Best GPS Vehicle Tracker: Prices and Reviews

Despite a downward trend in car theft over the last decade, more than 750,000 vehicles were stolen in 2016.¹ That’s more than one car per minute in the US. And while there’s a lot you can do to prevent your car from being stolen, a determined car thief can work around most preventive measures.

If you have a GPS vehicle tracker installed somewhere on your stolen vehicle, authorities can recover your car quickly, minimizing your losses.

That said, GPS vehicle trackers aren’t just useful for car theft. They also allow you to keep an eye on your loved ones so they can stay safer on the road. Below we’ve handpicked a few of our favorite GPS vehicle trackers for every type of use.

To get the biggest bang for your buck, go with Optimus 2.0.

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There’s a lot to like about the Spy Tec STI GL300 Mini Portable GPS Tracker, which explains why it’s one of the most popular GPS vehicle trackers on Amazon.

Although the $25-per-month subscription fee is a bit steeper than other options, the device is remarkably compact and extremely accurate. In fact, Spy Tec claims its tracking data is accurate to one meter.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: Need accuracy? Try the Spy Tec STI GL300.

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If you don’t want to pay a monthly premium, you might like this Vyncs tracker. Just pay for the tracker and you’ll get a full year of complimentary 3G coverage.

We also like what Vyncs does with your driving data. You’ll get driving scores, tips for safer driving, and a pretty accurate real-time tracking feed.

The Vyncs isn’t perfect, though. Many users claim the setup is clunky, and the tracking sometimes misfires in the form of dropped coverage or false event notifications. Plus, if you use this device for longer than one year, you’ll have to start paying an annual subscription fee.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: Though the Vyncs is pricier, you’ll save on subscription services for the first year.

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If you’re looking for a GPS vehicle tracker for your teen, look no further than the MOTOsafety 4G. With its driving courses and data-driven report cards, the device will not only help you keep an eye on your young driver but also teach them how to be safer on the road.

And while it’s not the most sleek GPS tracker on our list, its wired connection means you’ll never have to worry about the battery dying.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: With its ability to track safe driving, the MOTOsafety 4G’s the best choice for your teen driver.

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We dove deep into Amazon’s best-ranked trackers and compared prices, features, and specs.

Autobrain’s a wired tracker that monitors vehicle health and driving data in addition to location. We really like this one, but it’s hard to compare to other options as it approaches its cost and service structure differently than the trackers we reviewed. You can get it without a subscription—you can get a family subscription—you can get it with a six months or one year of service included. Prices and features vary depending on what you want.

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Previously, we recommended this MOTOsafety tracker. But with the advent of the new 4G tracker, which has the same features but is cheaper, we bumped this one off the list. It’s still a good option if you for some reason don’t want the 4G version.

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Keep your car locked and your keys outside of it when it’s not in use. Cars that can be easily accessed are at higher risk of theft.

Be especially wary if you have a frequently stolen vehicle. Check out the NCIB Hot Wheels report to see if your car’s a magnet for would-be thieves.

You also might have a greater chance of having a vehicle stolen based on your location. See if you live in a top city for vehicle theft.

Apart from using your GPS device to track your vehicle, you should notify the police and your insurance provider.²

If you’re looking to make the roads safer for you or a loved one, or if you simply want to add an extra measure against car theft, there’s no shortage of GPS vehicle trackers that can get the job done.

• Optimus 2.0: Best option overall
• Spy Tec STI GL300: Most accurate data
• Vyncs GPS Tracker: Free for one year after purchase
• MOTOsafety 4G Real Time OBD Tracking Device: Data collection for teen drivers

Sources

1. FBI Crime in the United States, “Motor Vehicle Theft”
2. MasterThis, “My Car Was Just Stolen. Now What?”