You can track your loved ones at all times. You can keep an eye on your pets. You can track your vehicle and get alerts about aggressive driving behavior. You can monitor your valuable assets.
What am I talking about? Well, these are some of the many benefits offered by GPS trackers.
You can place these devices inside vehicles, backpacks, purses, and pockets. You can pin these trackers on your kid’s clothes or have your parents wear them with a lanyard.
Today, we will focus on answering the question, how much does a GPS tracker cost?
Buying and using a tracker can cost you anywhere from $100 to $300. It depends on factors like device price, subscription costs, features, and accessories. Let us look at these cost factors in detail.
What are the Different Types of GPS Trackers Available?
Three main types of GPS trackers are available – Portable, OBD, and Hardwired.
Portable trackers have a built-in battery. As these devices tend to be smaller in size, you can easily carry them around or place them in discrete locations. You can also use the devices for several purposes, like tracking family members, pets, vehicles, and assets.
OBD trackers are plugged into the OBD port of your vehicles. You can install and activate the device on your own. It is capable of providing vehicle-specific information like speed and mileage.
Hardwired trackers usually come with 2 or 3-wire installation. They need to be connected to a constant power source to work. You may need professional help with installation.
What Factors to Consider For GPS Tracking Cost?
GPS trackers can cost as little as $20 to over $200. It depends on the brand, tracker type, and features on offer. Then most trackers need a subscription fee to work.
Several factors affect the cost of GPS trackers. We will take a look at a few of them below.
1. Device Price
This is the primary cost of buying a GPS tracker of any kind. It is the physical device that you will install in your vehicle or place around an asset.
The device price can significantly vary depending on the brand, product, and features offered. For example, the small and portable GPS tracker, Tracki, has a device price of $28.88. The Spytec GL300 tracker is priced at $39.95.
The cost could be higher if you are looking for specialized devices for kids or cars. For example, the TickTalk smartwatch, complete with GPS tracking, SOS feature, and video calling capabilities, is priced at $189.99.
2. Installation Costs
In most cases, you can install a GPS tracker on your own. First, you must charge the device, create your account on the brand’s website, and activate the tracker by selecting a service plan.
Portable trackers do not have any installation process as such. You simply have to place the device in a position where it can get good signal reception. In the case of magnetic cases, you can attach them to metal surfaces.
It is the hardwired trackers that will incur an installation cost. Most of these trackers come with a 2 or 3-wire installation. If you are electrically inclined, you can manage this on your own. But if not, you must get the tracker installed by a professional.
3. SIM Card and Data Plan
In my experience, the SIM card and data plan are included with the purchase of most GPS trackers. For example, the Jiobit includes a SIM card with unlimited cellular data.
In some cases, you will have to buy a compatible local SIM card and a monthly plan capable of calling, texting, and data. A basic $10 monthly plan should be enough. But again, it is a recurring cost that you should consider.
For example, in the case of the SinoTrack GPS OBD tracker, you must buy the SIM and data plan separately.
4. Subscription
Again, the majority of GPS trackers require a subscription to work. This could be monthly or annual plans. The subscription plans let you use the app and tracking platforms. You typically have to choose a subscription plan during device activation.
For example, Spytec GPS offers two plans – monthly and annually. The monthly plan is available at $30/mo, and the annual plan is available at $25/mo.
Then you have the Bouncie GPS tracker that offers one of the lowest subscription rates in the market. Its monthly subscription rate is $9/mo. If you have three or more devices, you will get a discounted rate of $7.70/mo.
You can also find no monthly fee GPS trackers in the market. For example, The Family1st portable GPS tracker comes with a free year of subscription with the tracker purchase. You will be charged monthly fees from the 2nd year.
Then you have the Invoxia tracker that also offers a year of free subscription. You have to pay a renewal fee from the 2nd year onwards.
5. Premium Features
For the tracker to work, you will need a basic subscription plan. But if you need premium features, the price for these plans will be higher.
If we continue with the Spytec GPS example, the annual plan of $25/mo offers more features. For example, you can have 50 users per account, 24/7 tech support, free upgrades, and a lifetime device warranty.
Let us consider the pricing plans for the LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker. The monthly plan prices differ according to the tracking update refresh time. For example, a 3-minute update rate will cost you $19.95/mo, a 30-second update rate $34.95/mo, and a 3-second update rate $49.95/mo.
You can contact respective brands for customized pricing, but premium features typically attract a higher monthly cost.
6. Accessories
The cost for accessories can be optional, depending on your requirement. For example, the Jiobit Smart Tag comes with an integrated attachment loop. If you need additional attachment options like the secure loop, hemlock clip, or strap clip, you must buy them separately.
You will need a magnetic case if you want a discreet way of attaching a portable GPS tracker to a car. For example, Tracki offers a waterproof magnetic box with a battery extender. So, now you can discreetly place the tracker on the underside of your vehicle.
7. Other Charges And Fees
Some brands charge activation and cancellation fees. Or if you are returning a product or looking for a replacement, you have to pay the shipping charges.
For example, if you buy a Vyncs GPS tracker, the company will charge you a one-time activation fee of $39.99.
How Much Does GPS Tracking Cost?
The device, installation cost, accessories, and activation are all costs that you may incur once at the start of the first year. You will only have to pay for subscription plans from the second year onwards.
Let us take the example of the portable Tracki with a basic plan. If you buy the tracker and the waterproof magnetic box with a battery extender, the cost would be $67.76. There are no SIM card, installation, or activation costs involved. The basic subscription plan costs $19.95.
So, in the first year, the total cost of GPS tracking with Tracki would be around $307. From the second year onwards, the cost would be around $240. Opting for prepaid 6-month, 1-year, or 2-year plans can reduce costs.
Let us take another example of the Vyncs OBD tracker. This device can only be used to track your vehicle. Considering the Vyncs Basic+ plan, the cost would be $99.99/year. Along with the activation fee, the total for the first year comes to around $140.
From the second year onwards, with the renewal fee, the cost would be $99.99. If you would like features like a 20-second update rate or live map auto-refresh, you would be charged an additional $30 and $20, respectively.
How Much Does GPS Tracking Cost For Businesses?
Some brands offer discounts on device prices and subscription plans for bulk purchases.
Spytec GPS offers personalized pricing plans for businesses. Trak4 provides a business class plan with monthly costs as low as $6.99 per device.
So, if you are buying GPS trackers to track and manage your fleet, ensure you ask for commercial rates. You can negotiate the plan, features, and prices according to your requirements.
FAQ’s
In the majority of cases, yes, a GPS tracker will need a subscription plan to work. This could be monthly plans or a one-time payment made for a year or two. There are some trackers that do not need a subscription, but you will end up paying for the SIM and a monthly data plan.
If we talk about device price, most GPS trackers are available for around $40 – $80. You can find popular brands like Tracki, LandAirSea, Spytec GPS, and Bouncie. If you opt for specialized and high-end GPS trackers, they can cost around $120 – $200.
Portable trackers can be easily placed on vehicles. You could place them inside the glove box, door compartment, or under the seat. But if you need vehicle-specific alerts and information, consider OBD trackers, as they come with a plug-and-play installation.
Summary
How much does GPS tracking cost? The answer depends on your requirements.
Several factors like device price, installation, SIM card, data plan, accessories, subscription costs, and other charges can influence the cost of GPS tracking.
If cost is a priority, look for trackers that are available under $40. Choose the ones that include a SIM card and data plan. Portable or OBD trackers would be ideal.
Opt for basic subscription plans or consider making a one-time payment for a longer period. This way, your GPS tracking cost could be around $150 to $250.
If you need quicker refresh rates and premium features, then the tracking cost could be well around $500.
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.