Best Overall
- Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker
Premium Pick
- SpyTec STI-GL300
Best Value
- TKSTAR GPS Tracker
GPS (Global Positioning System) trackers can be helpful when you are looking to increase safety for you, your family or business. GPS trackers are a good way to monitor new drivers, track a forgetful family member, ensure your employees are driving in a safe and professional manner ormake sure your car can be found if it goes missing. These small GPS trackers are satellite-based systems that can follow and find a vehicle quickly. They can be added to a car in an unobtrusive manner for safety and maintenance.The top 10 of these GSP trackers are easily set up for immediate use. They can track your vehicle is through Google Maps, show routes and how the vehicle was driven. Some can give you optional warnings letting you know if a particular driver is over the speed limit or outside specified boundaries. If there is an accident, the GPS will have information about what happened and specify details.
Here are the top 10 hidden GPS trackers for cars.
1Linxup OBD
This Linxup OBD Tracker is small and easily added to the chosen vehicle through the OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) port. It utilizes3G data and Google Maps sending the location of the device to you through online alerts. It offers a geofence capability allowing you to limit the car movement within a restricted area as well as the option to replay routes with real-time location information through a mobile app. This tracker can advise you when the car is speeding, idling, its fuel level and if it’s being used in hours it shouldn’t be. Detailed reports can be pulled for in-depth analysis of use.
Further benefits of this Linxup tracker is its ability to help you with maintenance. It can track and schedule your car’s maintenance. For an extra cost, it can help send drivers places, check engine light codes and rate your driver. Alerts are through can be SMS or email notices.
What reviews say
Reviews are positive about the device itself. It is easy to install, accurate and the notifications helpful. People liked that it warned them if the device was tampered with or if the car was speeding or operating outside a designated time or area. The main negative comment was the monthly cost which is prohibitive for many. Reviewers also found the fees for restocking were expensive and general customer service was not top quality.
Key Features
- Real time alerts
- Easy connect – unobtrusive
- Detailed reporting
- Geofencing
Specifications
- 3G tracking
- OBD port
- Links to Google Maps
- 1 x 1.8 x 2.1”
– Small and unnoticeable
– Pinpoint accuracy for placement
– Helps with maintenance and care
– Immediate notification system
– Monthly cost
– Customer service complicated
– Does not work on some older cars
2Vyncs GPS
Vyncs is a solid GPS tracker that uses a mobile app to interact. Alerts can be set up via SMS or email. The bonus to the Vyncs tracker is that it can also offer round-the-clock roadside assistance if you need it in the US or Canada. Further benefits include notifications if a driver is not travelling in specified hours, distance travelled, fuel levels and diagnosis of car issue. It can also tell if a driver is speeding,braking hard or using quick acceleration. This small GPS tracker uses the car’s onboard diagnostics port and does not have to be charged. It stays hidden and will warn if someone tries to remove it. It uses 2 and 3G as available.
What Reviews Are Saying
Reviewers like this product for its low first-year costs and quality tracking. It’s not only subtle but it can be hidden with an additional wire, so the port looks unused. Its easy installation and offer of roadside assistance when needed was liked. It offers many options that not only track the car but monitor its fuel, speed and maintenance. The issue that came up for some reviewers was the app and customer service. They found the app laggy and not always precise and others who tried to work with customer service were frustrated by lack of product support.
Key Features
- Real time notifications
- Easy to connect and hide
- Roadside assistance
- Trip monitoring- geofencing
Specifications
- 2G & 3G tracking
- OBD port with option to move into dash
- Works in 177 countries
- 2.2 x 1.7 x 0.7”
– Small and can be hidden
– Roadside help can be used
– Real-time notices
– Helps with new drivers & seniors
– Customer service issues
– Laggy app
– Not all pricing clear
3MOTOSafety Real-Time Tracker
MOTOSafety offers a tracker that is fob-like and great for tracking any car. It has geofencing abilities and can be placed in interior areas that are unobtrusive. It does not plug into a console and can go for about 14 days before needing to be recharged. Its tracking system is supported by Android and IOS products. It can replay routes used or ones needing review. It will send notifications for departure and arrivals along with car movement out of set hours. There is no SIM card needed and it connects to a 4G network for immediate updates.
What Reviews Are Saying
People using this product had good things to say about the size of the tracker and its battery life. They were pleased with its abilities and the fact that it didn’t need to have a port to work. It was simple to place the fob in a hidden place. People were happy with its tracking. Those that had issues with the product struggled with its app set up and monthly cost. It’s suggested that you read the small print in regard to use and cost before purchasing.
Key Features
- Text notifications
- Longer battery life
- Small fob style
- Geofencing and alerts available
Specifications
- 14 day battery life
- Uses 4G cellular data
- Update every 60 sec
- 3 x 0.5 x 1.5”
– Easy to place
– Good battery life
– Immediate notices
– Helpful monitoring
– Needs faster sampling than every 60sec
– Battery drain if sampling sped up
– Pricey
4Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker (Best Overall)
The Optimus trackers uses aSIM card and data plan that you get when you purchase the item. It’s a small tracker with a rechargeable battery that can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks depending on use. Its position report frequency is quicker than many trackers at 30 seconds. You can speed this up to every 10 seconds with a different data plan. Its alerts include geofencing, departure and arrival notes if the driver leaves the set area. It gives alerts if there is unnecessary driving or speeding. It has an SOS button and warns of low battery. Optimus offers apps on Android or Apple and can track past data for later viewing on your computer through Google Maps. The tracker works in the US, Canada and Mexico.
What the Reviews are Saying
Reviewers generally like the tracker and felt it was easy to use and monitor. The monthly plans are varying so you can choose the one that works best for you. The Optimus offers many tracking options and needs. The biggest complaint is the battery and older styled app. Users feel both need an overhaul. Lights on the tracker itself make it visible so people suggest matching tape or a small box to keep it out of sight if needed.
Key Features
- Choice of notification type
- Small in size
- Frequent refresh of tracking
- Geofencing available
Specifications
- Up to 14 day battery life
- Lithium rechargeable battery
- Update every 30 sec
- 1 x 1.5 x 3 inches
– Small for placement
– Refreshes every 30 sec
– Notifications
– Good signal
– So-so battery life
– Lights noticeable
– App old school
5TKSTAR GPS Tracker (Best Value)
This TKSTAR tracker is a heavy-duty GPS. It has a 5000 mA rechargeable battery that can for 3 weeks if fully charged. It can pinpoint a car within 5-10 meters and any movement can be followed through an app which is workable on Android or Apple devices. It’s larger than some trackers but has a strong magnet attached which allows it to be easily and safely concealed. It is waterproof, sturdy and has an anti-theft ability. It can send alerts for speeding and low battery through SMS or email. Its upload ability is 10 seconds and uses Google Maps. It can geofence with notifications making sure your car is where it’s supposed to be.
What are Reviews Saying
Reviewers liked this product for its reliability and pinpoint tracking. Its reasonable price allowed for purchasing more than one. Use of a cheaper SIM card is well-liked as it allows tracking for less cost. Those that struggled with it,complained that set up could be easier and that it only uses 2G.
Key Features
- Magnet attachment
- Waterproof
- Easily concealed
- Geofencing
Specifications
- 3 week battery life
- Lithium rechargeable battery
- Needs 2G
- 3.5 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches
– Solid placement ability
– Refreshes each10 sec
– Easy to set notifications
– 2G only
– Larger in size
– Text notification needs better SIM
6Global-View Hidden GPS Tracker
Global-View’s tracker is great as it works in over 140 countries. Its battery life is almost unrivalled with a charge that can last from 6-8 weeks. Its simple to put in as it attaches by a magnet to the bottom of the car. Once you’ve registered it online, you are ready to go. It has an advanced tracking software and pre-installed SIM card for storing data. This allows you access to location and movement details. It offers geofencing info, speed reports, and time misuse. This tracker has the feature called Time Machine that allows you to reply full trips and see your target’s movements even across international borders.
What the Reviews are Saying
Reviewers praise the easy installation and its great battery life. Its reports are detailed, and the Time Machine feature is helpful both nationally and internationally. Reviewers did not seem to have an issue with the product itself but its support through customer service with certain issues such as replacement and general support.
Key Features
- Strong magnet attachment
- Multi-country access
- Easily hidden
- Geofencing
Specifications
- 6-8 week battery life
- Lithium battery
- 24/7/365 monitoring
- 6.5 x 5 x 12 cm
– Long-lasting battery
– Frequent updates
– Strong magnet
– Review full trips
– Some customer service issues
– Need to double-check mounting
7SpyTec STI-GL300 (Premium Pick)
SpyTec is a solid hidden tracking product that is adaptable to the inside or outside of the car. A magnetic case can be bought to put it on the underside if that is the preferred placement. It is motion activated so there are no problems with draining a battery or turning it on. Its compact size is helpful and its real-time tracking on Google Maps is accurate. Notifications are good as sent to the person tracking the car and there are no activation or cancellation fees.
What the Reviews are Saying
Reviewers are quick to talk of their success stories in tracking cars without the GPS tracker being visible. They are happy with the ease of set up and placement and notifications by either SMS or email. There are some writers who feel customer service is lacking and that using chat is not as helpful as a person on the phone but the product itself was fine.
Key Features
- Lightweight
- Small
- Geofencing
- Real time GPS
Specifications
- Lithium battery
- Refresh up to every 5 seconds
- 8 oz
- 5 x 4.2 x 1.5”
– Long battery life
– Good reports
– Stores data for 1 yr+ on cloud
– Monthly cost
– Only internal installation or requires case
8Trackmate GPS Dash 3G
Trackmate is a good price for a quality tracker. Its precise locating ability along with quick notifications are a good way to track your car whether it be with your teen or an employee. It can be monitored around the world as it works off AT&T and T-Mobile through your Android or IOS app. Plans can be found at a low price and move up to ones that allow the GPS to renew every 3 seconds. Trackmate offers you affordability and flexibility.
What Reviews Are Saying
Reviews for Trackmate are solid. People are complimentary about its reports and notifications. They appreciate the app and the ability to access records easily. The negatives seem to stem from customer service interactions around billing and inability to connect the GPS to the system. The product itself seems good and reliable.
Key Features
- Instant alerts with Geofencing
- Back up battery
- Power failure alert
- Lower cost
Specifications
- WCDMA/GSM/3G
- Refresh up to every 3 seconds
- SiRF III Chip GPS
- 3.2 x 2.5 x 1”
– Resilient
– Easily hidden
– Can be installed in or out of car
– Updates can be large
– Allows third parties access to info
9Zubie
Zubie is a well-known name when it comes to GPS hidden trackers. It’s a good product that allows you to track where and how a particular car is being driven. It’s up to the minute notifications and ability to offer details about a particular person’s driving habits is helpful and thorough. It allows offers alerts on the condition of your car by checking fuel and maintenance lights, so you are warned of potential problems.
What Reviews Are Saying
Once again reviewers seem to really appreciate how the tracker works and the simplicity of being able to follow along on your phone or computer. Its detailed notifications are deemed helpful and easy to use. Similar to other top 10 hidden trackers, reviewers’ biggest complaints are around customer service rather than the tracker itself. It seems that getting a response from Zubie is their main issue.
Key Features
- Alerts on car issues
- Judges driving habits
- Helps find gas stations
- Solid GPS tracking
Specifications
- 3G Network
- Accesses IFTTT, Echo
- 1.6 oz
- 1 x 1.9 x 2.1”
– Easy hook up to apps
– Consistent performance
– Simple setup
– Updates can be large
– Allows third parties access to info
10Trak-4 GPS Tracker
This tracker is a solid GPS that will take its fair share of bumps and knocks. It can actually be screwed onto the vehicle for reliability. It doesn’t need a phone app; you just access to their website as needed. You can get notifications by text or email as the tracker sends them. Battery life can be as long as 18 months or as short as two weeks depending on your ping settings. Track-4’s price is reasonable, and it can certainly stand up to wear and tear.
What the Reviews are Saying
Reviewers are happy with the simplicity of the GPS and the fact that its tougher than most. Notifications were easy to get through SMS or email so missing an app wasn’t always problematic. Once again, the main complaint is about customer service, billing, and product support. Reviewers have similar complaints that are reflected in many of the others. The lack of help with the product can be frustrating.
Key Features
- Solid device
- Alerts quickly
- Long battery life
- Triangulation if no network
Specifications
- Trak-4 cell-trilateration
- Built in SIM card
- 1.6 oz
- 4.1 x 2.2 x 1.1 ”
– Easy setup
– Triangulation available
– Long battery life
– Reasonable price
– Can be conspicuous
– No app available
Features to Look For in a Hidden GPS Tracker
Hidden GPS trackers for cars have some basic things you should look for when choosing which one best suit your needs. You want to find a tacker that offers real-time tracking to keep up with the car. Fast update intervals, or pings, are important as is product water resistance and battery life. Make sure your GPS tracker has good customer service support and a solid warranty so you aren’t caught with a product that isn’t working or can’t be fixed.
The final feature to look at will be price. Make sure the tracker you choose has a price range you can afford. Some have yearly plans and some monthly. Some have set up and activation fees and others don’t. Read the small print to make sure you don’t get hit with hidden costs.
Differences Between GPS Trackers
The differences that are important in GPS trackers are found in the smaller details. It’s important to know if you want to have the tracker on the outside of the car with a magnet, plugged into a port in the dash or hardwired in.
You will also need to decide on how often you want your incoming data to refresh. Some trackers have set GPS refresh times and others have variable ones that are set depending on the monthly fee you are paying. The choice of times is usually from 60 seconds down to 3 seconds depending on the device you choose.
Price plans vary as much as the devices. Some GPS goes on a monthly basis, some on yearly and others with no fee. Some have activation fees and others simply hook up and go. Again, it depends on what this is being used for. If you need in the moment monitoring with a fast refresh time you are going to pay more per month.
FAQS When Buying a Hidden GPS Tracker for Your Car
What is GPS tracking?
GPS tracking (Global Positioning System) allows you to find your car anywhere. It has two parts, one that goes either inside or outside the car and the second is the actual software that interacts with the hardware. The part in the car sends the location information and driving data to servers where the software interprets and then sends the information to the person requesting it. The data can be read on a phone or computer and then used to find the car or evaluate the driver.
Why don’t I just use a phone for GPS tracking?
Phones are fine if you are just trying to follow a car as it travels but what happens if the phone is dead or not with the car? GPS trackers are more subtle and can send extensive data about not only where the car is but how it is being driven. It can warn you about low fuel or mechanical issues and potential problems. A GPS is much more thorough than a phone tracker.
Are there ongoing costs with a GPS for your car?
Every tracker is different. You can get ones with monthly or yearly plans, ones with one time fees and others that simply hook up and go. You have to do your research to see which one suits you. Check if contracts are required or simply month-to-month payments. It’s important to be aware of what you are signing up for to avoid long term costs you may not want.
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