Buying guide: choose your GPS tracker

The GPS tracker is a device that allows geolocation of a property or person. Whether it's a bike, a car or a pet. The GPS tracker tracks a lost thing. This system is increasingly being used to secure property and thwart any attempted theft. If you think you need it, in this article we provide you with all the necessary information. You will learn how to choose your GPS tracker correctly according to its use. At the end of the article, you will find our list of the best gps trackers.

What is a GPS tracker?

The GPS tracker is a device that comes in the form of a case. He embarks a GSM transmitter as well as a GPS receiver. Attached to your vehicle, the GPS tracker allows you to find its exact position in real time. This is a case that can arise especially if you are parked in a very large parking lot.

It is important to know that the GPS tracker is used to locate your vehicle especially in the event of a theft. Some GPS trackers even have an internal memory that can store certain data such as location changes or stealth photographs and videos.

How does a GPS tracker work?

As noted above, a GPS tracker is a case that is equipped with a GPS receiver as well as a GSM transmitter. It works as follows:

• The device receives geolocation data thanks to satellites
• he then texts them to the owner looking for the vehicle. 

The GPS tracker is mainly used by companies that have a fleet of vehicles quite important. This can be used to detect any attempted hijacking and theft. Indeed, it is enough to question the tracer remotely through a call or by text message. Instantly, the exact coordinates are sent by SMS.

In the event that the tracker does not carry a complete GPS system, the data will have to be entered into mapping software to find the exact location of the vehicle. Some advanced devices currently allow you to go through Google Map or a dedicated app.

How data is transmitted

Theoretically, to find its exact location, a GPS device will use a triangulation system. First, it will use three different satellites to do this. Each of them knows in real time their location in relation to the Earth. Each in turn, they will send a wave signal to the tracer for a specified period of time.

Then, the tracker will regain its position by calculating the distance that separates it from each of the satellites. Thanks to this, he will be able to represent their respective scouting circles. It is the intersection of these three circles that will allow the tracer to locate himself. A fourth satellite will come into play at this time to refine the positioning and this by defining the time zone. 

Once the GPS tracker is installed and powered by an electrical system, the connection with the GPS signal from the satellite network is done automatically. The positioning is very precisely rented within a radius of 10 centimeters.

In terms of the transmission of the vehicle's location, there are two methods: 

• SMS transmission: Thanks to its GSM transmitter, the tracker will send the exact data to a number it recognises. It will usually be presented as a link to Google Maps. If necessary, information on mapping software will need to be entered. The SMS can be sent at the request of the owner or in case of a sudden change of location. The latter applies to tracers that are coupled with a motion detection system.
• Internet broadcasting: it is a system used exclusively by super tracers and professional tracers. To do this, you have to use a SIM card with a minimum of data. It allows you to connect to the internet from anywhere on the planet. Thanks to it, you can see in real time the location of a vehicle and have access to the travel history. The majority of our GPS trackers carry dedicated software that allows the transcription of location information.

The different uses of a GPS tracker

To find out exactly which GPS tracker you need, know that it will depend mainly on how you use it. In summary, there are 3 main types of use for this kind of device. 

The GPS tracker to monitor your car

This is the most common mode of use. Although this is becoming more and more widespread among individuals, the use is much more widespread at the corporate level. When they have a larger or smaller fleet of vehicles, they will have no choice but to go through technology to monitor their cars in real time.

Depending on the GPS tracker model you want on your vehicle, some will be coupled with a motion detection device. This means that at any suspicious position change, your machine sends the alert directly via direct call or by courier (depending on the setting).

Models are becoming smaller and easier to install. So you won't need any special skills to do that. In general, GPS trackers for car directly attached to the electrical circuit. However, some have a battery, which requires regular charging but allows you to set up the vehicle tracking very quickly.

In addition, depending on the technological level of a tracer, some can make audio and video recordings. Thanks to an internal memory or an SD memory card, these and your travel history will be available at any time. This type of vehicle tracking does not apply only to land vehicles. It is also used in aviation and the maritime sector. Professional and high-performance GPS trackers are developed especially for these purposes.

The GPS tracker for tracing animals

If you want to get a GPS tracker monitor your pet, be aware that there are models specially designed for this. It is usually in the form of a chip or necklace that your monitoring device will show up. All you need to do is log in to your smartphone to see where your pet is. The most advanced GPS trackers can even help you give very useful information about your companion's health and well-being.

Scientists also use this type of device. This is done mainly in the context of research on animal behaviour. To do this, they use GPS trackers that have a battery life of up to ten months. This allows researchers to collect interesting data on the evolution of a specific species over a decade, for example.

The GPS tracker to monitor people 

With the advancement of tracking technology, it is now possible to track the movements of certain categories of people. Examples include children, people with reduced mobility and those with Alzheimer's. This type of tracer comes in many forms: bracelet, watch, key ring or a simple case.

For more discretion, there are currently miniature GPS trackers on the market that can be easily concealed in the folds of a garment or at the bottom of a bag. The tutor can request the exact contact information at any time through an internet application or a call. Then, in an emergency situation, the person wearing the GPS tracker can also send an alert to indicate that they are in danger.

It should not be forgotten, however, that there are regulations in place for the use of this type of device. You will need the person's consent before you can equip them with a GPS tracker.

What are the different types of GPS tracker?

Especially for specialized GPS trackers for vehicles, there are 3 main types of GPS trackers. These include powered or autonomous GPS trackers, SIM-card GPS trackers with or without a subscription, and connected or unconnected GPS trackers.

Powered or autonomous GPS trackers

This relates to how the device is powered. The Autonomous GPS trackers have a strong internal battery and are to be recharged regularly. Powered tracers are directly fixed to your vehicle's electrical circuit. Thanks to this device, the device is running unlimitedly.

Connected and unconnected GPS trackers

This is the mode of transmission of information to the owner of the vehicle. To function, a GPS tracker must be connected to the GPS network. However, unconnected trackers cannot retransmit your vehicle's positioning in real time. To get all the information you need, you will need to remove the case or the memory card.

On the other hand, connected GPS trackers are the ones who can send your vehicle's positioning in real time. To do this, there is no need to manipulate the case. All you have to do is make a request by making a call from a number recognized by the device.

GPS trackers with or without a subscription

Some models of GPS trackers carry SIM cards to connect to the internet. In some cases, this chip needs a subscription to be able to access the web and transmit the data in real time. In general, connectivity can be done anywhere in the world. Don't forget to seek advice from your seller or by searching the internet before you buy.

How do I choose your GPS tracker?

The GPS tracker is multi-use. It serves to track and secure property like people. Depending on how you use it, one tracer model will be more advantageous than another. This type of equipment is applied in different areas such as maritime, agriculture and aviation. 

GPS trackers for the most advanced vehicles can even Record the distance travelled as well as the number of stops made during journeys. The use of this type of device is widespread among scientists studying animal populations. GPS trackers allow them to track their targets' movements in real time and monitor their evolution over time and behaviour.

Currently, there are specially developed tracers for people with reduced mobility, the elderly or Alzheimer's. In this case, their use is formally regulated by law. It is necessary to have the consent of the person to collect this kind of information. Failure to do so will be considered an invasion of privacy and is punishable by criminal penalties. 

What criteria should be used for choosing your GPS tracker?

Depending on how you use it, be aware that there is a GPS tracer model that will be adapted. Indeed, a tracer to follow in the footsteps of an animal or person and another adapted to vehicles will be different. However, for optimal choice, there are a few basic criteria you will need to check. The on-board features, the autonomy or the ease of use are a few. Another selection criterion for your tracker will be the selling price.

The features of a GPS tracker

Knowing the features of a GPS tracker can make it easier for you to make your choice. Even if, at the base, a tracer is used to trace the positioning of a vehicle or animal, certain on-board functions will make one model more advantageous than another. There are many models that can give you very accurate information. Examples of features include date and time, distance traveled, number of stops, or speed. 

The autonomy of a GPS tracker

Autonomy is a feature to consider when choosing your GPS tracker. Indeed, especially to trace the position of an animal, you will need a device that has a more or less long autonomy. Calculate the average load time of your GPS tracker. Be aware that depending on the model, some tracers carry a battery life that ranges from a few hours to several months.

The ease of use of a GPS tracker

A criterion that is not the least in the choice of your GPS tracker is its ease of use. Is your device easy for you? Do you identify the different options on board? This is a criterion that makes it possible to make the right choice for your device, because if you do not even understand how your device works, you will not be able to use it optimally.

How information is transmitted

A GPS tracker transmits information in two main ways: via the GSM network or internet. If your device is on the mobile phone function, your target's contact information will be communicated over the phone. Some advanced models send information that can be read directly via Google Map. For maximum efficiency, choose GPS trackers that carry both methods of transmission. In this case, if one of them is defective, the other will take over.

The adopted mobile network

Depending on the GPS tracer model, the mobile network operated may be different. Some tracers are still limited to 2G connectivity and should be avoided. Indeed, this type of network will become more and more obsolete over time. Prefer 3G or 4G connectivity to this kind of network. Also be aware that some advanced GPS trackers carry the internet functionality to facilitate the transmission of location data. Thanks to this, all you have to do is log in to a web platform or go through a mobile app to find the exact coordinates of your vehicle.

What are the best GPS trackers?

Currently, GPS tracer models and brands are plentiful on the market. Everyone will have its pros and cons. In this part of our article, we will show you here our best sales and device proposals.

The GPS tracker for high-range car 20,000 mAh

This type of tracer is particularly tough and waterproof. Indeed, the case is made from metal. It has a magnet that makes it much easier to install. With this device, you can monitor the every move of your fleet of vehicles in real time. This device has autonomy up to 240 days in standby mode thanks to its 20,000 mAh Li-ion polymer rechargeable battery. If your GPS tracker runs continuously, it has a battery life of 25 to 30 days.

In addition, this GPS beacon has a special location to accommodate a SIM card. Thanks to this, you will be able to track your vehicle's journeys in real time thanks to the internet. It is via a link to Google Map or via its mobile app that the device sends the various important information such as the travel history as well as the exact positioning of your vehicle. The location is given with a precision radius of 5 meters.

The advantage of this device is that it can be paired with a motion detector. This will activate an effective anti-theft system. If there is any movement of your vehicle, an alarm will be sent to you immediately. This GPS tracker can record your vehicle's movements over a period of up to 6 months. In terms of size and weight, this device is 120 mm long and 65 mm wide and 50 mm high. It weighs only 365 grams.

The GPS tracker car 3G Wi-Fi magnet

This powerful GPS tracker is a device that uses 3G mobile connectivity and Wi-Fi. With this device, you will be able to track in real time the slightest change in the positioning of your vehicle. Indeed, it is equipped with a motion detector which makes it an effective and responsive anti-theft device. As soon as there are suspicious place changes, an alarm will be sent to you instantly.

Battery power can be up to 20,000 mAh. In standby mode, it can last for months without needing to be recharged. You can automate sleep mode to trigger at the desired time. But even when you're on standby, your GPS tracker will still activate as soon as your car is moved.

An interesting feature of this GPS tracker for car is that it allows you to delineate a geo fence. This is an area that you can set up from your device. In this case, as soon as the vehicle leaves this area, you will be automatically notified. For even wider use, you can insert an SD memory card with a maximum capacity of 32GB. You can go through Google Map or the dedicated app available for free to read the information sent.

For ease of installation, This GPS tracer is equipped with a magnet that will allow it to attach itself to any metal surface. In terms of dimensions, this device is 164 mm long and 64 mm wide and 47 mm high. The GPS tracker has a total weight of 570 grams.

The GPS tracker car with 3G magnet

It is a model of miniature GPS tracker which is very easy to install. Its powerful magnet allows you to attach it to any metal surface of your choice. Its size is 120 mm long and 30 mm wide and is just 59 mm high, making it easy to install without the driver's knowledge. As soon as your tracker is activated, you'll be able to track your target's movements.

One of the most important features of this device is that you can easily set a security area called "geo fence". Thanks to this, if your car exceeds this area, an alert will be immediately sent to you by SMS or a call. To do this, you will need to have an active SIM card connected to the local mobile network. You can access positioning data via the internet or through a dedicated application. The latter comes with the product. Note that it is compatible with Android and Ios systems.

This GPS tracker for cars carries a 5,000 mAh lithium polymer battery. It is an energy-efficient device that can provide you with up to 180 days of autonomy. Thanks to a motion detection system, your vehicle is guaranteed to be always under surveillance. Indeed, any suspicious move will automatically trigger the tracking and recording function. An effective feature of this GPS tracker for cars is that it is robust and particularly waterproof. Its case can withstand water pressure for a period of 30 minutes.

The GPS-spy tracker built into a cigarette lighter socket  

This GPS spy tracker Intelligent includes several useful features. First of all, it is a tracer lined with a charger specially dedicated for monitoring a vehicle. It is equipped with two USB inputs that allow the loading of different devices such as your smartphone, e-cigarettes or tablet. This GPS tracker has been developed to be installed at the level of your cigarette lighter.

It is a powered tracer that activates thanks to the electricity provided by your cigarette lighter. For even more optimal use, this device has a compartment to accommodate an SD memory card with a maximum capacity of 32 GB. This will allow you to easily record all the useful information. You will need a SIM card to enjoy the GSM broadcast.

An interesting feature of this spy tracer is that it allows you to record the voices around the tracer. When the owner of the vehicle makes an appeal to the device, he immediately goes be able to hear the noises and voices around. It acts as a micro spy gsm and allows you to call the gps tracker and listen live to the conversation remotely. The advantage is that the people inside will not realize that they are being recorded in real time. You can set up alert zones to further secure your vehicle. As soon as the car crosses the limits, an alert will be sent to you.

This GPS tracker quickly blend into your dashboard to look like a simple charger. This is facilitated by its small size of 7.5 cm long and 4 cm wide and a height of 2.5 cm.