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10 Best GPS Tracker for Cars In 2024

In the past several decades, cars have become an essential part of our lives. Currently, 90% of American households own at least one car. This also means that these families are vulnerable to the threats of owning a car – accidents, thefts, and hefty insurances. However, with GPS technology, you can keep track of your car’s location at all times. Some of the best GPS trackers for car service providers also offer add-on services like vehicle diagnostics, accident alerts, unsafe driving behavior notifications, fuel usage, and more. Also, several insurance companies offer a significant discount on car insurance premiums if you have installed a top-grade vehicle GPS tracker from a verified manufacturer.

There are various kinds of GPS trackers for cars available in the market. Some of them come with a magnetic case, making them easier to conceal. And others require to be connected to your car’s OBD2 port. Some trackers only collect data on location, while others offer a more comprehensive set of information that allows you to take better care of your car as well as your loved ones. 

Our List Of Best Car GPS Trackers

Here, we have compiled a list of 10 OBDII and portable GPS trackers for cars in the current market, along with their best features to help you decide the one you need.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to LIST the best products in the market, and not to review or rank them. All the products listed here have several unique features catering to a wide range of customer requirements.

While compiling this list, we evaluated the devices based on their cost, subscription plans, battery life, size, and installation process. We considered factors like the countries they offer coverage in, ease of use of their application, security, or other unique features they offer. We also looked into add-on services these vendors provide – lifetime warranty, 24/7 customer support, installation help, and more.

The intention is to inform and educate the reader on the variety of options available in the market.

1. Matrack MA-OBD Classic Plug-in Car Tracker – Best No Contract Car Tracker

Matrack is one of the leading GPS service providers in the fleet and asset industry, and their MA-OBD Classic Plug in rules the GPS tracking market. With flawless 4g LTE coverage, the GPS tracker can be easily installed in the OBDII port of any vehicle. Owing to its compact design, this asset tracker doubles as one of the best GPS trackers for cars in the current market. It can be discreetly concealed in your car, with installation taking only a minute.

The MA- OBD Classic Plug-in is compatible with any device of your choice – smartphone, tablet, computer, and more. One of the best-selling features of this GPS tracker is that once you set it up with your mobile device, it enables you to track the real-time location of your car, from anywhere in the world. You can download its user-friendly application, which allows you to personalize alerts and notifications as per your needs. The tracker also offers to create Geofences, a virtual boundary, and you receive instant notification if your car enters or exits the specific area – a feature especially helpful when your car is parked in public space for a longer time.

The tamperproof MA-OBD Classic Plug-in GPS tracker comes with an aggressive tracking mode in case your car has been stolen or has met with an accident. Although the tracker cannot avoid such unfortunate incidents, it helps speed up the process and minimizes damage.

When it comes to services, Matrack Inc. outdoes its competition. All their devices are sturdy and reliable, offer accurate tracking, and are also durable. Packed with a wide range of features, the MA-OBD Classic Plug-in GPS tracker for cars is comparatively affordable with unparalleled quality. The San Ramon-based company also offers 24/7 hour customer support, all around the year.

The MA-OBD Classic Plug-in Vehicle GPS tracker is priced at $85, with a subscription starting at $12.95 per month. This is best for fleet owners who want a GPS tracker for their vehicles. There are no contracts, no hidden fees, or charges. You can unsubscribe and cancel their services at any time, without any extra charges.

Product Features: 

  • Market-leading manufacturer
  • Easy installation
  • Reliable 4G and wireless connectivity
  • Customizable preferences for alerts and notifications
  • Waterproof, Weatherproof, and sturdy design
  • Compatible with all devices
  • GeoFence set-up and alerts
  • Real-time location tracking
  • Aggressive theft and accident tracking mode
  • Affordable costing @ $85
  • One-year warranty on the device.
  • No contract, no hidden charges, cancel anytime

Battery & Specs:

  • Size: 1.2″ x 2.7″ x 4.1″
  • Weight: NA
  • Battery type: Internal
  • OBDII trackers work as long as connected to the car’s OBDII port.

2. Bouncie GPS Tracker – Best Affordable Monthly Subscription Car Tracker

 Bouncie GPS Tracker

This is another great option if you want driving insights along with location tracking. The Bouncie GPS tracker requires to be installed in the OBD2 port of your car, and the company boasts that the installation – plugging the tracker to the OBD2 port, downloading the app, and creating your account – takes less than 10 minutes. Like most GPS trackers in the market today, Bouncie is also compatible with all kinds of devices allowing you constant access to your car’s information and whereabouts.  

Bouncie caters to the GPS tracking needs of individuals as well as fleets. Their GPS trackers for cars are accurate within a few feet of the actual location, and updates every 15 seconds. The GPS service provider also offers accident notification and roadside assistance. The companion app once set up with the tracker helps in unlocking access to real-time driving insights providing speed, acceleration, hard braking, and idle time data.  

The Bouncie GPS tracker is available for a monthly subscription of $8, with a $67 one-time device charge. There is no activation fee or other hidden charges, and buyers do not need to enter into any contract.  

Product Features: 

  • $8 monthly subscription
  • Real-time driving data
  • 15-second refresh
  • Connection to OBD-II port
  • Data showed on a mobile app
  • Lifetime warranty as long as you have an uninterrupted subscription 

Battery & Specs:

  • Size: 1.75″ x 1.87″ x 1″ 
  • Weight: 1.28 Oz
  • Battery: NA
  • Battery Type: Internal
  • OBDII trackers work as long as connected to the car’s OBDII port.

3. Family1st Car GPS Tracker – Best Portable Car Tracker

Family1st GPS Car Tracker

As the name suggests, this car tracking device is best for family use, especially if you have a teenage or elderly driver at home. It can be essentially used to train your teenage driver in the best driving habits. The reliability of Family1st’s device can be easily measured with over 500 five-star customer reviews of leading e-commerce websites. The GPS tracker’s small size serves the purpose of discreetly installing it in your car, where it is not visible.

With an uninterrupted 4G cellular and internal Wi-Fi connectivity, the Family 1st robust GPS tracker for cars can be integrated with Alexa, making it easier to access location and other information. This portable car GPS tracker is compatible with mobile, laptop, tablet, and other devices, allowing you instant and constant connection and access to your car. Once you integrate the GPS tracker with its app on your choice of device, you can set alerts and notifications for instances such as engine status, speeding, harsh driving as well as accidents. This makes it near impossible for your teenager to sneak behind your back and take your car for unnecessary rides.

The Family1st GPS tracker also comes with the Geofence feature, allowing you to create up to 10 virtual boundaries. As soon as your car leaves or enters the pre-set virtual fence, an alert is sent to your device. The device is designed to withhold any kind of unfavorable condition including harsh weather and rough terrain, which makes it one of the best GPS trackers for your family car. This vehicle GPS tracker is built with an extended 600 mAh Li-Polymer rechargeable battery which lasts up to 14+ days with 1hr of motion updates.

St. Charles-based Family1st is well known for its GPS trackers built to keep your family safe. The GPS service provider offers a huge bundle of exemplary services at a very affordable cost. In case of any queries or problems, customers can contact their team of skilled and professional service executives, who are available 24/7, throughout the year.

Family1st Car GPS tracker comes at a low cost of $18.95, with a monthly subscription of $19.95. You can cancel their subscription at any time at zero cost.

The device also comes with a lifetime warranty. 

 Product Features:

  • Most Cost-Effective Device
  • Lowest Monthly Subscription
  • Indoor Tracking Using Wi-Fi
  • 4G Cellular Technology
  • Instant Alert and Notification
  • Integrated With Alexa
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • GeoFence
  • Mobile App, Tablet, and PC
  • 24/7 Tech Support
  • 2 Weeks Active Battery Life, 6 Months Sleep Mode Battery Life
  • Best for teenage and elderly drivers

Battery & Specs:

  • Size: 2.8” x 1.8” x 1.1”
  • Weight: 3.60 Oz
  • Battery: 2400 mAh Li-Polymer
  • Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
  • 2 weeks active battery life with 1-minute update
  • 6 months sleep mode battery life at one update per day

4. Logistimatics Mobile-200 GPS Tracker – Best Magnetic Car Tracker

Logistimatics Mobile-200 GPS Tracker

Logisitmatics Mobile-200 GPS tracker has a new and unique feature. By calling the tracker’s phone number, you can audio monitor – listen to what is happening at your car’s location. This feature is incredibly useful if you see your car parked at a suspicious location and want to know what is going on before taking any action. Audio monitoring is silent at the tracking location.

The 4G tracker is ideal for cars, as well as other vehicles. It has a strong battery that can last up to10 days between charges. The tracker offers updates every 30 seconds, along with real-time location alerts. The tracker also offers all the features of a basic package – Geofence, vehicle speed, engine status, and likewise.

The tracker is accurate to 15 meters from the actual location. The device also comes in a magnetic case that is strong, durable, and can last in unfavorable weather conditions. The tracker costs $49.99. Logistimatics has three GPS service plans – monthly billed @$24.95 per month, six months pre-billed @$14.95 per month, and 12 months pre-paid @9.95 per month. There are no contracts and you can cancel anytime.

Product Features: 

  • $14.95 monthly subscription
  • Real-time driving data
  • 30-second refresh
  • SIM card
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Ability to call tracker’s number for live audio
  • A magnet for vehicle attachment
  • Data showed on the mobile app
  • 30-day warranty

Battery & Specs:

  • Size: 3.34″ x 2.28″ x 1.14″
  • Weight: 7.1 oz
  • Battery: 6000 mAh lithium-ion
  • Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
  • 10 days active battery life for 30-seconds updates

5. Americaloc GL300 Mini Portable GPS Tracker – Best Mini Car Tracker

Americaloc GL300 is a portable device that you can use to track almost anything you want. It has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 14 days with one-minute updates. The slim and compact design makes it easy to fit in seat pockets, or anywhere in the vehicle. Additionally, you can use it to enjoy discrete tracking. So next time your teen picks up the keys for an adventurous ride, you can monitor them easily.

Americaloc GL300 is a real-time GPS tracker that sends you accurate and reliable location updates every 1 minute. You can even increase the update frequency rate by 30 or 10 seconds without any extra cost. It offers different alerts to prevent theft or any unwanted activity such as movement, parking, speeding, low battery, Geo zones, etc. With this, you can also keep an eye on your loved one’s driving skills and where they are going.

The device is comparatively expensive, costing $109.90. However, the company offers 2 months of free subscription. And for the rest of the months of service, you pay less than $25 a month. No contract, no hidden fee.

Product Features: 

  • Keeps a track record history of up to 1 year
  • Can be converted to a Wired device if required
  • No Contract
  • No activation or cancellation fee
  • Real-time Alerts        
  • Geofences        
  • Accurate location        
  • Long battery life
  • Worldwide coverage

Battery & Specs:

  • Size: 7” x 1.51” x 0.92”
  • Weight:24 oz
  • Battery: Lithium-ion battery
  • Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
  • 10-14 days active battery life with one-minute updates

6. MOTOsafety GPS Tracker – Best Teen Car Tracker

MOTOsafety GPS Tracker

Another family-centric entry on our list is GPS trackers by MOTOsafety. It gives your elderly and teenage drivers the freedom they want, and the peace of mind you need when they are driving. The device plugs into your car’s OBD 2 Port and generates daily driving reports. The information on your teen’s driving habits from the report helps you to make them the importance of safe driving. 

MOTOsafety GPS tracker for cars operates on a cellular network and records data every 60 seconds. The GPS provider claims that based on the end-of-the-day report on driving habits, buyers can avail of up to 30% discount on their insurance premium.  

The tracker comes with all the features of a modern-day GPS tracking device, including Geofence capability. Real-time updates of speeding, harsh driving, hard braking, and other unsafe driving habits are sent to your device. The GPS tracker comes for a one-time device cost of $69.99, and a low monthly subscription of $19.50 per month. There is no activation or cancellation fee.

Product Features:

  • Plugs into car’s OBD2 port
  • Reports data every 60 seconds
  • Sends a daily report card and route replay data
  • Geofence, real-time alerts for speeding, idling, off-hour use
  • Costs $22.99 per month (no activation or cancellation fees)

Battery & Specs:

  • Size: 1″x 1.75″ x 2.1″
  • Weight: 2.08 Oz
  • Battery: NA
  • Battery Type: Internal
  • OBDII trackers work as long as connected to the car’s OBDII port.

7. Accutracking VTPlug Real-Time Vehicle Tracker

Accutracking VTPlug Real-Time Vehicle Tracker

Accutracking’s VTPlug is one of the few GPS trackers that still supports 3G networks, as well as 4G. As soon as it is plugged into your car’s OBD 2 Port, it can start sending relevant information to you through its companion app. The app can be downloaded on any phone or tablet of your choice, enabling access to location and other data all-round the clock.  

The VTPlug can be integrated with Alexa, allowing you to get your car’s location data with a simple “Where is my car?” question. The GPS tracker also saves information for up to 30 days, accessible via Accutracking’s app. Apart from being extremely useful if your car has been stolen, the tracker also records vehicle diagnostics helping you schedule oil changes or engine maintenance.  

The VTPlug GPS tracker comes with a lifetime warranty and four different plans costing $ $12.99, $15.99, $20.99, and $25.99 per month with location updates every 120,60, 30, and 15 seconds, respectively.  

Product Features:

  • Easy to install. Plug & play
  • Geofence alert
  • Speed alert
  • Engine idling alert
  • Harsh braking/acceleration/turning alert
  • Engine diagnostic data
  • Reports
  • 30-day online history
  • Lifetime warranty

Battery & Specs:

  • Size: 2.5″ x 2″ x 1″
  • Weight: 2.1 Oz
  • Battery: NA
  • Battery Type: Internal
  • OBDII trackers work as long as connected to the car’s OBDII port.

8. PRIMETRACKING Vehicle GPS Tracker -Best Hidden Car Tracker

PRIMETRACKING Vehicle GPS Tracker

Compact in size, the Primetracking Personal GPS tracker measures only 3” by 1.5”. Its compact size makes it incredibly easy to conceal and is also a strong contender on our list for best GPS trackers for cars in 2024. The device is operative in U.S, Canada, and Mexico, and can work on various cellular networks.

The portable GPS tracker offers real-time location updates on Google Maps every 10 seconds and boasts a battery life of just over 2 weeks. Along with the location data, the tracker also has several other features that include detailed activity location, route history, and Geofence. As the tracker has unlimited range, you can track the location of your car from anywhere with the help of its app. 

Primetracking’s Personal GPS tracker for cars has a unique subscription plan – $25 per month or $20 per month for a minimum of six months of subscription. There is no activation charge, and you can cancel their services anytime. 

Product Features: 

  • Remote, Real-time GPS Tracking
  • 4G LTE Connectivity
  • Desktop and Mobile compatible apps
  • Small size yet sturdy 
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Lifetime Guarantee 

Battery & Specs:

  • Size: 1.57″ x 1.05″ x 3.07″
  • Weight: 2.24 Oz
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer battery.
  • Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
  • 2-week active use battery life with 1-minute updates

9. Amcrest GL 300 GPS Tracker – Best Bundle Car Tracker

Amcrest GPS Tracker

With their sleek design and 4G LTE connectivity, Amcrest GPS trackers are one of the best GPS trackers for cars in the current market. Its compact structure makes it easily concealable and allows for discreet location tracking. The GPS tracker is fully compatible with PC, Mac iPhones, and all Android devices. On a fully charged battery, the tracker works for 10-14 hours.

Amcrest offers customizable bundles of features and capabilities under its GPS Pro service, including GeoFence, real-time tracking, regular updates, and more. The premium services also allow you to manage trip data and alerts. The tracker can collect mileage, battery life of the device, location history, and more for 30 days, which is easily accessible on its app on your choice of device. Alerts can be customized and are available via text, email, and push notifications.

The Amcrest GPS tracker is a little more expensive than other trackers on this list and is priced at $39.99. The subscription plans vary with the frequency of updates you want. 

Product Features: 

  • Real-time tracking
  • Geofence capability
  • 2G and 4G compatibility
  • 10-14 hours battery life
  • Location history up to 30 days
  • Cost $39.99
  • Updates every 60, 30, 15, and 5 seconds (as required)
  • No contract

Battery & Specs:

  • Size: 3” x 1.5” x 1”
  • Weight: 3.52 Oz
  • Battery: Li-Polymer, 2600 mAh
  • Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
  • 10-12 days active battery life for one minute’s updates
  • 2 weeks battery life on sleep mode (no activity)

10. Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker bundle – Best Waterproof Car Tracker

Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker bundle

The small portable GPS tracker from Optimus comes with 2-week battery life in standby mode. Perfect to track the location and movement of your car, this tracker gives real-time location using Google maps, along with living traffic and street view. It is also equipped with Geofence features and can send alerts on speeding, low battery, and SOS through email and text messages on the device of your choice.

Optimus 2.0 GPS tracker for cars also works great for tracking assets, and dependent family members like small children, teenagers, the elderly, and even pets. Its app can be downloaded on any Apple or Android device. You can easily access the app and look into data like distance traveled, parking history, and more. 

The tracker comes with a twin magnet case, making it easier to attach to any metallic surface in your car for tracking. The magnets are the strongest permanent magnets available commercially, and the case is constructed to make it water- and weather-proof. 

The Optimus 2.0 costs $19.95 per month with no contract or hidden fees and you can cancel your subscription anytime. Customization of the report frequency varies from 30 seconds while moving or 10 seconds. Coverage is only available in the U.S.

Product features:

  • GPS tracker with magnetic case
  • 4G LTE connectivity
  • Water and weatherproof case
  • Create alerts, geofences, and driving reports
  • Notifications via email or SMS for tracker movement, and more
  • A full charge lasts 1 to 2 weeks
  • Customizable report frequency
  • Costs $19.95 per month

Battery & Specs:

  • Size: 3″ x 1.5″ x 1″
  • Weight: 3.3 Oz
  • Battery: Lithium Polymer batteries
  • Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
  • 2 weeks active battery life with 1-minute updates

 

How to choose the right GPS tracker for your car?

The main function of a GPS tracker is to give you the location of your car, in real time. This data is beneficial in case the person driving the car needs any help, such as in case of a mishap or accident. Lately, many families with teenage or elderly drivers are also seeking GPS tracking solutions to ensure that they are driving carefully without endangering others around them. The modern-day GPS trackers for cars also provide information on speeding, hard braking, and other unsafe driving behavior that help teach teenagers the importance of safe driving. Many top GPS providers also offer roadside assistance and aggressive tracking in case your car ever meets an accident, thereby minimizing the damage and getting the driver the help – medical or otherwise – they need. 

Choosing a GPS tracker must always depend on your requirement. If you are worried about the safety of your car when it’s parked either outside your home or in a public space, a small and easily concealed GPS tracker is your best bet. It will not avoid theft completely, but help you an easier and faster recovery.  

But you do not need to burn a hole to keep your loved ones and your car safe. Several of our GPS providers on the above list offer affordable services. Also, you can earn a discount on your insurance premium.