Vehicle Tracking Device

Independent Comparison Site for Vehicle GPS Trackers

A personal endeavor born out of a deep passion for cars and extensive experience with GPS tracking devices. This website emerged from my own challenging experiences with various GPS trackers, and it’s tailored to guide enthusiasts and potential buyers in making well-informed decisions before purchasing a GPS tracker for their vehicles.

Independent Comparison Site for Vehicle GPS Trackers

GPS Tracker Device Comparison

	Salind 11	POWER Finder 4G	SpyTec GPS GL 300Mini	Brickhouse Spark Nano 7	Optimus 3.0	Tracki 2023	LandAirSea 54	Trak4
Brand	Excellent Our choice	Maximum battery life
Comparison Result	95/100 Very good	93/100 Very good	90/100 Very good	88/100 Good	87/100 Good	85/100 Good	82/100 Fair	80/100 Fait
Device Costs	$ 9.99	$ 39.99	$ 34.95	$ 19.95	$ 29.95	$ 12.88	$ 18.15	$ 29.80
Subscription Costs Based on a 2-Year Subscription Plan with 30 Sec. Location Update	$ 4.17 / month	$ 4.17 / month	$ 19.95 / month	$ 27.99 / month	$ 15.95 / month	$ 17.46 / month	$ 17.48 / month	$ 14.99 / month
Long-Term Costs Device Cost + 2 Year Usage	$ 119.07	$ 140.07	$ 513.75	$ 691.71	$ 412.75	$ 431.92	$ 437.67	$ 389.56
Coverage	Worldwide	Worldwide	Worldwide	North America & Europe	USA	Worldwide	Worldwide	Worldwide
Battery Runtime 1 h Tracking / Day	26 days	32 days	8 days	8 days	21 days	1-2 days	6 days	14 days
Battery	Lithium-Ion 7.500mAh	Lithium-Ion 10.00mAh	Li-Polymer 2600mAh	Lithium-Ion 2600mAh	Lithium-Ion 6000mAh	Lithium-Ion 600mAh	Lithium-Ion 1500mAh	Lithium-Ion 4000mAh
Dimensions	4.29 x 2.99 x 1.02 inches	4.65 x 2.64 x 1.46 inches	3.15 x 1.15 x 1.64 inches	5.5 x 5.0 x 4.1 inches	3.11 x 1.51 x 1.75 inches	1.8 x 1.6 x 0.7 inches	2.25 x 2.25 x 0.8 inches	3.25 x 1.75 x 1.35 inches
Weight	9.07 oz	10.2 oz	0.32 oz	3.3 oz	7 oz	1.26 oz	4.8 oz	5 oz
Magnetic			only with case	only with case (included)		only with case (not included)
Protection against dust and splash water			only with case	only with case (included)		only with case (not included)
Available Online Positioning Service	App & Desktop	App & Desktop	App & Desktop	App & Desktop	App & Desktop	App & Desktop	App (limited options) & Desktop	Desktop
Sharable Live Map Links
Number of User Logins	unlimited	unlimited	max. 5	max. 3	unlimited	1		unlimited
Number of Trackers in one account	unlimited	unlimited	unlimited	1		max. 100	unlimited	unlimited
Battery Alert
Motion Alert
Speed Alert
GEO-Fence Alert	unlimited	unlimited	unlimited	max. 60	max. 50 alerts daily	max. 5	max. 100
Data Retention Period	1 year	1 year	30 days	180 days	1 year	5 years	Add New	unlimited
SIM Card included in the scope of delivery
Where to buy?

Pricing Comparison

GPS tracking devices are now more affordable, with prices averaging between $20-30 USD, making the initial purchase relatively uniform across different brands. However, the significant factor affecting long-term costs is the subscription or data plan required for these devices.

We compare two-year subscription costs for GPS trackers across manufacturers, focusing on plans with 30-second update intervals—essential for live tracking—and standard features like Geo-Fencing and alerts. This approach highlights the long-term cost and feature considerations, guiding users towards informed decisions beyond initial device prices.

Battery Comparison

Battery-powered GPS trackers offer flexibility in placement and versatility, suitable not only for vehicle tracking but also for personal items or individuals due to their portable nature. These trackers vary significantly in battery life, with compact models like the Traki GPS Tracker having a smaller capacity and shorter active tracking period, while larger models such as the POWER Finder by PAJ GPS boast a substantial 10,000mAh battery, ensuring functionality for up to two months without the need for frequent recharging.

You are looking to buy a GPS Tracker for your vehicle?

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What is a Vehicle Tracking Device?

Vehicle Tracking Devices, particularly GPS Trackers, have seen a surge in popularity recently. This rise is largely due to the affordability of both the devices and their accompanying data plans, making them accessible to a broader audience. The term “vehicle” is deliberately chosen here to encompass a wide range of movable objects – from cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, to water vehicles like boats and jet skis. While this blog draws from my personal experiences primarily with car tracking, the insights provided are applicable to various types of vehicles. The market for car GPS trackers broadly caters to two segments: B2B and B2C.

B2C GPS Tracking Devices – Live Location & Anti-Theft Alerts

For individual consumers, GPS Trackers serve dual purposes. Primarily, they are used for tracking and logging the routes traveled by your vehicle. But more importantly, they offer versatile anti-theft alerts. Receiving an alert when your car moves outside a pre-defined area (geo-fencing) or when the ignition is turned on (specific to certain hardwired devices) offers immense peace of mind. Such functionalities not only enhance security but can also contribute to reduced insurance costs. Moreover, these devices have practical daily uses – for instance, they can inform you if your vehicle exceeds a pre-set speed limit (like 80 mph) or assist in locating a vehicle for someone who might have forgotten where it’s parked.

B2B GPS Tracking Devices – Fleet Management

In the business world, GPS trackers have become crucial components of comprehensive fleet management. Imagine the scenario where you’re in charge of a fleet – knowing the precise location of your trucks at all times, planning optimal routes, and monitoring downtime are essential aspects of managing such an operation. With modern GPS tracking technology, gathering all this information has become more straightforward and efficient. A quick glance at your tracking portal can provide a wealth of data, streamlining the process of fleet management.

Cost Analysis of GPS Trackers for Vehicles

When considering the acquisition of a GPS tracker for your vehicle, the expenses can generally be divided into two categories: the initial cost of the device and the ongoing monthly subscription for the data plan. Recently, the market has seen an influx of manufacturers, leading to a significant decrease in device prices. Now, the cost of GPS trackers has stabilized, averaging around $30 USD across various manufacturers. This democratization of pricing makes GPS tracking systems more accessible to a broader range of users, both in personal and professional settings.

Understanding the Need for a Subscription with Your GPS Tracker

It’s not uncommon to encounter customer complaints about “hidden” subscription costs in GPS tracker reviews. This concern arises partly because some manufacturers may not prominently display this information in their product descriptions. However, understanding why these subscriptions are necessary is crucial.

Unlike Bluetooth tracking devices like Apple Air Tags, which have a limited range and rely on the proximity of other devices (like iPhones) to relay location information, GPS trackers are more sophisticated. They come equipped with their own SIM cards, allowing them to send reliable location data. This functionality requires a cellular data plan, similar to a mobile phone, and thus necessitates a monthly subscription fee.

While it’s possible to purchase a GPS tracker without a SIM card and acquire the card separately, this often leads to compatibility issues. Therefore, I strongly recommend opting for a device that comes pre-installed with the manufacturer’s SIM card, ensuring full compatibility and reliability.

GPS Tracker for Cars – Price Comparison

The pricing for GPS tracking devices has seen a significant drop, now averaging between $20-30 USD across various manufacturers. However, when it comes to the subscription costs or the required data plan, a detailed comparison is beneficial. This is particularly true for those planning to use the tracker long-term, which applies to the majority of users who wish to locate and protect their vehicles on a daily basis.

Most manufacturers offer a range of subscription packages. Typically, the longer the duration of the plan (such as 1 year or 2 years), the lower the monthly price becomes. While some manufacturers provide consistent functionality across all plans, others may require more expensive subscriptions for additional features like worldwide tracking or unlimited alarms and user access.

In the section above, I have compiled a chart that compares the prices of selected GPS trackers, illustrating the long-term cost implications of different subscription options. This comparison will be instrumental in helping you make an informed decision tailored to your specific tracking needs and budget considerations.

Back to Price Comparison

Choosing Between Hardwired and Battery-Powered GPS Trackers

When selecting a GPS tracker for vehicle tracking, it’s essential to understand the differences between hardwired and battery-powered devices to determine which suits your needs best.

Hardwired GPS Trackers

Installation: These trackers are connected directly to your vehicle’s battery. Some models offer the convenience of plugging into the OBD2 port for easy installation.
Continuous Power: The key advantage is the continuous power supply from the vehicle’s battery, making them highly reliable, especially for anti-theft protection.
Reliability: Their constant connection to a power source means they are always active, ensuring uninterrupted tracking.

Battery-Powered GPS Trackers

Flexibility in Placement: These trackers are not bound to the vehicle’s power system and can be placed anywhere in the car. Many come with magnets for easy attachment to the car’s chassis.
Versatility: Apart from vehicle tracking, they can be used for various purposes, like monitoring luggage or tracking people, due to their portable nature.

Battery Life Considerations

Comparing Battery Capacity: It’s crucial to compare the battery capacity and runtime among different models. For instance, a compact tracker like the Traki GPS Tracker, popular on Amazon, may have a smaller battery capacity (around 600mAh), leading to a quicker drain in just a day or two of active tracking

Longer Battery Life Models: On the other end, devices like the POWER Finder by PAJ GPS, equipped with a substantial 10,000mAh battery, can function for about two months without the need for regular recharging.

Receiving Alerts from Your GPS Tracker

Alerts from your vehicle GPS tracker are typically received through app notifications on your mobile phone or via email. Some trackers also offer text message alerts, although this option may be less reliable. Advanced manufacturers are exploring more personalized alert options, like direct phone calls, enhancing the immediacy and significance of the alerts.

Each of these features plays a critical role in the effectiveness of a GPS tracker for cars, offering a blend of security, convenience, and peace of mind. It’s essential to compare these features across different models and subscription plans to find the tracker that best suits your specific needs.

Features and Alerts in GPS Trackers for Cars

When it comes to GPS trackers for cars, understanding the array of features and alerts they offer is crucial. However, it’s important to note that access to some features might require opting for higher subscription plans. Here are the key features you should look for:

Data Retention Period for GPS Trackers

The duration for which your GPS tracker stores route history, including travel routes, stops, and alerts, is known as the Data Retention Period. This period varies among manufacturers, ranging from 30 days to unlimited storage. It’s important to compare this feature as it affects your ability to retrospectively analyze your vehicle’s travel history. Manufacturers with longer data retention offer more flexibility for reviewing past routes and incidents.

Accessing Your Vehicle’s Location with a GPS Tracker

To track your vehicle and utilize the various features of a GPS tracker, you will typically use the manufacturer’s tracking portal or software. This software is generally available as both a mobile app and a desktop version. While the basic structure and functionality are similar across different platforms, they can vary in terms of update frequency, speed, future-proofing, and overall usability. Some manufacturers offer a demo version of their software, allowing potential buyers to explore its features before making a purchase. This can be especially helpful in determining which software best fits your needs. Remember, some features may only be available under higher-tier subscription plans, so it’s essential to closely compare the offerings of different manufacturers.

Recommendation for a Vehicle GPS Tracker

When considering a reliable and comprehensive GPS tracking solution for your vehicle, the POWER Finder 4G by PAJ GPS and the Salind 11 stand out. They offers a transparent subscription model, where all functions are included in a competitively priced monthly subscription. These trackers are truly designed to provide an all-around solution for vehicle tracking needs.