Top 5 best gps car tracker
Looking for the best gps tracker for car? Welcome you are in the right place. As its name suggests, gps trackers are a tool that can be installed in a car and used to locate it wherever
it is. If you own a car, installing a car GPS is a must, especially if you live in a large city. Note that car gps trackers are not really an anti-theft device, as long as they do not prevent your car from being stolen.
best gps car tracker |
Car GPS trackers are the most successful geolocation solutions to locate at any time and remotely, monitor in real time and find your property with disconcerting ease. Let's take a look at the best car gps trackers available on the market in 2021. But before that let me briefly explain how this device works.
What is a gps car tracker?
The GPS tracker is a small box that consists of a GPS receiver and a GSM transmitter. Its role is to transmit the geographic coordinates of its position in real time. Installed in a vehicle and combined with a geolocation system, this tracker can locate each vehicle in your fleet and view them on a map via a mobile application or software on your smartphone or laptop.
1. TKSTAR GPS car tracker for vehicle monitoring
The TKSTAR GPS tracker is ideal for vehicles. For example, you can use this GPS transmitter as a car tracking device or attach it to a truck. The tracker is available in discreet black and is equipped with a lithium ferrum battery. This battery has a capacity of 5,000 mAh. The battery life in standby mode can reach 90 days. The TKSTAR GPS tracker is available without a SIM card. However, a SIM card is required to use the tracker. Basically, you can use any normal SIM card for this. If you only have a nano-SIM card or micro-SIM card, you can use the supplied nano-SIM adapter or micro-SIM adapter. Other accessories for the tracker include a storage bag and a USB cable.
- Good value for money ;
- Real-time monitoring;
- Good GPS accuracy;
- Easy wireless installation;
The features of the GPS transmitter include various alarms. Among other things, the GPS tracker is equipped with a battery alarm. This will notify you when the battery is low. The other alarms are the speed alarm and the vibration alarm. In addition, the tracker has the geo-fence function, so you can set a specific radius if needed. If the tracker leaves this area, you will be notified. The historical function is also positive.
2. Winnes GPS tracker with real-time tracking and speed alarm
If you are looking for a vehicle GPS tracker, this model is ideal for you. For example, you can use the Winnes GPS Tracker as a car tracking device or as a truck GPS transmitter. This GPS device is equipped with a lithium-ion battery. This has an operating time of up to 90 days and a capacity of 5000mAh. To be able to use the functions of the GPS tracker, you need a SIM card. As soon as this is installed, you can request the location by SMS. You can also track the position in real time via an app. The accuracy of the GPS is 5 meters.
This GPS tracker is equipped with several alarms. You can activate or deactivate them according to your needs. Alarm functions include the battery level alarm, which alerts you when the battery is low, and the speed alarm, which alerts you when a previously set speed is exceeded. Another alarm is the vibration alarm: normally, the GPS tracker is on standby. If the direction finder registers movement or detects a shock, it will send an SMS alert when the vibration alarm is activated. In addition, the tracker has the function of geo-fencing. This allows you to restrict an area. You will receive an SMS when you leave the area.
The tracker also has a memory function. Thanks to this, the GPS tracker can record the routes traveled in the last 90 days and display them as a historical route. In addition, this tracker is waterproof IP58. Among other things, it is offered with a USB cable and a storage bag.
3. Mongoose SPY 1 good gps car tracker
This gps tracker is completely invisible to all frequency scanners, moreover, it is able to work in completely autonomous mode for a very long time. The product not only functions as a beacon, but as a real transmitter. In particular, it is able to accurately record the trajectory of the vehicle while storing data on the average speed at each section. The tracker is regularly in active mode, therefore, in order to prevent the battery from discharging at the most inopportune moment, the manufacturer recommends connecting it to the vehicle's on-board system. The beacon function is also present here, and in this case the device hardly consumes any power - it wakes up once a day and sends the owner a message about his location with the exact coordinates.
The device is customizable, the activity interval is adjustable according to the situation or the needs of the owner. The product can be installed in any vehicle. Its functionality can be changed so that a link to maps from Yandex or Google with an exact indication of the location is added to the SMS message. The overall dimensions are insignificant - 76x56x23 mm, and the weight does not exceed 150 g with the battery. The degree of protection against dust and moisture meets the IP67 standard, that is, the device can withstand short-term immersion in water to a considerable depth - up to 10 m .
4. Phare SE + gps with microphone, engine lock and automatic start
Due to their small size, these products can be hidden in cars, motorcycles and other means of transportation. Due to its completely waterproof housing, the product is often used on boats, yachts and even jet skis. The design has a built-in microphone for discreet listening. If necessary, an appropriate alarm signal will be sent to the user; there is also a physical alarm button directly on the device housing. The product has a universal additional channel, through which you can remotely control various external devices - to urgently block the engine, activate automatic start, alarm, preheating of the vehicle.
The model is equipped with a digital accelerometer, the efficiency of which is much higher than that of a three-position device. It has false alarm protection, so that the signal of the start of movement will only be sent to the driver when the car is actually moving. There is also an emergency sensor here. If there is suddenly an acceleration or a strong hit, the owner will be immediately notified by SMS, and it will also contain information about the exact location of the car with the coordinates.
5. JUNEO TKSTAR GPS Tracker: SMS tracking, website and app possible
The JUNEO GPS tracker is a mini black GPS transmitter. It is equipped with a magnet so that you can mount the tracker on metal surfaces. The battery of this tracker is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 600 mAh and an autonomy of 200 hours.
If you want to use the GPS tracker, you need a GSM SIM card. Once you have placed it in the device and installed it, you can query the location. This can be done by phone call or SMS. The device then sends a message to your smartphone. In this there is a Google Maps link through which you can find the location.
You also have the option to install an app on your mobile device. You can use it to track the position of the GPS device in real time, like on a website. This means that you can benefit from three location options with this GPS tracker. Positioning accuracy is up to 15 meters.
The geo-fence is one of the peculiarities of this GPS tracker. With this function, you can define a certain radius. If the device leaves this zone, you will receive an alarm SMS. For this purpose, the tracker is equipped with a history function allowing it to record the distances covered.
Information to know about gps tracker for car
The GPS tracker is a small box that consists of a GPS receiver and a GSM transmitter. Its role is to transmit the geographic coordinates of its position in real time. Installed in a vehicle and combined with a geolocation system, this tracker can locate each vehicle in your fleet and view them on a map via a mobile application or software.
- How does a GPS tracker work?
The GPS tracker comes in the form of a box and is placed in a vehicle. The GPS receiver contained in the tracker allows it to identify its position using satellites, while the GSM mobile telephone module enables information relating to its position to be transmitted via SMS or the Internet. Coupled with a GPS geolocation system, the plotter makes it possible to follow the routes and movements of each vehicle. The data is then processed by software and allows you to analyze the position, speed, stops and down times of each vehicle in your fleet to optimize your business.
- Controlled and limited use
The use of GPS trackers is of course regulated by law. Employees whose vehicle has a GPS beacon must be informed and the data collected must only be used to optimize staff safety and the performance of company services. In fact, the trackers are equipped with a "privacy mode" button that allows your employees to log out when they are on their lunch break or when they use their vehicle outside of working hours.
- What are the applications of the geolocation tracker?
A GPS tracker allows better management of your vehicle fleet and your traveling staff. Its applications are numerous:
- Optimization of productivity: the GPS tracker allows your traveling staff to spend less time on the road by optimizing their journeys
- Safety optimization: in order to avoid accidents and limit the risks taken by drivers, GPS trackers can be used to control their speed and driving time so that they comply with them
- Optimization of customer service: in the event of a delay, the company can anticipate and warn the customer or, by viewing the map, can send another employee who is closer to the customer
- Cost reduction: vehicle routes are optimized and allow fuel savings
How to choose a car gps tracker?
He knows how to track the car, display surveillance data in a special service, inform the owner - but how to choose a GPS tracker for a car? Let's focus on the key parameters of choice, from size to functionality and a specific manufacturer. Along with the emergence of new technologies, the time has passed when the car owner was sure to look for a parking space under the windows of his home or office. GPS trackers have greatly simplified the control of geolocation and the route of movement of vehicles. Niche surveillance systems that were only available to logistics companies can now be found on any particular car.
As a result, the more interesting and popular the device, the more questions potential buyers will have. What can the tracker do? How and where to install it in the car? And above all: how to choose a GPS tracker for personal tasks and a specific budget?
Why do you need GPS trackers
Let's see when GPS trackers come in handy. The main purpose of this device is to determine the coordinates of an object and transmit them to the observer. Different GPS trackers are suitable for different tasks. The beacon can be put in a child's bag, connected to the computer's on-board network and attached to a load. To track people, a GPS gadget can be omitted at all today: it is enough to install the application "Where My Tracker" on the smartphone or tablet of the controlled person.
Often there is no need for continuous monitoring: then the tracker transmits the current coordinates of the object at a given frequency, for example, two or three times a day. These devices are also called GPS beacons and are often used to monitor the movement of goods, protect cars and other equipment from theft.
Parameter of choice for a gps car tracker
Considering the high quality and speed requirements of the GPS tracker, the question arises: which GPS tracker to choose? A good device has the following features:
- fast sending of GPS coordinates. The most precise values are transmitted by models of GPS-GLONASS trackers;
- availability of a GSM module to update data in real time;
- compactness. Small technological devices are easier to hide in a hard-to-reach place and make them invisible to intruders;
- autonomous power supply, informing the owner of the battery resource;
- flexible settings and additional sensors. The best models of trackers are equipped with a built-in microphone, a motion sensor for maximum control of the movement of the car and the situation in the cabin.
When to choose a GPS tracker
The satellite monitoring system is widely used:
- in passenger transport services: private and municipal;
- in postal deliveries, by courier;
- in the cars of collectors and security companies;
- in emergency and rescue services;
- in car rental services;
- in personal vehicles.
The installed equipment effectively monitors the movement of vehicles, goods, people. Companies with a large fleet of vehicles can effortlessly monitor business trips, route accuracy, time of arrival at the driver's destination without much effort 24 hours a day. Based on the data obtained, optimization of logistical support and a competent distribution of transport costs are carried out.
GPS tracker in the car: advantages of the installation
There is no doubt about the suitability of a GPS tracker today for business and personal use. The widespread popularity is based on:
- small size. A miniature box contains all the necessary features. At the same time, it easily settles in a convenient place, which only the owner of the car will know;
- simple control. Configures and operates in automatic mode, synchronizes with a smartphone to receive commands and send information;
- the result is precise to the meter. Geolocation is determined in real time with a minimum error of several meters;
- economic benefit. For managers of transport companies, a GPS tracker is a simple and inexpensive vehicle movement tracking tool. Allows easy identification of weaknesses in the organization of transport: poor routing, long downtimes, deviations from the route and schedules, excessive fuel consumption;
- digital reports. The gradual abandonment of paper reports and the constant filling of roadmaps. The driver quickly provides precise data on his actions during the trip;
- Protection against theft. The main advantage of monitoring devices, which saved many motorists nerves and money. In some cases, a GPS tracker is the owner's last chance to return their car quickly and safely, after receiving current location information on the phone.
Connection to the vehicle or autonomous tracker
Without even talking about features, the first criterion will be whether your ideal gps tracker.
- can be powered by the vehicle battery (car, motorcycle, construction machinery, ride-on mower, electric bicycle, etc.). We call them plotters with branching. This is for example the case with the ATV 3G, our car anti-theft GPS tracker.
- or if it will have to be autonomous, ie have its own battery and therefore be able to operate without any external connection.
We point out that in this case, the operating time will not be infinite and will require more or less regular recharging of the battery, like a cell phone.
A GPS tracker with connection must be connected to the vehicle's electrical system (battery). The installation is fairly simple but requires some knowledge of auto electricity, and you may need to hire a professional for this. These gps plotters can however benefit from options such as engine shutdown, which are impossible with a stand-alone chartplotter.
Our chartplotters all accept a supply voltage of 12 and 24V, and some like the AT-M can even accept up to 90 volts.
It should also be noted that almost all of our stand-alone trackers are or can be fitted with magnets, so that they can be easily attached to a metal surface such as a car frame.
The choice of the autonomous plotter will be made above all according to the autonomy you need, therefore the possible time of use before recharging, which can range on our models from 5 days to several years depending on the plotter model and its use. .
Note that a powered GPS tracker is always less expensive than its stand-alone counterpart, due to the more standard electronic components, not requiring great miniaturization or very sophisticated energy management.
Sending positions by SMS or Internet to a geolocation site
Once you have decided how to feed the plotter, you are interested in how it will send its positions.
3 possibilities exist:
- The SMS. The tracker must have a sim card with an SMS sending package and will communicate with your phone by SMS. It is advisable to have an unlimited sms subscription. The positions will generally be sent by the car gps plotter on request, and will be viewed on the free Google Maps application.
Most of our trackers have a motion alert function, allowing you to receive a position text message at regular intervals as soon as the tracker is in motion, generally every 5 minutes. It is not possible to have a history except for text messages received in real time and stored on your phone.
This mode of operation is ideal when you want to stay on a tight budget, and you don't need automatic monitoring every minute.
It does not require any monthly subscription at mouchardgps.fr. The only cost to use is that of the sim card you have chosen, we recommend the packages at 2 € per month which are perfectly suited. Prepaid cards are also usable.
- Internet, with the geolocation site. Instead of sending text messages, the gps tracker connects to the internet and sends its positions to our Wiselocate5 geolocation site, at least every minute as soon as it moves.
It is therefore sufficient to connect to the site from a computer or a smartphone, to see the vehicle moving in real time on the screen and obtain all the trip histories with the routes taken, the driving times, the addresses and the downtime, speeds, ability to set all kinds of alerts and get detailed activity reports.
It is the professional solution chosen by companies but also accessible to individuals and to all those who want to have full traceability of movements.
This solution requires a subscription for internet communications (sim card supplied and integrated) and access to the gps geolocation site. It is globally more expensive than SMS.
- Recording of positions, without sending: This is the very special case of the GPS 770 Tracker, which does not have a sim card, so no means of transmitting a geographical position remotely. It records the movements in its memory, and restores them by plugging it into a computer, using the software provided.
Advantages: all trips are returned, like a gps internet plotter with Wiselocate; there is absolutely no cost to use; without a sim card the snitch is undetectable.
The 770 is autonomous but is also designed to be plugged into a cigarette lighter socket.
Note that in our range, we offer sms or internet operation with both autonomous trackers and powered trackers.
Various possible uses: GPS trackers for vehicles, people, etc.
GPS trackers can be used in many areas. You can use a GPS transmitter to monitor objects as well as to monitor people and animals. In the following we will show you what GPS trackers are suitable for.
- GPS tracker for people
A GPS tracker is suitable for locating people. For example, you can use a GPS tracker to locate the following people:
Children: A GPS transmitter for children can serve as protection and reassure parents. Parents don't have to worry too much about the GPS transmitter. Children benefit from the GPS transmitter if they are lost or in some other emergency situation.
People with dementia: A GPS tracker is often useful for people with dementia. Sometimes people with dementia leave the apartment or the house. If they forget to go home, it can be dangerous. In these cases, a GPS tracker can be useful.
- GPS tracker for animals
You can usually optimally attach a pet tracker to the animal's collar. A GPS tracker can be useful for dogs, cats, and other pets. For example, you can use a tracking device if you are worried about your pet getting lost.
- GPS tracker for objects
GPS trackers are suitable as theft protection for various objects. For example, a GPS tracker can be used as protection against car theft. A car GPS tracker can be profitable if you live in a hazardous area. But even if your car has a high value, a GPS tracker is worth it. At the same time, a car GPS transmitter is useful if you constantly forget where you parked your car. You can also attach GPS trackers to the following objects, for example:motor, cycles, Boats, Container, suitcase.
How to hide a GPS tracker in a car
With the increase in the number of auto thefts, many drivers want to install a GPS tracker on their vehicle. Buying a good GPS tracker is a good start, but you still have to hide it in a place that is hard to find.
Before you begin, here are some important details:
First, you should avoid placing your GPS tracker near a heat source such as the engine or an exhaust system. In fact, most models will not handle temperatures above 70 ° C. An excessive heat source could damage or melt your tracker.
Conversely, it is also not recommended to use the device at very low temperatures, as this may affect the reception of the GPS signal and therefore may give you false or inaccurate data. In some rare cases, the interior of the vehicle can also cause problems with sending or receiving data.
And if your GPS tracker is placed outside your vehicle, it will need to be water resistant (rain or washing your car could damage it).
Finally, you will have to choose between two types of power supply, either a rechargeable lithium battery, or a model to plug into the vehicle's OBD socket (diagnostic socket between the steering wheel, the pedals and the cigarette lighter). The advantage of the battery powered tracker is that it is completely self-contained so the vehicle does not need to be on the road to operate. This is especially useful if thieves want to steal your property, as you can easily find the stolen vehicle. However, your battery life is not unlimited, so you have to recharge it. Trackers that are plugged into the OBD are only activated when the engine is running. The latter has the advantage of not having to be charged, so you can leave it in place permanently.
However, if the vehicle is stopped or the engine is off, the tracker is not activated and the target cannot be located. This type of device is therefore recommended if you only want to follow the routes taken by the vehicle.
here are for me the best hiding places for your GPS tracker:
- At the loudspeakers
It may be possible to place your GPS tracker at the level of the speaker housing of your vehicle. This is a good idea, but still make sure that these do not interfere with data transmission.
- In the dashboard
You can slide it under the plastic cover located under your steering wheel or in the dashboard trim. It is definitely a good hiding place
- In the car's dome light
It can be smart to slide your GPS tracker into your vehicle's dome light. Rare are the people who will look here.
- In the front or rear bumper
It may be possible to place it under the front or rear bumper of your vehicle
- At the wheel arch
This is a great place to hide your GPS tracker. Be careful, however, that it can withstand a minimum of bad weather.
- In the headlights
It is also possible to hide the GPS tracker in the optical units, if the device is small enough.
- Under the vehicle
Usually, magnetic GPS trackers are attached under the vehicle. It is a very good hiding place that is difficult to find.
- On the roof or at the level of the windshield
Some people hide the tracker under the roof bars or at the level of the windshield. Not too hard to install but fairly easy to spot
- In the spare wheel (or puncture-proof kit)
In many of my vehicles, I have slipped the GPS tracker inside the spare tire. This allows the tracker to be placed in the trunk, without dismantling the whole vehicle, while making it much less visible than if I had simply placed it under the trunk mat.
- Under the hood
This is not a very good idea, as the heat from the engine can damage your GPS tracker.
- In the glove box
Many people simply put the GPS tracker in the glove box. Unfortunately, this is a very easy hiding place. The only advantage is that you won't have any difficulty installing it.
- Under the seats
Here too, sliding a GPS tracker under a seat is not very ingenious. This is one of the first places people will look.
- Under the trunk mat
Simply placing the GPS tracker under the trunk mat is not necessarily a good idea. As we saw above, it will be better to hide it cleverly in the spare tire. It's less likely that someone will get their hands on it.
Is it legal to use a GPS tracker?
A GPS tracker is a system that allows you to geolocate goods and sometimes even people. Today there are several types of GPS trackers for different uses. More and more advanced technologies will geolocate with precision, for example your vehicle. Some brands even offer a mobile application, to track your goods at any time of the day. These mobile applications also allow you to have more and more advanced features to guarantee you maximum security. The use of connected objects, such as GPS trackers, are very useful in many situations, whether for fleet management, to fight against theft or to secure property. However, the use of this type of object is regulated by law.
- Spy GPS trackers:
The term "spy" raises many questions. A spy GPS tracker implies that geolocation is done without a person's knowledge.
It is this use that is the problem. It goes against the right to privacy. This rule is valid both in the professional and private spheres. Tracking a person, or a vehicle transporting a person or persons, must comply with the law.
To set up a GPS tracker device, it is necessary to inform the persons concerned. On the other hand, for any other "secret" use, you must contact a judge, so that he can issue his agreement and authorization.
- GPS tracker for professionals:
For professionals who wish to be legally equipped with a tracking device, but it is necessary to inform people that the vehicles or other goods are equipped.
The use of a GPS tracker in the professional sphere makes good sense. The data must be collected for "specific, explicit and legitimate purposes"
Examples:
- The GPS beacon can be used for the safety of the driver,
- Goods or vehicles,
- To better organize trips,
- Monitor and invoice a service or to determine the working time to be paid,
- Employee consent is mandatory,
- Explain to employees the purpose of setting up a tracer (document with the type of data collected, the people concerned, the recipient, right of access to data, etc.),
- The employee can consult the data collected at any time.
On the other hand, he must in no case collect information on private life and outside working hours.
To finish a short summary
Relevant purchase criteria and functions of GPS trackers at a glance
Warning: you must know it! The GPS tracker you should use depends on the intended use. Some models are primarily intended for vehicles. Others are ideal for locating people or locating animals or locating valuables. If you want to buy a GPS tracker, it is advisable to keep an eye on individual needs and wishes in addition to the intended use. here important criteria and functions of GPS trackers:
Battery life: GPS trackers usually come with a rechargeable battery. The battery life of the GPS tracker depends on various factors. On the one hand, this includes the capacity of the battery. Some GPS trackers have a battery capacity of 600mAh. With other models, you get a long battery life of sometimes 20,000 mAh. On the other hand, the recovery intervals determine the battery life. The more often you call the location, the faster the battery drains. With one recovery per day, a battery with a capacity of 5000mAh can last up to 30 days. If you frequently call the location, the battery life will be shortened.
Weight and Height: Especially if you need a GPS transmitter for dogs or other animals, it is advisable to look at the weight and height. Too heavy and too large a GPS transmitter can restrict the animal's freedom of movement. Therefore, a light and small GPS transmitter is more suitable for pets. It is also useful to check the weight and size of a GPS tracker for people.
Water and Dust Resistance: Most GPS trackers are splash resistant. A GPS tracker is partially waterproof. This is especially important if you are looking for a GPS tracker for animals or for children. At the same time, you need to make sure that a GPS tracker is dustproof.
Battery alarm: This alarm function is useful if you need the GPS tracker for vehicles or other objects. With this feature, the GPS tracker will notify you when the battery level is low.
The SOS button: If you need a GPS tracker to locate children, the elderly or other people, you should pay attention to the SOS button. This is located on the GPS tracker. If the person wearing the transmitter is in danger and needs help, they can press the SOS button. As a result, the tracker sends an alarm SMS to the previously stored phone numbers and / or sends a message to the app.
GPS Tracker Test Motion Alarm: Many GPS trackers have a motion alarm. This is often also called a vibration alarm. If the tracker is equipped with this function, it has a motion sensor. It can detect vibration, movement and shock. If you have activated the alarm and the tracker is moved, it will send an alarm SMS and / or notify you of the movement through the app. The motion alarm is especially useful if you want to attach the GPS tracker to valuables that are not being moved.
The Geo-Fence: This function is sometimes called a radius alarm. This function allows you to mark a specific area. If the GPS transmitter is outside the defined radius, you will receive an alarm SMS. This feature is useful, for example, with trackers for people with dementia and trackers for dogs.
Best GPS Tracker Speed Alarm: With a GPS Tracker with speed alarm, you can set a speed. You will then receive an alarm SMS if the tracker's speed is greater than your set value. This function is particularly useful if you want to protect vehicles with the GPS tracker.
The GPS recording function: With the GPS recording function, also called history function, you can see the distance traveled. Because a GPS tracker with this function can record the distance traveled. However, memory is generally limited. Many models save distances traveled of about 3 months.
The SIM card: Sometimes the SIM card is integrated into the device. You usually cannot redeem them. However, many models do not come with a SIM card. In these cases, you can usually use any SIM card. You only have to pay attention to the format of the card.