Best Car GPS Trackers You Can Buy in 2024 (2024)

On paper, the Vyncs seems to do it all. It’s OBD-powered, so no need for battery replacement or recharging. It also monitors vehicle data, can perform OBD diagnostics, and works in over 200 countries.

It does require an activation fee and an annual service fee, but with all it offers, it’s worth it. It’s great for individuals or businesses looking to track fleets. It will be interesting to see how the Vyncs performs in Gear Team testing when an update comes along.

The Bouncie was a hit with the Gear Team testers and it’s easy to see why. It offers a simple user experience, with an easy plug-and-play setup, a user-friendly app, and a range of alert options like impact detection, curfew, and erratic driving.

Being an OBD-powered unit, it can also track some of your vehicle’s vitals like fuel levels and engine and battery health. OBD power also provides the benefit of never needing to charge or replace batteries—but it comes with the drawback of only being active while the ignition is switched on. Another drawback to OBD power is that if you’re hoping to track a new driver, it can easily be unplugged and disabled, leaving you in the dark.

The Oyster3 has one big draw: massive battery life. With a claimed lifespan of up to 10 years using three AA batteries (not included), this tracker could be the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it device.

LoneStar does note that the 10-year claim is with the device sitting idle but also says that, even with daily reporting, the batteries should last up to five years. While we can’t feasibly conduct a 10-year-long test on something like this, if a user were able to achieve even half of that this would still be one of the longest-lasting trackers on the market.

What the BrickHouse gives up in features it makes up for in robustness. Its main selling point is its magnetic waterproof case and 140-day battery life on a single charge.

It operates on a 4G network and offers geofence updates and speed monitoring. Unfortunately, those features are locked behind a tiered subscription wall that does get a bit pricey at the top end. If you do opt for the premium subscription, you’ll get location updates every five seconds.

The LandAirSea 54 is an affordable option without all the bells and whistles of some of its pricier competitors. While it only offers three standard alerts—speed, battery, and geofencing—its easy-to-use app and dependable email alerts stood out to the Gear Team testers.

It uses a rechargeable battery that can last up to a claimed six months in low-power mode but falls off pretty drastically to two weeks with three-minute updates, and a paltry one week with three-second updates.

The Gear Team also noted that its customizable subscription price structure was a bit convoluted.

Apple’s AirTag isn’t meant to be a full-on automotive-grade GPS tracker, but it can do the job of keeping tabs on your vehicle (or whatever else you affix it to). Through Apple’s “Find My Network” you can track your tag as long as it’s in proximity to someone using an iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.5 or later.

It has a year-long battery life thanks to a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, and there is no subscription required, which, combined with its retail price, makes it one of the most affordable options on our list if your primary concern is keeping track of your vehicle’s location.

The Gear Team found the GL300 to be a solid device, offering lots of alerts, a weatherproof design, and fast reliable alerts. It’s hard to disagree especially given its relatively low price point.

That said, its subscription cost (while not the highest of the group) is more than the device itself per month. Moreover, its rechargeable battery only lasts 25 days in standby mode and falls off sharply to seven to 10 days when tracking only two hours per movement per day. For this reason, the GL300 is probably not ideal for those looking for a set-and-forget solution.

The Trak-4 offers basic GPS-based tracking and will even use Wi-Fi and cellular geolocation when the GPS signal is blocked. Its durable waterproof case has pre-drilled tabs that make it possible to mount to just about anything you can drill holes into, and there’s an option (at an extra cost) for magnetic strips.

The reason this tracker made the list has to do with two things: Its subscription cost of $6.99 a month (prepaid annual) or $12.99 a month (paid monthly) is one of the lowest we’ve seen, and it boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 months even while reporting daily.

The Gear Team found the Tracki to be among the most versatile trackers they tested. Its combination of size, features, and battery life make it useful for a variety of applications, especially for families.

It provides consistent email and text alerts, works in up to 190 countries, and Tracki offers free device replacement for the life of the device as well as live phone support. It does, like many other trackers, require a monthly subscription. But at this price, it’s hard to argue with its value.

Each tracker was evaluated on a comprehensive test route in a 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands, covering various potential triggers including underground structures (surprisingly, the signal was maintained even five stories down).

The Gear Team then extensively explored both app and desktop versions, analyzing alerts, reports, and notifications. To assess user experience, an experienced app user compared notes with a novice user, evaluating the interface and ease of use. Close attention was paid to how reliably alerts were triggered for speed and geofencing, the data and features each tracker provided, and ease of use.

To assess alert reliability, the Gear Team established geofences around its Ann Arbor office and set trackers to notify of various triggers, like speed exceeding 65 mph, hard braking, rapid acceleration, harsh cornering, and fuel levels. The Bronco was equipped with trackers for a comprehensive test, including city and underground driving.

During this test, alerts were triggered deliberately, and signal drops were monitored. App and desktop versions were analyzed for features, alert types, reports, and notification methods (SMS, email, app).

Do GPS trackers require a subscription?

Many GPS trackers require a subscription to a service provider for data transmission and access to the tracking platform. Subscriptions often offer real-time tracking, historical data, geofencing, and other advanced features.

Are GPS trackers legal to use?

Using GPS trackers is generally legal if you own the object or have permission to track it. However, laws vary by jurisdiction, and it’s important to respect privacy and adhere to local regulations.

What are geofencing features in GPS trackers?

Geofencing allows you to set virtual boundaries or zones on a map. When the GPS tracker enters or exits these predefined areas, you receive notifications, making it useful for security, asset protection, and monitoring.

What is the best way to track my car?

OBD-II port trackers offer abundant data and vehicle-powered operation. Hardwired trackers are discreet with no recharging needed. Battery-powered ones can be hidden but have limited power life.

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