One of the most important technologies of the past few decades, GPS is now easily available to anyone who wants to know where something is at any point in time. If you’ve got that desire, the best way to track your stuff is with a real-time GPS tracker; they’re easily available online and come with a lot of great features. One caveat, though: most GPS trackers have exorbitant monthly fees, which can add up surprisingly quick.
Here are the top reasons you may want a gps tracker:
Vehicle tracking
Personal safety
Fleet management
Asset tracking
Wildlife tracking
Event tracking
Sports performance analysis.
That’s why we’ve taken the time to assemble a list of some of the best Real Time GPS Trackers . To make it easier for you to do your own research, we’ve divided up the trackers according to price range. Each range comes with a short explanation of what to expect when you buy within it. In addition, we’ve listed some specs for each tracker to make it easier for you to distinguish between them.
What To Look For In A GPS Tracker
When looking for one, here are the things you want to pay attention to the most:
- Battery life
- Real-time tracking
- Weight
- Antenna
- Accuracy
- Durability
- Water resistance
- Geofencing
- Ease of use
- Integration with other systems
- Cost
- Subscription/service fees.
Power source/Battery Life
This is incredibly important. The better the power source, the longer the GPS unit can stay out without needing to be recharged. The best real time GPS trackers come with rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries, which save you money by never needing to be replaced.
Real-Time Tracking
Real-time tracking is a feature of GPS trackers that allows you to monitor the location of the tracked object in near real-time. The location information is updated frequently, usually every few seconds or minutes, allowing you to see the current location of the object on a map or through a mobile app. This feature is useful for tracking vehicles, assets, or individuals and ensuring their safety and security.
Weight
This can be important depending on what you’re trying to track. If you’re planning on stowing the unit in your car, it’s not a big deal. However, if you want to keep it in a purse or backpack, you might want to pay attention to this spec.
Antenna
Another important spec, considering it’s what transmits all the tracking data to a server, which allows you to access it. The more expensive models generally have the better antennas (and better ranges), but that’s not always the case.
Accuracy
Accuracy is important in GPS tracking because it determines the precision of the location information being reported. A GPS tracker with high accuracy will be able to provide a more precise location of the tracked object, allowing for better decision-making and improved safety.
For example, in a vehicle tracking scenario, a high-accuracy GPS tracker can help ensure that a fleet is on the most efficient route and arriving at destinations on time. In a personal safety or asset tracking scenario, accurate GPS information can be critical in quickly finding and recovering a lost or stolen item.
Therefore, it is important to consider the accuracy of a GPS tracker when making a purchase, especially if the location information will be used for important decision-making or safety purposes.
Durability
Durability is important in GPS trackers because it affects the longevity and reliability of the device. A durable GPS tracker can withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, moisture, and rough handling, without breaking or malfunctioning.
For example, in a vehicle tracking scenario, a durable GPS tracker can continue to operate effectively even in extreme weather conditions, providing real-time location information regardless of the environment. In an asset tracking scenario, a durable GPS tracker can help ensure that valuable items are not lost or damaged due to a broken device.
Therefore, considering the durability of a GPS tracker is important when making a purchase, especially if the device will be used in harsh or challenging environments or if it is important to maintain continuous real-time location information.
Water Resistant
Water resistance is important in GPS trackers because it ensures the device can continue to function even in wet conditions. This is important because GPS trackers are often used in outdoor or mobile scenarios, where they may be exposed to rain, snow, or other forms of moisture.
For example, in a vehicle tracking scenario, a water-resistant GPS tracker can continue to operate effectively even in rainy conditions, providing real-time location information regardless of the weather. In an asset tracking scenario, a water-resistant GPS tracker can help ensure that valuable items are not lost or damaged due to exposure to moisture.
Therefore, considering the water resistance of a GPS tracker is important when making a purchase, especially if the device will be used in wet or humid environments or if it is important to maintain continuous real-time location information.
Geofencing
Geofencing is a feature of GPS trackers that allows you to create virtual boundaries around a specific location. If the GPS tracker crosses this boundary, you will receive an alert.
Geofencing is useful for a variety of applications, including tracking vehicles, assets, or individuals. For example, in a vehicle tracking scenario, you can set up a geofence around a specific area, such as a job site or a home, and receive an alert if a vehicle enters or leaves that area. In a personal safety or asset tracking scenario, you can set up a geofence around your home or business and receive an alert if a tracked item leaves the area.
Additionally, geofencing can also be used for security and safety purposes, such as setting up boundaries around a hazardous area to ensure that individuals or assets do not enter it.
Therefore, geofencing is a useful feature to consider when purchasing a GPS tracker, especially if you want to be notified when a tracked item enters or leaves a specific area or if you want to use it for security and safety purposes.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is important in GPS trackers because it affects the user experience and ability to effectively utilize the device. A GPS tracker that is easy to use can be set up quickly, and its features can be easily understood and utilized without requiring extensive training or technical knowledge.
For example, in a vehicle tracking scenario, an easy-to-use GPS tracker can be installed quickly and its features can be used effectively without requiring extensive training or technical knowledge. In a personal safety or asset tracking scenario, an easy-to-use GPS tracker can be used by a wide range of individuals, regardless of their technical proficiency, to quickly locate and recover lost or stolen items.
Therefore, considering the ease of use of a GPS tracker is important when making a purchase, especially if it will be used by individuals with varying technical proficiency or if you want to quickly and easily utilize the device’s features.
Integration With Other Systems
Integration with other systems is important in GPS trackers because it allows for seamless integration of location information into existing workflows and systems. This helps to increase efficiency, improve accuracy, and provide a more comprehensive solution.
For example, in a vehicle tracking scenario, integration with a fleet management system can allow for real-time location information to be automatically fed into the system, providing an up-to-date view of the fleet’s location and status. In an asset tracking scenario, integration with a security system can allow for real-time alerts to be automatically triggered if a tracked item enters or leaves a specific area.
Therefore, considering the integration capabilities of a GPS tracker is important when making a purchase, especially if you want to integrate location information into existing workflows or systems for increased efficiency and a more comprehensive solution.
Low-cost (under $140)
It’s pretty rare to find a GPS Tracker with no monthly fee under $140. If you do find one, it probably won’t have the battery life or range of costlier models, but you’ll be surprised at how good it can be, especially for the price. Also, it probably won’t have nearly as many features as a more expensive model.
Our Best GPS Trackers We Tested
- Real-Time GPS Tracker Device for Vehicles — Ideal for personal use or fleet management, this car GPS tracker provides up-to-the-minute location updates; Our car tracking device also provides...
- Driving Insights — Our OBD tracker for cars monitors speed, acceleration, hard braking, idle time, and more; This versatile family and fleet GPS tracker for cars also helps improve road safety by...
- Vehicle Health — Unlike other vehicle tracking devices, our car tracker device continuously monitors diagnostic engine data, alerting you to potential maintenance issues, so you can avoid downtime...
- Geo-Fencing & Accident Detection — Set up geo-fences to receive notifications when your vehicle enters or exits designated areas; Equipped with advanced sensors and software, this vehicle tracker...
- Easy To Install & Low Monthly Subscription — Our OBD GPS tracker for vehicles plugs directly into OBD2 ports and works on most vehicles 1996 and newer; $9.65 monthly subscription required - no...
- Premium GPS Tracker — The LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker provides accurate global location, real-time alerts, and geofencing. Easily attaches to vehicles, ATVs, golf carts, or other critical assets.
- Track Movements in Real-Time — Track and map (with Google Maps) in real-time on web-based software or our SilverCloud App. Location updates as fast as every 3 seconds with historical playback for up...
- Powerful & Discreet — The motion-activated GPS tracker will sleep when not in motion for extended periods, preserving the battery life. The ultra-compact design and internal magnet create the...
- Lifetime Warranty — This GPS tracker is built to last. LandAirSea, a USA-based company and pioneer in GPS tracking offers a unconditional lifetime warranty that covers any manufacturing defects in...
- Subscription Required — Affordable subscription plans are required for each device. When prepaid, fees start as low as $9.95 a month for 2-year plans. Monthly plans start at $19.95. No contracts,...
- 1. Precise positioning, real-time tracking, and the current location of the device can be viewed in real time through the mobile APP. GPS positioning, real-time update, stable signal is not lost,...
- 2. Silicon mark noise reduction, automatic recording, when the sound around the locator is greater than 30 decibels, it will automatically record the sound and upload it to the cloud for storage....
- 3. Track playback, you can display the time, speed, track, location, etc. of the device through the track playback function on the APP. (electronic fence/multiple alarm). Small in size, easy to...
- 4. Long-lasting battery life, long standby time, built-in high-energy lithium battery, longer battery life. (Compatible with Micro-USB interface, when the power is lower than 20%, the device will...
- 5. Strong magnetic adsorption, no need to install, built-in strong magnet, direct adsorption and installation, not easy to fall, more convenient to install and use. Various scenarios, easy to deal...
- TrackiPro, 60 days battery life in normal use, up to 200 days in battery save mode. Waterproof, with industry's strongest magnet, hide it under the car discretely. Battery life of 2-7 months per...
- World Wide Coverage in 180+ Countries. Advanced Network Technology: uses LTE(4G) CAT4 technology with fallback options to 3G and 2G networks. Ensuring the device will work even with older cellular...
- Ultra Long Battery Life Included: The tracker has a battery life of up to 2-7 months per charge, depending on the mode of operation and cellular network conditions. Durable & Waterproof: designed to...
- Lifetime warranty including lost or damaged device. TrackiPro is cutting-edge & easy to set up working out-of-the-box within a few minutes. TrackiPro comes included with highly rated smart phone Apps...
- Multiple accessories to attach. High strength magnet to attach under the vehicle or any steel metal surface. Screw Mount, a special mount to attach the tracker with screws is included and Double sided...
- Keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app
- Simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad
- Play a sound on the built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help
- Precision Finding with Ultra Wideband technology leads you right to your nearby AirTag (on select iPhone models)
- Find items further away with the help of hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network
- 【WARM TIPS】: Upon receiving the Tukio tags, please watch the video about "How to connect with your Smartphone" and "How to Replace Battery" on this page. Refer to the instruction manual included...
- 【TRACKER EVERYTHING】: Key finder and locator for your wallet, luggage, backpack, suitcase, car, and more. Protect lost or stolen stuff and make family life easier. Attach Tukio air tag tracker to...
- 【TRACK YOUR ITEM WITH APPLE FIND MY APP】: How to use it? Simple one-tap setup instantly connects smart tag with your iPhone or iPad. Simply use the pre-installed "Find My" app and add the air tags...
- 【TRACK ANYWHERE】: Tukio's tracker allows you to view your items location in real time. When the distance is less than 200 feet, you can simply tap the "Find My" app, and the key finder locator...
- 【LEFT BEHIND REMIND AND LOST MODE】: When the wallet tracker is out of Bluetooth range, your iOS devices will receive a notification with the last known location, you can view the most recent...
- 1.[No Subscription】GPS tracker does not need to insert SIM card, no subscription, no hidden cost for one time purchase, you can use it without worrying about paying expensive monthly fee.
- 2. [Mini GPS Device] Mini GPS Tracker is compact (1.2 x 1 x 0.2 inches) and lightweight (1.03 ounces) can easily cope with all kinds of scenarios, you can put the GPS device in the car, truck, family,...
- 3.[App] The car GPS tracker is compatible with Android and IOS operating systems, check the QR code of the manual to download the app to connect with your GPS device, when you need to find the target,...
- 4. [Battery] We upgraded the car GPS tracker battery, using a polymer lithium battery, energy density is greater endurance time is longer, GPS tracker can continue to work for 365 days, no longer need...
- 5. [Waterproof and dustproof] Mini GPS tracking device can be waterproof and dustproof, if the rain or fall into the water you do not have to worry about, will not affect its work.
- Keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app
- Simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad
- Play a sound on the built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help
- Precision Finding with Ultra Wideband technology leads you right to your nearby AirTag (on select iPhone models)
- Find items further away with the help of hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network
Time to Get One
In conclusion, GPS trackers are valuable devices that offer real-time tracking capabilities and a wide range of features to meet various needs and applications. Whether you are looking to track vehicles, assets, or individuals, a GPS tracker can provide peace of mind, improve efficiency, and increase security.
Important factors to consider when purchasing a GPS tracker include accuracy, durability, water resistance, ease of use, and integration with other systems. With the right GPS tracker, you can quickly and easily track the location of valuable assets and individuals, set up virtual boundaries with geofencing, and receive real-time alerts.
Therefore, if you are in need of a GPS tracker, it is highly recommended that you act quickly and invest in a device that meets your specific needs and requirements. With the benefits of real-time tracking and a range of useful features, a GPS tracker is a valuable investment that can bring numerous benefits and peace of mind.