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Best Car GPS Trackers You Can Buy in 2024
These little devices will help you keep track of valuables wherever they may be. Many of these trackers have been tested by the Gear Team.
While we may be quickly approaching “big brother” levels of digital surveillance, those of us without the surname Soprano actually may stand to benefit from this tech. GPS tracking devices, once the stuff of spy novels, are so ubiquitous these days that it’s not uncommon to see them used for tracking things as trivial as the TV remote.
While there are many GPS trackers out there that are meant to track all sorts of things from pets to kids, we’re intrigued by the world of potential they offer for tracking your cars, boats, campers, and even new drivers. They’ve also become an essential piece of kit for businesses needing to track a fleet of vehicles.
It is crucial to note that in most states, installing a GPS tracker without the vehicle owner’s consent or knowledge is illegal. Legal or not, tracking someone or their belongings without their knowledge is probably entering the realm of moral objection.
With input from the testing gurus at our Gear Team, we’ve put together a list of the best trackers on the market with a particular eye on those that work best for your vehicles.
Our Top Picks
Things to Consider When Buying a GPS Tracker
Legality: The laws covering GPS trackers vary from state to state. According to Brickhouse Security, a leader in private and industrial security systems, it’s generally legal to use a GPS tracking device if:
- You or your organization own the vehicle or asset to be tracked
- You own the asset that might be taken without your permission
- Your children (under 18) are the focus of the tracking
- You are tracking a car or asset for legal repossession in the event of a default on a loan
It’s generally illegal to use a GPS tracking device if:
- You are not the owner of the car and do not have the legal right to track it
- You are attempting to track a boyfriend or girlfriend in their own car
For a comprehensive guide to GPS tracking laws by state, click here.
Subscription cost: Besides the cost of the device itself, subscription fees are often required to unlock essential features and comprehensive services that GPS trackers can provide. In its test, the Gear Team testers found that while many trackers can provide basic functionality without a subscription, long-term and commercial/fleet users should explore annual subscription options for potentially significant savings.
Battery Life: Consider the battery life of the tracker. Longer battery life is ideal for applications where charging may be infrequent or challenging. The testers found that the more often the device reports, the shorter the lifespan tended to be. Devices powered by OBD-II port and hardwired alternatives eliminate this problem by utilizing the vehicle’s battery as the power source.
Installation: Consider ease of installation. Some trackers require professional installation, while others can be easily attached using magnets or adhesive.
Additional Features: Some GPS trackers offer extra features like two-way communication, historical data storage, driving behavior analysis, and remote shutdown capabilities. Evaluate if these features align with your needs.
Tracking Purpose: Determine the purpose of tracking—whether it’s for personal safety, vehicle monitoring, asset protection, or pet tracking. Different GPS trackers are designed for specific applications.
The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.
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