Things You Need to Know When Buying a GPS Tracker

Before you buy a GPS tracker, work out what you need it for. Next, check its accuracy, battery life and network coverage, and the full cost, including any subscription or SIM fees. Look for real-time tracking, geofence alerts, data security, a tough case, a good warranty and strong customer reviews.

GPS trackers have become everyday tools for people and businesses alike. You might want to keep track of your car, know where a loved one is or protect your valuables, and a GPS tracker can do all of these reliably. Before you buy one, though, it pays to weigh a few key factors so you get the right tracker for your needs. This guide walks you through each one.

1. What will you use the tracker for?

Start with the job you need it to do, because that shapes the features you need. Tracking a car, keeping tabs on a person and protecting valuables can each call for one of the different types of GPS trackers. For example, discreet tracking might need a small tracker, while asset tracking may benefit from geofencing and real-time alerts. Being clear about your purpose means the tracker you choose is built for that job.

A business tracking a fleet may need advanced features such as live tracking, route planning and data analysis, like an OBD GPS tracker. People tracking a pet or a family member may prefer simpler devices with fewer features but long battery life, like a Bluetooth tracker. Parents may use GPS trackers to know where their children are for peace of mind, while outdoor lovers might need trackers that stand up to bad weather and rough use.

2. Do you need a real-time or a passive GPS tracker?

Choose a real-time tracker if you need to know where something is right now, and a passive one if a record of past trips is enough. These are the 2 main types of GPS tracker. Real-time trackers send location updates straight away, which suits watching vehicles or people in urgent situations. A fleet manager checking drivers’ routes, or a parent checking where a child is, gets up-to-the-minute updates.

Passive trackers store location data for you to check later, which is useful for reviewing trip history or routes. They do not give real-time updates, but they can still suit businesses that need route logs or people who only need the data now and then. Both have their strengths, so pick the type that fits your needs.

If you choose a real-time tracker, check its refresh rate, which is how often it updates its location. Trackers that update every few seconds suit fleet management and any job that needs accurate, current information. Faster updates can drain the battery sooner, though, so you need to strike a balance between real-time accuracy and battery life.

3. How much accuracy do you need?

You need high accuracy, especially for navigation or close location checks. Whether you are tracking your car, your child or valuable assets, the data is only useful if you can trust it. Wrong GPS data can cause needless confusion and may make the tracker less useful.

Look for trackers with strong signal reception and high precision. Good GPS trackers hold steady even where the signal is weak, such as between tall city buildings, in thick forest or in rural areas. Some use assisted GPS (A-GPS) to boost accuracy where satellite reception is poor.

A reliable system that rarely needs a reset or drops out will keep your tracking accurate. For more on this, see our guide to GPS tracker accuracy. Accuracy matters even more for fleets, where wrong location data can cause delays or mix-ups. Businesses should choose trackers with the highest accuracy they can get, to run smoothly and keep customers happy.

4. How long does the battery need to last?

The battery needs to last as long as you will go between charges. Battery life decides how often you will need to recharge or replace it, which matters most for trackers used for long periods or in remote places. Trackers built for long use often have power-saving features like sleep modes, which save battery when the tracker is not in use.

Some trackers can also be wired to a vehicle’s battery, so they have constant power and never need recharging. Long battery life matters most if you need a tracker to run for weeks or even months with little chance to recharge it. For example, adventurers in remote places may need a tracker with a long-lasting battery so it does not go flat on a long trip.

For pets or personal use, a light tracker with a rechargeable battery may be enough, while vehicle owners can benefit from wired power. Match the power source and battery life to your needs, whether that is regular charging, long life between charges or constant power you never have to think about.

5. Will it work where you need it?

Check that the tracker works reliably in the places you plan to use it. Some trackers send data over mobile networks, while others use satellite links for wider coverage. If you will use it in other regions or countries, confirm it supports the right frequency bands and works with local mobile networks. A tracker that does not match your area’s network frequencies can fail and become useless.

Satellite trackers cover more ground, which makes them ideal for outdoor lovers, travellers and businesses in remote areas with patchy mobile coverage. Mobile network trackers often cost less for city or suburban use. Our guide to how a GPS tracker works explains how a tracker finds its location.

Watch out for roaming costs if you plan to use the tracker in other countries, and make sure any international agreements you need are in place to avoid gaps in service. Trackers that work in many regions are usually more flexible, but they may charge extra fees for use overseas.

6. Are there subscriptions or hidden fees?

There can be, so check for hidden fees before you buy. These can include activation fees, platform access fees, data charges and more. Some trackers cost a one-off price, while others need an ongoing subscription for their services.

Before you commit, ask about every fee, both upfront and ongoing, so there are no nasty surprises later. Adding these to the total cost of owning the tracker will help you budget more accurately. A tracker may look cheap at first, but subscription costs or high data charges could make it cost more over time.

Make sure you know what the purchase price covers and which features cost extra, whether that is software updates, cloud storage or premium features. Some GPS tracking companies advertise a ‘no subscription’ tracker, but you still have to buy your own SIM card and data. You may not be paying the tracking company, but that is still a monthly or yearly subscription you have to pay.

7. What size tracker do you need?

That depends on how and where you plan to use it. Small trackers are ideal for discreet use, such as on valuable items, on pets or for personal tracking. They are easier to hide and carry, so they suit people who need a tracker that is portable or hard to spot.

For businesses, a small GPS tracker can quietly track assets or help keep high-value items safe. Larger, tougher trackers may suit vehicles or assets that need more tracking features and durability. Aim for a balance of size and features, so the tracker fits the job without being bulky.

8. Is it easy to install and use?

It should be, because easy setup and a simple app help you get the most from a GPS tracker. Look for trackers with clear setup instructions and an easy mobile app or platform for checking your data. Whether you are good with tech or a beginner, a simple app makes the tracker far nicer to use and lets you find what you need fast.

If GPS is new to you, a plug-and-play tracker or a simple app can make it easier to learn and use. Businesses should also look for GPS trackers that work easily with their current systems and fleet management software.

9. Does it have geofencing and real-time alerts?

Geofencing lets you set virtual boundaries around chosen areas. When the tracker crosses one, you get a real-time alert, which is useful for preventing theft or spotting movement that should not happen. This feature is very valuable for vehicle recovery and protecting assets.

For example, businesses can use geofencing to watch their fleet and get alerts if a vehicle strays from its planned route. Parents may use it to keep track of their children, or to check that elderly relatives stay safe within set areas.

10. How does it protect your data?

A good tracker protects your data with encryption and sound security practice. GPS trackers collect private data, including where you go and when, so data security matters. They should keep your data safe from anyone who should not see it.

When choosing a GPS tracker, ask the seller how it stores, sends and protects your data. You can also find this in its Terms & Conditions or Privacy Policy.

11. Is it tough and weatherproof?

It needs to be if you will use it outdoors, so think about where it will be used. An outdoor tracker should cope with rain, extreme temperatures, humidity, dust and knocks. A tough, weather-resistant tracker keeps working well whatever the conditions. Businesses in rugged industries such as construction or shipping need one that will last.

12. What support and warranty come with it?

Look for a maker with a good name for customer support and a solid warranty. A responsive support team is a big help when you need to fix a technical problem, and a full warranty gives you peace of mind if the tracker is faulty. Choose makers known for reliability and strong after-sales support. An easy way to check is to read company reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, ProductReview and Google Reviews.

13. Does it store data when offline?

Some do, so check before you buy. GPS trackers store data either on the tracker itself or in the cloud. Trackers with offline features can save trip data even when they lose their internet connection.

Once the connection returns, the data uploads, so there are no gaps in your tracking history. Trackers without this feature may leave gaps in your records if the connection often drops.

A tracker with reliable data storage and retrieval means all your location data is there when you need it. Cloud systems also let you see your data from anywhere, while offline storage may limit your access to real-time information.

How do you choose the right GPS tracker?

Start with your needs, then weigh up features such as real-time tracking, battery life and network coverage. With so many options on offer, think about what will work best for you. For a closer look, see our guide to GPS tracker features, and read the pros and cons of GPS trackers before you decide.

To help with your choice, our FAQ section answers common questions about setup, features and troubleshooting. It can guide you toward the right GPS tracker and help you make a well-informed decision.

Sources:
Trackilive, 8 things to know before you buy a GPS tracker
Motive, What is company vehicle GPS tracking
Digital Matter, What actually impacts battery life in GPS trackers
MotoWatchdog, Choosing the right GPS tracker for your vehicle
HowStuffWorks, How geofencing works