If you’re worried about someone stealing your car or just want to keep an eye on a teen driver, you might be thinking about getting a car GPS tracker. While services like LoJack can be expensive, there are now many affordable options. Not all modern vehicles come with these trackers, and if they do, there’s often an extra charge for installation. But the usefulness of these devices is undeniable. Whether your car is parked nearby or far away, a good GPS tracker can give you peace of mind.
Our top choice is the Bouncie GPS tracker because it’s incredibly user-friendly. It has a simple plug-and-play installation, quick setup, and only requires a 10-minute drive to calibrate. Beyond tracking speed and performance, it provides comprehensive vehicle health details, including gas levels and battery health. You also get alerts for impacts, erratic driving, and curfews, which is great for keeping tabs on a teen driver. The downside is that it doesn’t report when the car’s ignition is off. The subscription costs $9 per month.
Tracki is another versatile option, providing more than just basic tracking. It comes with accessories like a keychain, belt clip, and magnetic attachment, making it adaptable to different uses. Tracki monitors speed and movement and has a geofence mode to alert you when the vehicle leaves a designated area. It uses WiFi or Bluetooth and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to five days with frequent updates, or up to 75 days in low-power mode. The subscription costs $20 per month, but you can reduce this to $9 per month with a long-term plan.
Apple’s AirTag isn’t specifically designed for cars, but it’s a solid, no-frills option. Using the Find My network, you can track your car without subscription fees. It lacks detailed alerts and geofencing but has a long battery life of up to a year on replaceable CR2032 batteries.
For those who prefer simplicity, the LandAirSea 54 is ideal. It focuses on three key areas: battery, speed, and location via geofencing. The app interface is straightforward, making it easy to get the information you need quickly. This compact, waterproof tracker is easy to mount with its internal magnet. Subscriptions start at $10 per month.
Lastly, the Spytec GPS Mini is a high-end option suitable for commercial fleet tracking. It works with both Android and iOS devices and has a web dashboard. The device is water-resistant and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 days with regular use or 25 days in standby mode. It tracks speed and location and supports geofencing, but only in North America. The monthly subscription is $30, or $300 annually.
Another option is the Kayo GPS Tracker, which offers real-time tracking and vehicle health alerts at a more affordable price. It uses a SIM card for service in the U.S. and includes a 14-day free trial. You get alerts for engine issues, low battery, and tampering. It connects through the OBD-II port, so no charging is required. The subscription is $5 per month after the trial.
When choosing a GPS tracker, here are some factors to consider:
– Battery vs. plug-in: Some trackers have replaceable or rechargeable batteries, while others plug into the OBD-II port. Battery life will affect how often you need to recharge or replace the unit.
– Subscription fees: Some trackers, like Apple’s AirTag, don’t require subscriptions, but others do. Typically, higher fees correlate with more detailed reports.
– Placement: If security is a concern, you’ll want to conceal the tracker. If placing it outside, ensure it’s weatherproof.
– Real-time vs. interval updates: Real-time tracking uses more battery, so consider how frequently you need updates.
– Geofencing: Some trackers allow you to set boundaries and alert you when the vehicle moves outside these areas. This can be useful for monitoring where your car goes.
Originally, GPS trackers were mainly used in commercial vehicles for efficient routing and security. Now, these devices are available for personal use, and many modern cars come with built-in GPS. Having a tracker in your car can help you in several ways and is usually easy to install, but you can also have it professionally installed for peace of mind.
Legally, if you own the vehicle, you can install a GPS tracker in most places. However, it’s illegal to install one in someone else’s car without permission. Parents can use them in their minor child’s vehicle, but it’s essential to inform them for legal and ethical reasons.