The Best Car GPS Trackers of 2024

Keep track of your vehicle at all times

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Car GPS trackers are a vital tool for parents of teen drivers or caretakers of senior parents. They allow you to discreetly track location, driving habits, and emergencies while giving kids and parents the freedom they want.

Most units feature a compact design perfect for placing in a seat or door pocket, glove box, or center console, but some have a magnetic mount for exterior placement.

We've gathered our top picks below.

Best Overall

Spytec STI GL300MA GPS Tracker

Spytec STI GL300MA GPS Tracker

Amazon

Pros
  • Excellent battery

  • Email and text notifications

  • Magnetic placement options

Cons
  • Monthly fee to use

The Spytec STI GL300MA is designed to give you peace of mind when letting teens drive independently or if you're caring for older parents. It works with a mobile app to provide real-time tracking updates and the ability to set up a geofence. If the device leaves the designated area, it will send you a text or email notification for quick action.

The integrated battery has a life of up to two weeks on a full charge, letting you set it up and leave it alone. You can buy additional batteries to keep one ready when the unit needs power. The compact design fits in a glovebox, center console, or seat pocket, and magnetic attachments let you place it in a wheel well or on the chassis frame. The monthly operation fee gives you access to all features and 24/7 customer service.

Spytec STI GL300MA GPS Tracker

Lifewire / James Huenink

Best Waterproof

LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker

LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker

Amazon

Pros
  • Excellent battery life

  • Includes SIM card

  • Uses Google Maps

Cons
  • Subscription required

Exterior-mounted GPS units are exposed to weather and environmental conditions, and the LandAirSea 54 is built to withstand it all. The weatherproof outer casing protects vital components from dust, water, and harsh sunlight to keep them in perfect working condition day after day. The integrated, high-strength magnet makes it easy to place in a wheel well, on a bumper, or the chassis. It uses Google Maps for real-time tracking capabilities, setting up geo-fences, and pulling up location histories.

The built-in, rechargeable battery lasts an impressive six months on a full charge, meaning it has virtually zero maintenance. You can set up text and email alerts for tracking parameters to react quickly to loved ones needing help.

Bouncie

Lifewire / Gannon Burgett

Or Maybe These?

  • Are there models that don't use a battery? The Bouncie GPS and MOTOsafety GPS trackers can be plugged into any OBD2 fuse box outlet.
  • I want a discreet option. The Optimus 2.0 GPS tracker features an incredibly compact design, measuring just 3 inches long, and the available magnetic mount makes placing it in a wheel well or under a bumper quick and easy.
  • I want to manage my fleet. You can use the Vyncs Link GPS Tracker on cell phone networks in over 200 countries, letting multinational companies use a single model for their entire fleet; this is perfect for international shipping via tractor-trailer or box truck.
  • I want top-of-the-line features. If you're willing to spend more on a quality GPS tracker with many features, the Americaloc GL300 is the best choice. This unit can be used in the US, Canada, and Mexico and sends you text or email alerts in English or Spanish. With the companion app, you can access up to one year of tracking history on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. 

What to Look for in a Car GPS Tracker

Price

GPS trackers can run anywhere from $25 to over $100. But there’s more than the upfront cost to consider—many operators charge a monthly fee to store your vehicle’s GPS data in the cloud. If you’re looking for long-term data but don’t want to pay monthly, it might be worth paying more upfront to avoid these charges.

Special Features

If the only thing you want from your device is tracking, your decision is probably pretty straightforward—but many of the options on our list can do a lot more. From daily driving reports and Alexa integration to diagnosing engine trouble, these models have many different features that may be relevant to your needs.

Vyncs Link

Lifewire / Gannon Burgett

Power

Battery versus plug-in is relevant for most electronics, and car GPS trackers are no exception. Many of these devices have long-term batteries, while others connect to your car. It’s important to consider whether you worry about recharging or replacing batteries or want the device to always be on whenever your car runs.

FAQ
  • Do cars have GPS trackers?

    Many cars, especially more modern ones, come with GPS trackers equipped. This is particularly true for cars that are owned by taxi companies or have services like OnStar. GPS trackers allow the precise location of the vehicle to be monitored at all times, which is particularly useful in the case of theft. Other vehicles that may have GPS trackers are delivery trucks.

  • Where do car dealerships put GPS trackers?

    A GPS tracker can be installed nearly anywhere on a car. They can be placed under the dashboard, bumper, wheel wells, floor mats, seats, or glove compartments. For dealerships, though, you're likely to find the GPS tracker installed on the dashboard in the OBD port. This allows dealerships to have access to the diagnostic data of their cars and is particularly useful for fleet management purposes.

  • How much is a GPS tracker for a car?

    The price of a GPS tracker for a car can vary, but generally, they're fairly inexpensive. Top-rated trackers can cost as little as $40 while offering a compact design, solid battery life, and lifetime warranty. A more advanced option for fleet management and company shipping vehicles can run you up to $80, allowing for more advanced mapping and monitoring of braking, acceleration, location, and device tampering.

Was this page helpful?