The Best Car GPS Trackers of 2024 (2024)

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Keep track of your vehicle at all times

Taylor Clemons

Writer

Tiffin University

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer who has written for IndieHangover, GameSkinny, and Steam Shovelers. Taylor specializes inPC components, operating systems, and gaming console hardware.

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Updated on April 4, 2024

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Rich Scherr

Fact checked byRich Scherr

University of Maryland Baltimore County

Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.

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Best Overall

Spytec STI GL300MA GPS Tracker

$12 at Amazon $19 at Walmart

Live Streaming

Logistimatics Mobile-200

View on Logistimatics.com

Pros

Live audio monitoring
Long battery life
SIM card included

Cons

Requires subscription

Sometimes, you need access to more than GPS coordinates and vehicle diagnostics. The Logistimatics Mobile-200 allows you to monitor a live audio stream via a dedicated phone number. This is ideal for roadside emergencies where you cannot reach your teen or parent on their cell phone. It lets you hear what's going on and relay important information to emergency workers and first responders.

The companion app lets you set up a geo-fence and access up to 90 days of trip history. The integrated, rechargeable battery lasts up to three weeks on a full charge. The tracker has a magnetic plate for easy placement on a chassis frame, wheel well, or bumper. With the SIM card, you can quickly and easily set up your account and unit immediately.

Or Maybe These?

Are there models that don't use a battery? The Bouncie GPS and MOTOsafety GPS trackers can be plugged into any OBD2 fuse box outlet.
I want a discreet option. The Optimus 2.0 GPS tracker features an incredibly compact design, measuring just 3 inches long, and the available magnetic mount makes placing it in a wheel well or under a bumper quick and easy.
I want to manage my fleet. You can use the Vyncs Link GPS Tracker on cell phone networks in over 200 countries, letting multinational companies use a single model for their entire fleet; this is perfect for international shipping via tractor-trailer or box truck.
I want top-of-the-line features. If you're willing to spend more on a quality GPS tracker with many features, the Americaloc GL300 is the best choice. This unit can be used in the US, Canada, and Mexico and sends you text or email alerts in English or Spanish. With the companion app, you can access up to one year of tracking history on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

What to Look For in a Car GPS Tracker

Price

GPS trackers can run anywhere from $25 to over $100. But there’s more than the upfront cost to consider—many operators charge a monthly fee to store your vehicle’s GPS data in the cloud. If you’re looking for long-term data but don’t want to pay monthly, it might be worth paying more upfront to avoid these charges.

Special Features

If the only thing you want from your device is tracking, your decision is probably pretty straightforward—but many of the options on our list can do a lot more. From daily driving reports and Alexa integration to diagnosing engine trouble, these models have many different features that may be relevant to your needs.

Power

Battery versus plug-in is relevant for most electronics, and car GPS trackers are no exception. Many of these devices have long-term batteries, while others connect to your car. It’s important to consider whether you worry about recharging or replacing batteries or want the device to always be on whenever your car runs.

FAQ

Do cars have GPS trackers?

Many cars, especially more modern ones, come with GPS trackers equipped. This is particularly true for cars that are owned by taxi companies or have services like OnStar. GPS trackers allow the precise location of the vehicle to be monitored at all times, which is particularly useful in the case of theft. Other vehicles that may have GPS trackers are delivery trucks.
Where do car dealerships put GPS trackers?

A GPS tracker can be installed nearly anywhere on a car. They can be placed under the dashboard, bumper, wheel wells, floor mats, seats, or glove compartments. For dealerships, though, you're likely to find the GPS tracker installed on the dashboard in the OBD port. This allows dealerships to have access to the diagnostic data of their cars and is particularly useful for fleet management purposes.
How much is a GPS tracker for a car?

The price of a GPS tracker for a car can vary, but generally, they're fairly inexpensive. Top-rated trackers can cost as little as $40 while offering a compact design, solid battery life, and lifetime warranty. A more advanced option for fleet management and company shipping vehicles can run you up to $80, allowing for more advanced mapping and monitoring of braking, acceleration, location, and device tampering.

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