Best GPS Trackers

24 Aug

Automotive, Cars

307 views

We tested a variety of GPS tracking devices in real-world scenarios. Here are the best devices for tracking cars, pets, kids and seniors.

We spent 30 hours driving around, hiking, getting lost and then finding ourselves again to figure out which GPS trackers are the best you can buy. Bluetooth tracking tags for finding lost objects in your home are becoming more commonplace, so we tested one of those as well, but GPS trackers are even better because they have virtually unlimited range as long as you have cell phone service or Wi-Fi.

10 Best GPS Trackers in Australia

SALENO. 1

Apple AirTag 4 Pack

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
Find items further away with the help of hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network
Put AirTag into Lost Mode to be automatically notified when it’s detected in the Find My network

NO. 2

Tracki 2021 Model Mini Real time GPS Tracker. Monthly fee Required. Full AU & Worldwide Coverage. Monthly fee Required For Vehicles, Car, Kids, Elderly, Child, Dogs & Motorcycles. Magnetic Small Portable Tracking Device

Unlimited distance real time tracking. Monthly fee is required. Full USA & all countries worldwide coverage. International SIM card included. Track Vehicles, Cars, trucks, Children, dogs, elderly, motorcycle, ATV, boat, equipment, tools, assets, car fleets, valuable belonging. Monthly fee of 19.95USD is required. Also available prepaid long-term plans for 16.60, 13.95 or 9.95USD. (See more details about the monthly fee at the end of the big paragraph)
Tracki is super small (1.75×1.5×0.55in) and super light (1.26 oz). Comes with SIM card included and works worldwide. Included attachments: Strong magnet, Dog collar water resistant silicone cover, Belt clip, Key-chain, lanyard. 5 years history. 30-75 days batt tracking 1-3 times/day. Optional 6x larger batt can last 6-10 months tracking 1-3 times/day
Rechargeable battery life is 2-3 days tracking real time every 1-5 minutes. If real time tracking is not needed, battery lasts 30-75 days tracking 1-3 times/day. Optional (not included) 3,500mAh longer life battery + magnetic waterproof box extends battery life to 2 weeks at 1 min update & 10 months tracking 1 time/day
Works with GPS satellites when outdoors and when indoors Tracki listens to nearby Wi-Fi routers MAC ID, matching IDs to Wi-Fi database for accurate location when GPS is not available. Get real-time alerts when the tracker crosses a Geo-fence zone that you designate. Receive SOS, low battery, speeding, start moving alerts via App notification, SMS or email
Lifetime warranty including lost or damaged devices Tracki is cutting-edge & easy to set up working out-of-the-box within a few minutes. Tracki comes included with highly rated smart phone Apps compatible with: Android, iOS and all Internet browsers. Monthly fee of 19.95USD is required. Also available prepaid long-term plans for 16.60, 13.95 or 9.95USD

NO. 3

SinoTrack 4G Car GPS Tracker, ST-915L Strong Battery GPS Tracker for Vehicles,Waterproof Real-Time Locator Device GPS Tracker for Car Motorcycle Taxi Truck Bus

【Customer Service】SinoTrack 4G(2G+4G) GPS tracker with 30 days no-questions-asked return policy. Please feel free to contact our customer service if you have any problems.Attention: We’re not include SIM card,you need to buy a local SIM card which support 4G network
【Multi Functions】ST-915L vehicle gps tracekr with shock alert,geofencing,over speed alert,historical playback,real time tracking. GPS tracker device wiith Geo Fencing: Can set up a geo fence for the tracker device to restrict its movement, it will send SMS alarm to control number when it goes out of district. This car GPS tracker hidden built-in strong battery with super long time
【Waterproof & 4G Network】GPS tracker for vehicles with the design of Heavy-Duty waterproof Magnetic, GPS tracker for cars has dustproof and shockproof functions, if rainy days do not worry about it.SinoTrack ST-915L 4G gps tracker include 2G and 4G network(not include 3G network)
【Real Time Tracking】ST-915L 4g gps tracker for motorcycle support real-time tracking, work based on existing GSM/GPRS network and GPS satellites. Access the reports by SMS, App and Internet, which display of location information accurately up to 5 meters. GPS vehicle tracker manage alerts and generate custom reports for the information you need. History route playback via our lifetime Web platform or App to track
【Support Platform Lifetime】SinoTrack GPS car tracker use our own profession tracking platform sinotracker to use lifetime, you can click the Demo to login. We also have mobile APP for Android and IOS, you can download SinoTrack Pro on APP Store, Google Play.If you have more pc location tracker,we can help you create a group account,so that you can see all your car on one APP/Wbe platform

NO. 4

Apple AirTag

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
Find items further away with the help of hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network
Put AirTag into Lost Mode to be automatically notified when it’s detected in the Find My network

NO. 5

Airtag Hidden GPS Tracker,Airtag for Kids,Elderly,Pet,Clothing,Safer Than Airtag Watch,Airtag Keychain,and Airtag Necklace. (Navy Blue&Blue)

Hidden airtag case: The protective cover can be worn on the inside of the clothes and will not be found by anyone (including the wearer).
Lightweight airtag case: The overall weight of the protective case is only 8g, and it is made of silicone material, which is light and comfortable to wear, and the wearer has no feeling.
Safe airtag case: The lock on the pin needs to be rotated 180° and then pressed hard to open, which is very safe for the wearer
The use of the product is very extensive. The original intention of this product design is to protect the safety of children. In addition, it can also be used for pets, etc.
In order to avoid irreversible consequences, please use this more hidden and safe airtag case

NO. 6

SinoTrack 4G GPS Tracker for Vehicles, ST-905L Strong Battery GPS Tracker Waterproof Locator Real-Time Location Device for Car Motorcycle Truck Taxi with No Monthly Fee Tracking System

【 SinoTrack Service】4g GPS tracker for vehicles with 30 days no-questions-asked return policy. Please feel free to contact our customer service if you have any problems.Attention: We’re not include SIM card,you need to buy a local SIM card which support 4G network
【With Voice Monitor】ST-905L 4g car GPS tracker with voice Monitor, the sound around the tracker can be heard on your cell phone. When your car or love ones under the abnormal condition,send sms 66 to the control number(Should set it before you use this function) ,the tracker will call back to this control number. If you make call the SIM number in the device,it will pick up your call automactically and you will can monitor the voice around the device
【4G LTE Network】ST-905L Car tracker device with the design of Heavy-Duty waterproof Magnetic, GPS tracker for cars has dustproof and shockproof functions, if rainy days do not worry about it.SinoTrack 4g car gps tracker device hidden locator include 2G and 4G network(not include 3G network)
【Real Time Tracking】GPS tracker for car motorcycle support real-time tracking, work based on existing LTE/GSM/GPRS network and GPS satellites. Access the reports by SMS, App and Internet, which display of location information accurately up to 5-10 meters. GPS vehicle tracker manage alerts and generate custom reports for the information you need. History route playback via our lifetime Web platform or App to track
【Support No Subscription Platform Lifetime】SinoTrack tracking device use our own profession tracking platform sinotracker to use lifetime, you can click the Demo to login. We also have mobile APP for Android and IOS, you can download SinoTrackPro on APP Store, Google Play.If you have more pc location tracker,we can help you create a group account,so that you can see all your car on one APP/Wbe platform

SALENO. 7

SINOTRACK ST-901 4G Vehicle Car GPS Tracker, ST-901 4G Car Locator Mini Portable Real-Time Location Device, Waterproof Car Motorcycle GPS Tracker Device for Truck Taxi

【CUSTOMER SERVICE】SinoTrack gps tracker With 30 days no-questions-asked return policy. Please feel free to contact our customer service if you have any problems.Attention: This is 4G model(include 2G+4G network),but you need to buy a local SIM card with 4G(WCDMA) network)
【MAIN FUNCTION & 4G NETWORK】 SinoTrack vehicle car gps tracker for Motorbike, Built-in WCDMA, GSM and GPS double antennas with ACC to detect ignition.(SIM Card Not Include). ST-901L 4G（2G+4G）GPS tracker for vehicles, very simple and easy to use for Motorcycle, Truck, Taxi, etc.Text message alerts for movement, speeding, leaving or entering areas, low battery,Shocking, driving reports historical data saved during service. GPS vehicle tracker built-in backup battery
【SUPPORT TRACKING PLATFORM LIFETIME】 Waterproof gps tracker for cars with online tracking service subscription. Buy a SIM card for the device (this GPS locator not include a SIM card, you need to buy another one), search sinotracker login or download Sinotrack Pro GPS APP from your tablet, pc or phone lifetime. Real-time tracking is available at no additional cost
【REAL TIME TRACKING】Real-time car GPS tracker ST-901L Anti Lost Alarm Locator based on WCDMA, GSM , GPRS network and GPS satellites ,locating and monitoring remote targets with our own GPS tracking APP or web, which display of location information accurately ( Positioning accuracy up to 10 meters )
【HISTORY MEMORY】Sinotrack vehicle GPS tracker can save 2 years of tracking history. This tracker gps for vehicles with 2 time interval,You can view and play back your daily tracking history,and when the car goes to a place,you can make a clearer judgment

NO. 8

Luggage Tracker|Mobile Key Tracker Locator|Smart GPS Tracker | Keychain Portable Tracker Locator | Wireless Tracking Tag to Locate Lost Items, Key Tracker for Wallets, Luggage, Pets, Cats, Dogs

1. Precise Positioning: The Smart Pet GPS Locator allows you to know the accurate location of your pets by real-time monitoring, preventing them from being lost or stolen.
2. Multi-purpose: Real-time positioning, mobile inquiry, electronic fence, track query, low power alarm, long standby time, silent care. In addition, you can set the guardian’s mobile phone number for watching your pet far away.
3. Auto-call Function: The Key Finder Locator can be set callback number. So the locator can automatically call the phone number you set, helping you find your pets and items.
4. 150 hours of standby time and low-power alarm for convenient use.
5. It can be widely used in wallet, key, briefcase, pet, suitcase and other items after binding with mobile phone and other smart devices.

NO. 9

Tractive GPS CAT 4. Cat tracker. Follow every step in real-time. Unlimited Range. Activity Monitoring (w/ midnight blue collar attachment)

SUBSCRIPTION PLAN NEEDED – Monthly, 1 year, 2 year and 5 year plans available starting at $5 per month. Try risk free with a 30 day money back guarantee.
LIVE TRACKING & LOCATION HISTORY – Follow your furry friend’s every step in real-time on your phone. See where your cat has been and what they’ve been up to.
DESIGNED FOR CATS & 100% WATERPROOF – Rain, shrubs and trees are no problem for Tractive. Best for medium-sized cats or larger (9lb +). Fits collar widths up to 2cm (0.8 inch). Connectivity: GPS, LTE/4G
VIRTUAL FENCE – Mark safe spaces, like your garden, and know the moment your cat leaves one – and when they come back safely.
ALL-DAY ACTIVITY MONITORING – Track active time, rest and calories burned. Set fitness goals. Keep your cat in great shape with Tractive GPS for cats..WORLDWIDE LOCATION TRACKING – Use your GPS tracker for cats throughout the USA, Canada and 150 other countries. Manage all features via the free Tractive GPS app for iOS and Android or in any browser..Age range description: all life stages.Included components: instruction manual

NO. 10

LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker – USA Manufactured, Waterproof Magnet Mount. Full Global Coverage. 4G LTE Real-Time Tracking for Vehicle, Asset, Fleet, Elderly and More. Subscription is Required.

Personal GPS for reliable tracking of people, vehicles, and/or assets
Ultra-compact design 100% Waterproof Built-in Super Strength Magnet
Attaches to vehicle Fits in small pockets Discretely hide in a backpack, case or purse
Track & map (with Google Maps) in realtime on web-based software or SilverCloud App
Text & email alerts Geofencing Vehicle Tracking Location Reporting Historical Playback

How to Choose a GPS Tracker

Taking accuracy, effectiveness and range of features into account, the top performers in our review are the Trackimo, the Smallest GPS Tracker, and the Tracki. Here’s more on choosing a product to meet your needs, along with detail on how we arrived at our ranking of 10 products.

GPS trackers are transmitters that allow you to keep track of your children or possessions. They come with dedicated apps or computer programs that allow you to see the location of the tracker on a map. They’re small and come in several forms, such as watches and tag-like plastic discs.

GPS technology is integrated into several different systems. Perhaps the most common application is the turn-by-turn directions of car GPS units. GPS receivers are also present in most smartphones, but of course using your smartphone for navigation decreases your battery and your data allowance.

GPS trackers are small, tough devices with two main parts: built-in GPS receivers and cellular radio transmitters. They pinpoint their positions from the GPS satellite system and then transmit location data to a server using a cellular provider’s network. This means that they require a SIM card and cellular service in order to work.

What About Smartphones?

All modern smartphones have GPS receivers built into them. You can purchase apps that can track the location of your smartphone.

However, there are several reasons to buy a dedicated GPS tracker over a smartphone. For one, smartphone data plans are more expensive than even the most expensive GPS tracker data plan. So, if you want to track your child who isn’t yet old enough for a smartphone, then GPS trackers are a more affordable way to do it.

Second, they typically have better battery life than smartphones. This means that in an emergency you can rely on a more dependable battery. Third, they are more discreet than smartphones. In a worst-case abduction situation, a GPS tracker is far more likely to go unnoticed than a smartphone.

GPS Trackers: What We Tested, What We Found

Ease of Use

All the GPS trackers we reviewed can automatically track their movements and send that information to your phone. One of the biggest differentiators between trackers, then, is how easy it is to use them.

In our testing, we used each tracker extensively. We set zones, checked history and took them on over 30 car rides. (Zones, sometimes called geofences, are defined by preset boundaries that trigger an alert to your smartphone.) Because of this extensive use, we were able to assign each tracker’s application or web interface a score for its ease of use. The score was based on several factors, including ease of activation, tracking, setting zones and checking movement history.

Battery Life: Closely Related to Update Intervals

We tested battery life by charging each of the 10 trackers to their full capacities and then setting their intervals, when possible, to update their locations once every 10 minutes. Several of the trackers have motion-activated tracking intervals, so we made sure to move the trackers at least 2 miles four times per day. All the trackers were kept in a box together to ensure identical testing conditions.

Perhaps not surprisingly, we found that the motion-activated trackers tended to have two and sometimes three times the battery life of the trackers that work solely on update intervals. Also, the larger the tracker, the longer the battery life. The battery life varied wildly, all the devices we tested lasted well over 24 hours.

Hardware Quality

We assigned a hardware quality score that takes into account the quality of the materials used, projected ability to withstand damage, portability, versatility of the form factor, operator ease of use, button quality, charging port quality and port cover quality.

We did this to quantify small things. For example, watches are less versatile than a small box, so the two watches we reviewed received a small demerit for that. It was also rather easy to tell which products were made more solidly and with higher-quality materials. Another thing we looked at was charging ports and chargers. The Smallest GPS Tracker received a significant credit for having a cradle charger that is simple to use.

Top Ten Reviews seeks, whenever possible, to evaluate all products and services in hands-on tests that simulate as closely as possible the experiences of a typical consumer. We obtained the units in our comparison on loan from the companies or through retail purchase. The manufacturers had no input or influence over our test methodology, nor was the methodology provided to any of them in more detail than is available through reading our reviews. Results of our evaluations were not provided to the companies in advance of publication.

What Else is Important?

Voice-to-Voice Calling & Panic Buttons

Some GPS trackers include voice-to-voice calling. This enables the bearer to call a preselected number by pressing a button on the device. Other trackers have panic buttons that trigger a text message and email alert to preselected phone numbers and email addresses. These features are especially useful if the bearer does not have a cell phone.

Speed-Limit Alerts

Many GPS trackers allow you to set speed-limit alerts. If the tracker travels over a certain speed, it will send you a text message or email alert. This is useful for tracking a teenage driver, so you can keep them accountable for their driving habits. In more serious scenarios, it can show you when your child has entered a stranger’s car.

International Use

One of a GPS tracker’s most important uses is making sure you don’t lose track of a loved one, and one of the easiest places for that to happen is in an unfamiliar country. The SinoTrack, one of the better GPS trackers we reviewed, comes with free international use, so it’s the best choice if you do a lot of traveling.

Recommendations

The best GPS tracker on the market is the SinoTrack GPS. This is mostly because of its lengthy feature list, which includes voice-to-voice calling, a panic button, and an above-average app. It also is made of extremely high-quality material. It’s not perfect, however. It has relatively poor battery life, lasting 42 hours in our tests. It also only can track in five-minute timed intervals.

If you don’t need voice-to-voice or a panic button, the Smallest GPS Tracker is the best option for you. Its build quality is the best of any tracker we reviewed, and it has an intuitive app. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” GPS tracker. It also has truly exceptional battery life. In our tests it lasted over 100 hours.

The best value is the Trackimo. Its two-year ownership cost is the second lowest of any tracker we reviewed, at just under $100. It’s motion-activated, so even with its diminutive size, it still has excellent battery life. It has a panic button and an easy-to-use, well-designed app.