A plug-in GPS tracker is an ideal way to keep tabs on a driver’s location and driving performance. They’re increasingly being used by concerned parents to monitor inexperienced teen drivers or by family members who want to keep an eye on vulnerable seniors. Good trackers should show a vehicle’s location on a digital map, review trip history to reveal a car’s route and receive notifications when a car leaves or arrives at a predetermined area (a geofence). They also can send various alerts if the tracker detects speeding, hard braking or rapid acceleration. Some can even detect if the car has been in a collision and automatically notify pre-set contacts.
All of these trackers can be easily plugged into a car’s OBD-II diagnostic port (see FAQ), and transmit data via a cellular data network, which requires a monthly or yearly subscription fee.
Best overall: Bouncie
Why We Picked It:
This model offers the best combination of price and features for people who want to monitor a driver’s location, performance and safety. While the device cost is higher than most, its affordable $8 monthly subscription fee makes up for it down the road. Moreover, the Bouncie offers important safety services that aren’t available in most other trackers in this price range, including crash notifications and roadside assistance. The Bouncie also updates a car’s data more often than many competitors—every 15 seconds—which is much appreciated when you’re tracking a person driving through a storm or other challenging condition. A note to previous Automatic users: Bouncie will even let you import your historical data from that discontinued tracker.
Pros:
- Detects impacts and automatically send an emergency notification
- Reads engine trouble codes and send an alert if something needs your attention
- Provides roadside assistance if a driver has vehicle problems
Cons:
- Higher device charge than most (but a low monthly fee)
- Allows only circular geofence zones to be created (see FAQ)
- The one-year warranty is less than the coverage of some other GPS trackers
Best for Monitoring the Driving of a Teen or Senior: Vyncs
Why We Picked It:
Overall, the Vyncs tracker is a little more helpful for monitoring a driver than the Bouncie. While it provides the same tracking features, it also lets you configure more specific geofence zones and will send personalized driver score cards, which can help teens improve their driving skills. Unlike the Bouncie, it lacks crash detection and emergency notifications. But it’s also less expensive overall than most products that require a monthly fee.
Pros:
- Updates in as few as 15 seconds, which is more frequent than most GPS trackers
- User can create “geofence” zones of any shape; most trackers are limited to circular zones
- Reads a car’s “check-engine” trouble codes
Cons:
- Yearly subscription fee requires a 12-month commitment
- A $40 activation fee (plus $79 a year) makes this model’s upfront cost higher than some others
- Can’t detect a crash and send an emergency notification like some GPS trackers
Best value: LandAirSea Sync
Why We Picked It:
If tracking the location and speed of a vehicle is a primary concern, the more basic LandAirSea Sync does the job for a minimal cost (about $25 for the device, then $9 a month). Moreover, the company says the Sync updates its data every 3 seconds. That’s super-quick, especially at this price, and it allows the user to monitor the vehicle being tracked on an almost real-time basis. Like most devices, the Sync can recall trip summaries to see where the vehicle has been and its speed history, but it doesn’t offer as many alerts as the other models included here.
Pros:
- One of the lowest overall prices
- Updates every 3 seconds; most other trackers update every 30 to 60 seconds, or at even longer intervals
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Provides alerts only for excessive speed or when leaving or entering geofence zones
- Doesn’t monitor hard braking or acceleration, or driving during unauthorized hours
- Can’t read engine trouble codes
The Best Upgrade Choice: Verizon HumX Gen 2
Why We Picked It:
This is the most sophisticated system we’ve seen, and it costs extra ($120 then $20 a month, sold through Verizon). In addition to the typical GPS tracker functions, the HumX Gen 2 includes a host of safety and convenience features. It can detect a collision and automatically send aid to the car’s location. It provides roadside assistance and stolen vehicle assistance. It also lets the user set up a mobile hotspot, check the car for trouble remotely and talk to a mechanic from your car if a problem comes up. The HumX also comes with a separate portable Bluetooth speaker that includes Google Assistant.
Pros:
- Can detect impacts, notify emergency services and send aid to the car’s location automatically, even if the driver doesn’t respond
- A separate Bluetooth speaker includes Google Assistant and lets you communicate with emergency responders after an accident
- Can be used as a mobile hotspot for up to 10 devices
Cons:
- Costly, although it’s often available at a big discount with a two-year contract (it was recently listed for 50-percent off)
- According to a Verizon rep, a $20-per-month data plan is the least expensive available
- Doesn’t allow you to set authorized hours for driving
Also Worth Considering : MotoSafety
Why We Picked It:
The MotoSafety device provides most of the same features and services as the Vyncs models, although at a higher yearly cost. It updates a car’s data every minute and sends a notification when a car leaves or arrives at a predetermined geofence area, if it’s being operated during unauthorized hours or if the device detects speeding, hard braking or rapid acceleration. It also sends maintenance reminders, lets the user review trip summaries and emails a driver report card daily.
Pros:
- User can create geofence zones of any shape; most trackers are limited to circular zones
- Allows you to set authorized hours of driving, which you can’t do with many trackers
- A wired version is available if you want a more hidden tracker, but may require professional installation
Cons:
- Costs more over a year’s time than the Bouncie and Vyncs trackers
- Can’t detect a crash and send an emergency notification like some GPS trackers
- Can’t read engine trouble codes
- Personal GPS for reliable tracking of people, vehicles, and/or assets
- Ultra-compact design | 100% Waterproof | Built-in Super Strength Magnet
- Attaches to vehicle | Fits in small pockets | Discretely hide in a backpack, case or purse
- Accurate, Discreet, Real-Time GPS Tracker with POWERFUL Twin Magnet Case.
- $19.95 per month - Quarterly 5% off | Bi-Annual 10% off | Annual 20% off subscription plan - All features included - Cancel Anytime - No Contract - No Hidden Fees - All tracker update options are included as fast as 10 second report frequency
- Battery Life up to 2 weeks reporting frequency at 1 minute - If the battery drains faster than expected, you may be in an area with poor cell signal and the tracker will use more energy in order to maintain an active connection - Call Optimus support so we can replace your tracker's sim card with one that better serves your area.Coverage for USA and Canada
- Optimus Vehicle GPS Tracker – Track Cars and Trucks - Hardwired Installation - Requires a 2 wire Easy direct on Car’s Battery installation (Positive and Negative).
- $12.95 per month - Cancel Anytime - No Contract - No Hidden Fees.
- IPhone and Android App for Easy and Fast Tracking - Updates every 30 seconds and on corners.
- Unlimited distance real time tracking 4G LTE +extra triband. Monthly fee is required. Full USA & worldwide coverage. International SIM card included. We are USA based company focused in GPS tracking. Our competition are just white label resellers. Our clients are top cellular Giants such as Vodafone. Track Vehicles, Cars, trucks, Children, dog, elderly, motorcycle, ATV, boat, equipment, tools, assets, valuables. Monthly fee of 19.95USD is required or as low as 9.95USD for long term prepaid plans
- Tracki is smallest & lightest, 1.75x1.5x0.55in, weight only 1.26oz. Revolutionary 4G LTE + 3G + 2G combined works everywhere with any network new or old for best coverage. Trackers that has only 4G LTE has lesser coverage than Tracki. Comes with embedded built in SIM card included and works worldwide. Included attachments: Strong magnet, Dog collar waterproof silicone cover, Belt clip, Key-chain, lanyard. 5 years history. We believe customer is King and provide live 7 days a week phone advisors
- Rechargeable battery life is up to 5 days (the more it moves the lesser the days) tracking real time every 1-5 minutes. If real time tracking is not needed, battery lasts 30-75 days tracking 1-3 times per day (using battery save mode). Optional accessory (not included ASIN B07YVNV82V) comes with 6 times longer life 3,500mAh battery + magnetic waterproof box, extends battery life to 3-4 weeks at 1 min update and up to 10 months tracking once a day
- [Tracker Recording,Sound Monitoring]Use GPS tracker Recording, Sound monitoring, tracking, etc. Set multiple functions of security, tracking, monitoring surveillance, emergency alarms and management in its entirety, Support remote control of mobile phone. Perfect for tracking vehicles, kids, spouses, elderly persons or assets. UTIZAR
- [Easy To Use] - All you need is a working SIM card (Attention:Sim is not included) to insert into the car tracker, NO installation required, then you can track and map (with for Google Maps) in real-time over the Internet.
- [Real-Time Positioning] - Dial SIM card number, then you can hear voice around this tracker, with no light and no noise, you can monitoring what's going on around the tracker device silently and secretly.
- PROTECT & TRACK 24/7: GPS tracker for anything, anywhere across the U.S.A. Get up and running in seconds via the companion app. Lightweight, small, compact and concealable. Updated in January 2022.
- REAL-TIME MOTION & TILT ALERTS: Built for preventing crime. Track down your vehicle and react quickly to attempted theft of cars, motorcycles, bikes, vans, boats, trucks and high value tools.
- PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Standalone & discreet tracking, easy to hide. 24/7 monitoring offers you peace of mind. Great for seniors, teens, kids, family and friends.
- Easiest & fastest GPS tracking: Spytec GPS offers the fastest GPS tracking for vehicles, valuables, and equipment using 4G satellite technology. Receive location alerts from the GPS tracker via our iOS/Android apps.
- Easy-to-use software & features: Watch your tracker move on a map, customize alerts and boundaries, see past data, speed, distance, & more.
- Reliable service: With more than a 99.99% uptime and a .256 millisecond processing time, our cloud-based technology gives you the data you want, when you want it.
- GPS TRACKER FOR VEHICLES. 4G LTE DEVICE. NO MONTHLY FEE, One-time ACTIVATION fee: $39.99 (full refund if returned and account cancelled within 30 days). 1 year Service included. Renewal (USD 78.93) in 2nd year (no activation fee). REAL-TIME TRACKING: USA (AT&T; , T-Mobile) and International coverage. SIM card included. Track Cars, Trucks, Fleets, Seniors, Teenagers. Plug into the OBD-II port of vehicle or hide using Vyncs OBD Extension Cable. Real-time whereabouts via iPhone, Android or Web app.
- VYNCS ADVANTAGES. No Battery needed, powered by OBD. Vehicle DTC Codes, Fuel Economy, Fuel Level (if available), True Idling, Engine RPM, Vehicle Speed, Manufacturer Recall, Vehicle Maintenance. World SIM, replacement if Vyncs stops working. Groups Feature that no one else has: Indoor/Outdoor – LOCATE Loved ones’ phones instantly when they’re walking, biking, or on public transit. All they need is the Vyncs app on their Android/iOS phones. Even use it to find your lost or stolen phone.
- REAL TIME LOCATION TRACKING AND TRIPS. Collects data every second, analyzes, and sends update to the server every 3 minutes. 60/30/15 seconds update upgrades available. Unlimited trip history on map. No battery needed! Draws power from OBD-II port. Goes to sleep while ignition-off but wakes up once in every hour to update location. Shared accounts for car tracking device.
- $8 Monthly Service Includes
- Realtime Driving Data
- 15 Second Trip Auto-Refresh
- [Tracker Recording,Sound Monitoring]Use GPS tracker Recording, Sound monitoring, tracking, etc. Set multiple functions of security, tracking, monitoring surveillance, emergency alarms and management in its entirety, Support remote control of mobile phone. Perfect for tracking vehicles, kids, spouses, elderly persons or assets. Enocos
- [Easy To Use] - All you need is a working SIM card (Attention:Sim is not included) to insert into the car tracker, NO installation required, then you can track and map (with for Google Maps) in real-time over the Internet. UTIZAR
- [Real-Time Positioning] - Dial SIM card number, then you can hear voice around this tracker, with no light and no noise, you can monitoring what's going on around the tracker device silently and secretly.
Methodology
Forbes Wheels compared the features, specs, and pricing of 24 plug-in GPS trackers, and we reviewed evaluations by other critics and end users.
The five models selected here represent the best overall values for people who want to monitor a driver’s location, performance and safety. This is based on the upfront price, subscription fees and types of alerts a product provides, as well as whether it offers additional services like crash detection, roadside assistance, vehicle trouble-code diagnosis and maintenance reminders.
GPS Trackers Explained
A GPS tracker shows a vehicle’s location on a digital map and can record the vehicle’s trip history and routes. The apps for almost all GPS trackers let you set up a geofences, or designated zones on the map, so you can be notified when the car leaves or enters that area. While most apps only let users configure circular zones, which have rough boundaries, some let you configure any shape, so you can be more precise with your notifications.
How GPS Trackers Work
GPS uses a network of satellites above the earth. They broadcast radio signals with time and distance data to GPS receivers, which calculate an accurate location within five to 10 meters using a measurement process called trilateration. GPS receivers need at least three satellites to determine location.
Things To Consider Before Buying a GPS Tracker
A tracker’s refresh rate or sample rate—how often the device collects new information–is often buried in the specs or web copy, but it’s important to know. When you’re tracking an inexperienced teen or vulnerable senior driver, a quicker refresh rate can be a real aid, especially if they’re driving during challenging conditions. Most devices refresh the data every 30 to 60 seconds, which is probably fine for most situations. But some of our recommended trackers update more quickly. Other models, however, refresh only every three minutes or so, which can seem like an eternity when you’re concerned about a driver.
Most devices use cellular data networks to communicate information to their corresponding servers and apps. Updates about a car’s location and other info may be delayed if the tracked vehicle is in a dead zone. Devices intended for use in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico typically use 4G systems, although devices used in other countries may require a different system.
GPS Tracker Device Cost
Device prices vary from about $40 to more than $100 before subscription and data charges, which are separate.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What does GPS stand for?
GPS stands for Global Positioning System.
Where do you plug in the tracker?
All of the GPS trackers in this review can be plugged into a vehicle’s OBD-II (on-board diagnostics) port, which is usually located on or under the dash, near the steering wheel. Virtually all passenger vehicles built since 1996 use OBD-II ports, and the car’s owner’s manual will show the exact location. When plugged in, the tracker is powered by the vehicle, so it doesn’t need a separate battery. The websites for many trackers let you determine whether the device will work with your specific vehicle; note that many devices can’t be used in all-electric cars.
How do you disable vehicle GPS tracking?
Unplug the GPS tracker from the vehicle’s OBD-II port and there will be no way to power the device or any of its features.
Is a GPS tracker worth the investment?
Only you can determine if tracking a vehicle is worth your time and money.
How do you hide a GPS tracker?
See our list of hidden GPS trackers, which can be magnetically attached to the underside of a vehicle or another metal surface, or placed in a console or cubby. These type of trackers can also be carried around in someone’s pocket or attached to something important.
Can these devices tell you why a check engine light came on?
This feature varies by model. If a car’s check engine light is triggered, some trackers can read the trouble codes and let you know the general type of problem that could have activated it. This may be all you need for some simple problems (like a loose fuel-filler cap, very common), but many trouble codes may need diagnosis by a mechanic.
Is it legal to use a GPS tracker in a car?
According to the NCSL (National Conference of State Legislatures), several states prohibit installing a tracker in a car without the consent of the vehicle owner. Several others generally prohibit tracking without the consent of the person being tracked. There can be exceptions, such as a parent or guardian tracking a minor child’s vehicle. Laws vary by states, so it’s always good to check your local regulations. The bottom line, according to BrickHouse Security: It’s generally legal to use a GPS tracker on any vehicle you own.
How does an alert get from the tracker to my phone or PC?
The device has a cellular connection embedded, for data only.