What is the best GPS tracker for cars: comparison and which one to choose?
In an increasingly connected world, vehicle tracking has become a necessity for many businesses. Whether to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs or ensure vehicle safety, fleet monitoring is an essential solution. This is where GPS trackers for cars come in.
A GPS tracker is a device that uses the global positioning system (GPS) to determine the precise location of a vehicle, person or other property to which it is attached. Location information can be viewed on an electronic map via the Internet or on a specialized application.
Understanding GPS Trackers
Definition and operation of a GPS tracker
As previously stated, a GPS tracker uses signals from GPS satellites to determine its precise location. The device sends location data to a central server where it is stored and analyzed. Users can access this information via an online platform or mobile application, allowing them to track the position and movement of their vehicles in real time.
The different types of GPS trackers
There are several types of GPS trackers, each with their own features and benefits. Some are designed to be permanently installed in a vehicle, while others are portable and can be moved from one vehicle to another. Some GPS trackers offer additional features, such as driver behavior monitoring or geofencing.
Standalone GPS trackers
Standalone GPS trackers are generally the smallest and lightest. They are powered by an internal battery, which gives them a limited lifespan. Standalone GPS trackers are generally used to track objects or people, rather than vehicles because they often need to be remembered to recharge. However, they can more easily hide if you are looking for a GPS tracker to combat car theft.
- Advantages: Easy to install and use, easy to hide, inexpensive, discreet.
- Disadvantages: Limited battery life, lower location accuracy.
Powered GPS trackers
Powered GPS trackers are larger and often heavier than standalone GPS trackers. They are connected in several ways: either directly to the vehicle battery, or to the cigarette lighter, or to the OBDII socket, which gives them an unlimited lifespan.
- Advantages: Unlimited battery life, possibility of having very tight position intervals between two sendings.
- Disadvantages: More difficult to install and use, less discreet.
How to choose a GPS tracker for car?
Choosing a GPS tracker depends on several factors, including your specific needs, the technology used, the type of vehicle you want to track, your budget and the features you are looking for. For example, if you manage a large fleet of vehicles, you may need a more sophisticated system with advanced features like real-time tracking, detailed vehicle usage reporting, and integration with other logistics systems. A GPS tracker powered by the vehicle will then be preferable to have recurring and precise data.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a GPS tracker to track a vehicle in the event of theft, you would rather be advised to use an autonomous or hidden GPS tracker connected to the battery.
Review of the best GPS trackers for cars
When it comes to choosing the best GPS tracker for your car, it’s important to consider a number of factors, including ease of use, features offered, and cost.
Car GPS Tracker Evaluation Criteria
Before learning about each GPS tracker and each different brand individually, it is important to understand the criteria we used to evaluate each GPS tracker. These criteria include ease of use (installation and user interface), features (real-time tracking, alerts, travel history), cost (purchase price and subscription fees), and quality of customer service .
Besides the type of GPS tracker, there are criteria to consider when choosing a GPS tracker. These criteria include:
- Location accuracy
- Position update frequency
- Battery life
- Network coverage
- Additional features
Location accuracy
Location accuracy is one of the most important criteria to consider when choosing a GPS tracker. Location accuracy is measured in meters. The most accurate GPS trackers can provide positions with an accuracy of a few meters.
Position update frequency
The frequency of updating positions is another important criterion. The frequency of position updates is measured in seconds. The fastest GPS trackers can update their location every x seconds (30 seconds, 60 seconds, etc.).
Other GPS trackers may have a much more frequent frequency (a few positions per day) and thus benefit from an advantageous subscription rate.
Battery life
Battery life is an important consideration for standalone GPS trackers. Battery life is usually measured in days or weeks. The most capable standalone GPS trackers can run for several weeks on a single charge.
Network coverage
Depending on the GPS tracker and the technology it uses, network coverage will not be the same. Indeed, a GPS tracker can operate by satellite, GSM (with a SIM card) or by an LPWAN network (Sigfox, LoRa). The latter will have less coverage compared to satellite or GSM networks. Also be careful: a SIM card can be limited to 2G or 3G while others can be 2G/3G/4G and even multi-operator!
Additional features
GPS trackers may offer additional features, such as specific alerts:
- Motion alert
- Zone exit alert
- Zone entry alert
- Late or absence alert
- The immobility alert
- etc.
These alerts can be useful for tracking vehicle behavior or alerting the user to specific events.
GPS trackers for vehicle fleets can also offer certain important characteristics, such as unblockability, the possibility of making adjustments remotely, etc.
Company and brand evaluation criteria
Find out about the brand that sells GPS trackers before purchasing:
- Are they easily accessible by email or telephone to answer questions?
- Is after-sales service effective?
- Is it a French company?
What is the best GPS tracker for vehicles?
Vehicle fleet tracking is an essential practice for many businesses, and GPS car trackers play a key role in this operation. They offer a multitude of benefits, from improving operational efficiency to reducing costs and increasing security.
Ultimately, choosing the best GPS tracker will depend on your specific needs. However, by considering the evaluation criteria mentioned and carefully reviewing the available options, you should be able to find a device that meets your needs and helps improve your fleet tracking operations.
To choose the best GPS tracker for you, you must take into account the following criteria:
- Your needs: What type of vehicle do you want to track? What is the maximum distance you must follow the vehicle? How accurate do you need to track the vehicle? What additional features do you need?
- Your budget: GPS trackers vary in price, from several tens of euros to several hundred euros.