracker and provide personal details.
Next, provide the tracker’s serial number, choose a subscription plan, and complete the payment. Lastly, you can add the device to your account. You can use multiple devices on the same account and manage them centrally.
You can download the SilverCloud app to manage alerts and track the device. Like other trackers on this list, LandAirSea also provides video tutorials for user convenience.
Features
The tracking update refresh time can vary from 3 minutes to 3 seconds. The frequency depends on the subscription plan you choose.
You can set up geofences and receive alerts when the tracker enters or leaves the predetermined area. With the InstaFence feature, you get an alert when the asset is moved.
ShareSpot is another distinctive feature using which you can send the device location to multiple contacts without providing them access to your account.
| 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 | Lithium-ion, 1500 mAh |
| Price | $29.95 |
| Subscription | From $19.95 to $49.95/month (depending on update frequency and features) |
| Warranty | Limited one-year warranty |
| Amazon Rating | 4.2 out of 5 (20,113 ratings) |
Pros
- You can turn off the device lights remotely.
- It offers a decent battery life with 1500 mAh capacity.
- The device is water and dustproof.
Cons
- The frequent updates subscription plans are expensive.
- A short warranty period is offered on the tracker.
4. Brickhouse Security Spark Nano 7 GPS Tracker – Best Customer-Rated GPS Tracker For Vehicles
If you are looking for a GPS tracker that is popular among users, it is the Spark Nano 7. It is one of the highest-rated products you will find on Amazon.
You can get updates every 60, 30, or 5 seconds. It includes a 2600 mAh battery which is a pretty good capacity for a portable tracker.
Here is how the Brickhouse Security Spark Nano 7 GPS tracker performs.
Design
The device is 3 inches long and weighs about 3.3 ounces. On its own, you can place the device anywhere inside the car, preferably not concealed by metal.
If you want to place the tracker on the car’s underside, then you will need its magnetic case. The case is water-resistant and weatherproof. It also comes with twin magnets, so the tracker remains mounted to your vehicle.
Usability
You first need to charge the tracker and prepare it for setup. The battery takes about 5 hours to reach a full charge.
The device may take a few minutes to acquire a GPS signal. Driving under the open sky with the device would be best.
You can log in to your account on Brickhouse Security’s website using the temporary credentials you receive. From here, you can see device locations and manage and customize alerts.
The Brickhouse Locate GPS app has a much better user interface than the website.
Features
One of the distinguishing features of this tracker is the different ways you can set up the geofence. For example, you can drop multiple points on the map and create a customized fence.
Or you can drop the typical point on the map and choose an area according to the circle’s radius. Or lastly, you can set a particular street or a route as a fence.
The device comes with a panic button. You can use shareable live map links or access historical data with premium subscription plans.
You can choose to get alerts via mobile notification, email, or SMS.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.0 x 1.58 x 1.0 inches |
| Weight | 3.3 ounces (device), 15.2 ounces (with magnetic case) |
| Type | 4G LTE CAT M1/ CAT NB2 |
| Battery | Lithium-ion, 2600 mAh |
| Price | Starts from $19.95 |
| Subscription | Starts from $17.99 to $49.99/month (depends on plan and payment frequency) |
| Warranty | Standard - 90 daysRecurring Service - Lifetime |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 out of 5 (5,173 ratings) |
Pros
- It offers a good battery life with 2600 mAh capacity.
- You can customize geofences as circles, polygons, or lines.
- The magnetic case is water-resistant and weatherproof.
Cons
- The subscription plans can be expensive.
- The website design is pretty old-school.
5. Trak-4 GPS Tracker – Best GPS Tracker For Long Battery Life
If you need a small enough tracker but with a long battery life, then the portable tracker by TRAK-4 is what you should explore.
It comes with a battery capacity of 4600 mAh. In comparison, the device has a better battery life than the battery extender by Tracki.
Here is how the Trak-4 GPS tracker performs.
Design
The device is 4 inches long and weighs about 6.4 ounces. These details may seem significantly larger than the other trackers on this list. But I would say they are a good trade-off considering the battery capacity.
The device is weatherproof. You can use an adhesive magnet kit to mount the tracker on metal surfaces.
With daily reporting, the battery can last up to 12 to 18 months. If you use it for hourly updates, it can last for 2 to 4 months. And with 1-minute updates, the battery can drain in 2 to 4 days.
Usability
You can create an account on Trak-4’s website. Ensure the device is charged before you get to account creation.
Next, you need to enter the device keycode. Then a unique name that will help you recognize the device. Next, you choose a subscription plan and make the payment. Your account is now ready to use.
You can use multiple devices for the same account in a similar fashion.
Trak-4 does not provide a separate app. You will have to add the web app to your home page for quick access.
Features
Your account comes with a dashboard that provides a quick overview of the devices. You can view its last reported location and time and battery status.
You can set up geofences and low battery alerts. You can choose to receive alerts via email or SMS.
Business users can access detailed reports and export them in CSV format.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.25 x 2.25 x 1.1 inches |
| Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Type | 4G LTE |
| Battery | Lithium polymer, 4600 mAh |
| Price | $34.80 |
| Subscription | $6.99 to $18.98 per month(depends on payment and update frequency) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3 out of 5 (2,992 ratings) |
Pros
- The tracker has a weatherproof construction.
- It has a good battery life with a 4600 mAh capacity.
- The tracker includes a SIM with unlimited data.
Cons
- The tracker is covered by a short warranty period of 2 years.
- 1-minute updates are only available with premium plans.
How We Picked And Tested The Smallest GPS Trackers For Car?
When putting together any list of product recommendations, we start with thorough online research. Here we consider the brand, tracker, features, pricing, and customer reviews.
Next, we shortlist a set of trackers to test. As the trackers are portable, we could have tested them altogether. But as signal interference could be a possible issue, we stuck to testing two trackers at a time.
Key-Decision Making Factors
Choosing the smallest trackers was a priority, so dimensions and weight were our top considerations. The trackers on the list are about 1 to 4 inches in length and about an inch thick.
In terms of weight, they are around the 3 ounces mark. The Trak-4 device is comparatively heavier but stands out for its battery life.
We also considered the setup process, ease of use, battery life, features, and accuracy.
FAQ’s
The glove box, inside seats, under the carpet, inside door compartments, or the underside of the car are good places to hide a GPS tracker.
GPS trackers can cost anywhere from $25 to $100+. Most trackers will require a monthly subscription to work, varying from $6 to $50+, depending on features.
The battery may last 2 to 3 days for devices providing updates every few seconds or minutes. But, in standby mode, the battery can last 2 to 12 months. So, it all depends on battery capacity and usage.
Summary
If you are looking for a small GPS tracker, battery-powered portable devices are your best option. Depending on their mounting mechanism, you can place them inside or outside the car.
If you consider size, Tracki is the smallest tracker on the list, and if weight is a priority, then Spytec is the winner.
If you want to track your car covertly, then choose the tracker by LandAir Sea. The trackers by Brickhouse Security and Trak-4 are not the lightest, but they still have a compact design and provide a good battery life.
Let us know in the comments if our list of the best smallest GPS tracker for cars helped you find the ideal device for your requirement.
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.