Gps trackers for automobiles: Best Car GPS Trackers for 2023, Tested – Car and Driver

GPS tracker is a special high-tech device with which you can track the location of an object through a satellite launched into earth orbit. It is able to work with people, cars, as well as with any other objects to which it is attached. This device operates in the unified international coordinate system of the WGS 84 format.

At present, the choice of such devices in specialized stores is very wide. To help you find a product that will fully meet your needs, we decided to rank the best GPS trackers for cars. In today’s article, we will talk not only about the performance characteristics of the selected models, but also outline their pros and cons, as well as talk about the key points that you should pay attention to when buying a device. This is where we’ll start.

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How to choose the right GPS tracker for your car in 2023?

In today’s world, a key use for such devices is vehicle tracking. They are used by both owners of cars and various organizations: transport companies, taxi companies, security services, services designed to provide emergency assistance, and so on. Many vehicle owners install trackers on their vehicles mainly to improve safety. Any tracker consists of two main elements – a satellite receiver and a modem that transmits a signal to an external device. The latter works on the basis of standard GSM technology. He reports the coordinates of his location first to the server, from there they are transmitted to the owner.

Whereas satellite tracking used to be a rather complicated process, today it is not associated with any difficulties. After transferring the data to the server, they are processed by special software and recorded on a virtual map of the area. To view the data, you can use both a special mobile application, which often comes with a mobile device, and an ordinary personal computer or laptop with Internet access.

It is not too difficult to choose such products, but there are still a number of nuances. First of all, you need to think about where it will be placed. It is advisable to install the device so that it is not visible to outsiders. It is not at all necessary to purchase the most expensive model, because the principle of operation for all of them is the same. Immediately it should be clarified with what accuracy the device works. It is desirable that the difference between the location on the map and the actual one does not exceed 10 m. In this case, the car can be quickly detected both in an unfamiliar parking lot and when stolen.

It is best to give preference to a device that works online, in other words, communicating directly with the satellite. Offline models are still found today, and they are not too expensive, but their performance leaves much to be desired, primarily in the field of accuracy in determining the location of the car. Another serious drawback is the inability to find out where the car is if the cellular connection does not catch. Battery capacity also plays an important role. Preference should be given to products that can work offline for up to a day.

When choosing models to include in our ranking of the best GPS trackers, we were guided primarily by the factors discussed above, but other points were also taken into account – value for money, as well as user reviews. We tried to include not the most expensive models in the review, so that each of our readers can choose products with optimal characteristics for themselves.

Top 10 GPS trackers in 2023

10. StarLine M17 beacon

The product is used to calculate the coordinates of the car in space, as well as to timely notify the owner of the vehicle about cases of unauthorized movement. It can be powered from the car alarm or from the on-board electrical network. Under the body there are two modules of various types at once, designed for the geopositioning of the car – GLONASS and GPS. The accuracy is quite high: this figure is approximately 5-10 meters. The sensitivity of satellite modules is also quite decent. The device can receive a signal from several satellites at once for a short period of time, the products calculate the coordinates on their own, on the server they are only superimposed on the map.

Information about the location of the owner is received either in the form of SMS messages to the phone, or in a graphical form through an application installed on a smartphone, tablet or computer. There is also a microphone inside, so the user can hear what is currently happening in the cabin or outside. This beacon is characterized by very broad functionality. In particular, it is used to remotely start the engine, alarm sirens, and so on. A powerful processor will promptly notify the owner of the need to replace the battery, besides, incoming data is processed very quickly.

Advantages:

• Fully automatic;
• No adjustment required;
• Can be connected to both the alarm system and the car’s on-board network.

Weaknesses:

• The microphone is weak;
• Battery does not last very long.

Mayak StarLine M17

9. AutoFon Alfa-Mayak 2XL

This product can be used not only to protect cars and other ground equipment, but also for water transport. This model has an even higher accuracy of determining the location – about 1-5 meters. The product is completely autonomous in operation. For this, lithium batteries are installed in it, capable of functioning normally in the temperature range from -35 to +85 degrees. The duration of their service directly depends on the intensity with which location data is received and transmitted. If you receive coordinates from the lighthouse once a day, then their charge will last for about six years. When the location is determined in real time, the batteries will run out in about two days. The consumer can independently adjust the frequency of sending information, depending on their needs. Information can be transmitted through different channels: enter your personal account on the official website of the manufacturer, display on the screen of a smartphone or tablet through a special application, or arrive on a mobile phone in the form of an SMS message.

The device contains a special microchip from the MTS company with a pre-replenished balance – its resource is enough for 3000 contacts with the owner. It withstands sudden changes in temperature, strong shaking and vibration. The dimensions of the device are insignificant – 59x38x20 mm with a weight of less than one hundred grams.

Advantages:

• Housing resistant to moisture penetration, therefore the product can also be used in water transport;
• High coordinate accuracy;
• Fully autonomous operation for a long time;
• Audio monitoring of the environment is provided.

Drawbacks:

• Expensive;
• It’s a bit difficult to get access to the personal account on the company’s website.

AutoFon Alfa-Mayak 2XL

8. SinoTrack ST901

One of the smallest and cheapest models in our entire review, which is why it is so popular with consumers. The case of the product is reliably protected from moisture, so all electronics will work for a long time without the occurrence of short circuits and other troubles. Products are lighter than water, so even if they fall into a river or some other body of water, they will remain afloat and continue to transmit coordinates to the owner. The kit comes with a rechargeable battery, the capacity of which is about 150 mAh – this parameter is enough for about three to four hours of continuous operation. The wires that come with the tracker provide connection to the car’s on-board network. There is an LED indication, according to which it is clear whether it was possible to establish a connection with the satellite or whether the device is still in search of it.

The functionality is quite wide – it is possible to activate an alert by a shock or strong shaking sensor, there is also a limit on the number of kilometers traveled during a certain period of time, you can set a geofence, set a maximum speed threshold. The interval for determining the coordinates is also adjustable – at least it is 10 seconds. The sensitivity of the tracker is high, so it determines the location in about 30-40 seconds.

Benefits:

• Very reasonable cost;
• High sensitivity;
• All main working elements are housed in a waterproof housing.

Disadvantages:

• If the device works offline, then you can turn it off only after the battery is completely discharged;
• Status indication of this device is not provided – it is not clear at what moment the device turns on and starts working.

SinoTrack ST901

7. Proma Sat 911

This small device (its dimensions are comparable to a matchbox) operates exclusively in offline mode, so it is often used not only to determine the location of the car, but also to track various kinds of valuable cargo. The product is powered by lithium batteries, it works on the air for a short time, so it is almost impossible to detect the device. The data is transmitted either via SMS messages or redirected to the server, where they are available to the owner at any time. Using the gadget, you can not only find out the location of the object, but also determine the temperature of the environment, request the balance of the SIM card, and get information about the speed of movement. The case is completely plastic, has protection according to the IP67 standard, which makes the product absolutely invulnerable to moisture, dust and many physical influences. Together with the battery, the product weighs only 52 grams.

Inside you can find a GPS/GLONASS receiver, a packet data modem and a SIM card slot. The receiver antenna is fixed on the case. The kit comes with a SIM card with a zero balance. It is necessary to replenish its account and install it in the lighthouse. At the next stage, you will need to activate the device by its serial number on the official website of the manufacturer. Immediately after that, the system will automatically configure the device. It is worth noting that the motion sensor has three levels of sensitivity, in addition, it can be programmed for a certain operating time.

Benefits:

• Reliable concealment system against radio detection equipment;
• Reliably protected from ingress of dust and moisture;
• There is a plate with four powerful magnets, which allows you to fix the design on almost any metal surface;
• The battery keeps the device running for a long time.

Disadvantages:

• No mobile application provided.

Proma Sat 911

6. X-Keeper Invis DUOS

Most of the time the tracker is in sleep mode, and it does not consume battery power and does not emit signals, which makes it completely invisible. At predetermined intervals, the product enters the active mode and notifies the owner of the location, as well as provides him with a number of additional information, such as battery level, speed, driving direction, temperature, and so on. The time interval can be increased to 7 days or reduced to one minute if there is any emergency. Setting up the device is very easy.

The model is equipped with two slots for installing SIM cards, which allows you to use the services of two different operators. This is very convenient, since there are often situations when the network does not catch one operator, but the other gives a stable signal. Vehicle location data can be received both on your phone in the form of SMS messages and by e-mail. This device comes with a special adapter that allows you to embed it in a car alarm system. There is a built-in microphone, so you can always hear what is being said in the car.

Advantages:

• Ability to use the services of two operators at once;
• Wide functionality;
• Can be used both in stand-alone mode and connected to the car’s on-board network;
• A large number of various settings.

Disadvantages:

• No magnetic attachment;
• Replacing the battery can be tricky.

X-Keeper Invis DUOS

5. FindMe F2

This basic model became the basis for a whole line of similar trackers. It has a complete set of functions necessary for such a device, is distinguished by a long period of operation, and does not require special maintenance. In addition, the products are characterized by the highest build quality. The design can even be used as a search beacon for ATVs, snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles. Some even install such beacons on domestic animals – cows, horses, sheep. The tracker is distinguished by high positioning accuracy (the error is no more than 5 meters) due to the use of both GPS and GLONASS. The battery provides a long battery life. If you use the device as a so-called bookmark beacon, the battery can last for three years or even longer.

At the same time, the battery easily tolerates sudden changes in temperature, as it is a lithium-thionyl chloride battery. There are no subscription fees or additional payments. Together with the design, a prepaid SIM card is supplied, the resource of which will be enough for the entire life of the device. The model differs in compact overall dimensions, and all electronics is placed under the moisture-proof case. There is a built-in three-axis accelerometer that allows you to determine the start and end time of the movement. In order to integrate products into the on-board system of the car, you will have to additionally purchase a special replacement cover.

Benefits:

• No hidden or additional fees;
• Can be used in high humidity conditions;
• Tolerates strong temperature changes;
• High precision;
• Long battery life.

Drawbacks:

• Not all included.

FindMe F2

4. SOBR Chip-11

Able to work offline for a year. It has an inconspicuous appearance and compact overall dimensions, so it can be easily hidden in a car. The mass of the product is only 64 g. Like most of the models included in our today’s review, this tracker is able to work with most satellites, due to which the accuracy of determining the location of an object is greatly increased – the error in this parameter is only 2.5 m. Products are fully compatible with all modern smartphones – a special application is released for them that works on most well-known platforms such as iOS, Android, and so on. Setting up and managing products is easy and convenient, especially since the program is completely Russified.

The beacon has three modes of operation – sleep, search and security. In the first case, it communicates once a day, and the rest of the time it is in standby mode, without consuming battery power. When the search mode is activated, SMS messages are sent to the owner every 20 minutes, which is very convenient if your car was stolen. The security mode will tell the owner if the car suddenly starts moving.

Advantages:

• Low energy consumption;
• Multiple operating modes;
• Compact dimensions;
• High level of accuracy;
• Can determine coordinates via GSM network.

Disadvantages:

• Housing not waterproof.

SOBR Chip-11

3. Proma Sat 1000 NEXT

The third place in our review was taken by a professional model of a universal type, its main function is to monitor the location of transport or various cargo. There are four powerful magnets on the surface of the case. The battery capacity is significant, which allows you to use the device without recharging and replacing the battery for a long time. The body of the tracker has good protection against moisture ingress, overall dimensions are small. The functionality of the device is very wide – there are ten operating modes at once, which can be switched remotely by sending SMS messages to this device. The device has built-in memory, where you can save up to ten thousand waypoints. The product is capable of operating in beacon mode. There is a voltage sensor that will promptly inform the owner of a low battery level.

A motion sensor is also provided here, thanks to which it will be possible to optimize the energy consumption of the structure as much as possible. An unlimited number of such devices can be connected to one registered account. The operating temperature range is from -40 to +70 degrees. The mobile operator is detected automatically, if necessary, you can even remotely update the device firmware. The kit also comes with a power supply through which the structure is connected to a household electrical outlet.

Benefits:

• Long battery life;
• 10 modes;
• Wide temperature range;
• Strong magnets on the case;
• Ability to charge the battery even at low temperatures;
• High sensitivity of the receiver, which makes it possible to work also with re-reflected signals.

Drawbacks:

• Quite expensive.

Proma Sat 1000 NEXT

2. SE-Mayak+

Due to their small size, these products can be hidden in cars, motorcycles and other vehicles. Due to the completely waterproof case, the product is often used on boats, yachts and even on jet skis. The design has a built-in microphone for hidden listening. If necessary, the appropriate alarm signal will be sent to the user, and there is also a physical panic button directly on the device body. The product has a universal additional channel through which you can remotely control various external devices – urgently block the engine, activate automatic start, alarm, car preheating.

The model is equipped with a digital accelerometer, the efficiency of which is much higher compared to a three-position device. It has protection against false alarms, so the signal about the start of the movement will be sent to the driver only when the car actually starts moving. There is also an accident sensor. If suddenly there is an acceleration or a strong impact occurs, the owner will be immediately informed about this via an SMS message, and it will also contain information about the exact location of the car, indicating the coordinates.

Benefits:

• Combined satellite module for high accuracy;
• Small size;
• There is even a so-called black box for 98 thousand data packets;
• Physical panic button on the body;
• Large variety of sensors.

Disadvantages:

• It is a little problematic to understand the device settings.

SE-Beacon+

1. Mongoose SPY 1

The main difference between the leader of our review of the best GPS trackers is that it is completely invisible to all frequency scanners, moreover, it is able to work in a completely autonomous mode for a very long time. The product functions not only as a beacon, but as a real transmitter. In particular, it is able to accurately record the path of the car while maintaining data on the average speed in each section. The tracker is regularly in active mode, so in order to prevent the battery from running out at the most inopportune moment, the manufacturer recommends connecting it to the car’s on-board system. The beacon function is also present here, and in this case the device consumes practically no energy – it wakes up once a day and sends the owner a message about its location indicating the exact coordinates.

The device is adjustable, the activity interval is adjusted depending on the situation or the needs of the owner. The product can be installed in any vehicle. Its functionality can be changed in such a way that a link to maps from Yandex or Google with an exact indication of the location will be added to the SMS message. The overall dimensions are insignificant – 76x56x23 mm, and the weight is not more than 150 g together with the battery. The degree of protection against dust and moisture corresponds to the IP67 standard, that is, the device can withstand short-term immersion in water to a considerable depth – up to 10 m.

Benefits:

• Light weight;
• Good positioning accuracy;
• Long battery life;
• Acceptable cost;
• Quick start;
• Excellent sensitivity;
• Protected against moisture and dust.

Disadvantages:

• There are no magnets on the case, you have to think over the fastening.

Mongoose SPY 1

In conclusion, useful video

Our review of the best GPS trackers has come to an end. Before we say goodbye, I would like to express the hope that the information we have collected was enough for you to choose the most suitable device for your needs in 2023. If you want to learn more about any model from this rating, write about it in the comments. We will try to collect as much data on the device you like and answer you as soon as possible.