Best GPS Tracker for Cars: Protect Your Vehicle from Theft

This portable, wireless GPS tracker is small and compact enough to be taken anywhere. It tracks and maps with Google Maps to provide real-time tracking over the internet. The device also sends texts or emails to alert you when the driver has left a certain area.

This tracker is only 3 inches in length, making it one of the best GPS trackers to hide. Also, it can be stored in small areas like the glove compartment or center console. You can also purchase a magnetic case that allows you to stick it to the bottom of your car if you wish to be more discreet.

This battery-operated tracking device uses one lithium-ion battery, which is included with the tracker. The only downside to this tracker is that it takes a few hours to completely charge. Also, the tracker is motion-activated, which may skew some tracking data based on your own vehicle’s suspension and other factors. This tracker is not as discrete as other models as it requires the purchase of an additional magnetic case to hide the tracker on the underside of the vehicle.

The MOTOsafety Teen GPS Tracking Device is perfect for parents with new drivers. It sends a driving report to your phone or computer that shows you speed, routes, location history, and more, so you can monitor where the vehicle has been. The system uses Google Maps to track the routes and location.

This is a comprehensive program that provides pinpoint location tracking. Real-time updates can be sent to your device, and you can go back later and retrace the routes taken that day. You can also use geofencing to show you when the vehicle leaves certain locations, such as your home, work, children’s schools and more.

This device plugs into the OBDII port under your car’s dash, so you don’t have to worry about battery life. It is also one of the cheaper car trackers on the market. However, the location data may not be as accurate as other more expensive models. Also, the location of the tracker makes this item easier to spot; your teen or employee may be able to see (and possible disengage) the tracker based on its plug-in location. The GPS tracker also requires a monthly ongoing subscription in order to function.

PrimeTracking’s Personal GPS Tracker is intended to be placed in backpacks, purses, luggage, cars, and more. You can take it virtually anywhere because of its small, portable size. The tracker provides real-time tracking to any location in the United States to your computer, tablet, or phone with the GPS tracking app.

You can configure this device to send updates with every new direction your car takes. It uses a 4G LTE network to provide fast and accurate locating technology. This device also has an SOS button that can be used in emergencies. This enables you, your teen, or a senior to call out for help when it’s needed.

The battery life on the tracker is about a week, which makes it inconvenient as it must be recharged more frequently than other options. The tracker also requires a monthly fee to use the device’s tracking features continuously.

Accutracking’s VTPlug is available in both 3G and 4G, and is backward-compatible with 3G networks. It’s ready to start sending information immediately after you plug it into your car’s OBDII port, and continues sending that data 24/7 to your phone or tablet of choice.

The VTPlug saves a detailed selection of information, all of which is available via Accutracking’s app going back 30 days. It can alert you when your car has crossed a geofence, and tell you its current speed and acceleration/deceleration. It’s even useful when your car hasn’t been stolen, as it keeps tabs on when you need an oil change, when your engine is running too hot, and other useful reports. The VTPlug is also compatible with Alexa, and will give its report when you ask “Where is my car?”

On the other hand, this GPS tracker is a bit small, and can be easy to knock over or step on if you’ve put it somewhere out of the way. The only other drawback is that the update cycle is tied to how much you pay, and to get updated every 15 seconds (the maximum) gets expensive at $26 per month.

Not just for vehicles, the LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker is capable of tracking almost anything. It’s small, waterproof, and easy to hide. You can plant it in your backpack, hide it in your purse, or use its magnetic mount to stick it somewhere discreet inside your vehicle. Setting up all its functions takes only about 15 minutes total.

There are two options for tracking the LandAirSea 54: Google Maps or the SilverCloud app. You can see the tracker move in real time, and easily set it to send you text and email alerts. It comes with a SIM card with unlimited data, meaning the sole cost after purchase is the monthly plan. It’s accurate to small distances, and the magnet stays put wherever you stick it.

The big tradeoff with the 54 is battery life. In multiple instances, it’s been known to stop tracking and updating its location when the battery drops below a certain level. The service fee is also higher than average, especially at the 10-second update interval.

Optimus Tracker is a well-respected manufacturer of GPS gear for cars, and this bundle is a great way to get started with their services. In addition to the Optimus 2.0 GPS tracker, you’ll also get a magnetic case, which you can use to affix the tracker to the underside of your car. Once it’s there—or hidden in whatever else you plan to track—$19.95 per month gets you updates on your car’s location every 30 seconds.

The Optimus 2.0 is a bit more expensive than some of the other options on this list. However, not only does it pay for itself with relatively cheap monthly fees and an included data plan, but it’s also accurate and reliable enough to be worth the higher entry price. This tracker has one of the best battery lives in the business: Running it for a week uses only about 10 percent of its power. And the signal location is always correct to within 30 feet.

The downside is that there’s no way to reduce the 30-second signal delay without paying more. The battery life, while robust, isn’t perfect. In freezing temperatures, it loses power more quickly. Finally, while the data it transmits back to you is accurate, it could stand to be more detailed.

Bouncie is a formidable GPS tracker alternative for those who are willing to pay more upfront for cheaper monthly service. For only $8 per month, you get location data transmitted to you every 15 seconds, with roadside assistance included. Bouncie’s location data integrates with Google Maps to get you accurate information about streets, addresses, and geofences.

Another advantage of Bouncie is its robust vehicle health informatics. Through your connected app, you can get alerts that interpret your dashboard lights, remind you about regular maintenance, and dispatch roadside assistance to your location if you break down. The app has one of our favorite user interfaces, with colorful speed bands and easy-to-interpret vehicle activity reports.

Unfortunately, there are some not-so-great features, too. Regular maintenance reminders aren’t built-in—you have to add each one manually. Perhaps a bigger problem is that Bouncie’s tracker does not work unless your car’s engine is turned on, which means it can’t be used to locate your vehicle in a parking or impound lot.