The Best GPS Tracker Devices in 2022 | Review by Bestcovery

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Eye in the Sky: The Best GPS Tracker Devices

  1. Spy Tec Tracking Device
  2. Tracki 2021 Model Mini GPS Tracker Device
  3. Family1st Mini GPS Tracker Device
  4. Cube GPS Tracker
  5. LandAirSea 54 Waterproof GPS Tracker Device
  6. Trak-4 GPS Tracker Device
  7. Optimus 2.0 4G LTE GPS Tracker Device
  8. Vyncs 4G LTE GPS Tracker Device
  9. Buyer's Guide

Portable GPS trackers are mini transmitters that allow you to track vehicles, people, pets, motorbikes, overseas cargo, and any other assets in real-time. Once the tracker is set up and positioned, you can view its real-time location using a mobile phone, PC, or tablet. Whether you are training to become the next James Bond, or just want to check on your new pup, we’ve rounded up the best GPS tracker devices in 2022 to help you keep an eye on things. If you're doing further research, check out our buyer's guide below.

Here are the best GPS Tracker Devices of 2022

Spy Tec Tracking Device - Best Overall

Track your assets with only the best tracking device from Spy Tec. The GPS tracking can work on cars, valuables, and equipment using 4G satellite technology. It’s super easy to use; just place it in the vehicle you want to track, download the app, pick a subscription plan, and you’re good to go! It’s a small device that won’t take up a lot of room in your car, but still can work for up to two weeks on a full charge.

  • Affordable subscription
  • Works at long distances
  • Versatile use
  • Hard to set up account

You can also use it to track your kids in their new cars or vans from your small business to ensure everyone and everything is safe and accounted for at all times. With all its features and benefits, this tracking device is bound to give you peace of mind from the day you purchase it. Get the best overall tracking device from Spy Tec today.

Tracki 2021 Model Mini GPS Tracker Device - Runner Up

This tracker covers worldwide real-time tracking of vehicles, dogs, motorcycles, boats, and other assets. Tracki comes with an international SIM card and works with GPS satellites. When indoors, Tracki matches IDs to Wi-Fi databases for location recognition.

  • Unlimited distance real-time tracking with worldwide coverage
  • Comes with a strong magnet, belt clip, key-chain, and lanyard attachments
  • Lifetime warranty including lost or damaged devices
  • The purchase does not include a magnetic waterproof box nor the 3,500mAh (6x longer life) battery

Tracki is compact and discreet, measuring 1.75 x 1.5 x 0.55 inches and weighing just 1.26 oz. It has a 30- to 75-day battery tracking lifespan when real-time tracking is not needed. Its battery life when tracking real-time every 1 to 5 minutes is 2 – 3 days. You can receive SOS alerts, low battery, and speed-related notifications via an app, SMS, or email. Tracki is compatible with Android, iOS, and all internet browsers and offers a pre-paid long-term subscription or monthly fee.

Family1st Mini GPS Tracker Device - Best Value

The Family1st Mini GPS Tracker is a multipurpose tracker for cars, kids, motorcycles, and even your luggage. The real-time GPS tracker offers up to 5-second updates via a PC, mobile, or web app.

  • Has an all-weather, waterproof case that can be fixed to any magnetic surface to protect your device from unexpected rain damage
  • The device has a built-in extended 2400 mAh Li-Polymer battery which lasts up to two weeks
  • The device only tracks in the USA, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and U.S Virgin Islands.

The device comes with a waterproof magnetic case which features heavy-duty twin magnets. This allows you to attach the case to any magnet-friendly surface including under the hood of a car or truck, though keep in mind that magnets will not stick to aluminum. You can set the device to send notifications the moment your vehicle exceeds a pre-set speed, exhibits unusual braking behavior, is driven outside of curfew hours, violates geofencing lines, or when the device battery runs low. For this tracker's service, you can choose from a few subscription plans.

Cube GPS Tracker - Another Top Pick

Experience worldwide real-time tracking with this pet-friendly GPS tracker you just cannot miss. Attach it to a vehicle, an asset, your pet, or even humans (kids and elderly) to keep track of them for safety purposes. The device can be connected to your smartphone, web app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant, so you’re real-time connected with your loved ones or valuables at all times.

  • Receive app notifications for tracker’s movements
  • Subscription according to your requirement
  • Quick and painless customer service
  • High level of configuration will drain the battery quicker

The quality is another big plus you cannot miss. The tracker boasts a rechargeable battery that can last anywhere between ten and sixty days, depending on the configuration. The device comes with all important accessories to ensure no important detail is missed, and you’re always ahead in your game. Get your subscription accordingly and stay worry-free.

LandAirSea 54 Waterproof GPS Tracker Device - Contender

This handy gadget can easily attach to a vehicle, fit in a small pocket, or hide in a backpack, purse, or case. It measures only 2.275 x 0.945 inches. You can track and map the device in real-time with Google Maps on the SilverCloud App or web-based software.

  • The is device is 100% waterproof
  • LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker service offers full global coverage
  • The battery is small

This GPS tracking device is waterproof and has a built-in magnet, making a bulky external case unnecessary. The service does require a subscription that offers real-time text and email alerts, location reporting, vehicle tracking, history playback, and geofencing. The LED lights can be disabled from the app as well.

Trak-4 GPS Tracker Device - Consider

This weatherproof device by Trak4 offers real-time tracking, hourly, and daily reports. You can set up invisible geolocation fences and receive alerts when the Trak4 crosses a fence. It is suitable for tracking vehicles, people, and other assets such as shipping containers.

  • The device comes with a high-capacity rechargeable battery lasting well over a year on single daily reports
  • The premium service offers multi-device management and access to data for up to 8 years
  • The device is optimized for tracking in the USA only

The device offers selectable in-motion ping rates varying from 1-minute to hourly. You can receive email and text alerts for geo-zone entry and exit, as well as battery notifications. The device also allows sharing capabilities, allowing you to share tracking information with friends, coworkers, or family.

Optimus 2.0 4G LTE GPS Tracker Device - Consider

This waterproof tracker provides real-time tracking for vehicles, trucks, children, and assets. Its small 3” x 1.5” x 1” size makes it an easily portable and versatile device. Minute-by-minute tracking (an upgrade) is easy to see on the tracking website with Google Maps.

  • Comes with a powerful twin magnet case
  • Has a Lithium Polymer battery
  • The GPS signal does not work if the tracker is entirely enclosed in a metal container or inside buildings

The battery can last up to 2 weeks when its reporting frequency is set to once per minute. An internal motion sensor maximizes the battery charge when the device is not in use by entering standby mode. You can receive instant email and text alerts for movement, speeding, entering or leaving areas, and low battery power. The device also features an SOS button. A lifetime warranty applies while the subscription is active.

Vyncs 4G LTE GPS Tracker Device - Consider

Vyncs tracker is one of the few devices that does not require a monthly subscription fee. A one-time activation fee for the first year includes a SIM, real-time tracking, and one year of data. There is a renewal fee for the second year.

  • Offers global coverage
  • OBDII-powered, so no batteries are needed
  • Not all vehicles are supported

Unlike battery-powered trackers, the Vyncs tracker plugs into your car's OBDII port. Therefore, it does not require a long-life battery since it is powered by your car. The device switches itself to sleep mode while the ignition is off but wakes up hourly to update the location. When the vehicle is in motion, it provides real-time location, speeding alerts, incursions into or out of geofence zones, and historical trip data. Because it's also plugged in to the diagnostics port, this tracker can also send updates on vehicle condition, fuel performance, and maintenance reminders.

Buyer's Guide

With so many models on the market, it can be confusing to decide which product will be best for you. A device for international fleet tracking will require different features than one used to track your elderly parent. Consider the guidelines below when choosing the best device according to your needs.

What to Look for When Buying a GPS Tracker Device

Real-time Tracking Capabilities

The primary factor you need to look into before buying your device is its real-time tracking capabilities. Not all devices offer the ability to manually view the tracker location as it moves. Certain devices only offer location updates at predetermined intervals.

Your GPS tracker needs to connect to satellite-based tracking systems. Not all devices are geared to track internationally. Certain trackers use local cell tower networks or Wi-Fi to ensure coverage and cut costs. The coverage, in this case, can be limited but still requires a SIM card for the unit to function. A tracker with international roaming capabilities will require a global roaming SIM card.

Design

An ideal tracker should have minimal buttons and hardly require any setup. Look for durability and a weatherproof design if you will use it in settings exposed to the outdoors, such as on cars. Some trackers allow you to switch its small LED lights off to avoid making the tracker obvious. GPS Trackers should have an SOS button for emergencies. Also, consider the size of the tracker, depending on how you want to use it, as well as the ease of recharging.

Monitoring Capabilities

A tracker will update its location and be visible on apps via PC, smartphones, and tablets. Look out for these features:

Web Tracking

The most common solution for GPS tracking is using a web portal. These are most typically offered by the manufacturer and may offer features such as geofence zones, alarms, route history, and reports.

Mobile App

A tracking device with a mobile app can make a world of difference. It makes tracking much more convenient, as many apps are compatible with iOS and Android devices. You may receive alerts directly to your phone. Check this before purchasing as it can simplify tracking endeavors.

Geo-Fence Zones

Geo-fence zones are digital fences that can be created on a map. You will get notified whenever the tracker leaves or enters the identified zone.

Route History

Tracking platforms keep your location data. Check how long the route data is stored and available to you on the tracking platform. Some services offer one month of tracking history while premium business trackers offer up to 8 years of history.

Technical Support

If you are not tech-savvy, you will likely need assistance at some point with your tracking device. Some manufacturers may provide anytime support via chat, phone, or email. Make sure you have access to ongoing assistance.

Battery Life

As with any device, battery life can vary greatly between GPS trackers. You want to look for a device that has a battery life of around 5 days when set to frequent update intervals. To further your battery life, you may be able to decrease the update frequency. Check whether the device comes with a charger and batteries. If you are using the device in an outdoor setting, ensure that it is in a waterproof casing.

Theft Prevention

Having a GPS tracker installed in your car is a great way to retrieve a stolen vehicle or find it in a large parking lot. Portable trackers will be able to track the location only. If you are using a tracker to track theft issues, check the area covered as well as the tracking conditions.

Pricing

Besides the purchase cost of the actual device, most GPS tracking devices require a monthly or annual subscription fee to cover the real-time tracking service and alerts.

When considering the tracker purchase make sure you know all the costs upfront. To calculate the total cost of your device, take the following into consideration :

  • The actual tracking device
  • SIM card
  • Subscription fees
  • Magnet casing
  • Waterproof casing
  • Chargers
  • Additional long-life batteries

GPS Tracker Device FAQ

Q: Can a GPS tracker be connected to multiple devices, such as mobile and a PC?

A: GPS Trackers can be connected to transmit to your phone, PC, and tablet. In addition, they can connect to more than one device, therefore allowing more than one person to view the data.

Q: Are wired or portable GPS trackers better?

A: The tracker you choose will depend on how you intend to use it. Wired trackers offer powerful additional features such as remotely cutting off a vehicle's power supply. They are difficult to remove and may not be detected as easily as portable trackers. They are, however, only suitable for automobiles and installation can take a while.

Portable GPS trackers depend on a built-in battery to work and can be used on anything from a pet’s collar to shipping containers or boats. These are highly versatile and can be moved around and removed completely fairly easily.

Q: Do GPS trackers come with a warranty?

A: Check for a warranty when purchasing your tracker. Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty while subscriptions are valid. Other manufacturers may offer a 1-to-2-year warranty. Always check the manufacturer's return policy on faulty items.

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