GPS Trackers

GPS trackers report where a person, vehicle, pet or item is, and on this page they range from small battery powered trackers for cars, luggage and bags to vehicle trackers that plug into the diagnostic port, plus handheld navigation units and receivers. The first decision is whether you need live tracking or occasional location checks, because live tracking needs a cellular connection and usually a subscription, while some trackers only report when they reach a phone or a hub.

Battery life and update frequency are linked. Among the 8 products that list battery average life, most fall between 2.8 and 166 days, and 20 days is typical. A tracker set to update its position every few seconds drains its battery far faster than one that reports every few hours. Plug in vehicle trackers avoid charging but are easy to see and remove. Magnetic cases let a battery tracker sit under a vehicle, but check that the case is weatherproof.

Subscriptions and coverage are the next question. Most live trackers need a monthly plan, and coverage depends on the cellular networks they use. Check the total cost over a year, the cancellation terms, and whether the tracker works in the countries where you travel.

Features in the app make a big difference. Geofences send an alert when the tracker leaves an area, history shows past trips, and speed alerts help with young drivers. Handheld navigation units are different products for hikers and do not report your position to others unless they include a messaging feature.

Before buying, check the battery life at the update rate you want, the subscription cost and network, the app features, the waterproof rating, and how the tracker is mounted. Tracking a person or a vehicle you do not own without consent can be illegal, so use trackers only on your own property or with permission.

How we list products: every listing here has a recorded price, a minimum customer rating and enough ratings or monthly sales. Generic and unbranded listings are left out; every real brand stays, including brands sold only on Amazon. Products are ordered by monthly searches for their brand and model on every page.Editorial policy