Ever wonder which GPS tracker is the best for your car? With so many options out there, it can get confusing. Whether you're a car owner looking for extra safety, a small business owner managing a fleet, or a fleet manager who needs real-time updates, choosing the right GPS tracker is important. 

In this article, we'll compare three popular types of GPS trackers—Portable, OBD, and Wired—so you can pick the one that fits your needs best!

Why We Need a GPS Tracker?

Vehicle thefts have continued to rise across the U.S., with more than one million vehicles reported stolen in 2023, according to a report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). This is a slight increase from 2022, with the total rising from 1,008,756 to 1,020,729. The problem has been growing since 2019, with California seeing the highest number of thefts at 208,668 vehicles in 2023. 

Urban areas like Washington, D.C. and Maryland saw big jumps in theft rates, with increases of 64% and 63% respectively. This shows that vehicle theft is a growing issue that needs stronger security measures and better cooperation between law enforcement and vehicle manufacturers.

GPS trackers are small devices that help track the location of vehicles in real-time. They are important for car owners, fleet managers, and helps small business owners because they help to keep vehicles safe, prevent theft, and improve management. There are different types of GPS trackers, each with unique features. 

Let’s learn the three main types: Portable GPS Trackers, OBD GPS Trackers, and Hardwired GPS trackers.

Portable GPS Tracker

A portable GPS tracker is a small device that helps you track the location of a car, motorcycle, or person. It’s battery-powered, so you don’t need to plug it in all the time, and it's easy to install or carry around. Portable GPS trackers are great for people who need to move them between different vehicles or use them for short-term tracking. They are perfect for personal use because they can be used almost anywhere.

• Personal Use: Track your car, motorcycle, bike or even loved ones for safety.
• Motorcycle: Since motorcycles don’t have much space, a mini portable GPS tracker works well.
• Rental Car: Small portable GPS tracker is perfect for rental companies that want to track where their cars are going.
• Vehicle/Car: If you don’t want to install a GPS tracker permanently, a portable one is easy to switch between vehicles.
• Person: These trackers are small enough to keep with someone for personal safety.

• Small and Easy to Carry: They are compact and easy to move between cars or even keep in your pocket.
• Flexible: You can use them for different purposes, like tracking a vehicle, a motorcycle, fleet management or a person.
• No Complicated Installation: You don’t need to permanently install them, which saves time and effort.

Portable GPS trackers have some downsides:

• Battery Life: Because they run on batteries, they need regular charging, and the battery can run out if not monitored.
• Less Secure: Since they are not permanently installed, they can be easily removed or lost if they are not hidden.
• Not Ideal for Long-Term Use: For long-term tracking, you may need a tracker with a longer-lasting battery or permanent installation.

OBD GPS Tracker

An OBD GPS tracker is a small device that connects to a vehicle's OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) port, usually located under the dashboard. This tracker monitors the vehicle's location and other important data, like engine performance and fuel efficiency. It's a plug-and-play device, which means it's very easy to install—just plug it into the OBD-II port, and it starts working. These trackers are often used in cars, trucks, and even small fleets.

OBD GPS trackers are perfect for several situations:

• Car Owners: If you want to keep an eye on where your car is and how it’s running, this tracker can help. It can even warn you if there's something wrong with the car.
• Fleet Managers: OBD GPS trackers are great for managing several vehicles in a small business. You can track the vehicles' locations and check how your drivers are behaving on the road.
• Small Business Owners: They can help you keep track of vehicles in your business, making sure they are used efficiently.

Benefits to using an OBD GPS tracker:

• Easy Installation: It's plug-and-play, meaning you don't need professional help to set it up.
• Vehicle Diagnostics: Some OBD trackers can tell you if there’s a problem with your car, like engine issues.
• Real-Time Tracking: You can see where your car or fleet is at any time and monitor how fast it’s going and how well it’s being driven.
• Driver behaviour monitoring: It can track how safely a person is driving, which helps improve driver habits and safety.

There are a few downsides to consider:

• Easily Removable: Since it plugs into the car's OBD-II port, it can be easily removed by anyone who knows where it’s located.
• Limited to OBD-II Port: This type of tracker only works in cars that have an OBD-II port, so it won’t be useful for older cars or some specialty vehicles.

Wired GPS Tracker

A wired GPS tracker is a tracking device that is connected directly to a vehicle’s electrical system. This means it gets power from the car's battery, so it doesn’t need to be charged. Once installed, the tracker is hidden inside the vehicle, making it hard to detect or remove. Wired GPS trackers are often used for long-term tracking because they stay active as long as the vehicle has power.

Wired GPS trackers are great for:

• Fleet management: Helping companies keep an eye on all their vehicles.
• High-security needs: Offering extra security for expensive cars or valuable cargo.
• Long-term vehicle tracking: Ideal for people who need to track their car's location 24/7.

Wired GPS tracker offer several benefits, such as:

• Permanent tracking: Since they are hardwired, you don’t have to worry about charging them.
• Secure tracking: These devices are hidden inside the car, making them hard to find or tamper with.
• Reliable: They get a constant power supply from the vehicle, so they provide real-time tracking at all times.

Wired GPS trackers have some downsides, including:

• Professional installation: You may need a mechanic or expert to install the tracker, which can add to the cost.
• Hard to remove: Once installed, they are difficult to take out, which could be a problem if you want to move the tracker to another vehicle.
• Permanent installation: They stay in one vehicle and can’t be easily switched between cars.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a GPS Tracker

Choosing the right GPS tracker can help you keep your vehicle or fleet safe and well-managed. Here are some important things to think about when picking a GPS tracker:

• Portable GPS Trackers: These are the easiest to install. You can just place them anywhere in your vehicle or attach them to an object.
• OBD GPS Trackers: These plug into the OBD port of your car. This is a plug-and-play option, so you don't need any tools.
• Wired GPS Trackers: These need to be connected to your vehicle’s power system. They can take longer to install but are often more secure.

Different GPS trackers get their power in different ways:

• Battery-Powered GPS Trackers: Portable trackers usually use batteries. You need to recharge or replace the batteries, but they can be placed almost anywhere.
• OBD GPS Trackers: These use your vehicle’s OBD port for power, so you don’t have to worry about recharging.
• Wired GPS Trackers: These are hardwired into your vehicle and get their power directly from the car, so there’s no need for batteries.

It’s important to pick a GPS tracker that’s tough and secure.

• Portable GPS Trackers: These can be placed in various spots, but they can also be easier to find and remove.
• OBD GPS Trackers: These are tucked away inside the car’s dashboard, making them harder to tamper with.
• Wired GPS Trackers: These are usually hidden inside the vehicle and are harder to detect or remove, making them a more secure option.

Different GPS trackers offer various types of information.

• Portable GPS Trackers: Usually offer location tracking, geofencing, SOS etc.
• OBD GPS Trackers: Provide both location tracking and some vehicle diagnostics, like engine health.
• Wired GPS Trackers: These can offer advanced features like real-time tracking, driver behaviour monitoring, and even vehicle diagnostics.

Cost can vary depending on the type of GPS tracker and the features it offers.

• Portable GPS Trackers: These are often the cheapest and easiest to install.
• OBD GPS Trackers: These are slightly more expensive than portable trackers, but they offer more features.
• Wired GPS Trackers: These tend to cost more because of the installation process and the advanced features they provide.

Which GPS Tracker is Best for You?

When it comes to GPS trackers, there are a few types to choose from. Each type is best for different people and needs. Let’s explore which one is right for you!

Portable GPS Tracker: Best for Personal Use
A Portable GPS Tracker is great for personal use. These lightweight trackers can be used in cars, bikes, or during outdoor activities like hiking. They’re easy to move between vehicles and offer flexibility for short-term needs without requiring permanent installation.

An OBD GPS Tracker plugs into your car’s OBD port and provides real-time data on driving behaviour and engine health. It’s easy to install and ideal for car owners who want detailed information about their vehicle. Fleet managers can also use it to track driving habits.

A Wired GPS Tracker is best for long-term tracking and high security. It’s hardwired into the vehicle, ensuring constant updates and eliminating the need for charging. This tracker is ideal for fleet managers who need reliable, secure tracking for business vehicles.

Conclusion

Selecting the right GPS tracker depends on your needs. Portable GPS trackers are ideal for personal use because they’re flexible and easy to move between vehicles. OBD GPS trackers suit car owners and small businesses wanting real-time tracking and vehicle data. Wired GPS trackers are best for fleet managers needing long-term, secure tracking. By understanding the features of each type, you can choose the best tracker to keep your vehicle or fleet safe and well-managed.