10 Best Car GPS Trackers In 2024 [Tested & Reviewed]
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The best car GPS trackers are Matrack, Bouncie, and Family1st. This is based on our expert testing and suggestions from various sources.
Car GPS trackers are important for keeping your vehicle safe and managing it effectively. Whether you are a parent monitoring teenagers driving habits, a caregiver who wants safety of elderly loved ones, or a fleet manager tracking driver behavior, these devices provide invaluable support and peace of mind.
2024, more and more people are looking for car GPS trackers, and there are plenty of options on the market. We have tested 10 Best Car GPS trackers, offering good choices for different budgets and needs, making it easy for you to pick the right one without any trouble.
Matrack MA-OBD - Best Overall Car GPS Tracker
Matrack MA-OBD is easy to use and lets you track your car in real time. It gives alerts you can customize to keep your car safe and monitor it easily. Just plug it in, and it’s ready to go, making it great for both personal cars and fleets.
- Aggressive theft and accident tracking mode for rapid response.
- Geofence capabilities with instant entry/exit alerts.
- Compact, tamperproof design with one-minute installation.
- Affordable subscription with no hidden fees or contracts.
Our Top Choices For Car GPS Trackers
- Best For: Best Overall Car GPS Tracker
- Cost: $85
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Key Benefits: Plug-in, real-time tracking, customizable alerts, no hidden fees
- Best For: Affordable Monthly Subscription Car Tracker
- Cost: $89.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Key Benefits: No activation fees, real-time updates, comprehensive alerts
- Best For: Portable Car Tracker
- Cost: $29.95
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Key Benefits: Low-cost subscription, real-time tracking, sleek design
- Best For: Magnetic Car Tracker
- Cost: $54.95
- Rating: 3.5/5
- Key Benefits: Strong magnetic mount, real-time GPS tracking
- Best For: Mini Car Tracker
- Cost: $61.98
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Key Benefits: Super detailed tracking, wide international coverage
- Best For: Teen Car Tracker
- Cost: $79.99
- Rating: 3.8/5
- Key Benefits: Driver coaching, real-time alerts, no hidden fees
- Best For: Real-Time Vehicle Tracker
- Cost: $51.03
- Rating: 4.1/5
- Key Benefits: Low subscription fees, lifetime warranty, comprehensive diagnostics
- Best For: Hidden GPS Tracker for Car
- Cost: $29.99
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Key Benefits: Fast update intervals, compact size, extensive coverage
- Best For: Bundle Car Tracker
- Cost: $74.53
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Key Benefits: Portable, real-time alerts, customizable geo-fencing
- Best For: Waterproof Car GPS Tracker
- Cost: $17.95
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Key Benefits: Powerful magnet case, real-time alerts, long battery life
How To Choose Best GPS Tracker For Car
Purpose and Features
Purpose and Features are the first things to consider when picking a GPS tracker for your car. If you need it for security, look for features like live tracking and alerts when your car moves unexpectedly. For business vehicles, focus on trackers that log routes and monitor driver behavior. For personal cars, options with driving alerts can help you monitor how you use the car.
Type of Tracking Technology
Type of Tracking Technology is also important. Active trackers update the car’s location in real-time but usually come with a monthly fee. Passive trackers, on the other hand, store the data, and you can check it later without paying extra. Choose based on whether you need live updates or just a record of where the car has been.
Ease of Use
Ease of Use is something to think about when buying a GPS tracker for your car. Plug-and-play trackers that connect to the car’s OBD-II port are simple to install. If you want a permanent solution, a hardwired tracker might be better. Make sure the app or software is straightforward and easy to understand.
Cost
Cost plays a big role when choosing a car tracker. Some devices are affordable upfront but have subscription fees for certain features. Compare prices carefully and pick one that gives you the features you need without going over budget.
Battery Life
Battery Life is especially important if the tracker isn’t powered by the car. Look for a device with a long-lasting battery that doesn’t need frequent charging. For cars used over long periods, a tracker with excellent battery life will save you a lot of trouble.
How We Tested GPS Trackers For Cars
- Selected top-rated car GPS trackers based on price, features, warranty, and reviews.
- Tested each car tracker on a different vehicle.
- Used iPhone 15 Pro, Windows Laptop and iPad with basic monthly plans for app access.
To test GPS trackers for cars, we put each device in different vehicles. We then checked how accurately they tracked in real-world conditions. We looked at how well they reported the car’s location. We also tested geofence alerts to make sure they were timely and reliable in both cities and rural areas.
We assessed the ease of setup by installing plug-and-play trackers and hardwired models. We also tested the apps for clarity, ensuring they provided essential information like location and speed without confusion.
We reviewed battery life and cost to ensure practicality. We checked how long battery-powered trackers lasted and compared subscription fees to ensure each device delivered good value.
10 Best Car GPS Trackers For 2024 - Tested
Matrack MA-OBD - Best Overall Car GPS Tracker
Matrack MA-OBD Classic Plug-in GPS tracker impressed us with its ease of use and powerful features during our testing.
This device plugs directly into your car’s OBD II port, and its compact design ensures discreet tracking.
With 4G LTE connectivity, we found it seamless to track real-time car location through a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Its geofencing feature allowed us to set custom boundaries, providing alerts when the vehicle entered or exited these zones—a handy tool for monitoring family vehicles or parked cars. Additionally, the aggressive tracking mode proved invaluable for emergencies or theft recovery.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Simple installation and operation | ❌ Requires an OBDII port |
| ✅ Strong, consistent connectivity | |
| ✅ Intuitive app design |
Product Features
- Easy installation
- Reliable 4G and wireless connectivity
- Customizable alerts and notifications
- Waterproof and weatherproof design
- Device compatibility across platforms
- GeoFence setup and alerts
- Real-time location tracking
- Theft and accident tracking mode
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $12.95 |
| Size | 1.2″ x 2.7″ x 4.1″ |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Battery Type | Internal (powered by OBDII) |
| Battery Life | Continuous (via OBD II) |
| How To Install | Plug into OBD II port |
| Operating System | iOS, Android, and web-based |
Bouncie GPS Tracker – Affordable Monthly Subscription Car Tracker
Bouncie GPS Tracker offers an affordable and reliable way to monitor your car, as we experienced firsthand during testing.
This car tracker connects directly to the OBDII port and updates the vehicle’s location every 15 seconds, ensuring accurate and consistent tracking.
Its geofencing feature worked perfectly, sending alerts whenever the vehicle crossed set boundaries. The app integration with Google Maps made it simple to view detailed routes and trip histories.
We also found the driving behavior monitoring and accident notification features particularly useful, making it an excellent option for families or small fleets.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Budget-friendly subscription | ❌ Features depend on cellular connectivity |
| ✅ Straightforward setup | |
| ✅ Easy-to-use mobile app |
Product Features
- Accident notifications
- Geo-Zone alerts
- Speed monitoring alerts
- Weather alerts
- Real-time updates (15 seconds)
- GeoFence setup
- Vehicle health monitoring
- Route history
- Unlimited data retention
- 4G LTE connectivity
- Google Maps integration
- Device compatibility
- Small form factor
- No activation fees
- Access anywhere
- Reports for export
- Durability
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $9 |
| Size | 1.75″ x 1.87″ x 1″ |
| Weight | 0.08 pounds |
| Battery Type | Internal (powered by OBDII) |
| Battery Life | Continuous (via OBD II) |
| How To Install | Plug into OBD II port |
| Operating System | iOS, Android, and web-based |
Family1st GPS Tracker – Portable Car Tracker
Family1st GPS Tracker stood out during our tests for its portability and versatile tracking capabilities perfect for effective car tracking.
This lightweight and compact device provides real-time location updates and lets users create geofences to receive alerts when vehicles cross these zones.
We particularly appreciated the long-lasting battery which lasts up to 2 weeks without charging. The app was user-friendly and provided detailed trip histories and instant updates, making it ideal for both personal and business applications.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Easy to set up and operate | ❌ Need to buy case for extra care |
| ✅ Perfect for personal and business tracking needs | |
| ✅ Comes with a lifetime warranty |
Product Features
- Real-Time Tracking
- Geo-Fencing Alerts
- Low Battery Alerts
- Nationwide Coverage
- Lifetime Warranty
- Portable and Lightweight (3.68 ounces)
- 24/7 Customer Support
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $15.95 (annual plan) or $21.95 (monthly) |
| Size | 2.75″ x 1.8″ x 1.1″ |
| Weight | 3.68 ounces |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable internal battery |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 weeks |
| How To Install | Place discreetly or use a magnetic case |
| Operating System | iOS and Android |
Logistimatics Mobile-200 – Magnetic Car Tracker
Logistimatics Mobile-200 GPS tracker proved to be a highly reliable option during our testing. With its strong magnetic mount, this tracker securely attaches to any metal surface on your car, making it easy to use and versatile.
It provided accurate real-time location updates, and the geofencing feature allowed us to set up boundaries and receive notifications when the vehicle entered or exited those areas.
We were particularly impressed by its live audio feature, which lets you listen to your car’s surroundings—an added layer of security. Its durable, weatherproof design ensures consistent performance, even in tough conditions.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Strong magnetic mount for versatile placement | ❌ Requires subscription for tracking services |
| ✅ Includes live audio feature | |
| ✅ Suitable for outdoor use |
Product Features
- Real-Time GPS Tracking (30-second updates)
- Magnetic Mount
- Waterproof Design
- GeoFence Alerts
- Location History
- API Integration
- Fully Customizable Metrics
Product Specification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $14.95 (standard plan) or $19.95 (premium) |
| Size | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable internal battery |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days |
| How To Install | Attach to metal surface using magnet |
| Operating System | iOS and Android |
Americaloc GL300 – Mini Car Tracker
Americaloc GL300 mini car GPS tracker delivered excellent results in our tests, providing reliable and discreet tracking for cars. Its real-time location updates and geofencing capabilities allowed us to monitor vehicle movements with precision.
Alerts for movement, speed, and low battery were timely and helpful, making this tracker a comprehensive choice for vehicle monitoring.
We also appreciated the extended battery life, which made it convenient to use without frequent recharges. Its compact size makes it easy to conceal, making it suitable for both personal and business use.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Detailed tracking and alerts | ❌ Battery-powered, requires charging |
| ✅ Discreet and portable design | |
| ✅ No hidden fees or contracts |
Product Features
- Movement alerts
- Parked alerts
- Speeding alerts
- Device on/off alerts
- Low battery alerts
- Zone entry/exit alerts
- Button press alerts
- Real-time tracking (10, 20, 30, 60-second updates)
- Global coverage (180+ countries)
- Compact design with magnetic case
- 3 years of tracking history
- Power-saving mode when stationary
- Configurable notifications (text, WhatsApp, email)
- CAT-M1 IoT connectivity
- Multipurpose tracking for vehicles, assets, personnel
- Downloadable reports
- Multiple device management
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $19.98 (monthly) or $17.98 (annual) |
| Size | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable internal battery |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 days |
| How To Install | Place discreetly or use magnetic case |
| Operating System | iOS, Android, and web-based |
MOTOsafety – Teen Car Tracker
MOTOsafety GPS Tracker stood out in our tests as a reliable option for parents monitoring teen drivers. Designed to plug into the car’s OBD II port, it provides real-time location tracking and alerts for driving behavior such as harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and speeding.
The geofencing feature worked flawlessly during testing, sending timely alerts whenever the vehicle entered or exited designated areas.
Daily driving reports and route replays provided a comprehensive overview of driving habits, making it an excellent tool for promoting safe driving.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Ideal for monitoring teen drivers | ❌ Higher subscription cost |
| ✅ Easy to install and use | |
| ✅ Comprehensive driving reports |
Product Features
- Movement alerts
- Harsh braking alerts
- Rapid acceleration alerts
- Speeding alerts
- Geofence entry/exit alerts
- Device unplugged or tampered alerts
- Maintenance schedule alerts
- Real-time GPS tracking (60-second updates)
- No batteries required (powered by OBDII port)
- Plug-and-play installation
- Geofence capability for zone monitoring
- Driving report cards and route replay
- Teen driver coaching program with safety scorecards
- Compatible with iOS and Android mobile apps
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $25 |
| Size | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Battery Type | Internal (powered by OBDII) |
| Battery Life | Continuous (via OBDII) |
| How To Install | Plug into OBDII port |
| Operating System | iOS and Android |
Accutracking VTPlug – Real-Time Vehicle Tracker
Accutracking VTPlug GPS tracker provided accurate and efficient real-time tracking in our tests. Connecting directly to the car’s OBD II port, it was simple to install and required minimal effort to set up.
The tracker updated location every 15 seconds and offered helpful features like geofencing, speed alerts, and driving behavior notifications.
What stood out most was the additional diagnostics capability, including engine temperature and idle time monitoring, making it a valuable tool for maintaining vehicle health.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Simple installation process | ❌ Requires OBDII port connection |
| ✅ Provides detailed vehicle insights | |
| ✅ Flexible subscription options |
Product Features
- Movement alerts
- Geofence entry/exit alerts
- Speeding alerts
- Ignition/ACC alerts
- Device unplug alerts
- Harsh braking/acceleration/turning alerts
- Check engine light ON (DTC code alerts)
- Engine idle alerts
- Oil change alerts
- Engine temperature alerts
- RPM alerts
- Real-time GPS tracking (updates every 60, 30, or 15 seconds, 3 seconds on turns)
- 4G LTE connectivity with roaming SIM (USA, Canada, Mexico)
- No activation, cancellation, or hidden fees
- Plug-and-play OBD-II installation
- Built-in battery with unplug alerts
- Works with most vehicles
- Lightweight (2.1 oz)
- Up to 4 months tracking history
- Vehicle diagnostics included
- Detailed tracking reports
- Lifetime warranty
- US-based phone customer support
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | Starting at $8.99 |
| Size | 2.5″ x 2″ x 1″ |
| Weight | 2.1 ounces |
| Battery Type | Internal (powered by OBDII) |
| Battery Life | Continuous (via OBDII) |
| How To Install | Plug into OBDII port |
| Operating System | iOS and Android |
Primetracking – Hidden GPS Tracker for Car
Primetracking GPS Tracker is one of the most compact devices we tested, making it ideal for hidden car tracking. Its small size allowed us to conceal it easily while still providing real-time location updates every 10 seconds.
The geofencing and route history features were easy to use and allowed effective monitoring of vehicle movements.
Additionally, the long battery life and seamless app integration ensured smooth and convenient tracking. This tracker is perfect for car owners who prioritize portability and discretion.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Portable and discreet design | ❌ Requires frequent recharging with heavy use |
| ✅ Long-lasting battery life | |
| ✅ No activation fees |
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
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $20 (6-month plan) or $25 (monthly) |
| Size | 1.57″ x 1.05″ x 3.07″ |
| Weight | 2.24 ounces |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable lithium polymer |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 weeks |
| How To Install | Place discreetly in the car |
| Operating System | iOS and Android |
Amcrest GL300 – Bundle Car Tracker
Amcrest GL300 tracker performed exceptionally well in our tests, offering robust features in a compact, weatherproof design.
It provides real-time tracking updates and geofencing capabilities, which we found useful for monitoring vehicle activity with precision.
The customizable alerts and detailed reporting stood out, helping us stay informed about the car’s location and movements. Its small size and magnetic case allowed us to attach it discreetly to the car, ensuring effective and unobtrusive tracking.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Sturdy and reliable build | ❌ Subscription required for updates |
| ✅ Real-time updates with detailed reporting | |
| ✅ Compact and easy to hide |
Product Features
- Geo-fence entry/exit alerts
- Speed limit alerts
- Harsh braking alerts
- Start/stop alerts
- Proximity alerts
- Text, email, and push notifications
- Real-time tracking (1, 5, 30-second updates)
- Compact, weatherproof design with magnetic case
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | Starting at $19.99 |
| Size | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days |
| How To Install | Attach using the magnetic case |
| Operating System | iOS, Android, and web-based |
Optimus 2.0 GPS – Waterproof Car GPS Tracker
Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker exceeded expectations during our testing. Its waterproof design and strong magnetic case ensured secure attachment to the car in various conditions.
The real-time tracking updates were accurate, and the motion-activated alerts helped conserve battery life.
We also liked the customizable alerts for speed, movement, and low battery, which made it an excellent choice for dependable vehicle monitoring.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Strong magnetic attachment | ❌ Requires charging after extended use |
| ✅ Long battery life | |
| ✅ Motion-activated for efficiency |
Product Features
- Movement alerts
- Speeding alerts
- Geo-fence entry/exit alerts
- Low battery alerts
- SOS button alerts
- Real-time GPS tracking (updates every 10 seconds to 1 minute)
- Waterproof twin magnet case
- Motion-activated tracking
- Email and text notifications
- Suitable for vehicle, asset, and elderly tracking
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $19.95 (monthly) or $14.95 (annual plan) |
| Size | Not Available |
| Weight | 2.5 ounces |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable lithium polymer |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 weeks |
| How To Install | Attach using the magnetic case |
| Operating System | iOS and Android |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to track cars ?
Tracking a car is legal if you own it or have the owner’s consent; otherwise, it may violate privacy laws.
What is the cost of car GPS Trackers?
The cost of car GPS trackers varies from $29 to $85 + monthly subscription.
What factors should I consider when choosing a GPS tracker for my car?
Purpose, tracking technology type (active vs. passive), installation ease, cost, and battery life.
How do active and passive GPS trackers differ?
Active trackers offer real-time updates and typically require a monthly fee; passive trackers store data for later access without ongoing costs.
Why use geofence capabilities in car GPS trackers?
To receive alerts when the vehicle enters or exits predefined areas, enhancing security and monitoring efficiency.
Can I install a car GPS tracker by myself?
Yes, especially plug-and-play models; hardwired types might need professional installation.
What should I look for in the subscription plan of a GPS tracker?
Update frequency, cost, included features like geofencing and alerts, and any hidden fees or contracts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Car GPS tracker is important for keeping your vehicle safe and efficiently managed.
Top picks like the Matrack MA-OBD, Bouncie GPS Tracker, and Family1st GPS Tracker cater to diverse needs and budgets, offering features like real-time updates and geofencing.
By focusing on essential aspects such as cost, installation ease, and battery life, users can find the best GPS tracker for their needs in 2024.
These devices provide valuable peace of mind by ensuring that vehicles are monitored accurately and reliably.