Best Hidden Car GPS Trackers For 2023 – Forbes Home
These days, being able track a vehicle’s location as they drive in real-time is a rather easy and affordable affair thanks to traditional GPS trackers. While most conventional units plug directly into and run off a car’s on-board diagnostics and computer port, more discreet and hidden GPS trackers exist in case one needs to keep a secretive eye on vehicle assets.
Whether you’re a concerned individual looking after a loved one or a commercial entity looking to make sure your fleet of vehicles aren’t being abused, hidden GPS trackers could be particularly useful if discretion is a must and tampering is a concern. Like their conventional counterparts, the concealable types perform all the same functions, only they don’t rely on being plugged directly into a car’s onboard diagnostics or OBD-II port.
Instead, they get their power from either rechargeable internal or removable batteries and are often fixed to vehicles by way of magnets or a special case designed specifically to be hidden out of sight somewhere on the undercarriage of a vehicle. There are a few drawbacks, however. Overall, the battery-based units don’t monitor driver performance as well as plug-in GPS trackers due to the reduced power supply and the need to recharge batteries (communicating with GPS and data satellites requires a good amount of electricity). Because these trackers transmit their data over cellular networks, all require a monthly or annual subscription fee.
Similarly to the OBD-II port-based trackers, the market is extremely saturated and the selection is vast. But we did all the leg work to bring you a selection of some of the best concealable GPS trackers money can buy. But bear in mind, the selection of good units isn’t limited to this list.
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Featured Partner
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The 5 Best Hidden Car GPS Trackers For 2023
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Tracki GPS Tracker
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Spytec GL300
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LandAirSea 54
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MasTrack MT-121 Hardwired Live GPS Tracker
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Family1st Vehicle Tracker
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Methodology
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Best Places To Mount a GPS Tracker
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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10 Best GPS Trackers for Cars In 2023 – Car GPS Trackers
GPS tracking Technology for personal vehicles like cars isn’t a new-fangled concern. Instead, the technology has been around for a long time and is mostly used by vehicle owners to facilitate seamless tracking. But then, GPS trackers aren’t simply restricted to tracing specific instances anymore.
In an era where connected devices are ruling the roost, GPS trackers have discovered a newly found motivation. Starting from making their presence felt in supply chain and logistical modules involving trucks to being used as a recreational asset in cars, GPS trackers have evolved with time.
Plus, GPS tracking hasn’t been this affordable before as manufacturers are constantly pairing innovation at throwaway prices.
Table of Contents
How does a Car GPS tracker work?
Now that you are aware of the existing car tracking choices, it is necessary to understand the functioning and usage of the device in general. This insightful section is expected to help you make informed decisions.
Firstly, a GPS tracker uses the global positioning system and the related technology to constantly transmit locational data to the cloud servers. The concept is comparable to using a SIM card, which also relays the information to certain towers. For a GPS tracker, there are GPS satellites, which constantly track the information and the processes, whilst updating them onto the concerned application.
A vehicle with a tracking device sends across the wireless signal to the data server, which is then connected to the cloud network and can be accessed using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This technology allows you to make decisions concerning the type of tracker that needs to be purchased.
For instance, local GPS tracking activities use cellular data and send the tracking insights to local servers only. However, if you require international tracking support, a 4G tracker with a globally compatible SIM card needs to be prioritized.
How to select the right car GPS tracker?
There are quite a few aspects that need to be prioritized before purchasing the preferred car tracking device. These include:
Tracking capabilities
It is quite obvious for you to prioritize tracking capabilities as the first and foremost consideration. As a rule of thumb, it is necessary to check whether the car tracker offers real-time updates. This means a reliable GPS tracker must be able to notify you when the vehicle moves from point A to point B.
Other aspects of tracking include the ability to manage multiple vehicles and interfaces with ease. Also, if you have high-end requirements, the ability to log the trip history is a good feature to look at. This way, it becomes easier to trust others with your car, when you can constantly monitor the stoppages, engine running time, idling period, and other trip-related aspects.
Alerting
Besides tracking, a good GPS tracker should also come equipped with a reliable alerting system. By this we mean look at specs like route deviation alerts, stoppage alerts, tampering alerts, overspeeding intimation, and more. Top-shelf trackers generally feature a high-end alerting system, making it easier for the car owners to track maintenance liabilities, pilferages if any, and other car-related aspects.
Geofencing
Some of the more reliable GPS car trackers feature something called Geofencing support. This attribute allows you to establish certain virtual geographical boundaries via the app. Once the car enters or even exits the geographical fence, the person in charge of the tracking app is intimated.
This feature is great for improving operational efficiency and the workforce optimization standards pertaining to a specific workplace where cars and other vehicles are used to manage people and load.
Reporting
A good GPS tracking app is expected to send out every important report whilst being able to track and log the data for a significant period of time. The ability to log and share historical reports and even the dashboard summary makes certain GPS tracking applications better than most.
Access Control and Ease of Usage
If you are planning to use a vehicle fleet for managing workflow, you must look for a tracking device that offers ease of usage and better access control. This means the person in charge of the app and the device should be able to change the user profiles, as per requirements.
In addition to these attributes, you should be mindful of the installation support, OBD compatibility, and analytics focussed on the concerned tracking device.
What are the best GPS trackers for Cars?
Still with us!
Then, you might be interested in reading detailed reviews concerning the 10 best car GPS trackers that we have tested extensively, across diverse parameters. We understand that you might be new to the concept of GPS tracking and there is a set of insights enlisted at the end of this discussion to help you make informed decisions, based on your preferences, budget, and requirements.
Family1st GPS Tracker: Best Overall
Highlights
- Alexa compatible
- Subscription-based service
- Lifetime gadget warranty
- Round the clock tech support
Review
As mentioned, the Family1st GPS tracker readily takes the first spot, courtesy of the extensive specs sheet and cost-effectiveness. Plus, the lowest subscription fee pertaining to the device usage also enhances the credibility of the selection.
Family1st GPS tracker ensures accurate tracking and regular updates, thereby ensuring continued coverage and better autonomy. Also, if the GPS satellite isn’t responsive at any time, this gadget is capable of deploying wireless networks for indoor tracking.
Not to mention the portable design that qualifies the same as one of the best assets for covert tracking. But then, we wouldn’t actually recommend clandestine usage owing to the legal restrictions.
Overall, the Family1st GPS tracker scales above the rest, owing to the extended battery life, customizable usage, and promise to offer a full refund, in case the performance leaves you unsatisfied.
Pros
- Offers detailed tracking history
- Easy to configure and use
- An affordable monthly subscription model
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Only tracks the pre-assigned vehicle
- Requires the OBD interface to reach the full potential
Bouncie Tracker: Best for Inclusive Vehicle Maintenance
Highlights
- Customized alerts
- Monthly subscription plan
- Real-time alerts
Review
If you are seeking inclusivity while searching for GPS trackers, there aren’t many better options in the market as compared to Bouncie. This tracker readily fits into the OBD port of the concerned car and allows you to track acceleration, speed-based alerts, hard braking scenarios, and other car-related processes.
Plus, the $8 dollar subscription fee is pretty competitive, to say the least. Also, this is one of the few GPS trackers in the market that allows you to store data on the move whilst supporting mileage tracking.
Pros
- Geofencing support
- Offers real-time alerts
- Lowest possible subscription rates
- Supports mileage tracking
Cons
- Erroneous flashing light
- Alexa commands can be glitchy at times
Americaloc GL300W: Best in terms of Portability
Highlights
- Offers history coverage of up to one year
- Supports real-time vehicle tracking
- Equipped with a magnetic case
Review
Car owners with a penchant for portable trackers can purchase the Americaloc GL300W without second thoughts. Owing to the minimalistic form factor, this is one of the best gadgets in the retail arena to carry around without breaking a sweat.
Despite the exorbitant price tag, the Americaloc GL300W deserves your attention, owing to the curated magnetic case, which in turn allows you to hide the same in plain sight. Plus, this GPS tracker provided steady real-time vehicle tracking followed by customized alerts that can notify you in case of restricted entries, overspeeding and other activities. In case, you are looking for GPS trackers with magnets, we got you covered with our guide and a comprehensive list for the same.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Strictly monitors vehicle activities
- Easy to hide
- Allows you to save and view history for up to 365 days
Cons
- Pricey
Optimus 2.0: Best Tracking Bundle
Highlights
- Compatible with a slew of apps and devices
- Easy to use app interface
- Enhanced concealment
Review
The Optimus 2. 0 is more of a tracker bundle, supporting real-time, accurate, and obviously discreet tracking. What works in favor of this device is the extended battery life of up to 2 weeks. However, if you want to experience the best possible battery life, you must select the reporting frequency of 1 minute by logging onto the app.
Also, Optimus 2.0 is one of the best resources in the market for someone who is looking to perfectly pair the generated data with the featured mobile app. Finally, there is a twin-magnet tracker case in play that restricts the same from getting identified.
Pros
- Competitive Pricing
- The app interface is intuitive
- Offers router details
- Advanced vehicle monitoring
Cons
- Might experience issues with auto-update
MotoSafety Tracker: Best for new car drivers
Highlights
- Compatible with Google maps
- Supports the curfew mode
- The monthly subscription fee is close to 20 dollars
Review
If you are a new driver who is still trying to find his or her way around a car, we would recommend the MotoSafety Tracker over any other GPS tracker on the market. As new drivers need to rely more on customized location alerts, geofencing, and Google maps, the MotoSafety Tracker allows them to be on track with the more stringent requirements.
Plus, parents can rely on this tracker to help them with curfew management, by tracking the movement of the driving kids, at specific hours.
The competitive monthly rate allows you to use this device without thinking about the finances. Plus, the app-based interface also makes way for a driver training module, whilst allowing the new driver to hone the skills further.
Pros
- Supports router display
- The curfew mode is an intuitive addition
- Innovative and responsive app
- Competitive subscription fee
Cons
- Sensitive to acceleration
Primetracking: Best for Personal Usage
Highlights
- Measures 3×1.5 inches
- Comes with 4G support
- Supports location changes
- Zero activation cost
Review
The Primetracking GPS tracker comes forth as one of the smallest units in the retail space, allowing you to deploy the same either as an open resource or in the clandestine mode. You can even consider using the same with multiple cellular service providers by tapping into their 4G connectivity module.
As far as location updates are concerned, this tracker provides intimation in increments of 10 seconds. The battery life can extend up to two weeks, making it one of the more dependable car trackers to purchase.
Pros
- Portable
- Offers router history
- Unlimited GPS range
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Geo-fencing technology is properly seasoned
Carlock Tracker: Best for Alerting
Highlights
- Monitors the vehicle in real-time
- Provides safety score
- Records route history
- Compatible with the OBD2 port
Review
OBD2 compatible GPS trackers can be extremely resourceful, provided you know how to configure and use the same. The Carlock Tracker is one such resourceful gadget that is capable of monitoring the smallest of car-specific activities and movements with precision.
This means, if you are interested in detecting vibration, the status of the tracker, or the rate of acceleration, the Carlock Tracker has the requisite firepower to provide the details. Plus, with this tracker at work, you can even log in to the route history and follow whether the car traces the same at every instance.
Plus, this is one of the few trackers to provide a safety score, depending on the capabilities of the person behind the wheel.
Pros
- Monitors acceleration and sharp turns
- Offers international support
- Can be installed seamlessly into the OBD2 port
- Offers route history
Cons
- Not the most battery-intensive tracker
LandAirSea 54: Best Waterproof tracker
Highlights
- Completely waterproof
- Compact and portable design
- The battery can last up to 2 weeks
- Intuitive application
Review
The LandAirSea 54 is probably the only cent-percent waterproof tracker on the list, with comparable indoor and outdoor compatibility. Leading the way is the integrated magnet that helps with the installation. Plus, the compact layout ensures that you can place the gadget in a given vehicle without getting noticed.
Coming to the feature sets, this GPS car tracker comes equipped with a rechargeable battery unit, which is more than capable of powering the tracker for 2 weeks at once. Also, you can monitor diverse car-specific activities via the LandAirSea 54 application, which notifies the owner regarding playback, arrival, and even sends forth proximity alerts.
However, you can control the nature and frequency of the updates by tweaking the apps and the subscription plan, as per preferences.
Pros
- You can access tracker data via the web interface
- Supports geofencing, InstaFencing, and emails alerts
- Can support 4G connectivity via select service providers
- Easy to install
Cons
- Pricey
- Battery backup could have been better
Why GPS Tracking for Cars makes more sense?
E-commerce setups with autonomous product delivery systems have been using GPS trackers for a long. However, car owners have recently started taking the concept of GPS tracking seriously owing to the affordability, innovation, and functionality on offer.
With electric vehicles and autonomous cars being the latest concepts to surface vehicle tracking has become an indispensable option instead of being restricted as a choice. Also, installing GPS trackers is easy and one can control the same via a dedicated application.
Why Car owners are increasingly relying on GPS Trackers?
There can be multiple reasons for investing in a GPS tracker for a car. If you are a car owner, who is concerned about the safety of the vehicle, GPS tracking with alarms and other enhancements make sense. Plus, if the car itself changes hands now and then, a GPS tracker allows you to ascertain the traveling and fuel usage history, thereby adding to the financial autonomy.
But then, not every GPS tracker for a car is the same. In the subsequent sections, we shall talk about 10 of the best trackers in the market that have started making several heads roll with their innovative feature sets and deep-seated compatibility.
Wrapping Up
Finding the best GPS tracking device for your car can be quite tricky, provided you are an early adopter. While the buying guide and the tentative feature sets allow you to make better choices, it is expected of you to be a bit confused, considering the wide range of choices, all around.
But then, the Family1st GPS tracker can put all apprehensions and confusion to rest by coming forth as an all-inclusive GPS tracker for cars. While there are several other trackers to consider, the Family1st GPS tracker is arguably the most holistic gadget to invest in, courtesy of indoor tracking support, affordable subscription plan, and excellent battery backup.
Autonomous GPS Trackers for Vehicles and Vehicles – GdeMy
Autonomous GPS Trackers are portable vehicle and cargo tracking devices that run on built-in battery or batteries. This is their key feature. Such trackers do not require professional installation and complicated connection to the vehicle wiring. It is enough to hide the autonomous GPS tracker in the car or fix it on a metal surface and you can immediately control the transport in the GPS satellite monitoring system.
Miniature GPS trackers “bookmarks”
WhereMy M2
- Battery life up to 2 years
- GPS/GLONASS tracking
- Accident sensor 9001 2
6 600 ₽ More details
Quick order
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WhereMy S20
- Detail track
- Convenient panic button
- IP67 water and dust resistant
$86 Learn more
Quick order
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GPS beacons with magnets with long battery life
WhereMy M6
- Powerful magnets with a force of 12 kg / s
- Water and dust protection IP66
- High-capacity battery: up to 120 hours of continuous operation
17,800 RUB
Out of stock.
Where’s My M5
- Magnetic mount
- Cargo release and opening sensors
- Battery autonomy up to 4 years
Out of stock.
Where’s My M9 Lite
- Magnetic Mount
- High IP67
- Up to 30 days continuous tracking
₹10,700 More 9 0003
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WhereMy M9
- Magnetic mount
- IPX5 rating
- Up to 40 days continuous tracking
90 01912 200 ₽ More details
Quick order
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Installation of stand-alone GPS trackers in the car
Portable stand-alone trackers are universal in use and extremely easy to install. The power of such devices does not depend on the internal systems of the car – they operate on batteries or their own battery. If the car owner only needs to control the location of the car without other functions that require connection to the wiring, then just buy a tracker and immediately start tracking your vehicle after turning it on.
Thanks to its compact size, the GPS tracker can be placed inside a car or in a container with cargo in such a way that the device remains unnoticed. Trackers on magnets can be easily attached under the fender or on the bottom of the car, on a container or in a van. When choosing a standalone tracker, we recommend that you pay attention to the duration of work without recharging and moisture resistance – for example, if you plan to monitor long-distance trips with different transportation conditions.
Battery-powered GPS trackers
A stand-alone GPS tracker or beacon is a device that runs on batteries or is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery. Most often, such models are chosen to track vehicles or special equipment. The small size and independence from the wiring help to quickly find the stolen car through the GPS monitoring system.
GdeMoi battery-powered trackers feature a “sleep” mode. The device transmits its coordinates to the GPS monitoring system at intervals, and most of the time it is dormant. Due to this, the beacon is extremely difficult to find with a special scanner used by hijackers.
Magnetic GPS Trackers
Magnetic GPS trackers do not need to be connected to the car’s internal systems – as we said earlier, they are powered by their own batteries or batteries. This makes magnetic trackers an excellent solution for tracking cars and trucks, as well as for monitoring cargo containers.
GdeMoi models feature long battery life, powerful neodymium magnets, and protection against moisture and dust. Our magnetic trackers are securely attached to the metal surfaces of the car – even if you drive carelessly on dirt roads, the tracker will not fall off. The device is also not afraid of rain, snow and puddles – thanks to a good level of moisture protection from IPX5.
Magnetic standalone trackers have also added a touch sensor that is triggered when the device is detached from the car or container. As soon as the tracker is removed from the surface, the satellite monitoring system will send a notification about this fact with the place and time of the incident.
Tracking vehicles in the satellite monitoring system
After installing the autonomous tracker in the car, its location can be viewed in the GPS satellite monitoring system. Monitoring is carried out online – on a computer, as well as in a mobile application on a phone or tablet.
In the case of stand-alone GPS trackers, their duration is important. Especially for battery powered models. This indicator can be increased using the interval operation mode. If you do not care about the details of the trip up to hundreds of meters, then the GPS tracker will send its coordinates two or three times a day and thereby save battery power.
Detailed route recording requires continuous satellite monitoring. But even despite the intensive power consumption, some GdeMoi models can operate in this mode for up to 40 days.
Positioning technologies:
- GPS, GLONASS – high-precision, satellite navigation signals;
- A-GPS (Assisted GPS) – highly accurate, based on GPS satellite signals, with a very fast “cold start”;
- LBS – approximate, based on cellular base stations when satellite signals are not available.
GPS tracking device – vehicle locator via app
Product code: 09-062
I have question
new
Accessories
+
1 year license for tracking GPS locator – Tracksolid
1 000 ₽
+
10 year Tracksolid license for GPS locators
5 000 ₽
Product description GPS tracking device – car locator via app
GPS tracking device – car location locator for Android and iOS application + voice monitoring. GPS tracker with heavy duty magnet 3M and anti-disassembly light sensor. GPS tracking device for car – waterproof with magnet + extra large 10000mAh battery + voice monitoring lasts up to 2 years standby. Real time GPS tracker of people and vehicles. Internet car GPS tracker (mobile phone app) with up to 10000 mAh battery with battery status indicator , which keeps the GPS device running in tracking mode for 30 days (approx. Possibility ACTIVE WIRETAPPING after calling the device, to listen to what is happening around the GPS locator
The GPS module is equipped with a heavy-duty magnet (as well as a 3M self-adhesive pad) and is very easy and flexible to install for GPS monitoring of vehicles. Anti-dismantling detector with anti-theft sensor.
Thanks to its strong magnetic housing, you can attach PROFIO ELECTRONICS 3G GPS Hidden Locator System to various locations of the monitored object. IPX5 waterproof exterior protection (splash and dust proof) ensures device functionality even in extreme environmental conditions . The GPS tracking device finds its application in tracking and monitoring rental vehicles, car leasing, transporting valuable goods, renting heavy equipment, and monitoring special and special goods. The GPS tracker will also warn you about unauthorized intervention in the installation or removal of the device. In our online store you can buy high quality GPS locators. You just need a SIM card (data/phone) and GPS tracking can be activated right away.
The GPS device also allows the user to track as an SMS message directly to your mobile phone, where a link to Google maps will be displayed, and after clicking on it, the current location of the tracked vehicle will also be displayed. Another form – through mobile application called “ Track Solid ” (iOS, Android), with which you can find out the location of the tracked vehicle and various necessary data. Latest form tracking device GPS via web interface “ www.tracksolid.com “.
Function
GEO FENCE
Allows you to send e-mail notifications when the vehicle leaves the marked area (in case the driver of the vehicle accidentally leaves the planned route)
This 3G GPS tracker can be used on a motorcycle, trunk, bus, bag, car, container, etc.
3G high speed data transmission 90 117
GPS locator supports 2G GSM and 3G WCDMA data transmission. 3G high-speed data transmission can reach 7.2M/s, which is almost 43 times faster than 2G network.
Dual GPS and LBS positioning
This tracker supports GPS and LBS localization. GPS is a determination of the external position with an accuracy of less than 10 meters. LBS is positioned (in places where there is no GPS signal) with an accuracy of less than 500 meters.
Strong Magnetic Mount
The GPS locator has a built-in strong industrial magnet, so you can easily mount the tracking device on any metal surface – car chassis, doors, under the seat, on the container, etc. But this tracker also includes a 3M self-adhesive holder for mounting on non-metal parts.
Long standby – 60 days
standby mode and intelligent power saving function. In tracking mode in for 30 days (about 2 hours daily online monitoring) and up to 2 years in depending on the online tracking interval.
Voice monitoring
You can use the preset SOS number to send an SMS command to the tracker for voice monitoring – wiretap. The GPS tracker will call you back in a few seconds. Take a call and monitor the voice or conversation around the tracker.
GGPS Locator – Tampering Alarm
If the GPS locator detects unauthorized removal, a warning message will be sent via the Tamper Protection button and GPS tracking mode will be automatically activated for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the device returns to standby mode.
IPX5 Waterproof and Dustproof
The GPS locator is a dust and water spray proof tracking device designed for site monitoring in severe weather conditions.
Cover remove warning
The cover detection button will appear as a warning and will be sent when the device cover is removed. In standby mode, a warning message is recorded and tracking mode is activated for 20 minutes if the cover of the device is detected as being removed.
Vibration alarm
For example, if your car has a malfunction, such as when someone crashes into your car, breaks the glass or scratches the car’s paint, the GPS locator sends an alarm to the phone to find the intruder in time.
GPS blind zone
When the online tracker enters the GPS blind zone, it changes from “positioning” to “not positioning” for more than 60 seconds and sends the signal “Attention! The GPS signal is weak, the region cannot be found” on the phone or other software platform ,
GPS Blind Zone Supplement
If the locator enters the GPS blind zone, it can store 1000 satellite position data. When the GPS signal is turned on again, all position data in the GPS blind zone is padded.
WCDMA / GSM – 3G network for excellent coverage and localization
10000 mAh battery – High capacity lithium battery provides sufficient long-term power to the GPS device
Voice monitoring – ability to activate voice monitoring via text message
Strong magnet – powerful magnetic coating allows flexible installation on a vehicle or other type of property
Intrusion alert – as soon as unauthorized access to the device is detected, you will be immediately notified 903 47 Alarm when the cover is removed – the alarm is activated when changing the SIM card, removing the device or turning it on / off 9W CDMA / GSM
Communication frequency: GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz. WCDMA: 850/900/1200/2100MHz (B1/B2/B5/B8)
Sensitivity: Class II RBER2% (-102dBm)
GPRS: Class 1.