You want to track where a vehicle is being driven, or where a person or object is located. But you don’t want to be, well, obvious about it. Then, a battery-powered GPS tracker is often your best solution. They’re the most versatile type of tracker. Typically, they can be magnetically attached to the underside of a vehicle or another metal surface, or placed in a console or cubby. Or they can be carried around in someone’s pocket or attached to something important. All models let you see the tracker’s location on a digital map, review trip histories to see where it’s been, and receive notifications about when it leaves or arrives at designated areas (called geofences).
Overall, these don’t monitor driver performance as well as plug-in GPS trackers and their batteries typically need to be recharged every couple weeks. But they are more portable and easier to hide. Because these trackers transmit their data over cellular networks, all require a monthly or yearly subscription fee.
Best Overall: Optimus 2.0
Why We Picked It:
This model offers the best combination of price and features. It can send more types of alerts than many competitors, and its app lets you create “geofence” zones of any shape; most trackers limit you to circular areas. For $40, the Optimus 2.0 includes a magnetic, waterproof case, and its monthly fee is one of the lowest we’ve seen.
Its battery lasts up to two weeks when transmitting at its default 60-second intervals, but you can speed up its frequency to every 10 seconds for free. Covered by a lifetime warranty, with an active subscription.
- Price: $40 + $20/month
Pros:
- Provides notifications for vehicle movement, excessive speed, a low battery, and entering or exiting a geofence zone.
- An SOS button lets a person call for help.
- It can send data as often as every 10 seconds for no extra charge (but uses more battery power).
Cons:
- As with other battery-operated trackers here, battery life lasts only up to 14 days (at default settings).
- Can be used in the U.S. and Canada only; some others can be used in other countries.
- Can’t detect harsh driving, like some other trackers.
Best Runner-Up: Spytec GL300
Why We Picked It:
The GL300 is a popular tracker that’s very similar to the Optimus 2.0, but it’s a little more expensive and has more limited features. For $40, it doesn’t include a magnetic case; that’s $20 extra. And while it sends alerts for excessive speed or for leaving or entering a geofence zone, it doesn’t have notifications for vehicle movement or a low battery, as with the Optimus.
With Spytec’s Basic plan, the tracker updates its data every 60 seconds, with up to a 20-day battery life. You can increase its updates to every 30 seconds for $10 more per month.
- Price: $40 + $25/month (Basic plan)
Pros:
- An SOS button lets a person call for help.
- Longer battery life than many others: about 2.5 weeks with 1-minute updates.
- Lifetime warranty, and no activation or cancellation fees.
Cons:
- Magnetic case costs extra.
- More limited alerts than some others.
- Allows only circular geofence zones to be created (see FAQs).
Best Value: LandAirSea 54
Why We Picked It:
The LandAirSea 54 is one of the most affordable trackers we’ve seen from a reputable company. This waterproof device includes an internal magnet, so you don’t need an optional case. And you can subscribe for only $20 per month, or less with a long-term prepaid plan.
The 54 is a no-frills tracker, though. It has more limited features than some others here. And, at that price, it updates only every 3 minutes; you can have it update more quickly–even as often as every 3 seconds–with more expensive plans.
- Price: $30 + $20/ month
Pros:
- Least expensive of the trackers here (with three-minute updates).
- An internal magnet means you don’t need an optional case.
- Battery lasts up to a lengthy three weeks (with three-minute updates).
Cons:
- Long updating intervals with its basic subscription plan.
- Alerts are limited to geofence entry/exiting, excessive speed, and low battery.
- Allows only circular geofence zones to be created (see FAQs).
Best Upgrade Choice: Americaloc GL300 MXW
Why We Picked It:
Americaloc’s GL300 MXW gives you greater versatility than similar trackers we’ve seen, but it costs more. In its default mode, it updates its data every 60 seconds, but you can increase that to every 30, 20, or 10 seconds for free. It also sends a greater variety of alerts, including when the car is turned on or off and for harsh driving (in addition to speed and geofence notifications).
The GL300 can also be wired to the vehicle to eliminate battery concerns. Its coverage includes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, but it can be used in other countries with a different SIM card.
- Price: $25/month
Pros:
- Can be upgraded to update every 30, 20 or 10 seconds for free.
- Provides a wider range of alerts than similar trackers.
- Lets you create geofence zones of any shape; most trackers limit you to circular zones.
Cons:
- More expensive than the other trackers here.
- Magnetic case is optional.
- One-year warranty; others here have lifetime coverage.
- 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 more than a dozen hidden 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 the location of a car, person, or object, but can’t or don’t want to plug a device into the vehicle’s OBD II diagnostic port (see the Best Plug-in GPS Trackers). This is based on the upfront price, subscription fees, performance specs, and types of alerts a product provides.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
How do you hide a GPS tracker?
Typically, they can be magnetically attached to the underside of a vehicle or another metal surface, or placed in a console or cubby. Or they can be carried around in someone’s pocket or attached to something important.
Where do you plug in a tracker?
Most hidden GPS trackers are battery-powered and do not plug into a data port. While some hidden trackers can be wired to the car battery, stealth is the primary purpose of a hidden tracker. Some hidden trackers are designed to trick, such as tracker that doubles as a USB charger that plugs into a 12-volt outlet.
How do you disable vehicle GPS tracking?
Only the person who set up the hidden GPS tracker can disable it, unless the person who is driving a tracked vehicle identifies and disables the device.
Is a hidden GPS tracker worth the investment?
Only you can determine if tracking a vehicle is worth your time and money.
Is it legal to use a GPS tracker in a car?
Laws vary by states, so it’s always good to check your local regulations. 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. According to BrickHouse Security, however, it’s generally legal to use a GPS tracker on any vehicle you own.
Can these devices tell you why a check engine light came on?
No. Devices that use an OBD-II connection can do that. For plug-in trackers, see our Best GPS Trackers.
How does an alert get from the tracker to my phone or PC?
All GPS trackers use SIM cards to transmit their data over cellular data networks to the company’s servers. The info is then relayed to the subscribers’ apps. So, updates about a car’s location and other info may be delayed if the tracker is in a dead zone or the signal is blocked. Devices intended for use in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico typically use 4G systems, while devices used in other countries may require a different SIM card.