Can you actually get reliable, affordable GPS trackers for under $50 in 2025? The good news is yes. Affordable options do exist, and they can give you peace of mind without draining your wallet. Whether you’re looking to protect your car, keep tabs on your kids or pets, or track equipment for a small fleet, there are solid budget picks worth considering.

In this guide, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 6 GPS trackers under $50 that strike a balance between cost and performance. You’ll see what each tracker offers, where it shines, and where it falls short. You’ll also find quick comparisons, honest pros and cons, and simple buyer tips so you can choose the right fit.

If you’re shopping for a cheap GPS tracker that still works, this list is your shortcut.

Are GPS Trackers Under $50 Worth It?

At first, the idea of buying a GPS tracker under $50 might sound unrealistic. How reliable can a budget tracker really be? The truth is, many affordable GPS tracking devices have improved so much in recent years that they now provide solid value for families, car owners, and even small businesses. You may not get every premium feature, but you do get the essentials that matter most.

Here is why budget trackers are worth a closer look:

• Affordable protection: You can monitor cars, kids, pets, or small assets without spending hundreds of dollars.
• Peace of mind: Even low-cost trackers can provide real-time updates, which help you feel more secure.
• Core features included: Most budget GPS trackers still offer essentials like geofencing, alerts, and accurate location tracking.
• Ideal for starters: If you have never used a GPS tracker, a cheaper model is a low-risk way to see how it fits your needs.
• Good balance of cost and function: While battery life and advanced features may be limited, these devices still handle the basics well.

Quick Comparison: Best Affordable GPS Trackers Under $50

Here’s a quick look at the top six budget-friendly GPS trackers so you can compare them side by side before diving into the full reviews.

Our Top Picks for GPS Trackers Under $50 in 2025

Now that you know budget trackers are worth it, let’s look at the best GPS trackers under $50 you can actually buy in 2025. I’ve selected six options that give you the most value for the price, covering different needs like cars, kids, pets, and even small fleets.

1. Tracki Mini GPS Tracker

What it is & who it’s for:
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker is one of the smallest and lightest trackers you can buy, making it super flexible for everyday use. Because it’s portable and comes with a strong magnet, belt clip, and waterproof cover, you can place it almost anywhere: in a car, on a bike, inside a backpack, or even on a pet’s collar.

It’s designed for people who want affordable and reliable tracking without dealing with complicated setups. Parents use it to keep an eye on kids, pet owners use it to make sure their dogs stay safe, and car owners use it as a theft-prevention tool. If you need a simple GPS tracker that can move between different uses, from luggage to vehicles to personal safety, this device is built for you.

Key Features:

• Real-time 4G LTE tracking with unlimited distance
• Works in the U.S. and worldwide with an included international SIM
• Compact size (1.8 x 1.6 x 0.7 in, 1.26 oz)
• Geofencing, alerts, SOS button, and up to 5 years of location history
• Works with GPS, Wi-Fi, and GSM for better coverage indoors and outdoors

What I Liked (Pros):

• Very affordable and one of the smallest GPS trackers available
• Includes worldwide coverage with an international SIM
• Flexible - works for cars, kids, pets, or even luggage
• Comes with useful extras like a magnet, belt clip, and waterproof cover

What Could Be Better (Cons):

• Battery lasts only 2–5 days in real-time mode (longer with battery saver or optional extended pack)
• Requires a subscription plan to work, starting at $9.95 per month

👉 Check Price of Tracki Mini on Amazon

2. Spytec Mini GPS Tracker

What it is & who it’s for:
Spytec Mini GPS Tracker is designed for people who need accurate, discreet tracking for vehicles, kids, or valuable assets. Its compact size makes it easy to hide inside a car, backpack, or even on equipment, which makes it a solid choice for theft prevention or monitoring a teen driver.

Key Features:

• 4G LTE global coverage with a “super SIM” that works in the U.S. and worldwide
• Battery life up to 14 days with 60-second updates (9 days with 5-second updates)
• Geofencing alerts, speed notifications, and a “Time Machine” feature to review location history
• Real-time tracking through the Spytec app for iOS and Android
• Lifetime warranty and 24/7 customer support

What I Liked (Pros):

• Very accurate location updates, even in busy areas
• Compact design that’s easy to hide for car or asset tracking
• The app is user-friendly and packed with useful features
• Solid U.S.-based customer support with lifetime coverage

What Could Be Better (Cons):

• Requires a subscription plan to use, starting at $14.95 per month
• Battery drains faster on frequent updates (5-second mode)

👉 See Spytec Mini's latest price here

3. Tracki Pro GPS Tracker

What it is & who it’s for:
Tracki Pro GPS Tracker is a heavy-duty option built for people who need reliable and long-lasting tracking. With its strong magnetic mount and waterproof design, it’s ideal for parents who want dependable car monitoring or businesses that need to keep track of fleet vehicles, trailers, or equipment. Compared to the Tracki Mini, this one is bigger, but it makes up for the size with serious battery power and durability.

Key Features:

• Long battery life: 2–7 months per charge, depending on mode
• 10,000mAh battery, one of the strongest in the industry
• 4G LTE coverage worldwide with 3G and 2G fallback
• GPS, Wi-Fi, and multiple satellite systems (Glonass, QZSS, BDS) for accurate location
• Waterproof, rugged design with magnetic, screw, or tape mounting options
• Real-time alerts for speed, movement, fence crossing, and low battery
• Lifetime warranty with 24/7 customer support

What I Liked (Pros):

• Outstanding battery life compared to smaller trackers
• Durable, waterproof build with flexible mounting options
• Accurate tracking indoors and outdoors with GPS + Wi-Fi backup
• Excellent customer support and lifetime warranty

What Could Be Better (Cons):

• Larger than the Tracki Mini.
• Requires a monthly subscription starting at $9.95

👉 Shop Tracki Pro GPS Tracker here

4. SALIND 11 4G GPS Tracker

What it is & who it’s for:
SALIND 11 GPS Tracker is built for reliable vehicle monitoring and theft recovery. With its rugged design and powerful magnetic mount, it’s perfect for cars, fleets, boats, or even heavy equipment. If you want a tracker you can attach quickly without wiring and forget about for weeks at a time, this is a solid pick.

Key Features:

• Strong built-in magnets for easy, no-wire installation
• 7,500mAh rechargeable battery lasting up to 70 days in standby mode
• Real-time 4G LTE tracking with an included worldwide SIM card
• Geofencing, speed alerts, vibration detection, and low-battery warnings
• Works with iOS, Android, and PC apps for flexible monitoring
• Splashproof, durable build for cars, trucks, boats, or containers

What I Liked (Pros):

• Rugged and weather-resistant design, great for outdoor or fleet use
• Simple to install with a magnetic mount, no wiring needed
• Long battery life reduces charging hassles
• Global SIM option with affordable subscription plans starting at $5.50/month

What Could Be Better (Cons):

• Limited accessory options compared to other trackers
• Bulkier than pocket-sized trackers for personal use

👉 See SALIND 11 pricing and details here

5. Trak-4 GPS Tracker

What it is & who it’s for:
Trak-4 GPS Tracker is built for commercial use, making it a favorite among fleet managers, trailer owners, and businesses that need reliable asset tracking. It’s also great for monitoring heavy equipment, tools, or valuables over long periods. If you want a tracker you can set up once and trust for months without constant charging, this is a strong option.

Key Features:

• Long-lasting battery: 12–18 months per charge on daily reporting
• Global coverage with 4G LTE and fallback to 2G networks
• Waterproof and rugged design for all-weather use
• Geofencing, speed alerts, motion detection, and location history
• Wi-Fi backup for more accurate indoor tracking
• User-friendly app and web platform for real-time monitoring
• Multiple mounting options (screws, straps, tape, or optional magnetic kit)

What I Liked (Pros):

• Incredible battery life that outlasts most trackers in this price range
• Simple and user-friendly app, easy for both personal and business use
• Flexible mounting options, including an optional magnet kit
• Affordable subscription plans starting at $6.99 per month

What Could Be Better (Cons):

• Larger in size compared to compact trackers, and not as easy to hide discreetly
• Works best for fleets and assets rather than small personal items

👉 Check current Trak-4 GPS Tracker deals here

6. Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker

What it is & who it’s for:
Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker is designed for hidden car tracking and personal use. With its compact design and bundled twin magnet case, it’s easy to attach under vehicles or secure to assets without drawing attention. It’s also a reliable option for monitoring elderly family members or keeping track of valuables.

Key Features:

• 4G LTE real-time tracking with updates as frequent as every 10 seconds
• Motion-activated alerts for movement, speeding, and geo-fence crossings
• Driving reports and location history for better tracking insights
• Email and text alerts for low battery, SOS, or when entering/exiting preset zones
• Battery life up to 2 weeks with 1-minute update intervals
• Durable twin waterproof magnet case for secure vehicle placement

What I Liked (Pros):

• Discreet design makes it easy to hide from vehicle tracking
• Accurate location updates with customizable reporting intervals
• Strong U.S.-based customer support and a reliable app
• Comes with a tough waterproof magnet case for secure mounting

What Could Be Better (Cons):

• Requires a subscription to unlock full tracking features
• Battery life is shorter compared to larger trackers like the Trak-4

👉 See Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker price here

How to Choose the Best Affordable GPS Tracker Under $50

Not every budget tracker is built the same, and the right one depends on your needs. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the best GPS tracker under $50 without wasting money:

• Decide your use case: Do you need a car security device, a tracker for kids or pets, or something for a small fleet? Pick based on what matters most to you.
• Look at subscription costs: Some trackers require monthly fees, while others offer cheaper long-term plans. Make sure the plan fits your budget.
• Battery life matters: Mini trackers are lightweight but need charging more often. Bigger models last months but are less discreet.
• Placement & size: A hidden tracker works best for theft prevention, while portable ones are easier for kids, pets, or luggage.
• Check compatibility: Look at app quality, alert types, and features like geofencing or speed notifications. These make the tracker more useful day to day.

By balancing these factors, you can find the best budget GPS tracker that works for your exact situation.

Do GPS Trackers Under $50 Really Work?

Yes, cheap GPS trackers under $50 do work, but you need to set the right expectations. These devices are built for basic, reliable tracking rather than premium performance.

Here’s what you can realistically expect:

• Reliability: Most budget trackers provide accurate real-time location updates, though not always as precise as high-end models.
• Coverage: With 4G LTE and backup networks like 3G or Wi-Fi, they work well across the U.S. and in many countries worldwide.
• Durability: Many are splashproof or come with waterproof cases, but they may not survive the toughest conditions like military-grade devices.
• Battery life: Small trackers often need charging every few days, while larger ones can last weeks or months.

So if you want reliable GPS tracking under $50 for cars, kids, pets, or assets, these devices are worth it. Just don’t expect every premium feature you’d find in trackers costing $100 or more.

Conclusion

Finding the best GPS trackers under $50 in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While these budget devices won’t deliver every premium feature, they do provide reliable tracking, useful alerts, and peace of mind at a fraction of the cost. Whether you need a discreet option like the Optimus 2.0, a flexible tracker like the Tracki Mini, or long-lasting power with the Trak-4 or Tracki Pro, there’s a solution for every need. 

By weighing your priorities, from battery life to app quality, you can confidently pick a device that keeps your car, kids, pets, or assets safe without breaking the bank.

FAQs About GPS Trackers Under $50

Q1. Do GPS trackers under $50 require Wi-Fi to work?

No, these devices primarily use GPS and 4G LTE networks for location tracking. Wi-Fi is only a backup for indoor use when GPS signals are blocked, helping improve accuracy in covered areas.

Q2. Can I use a budget GPS tracker internationally?

Yes, most trackers under $50 include SIM cards with global coverage. To use internationally, you’ll need:

• A subscription plan that supports roaming
• Strong 4G/3G network availability in the region you’re traveling to

Q3. How accurate are cheap GPS trackers compared to premium models?

Budget trackers are typically accurate within 10–30 feet, which is enough for cars, pets, or personal belongings. Premium trackers may refresh location faster and handle tough environments better, but most everyday users won’t notice much difference.

Q4. Do I need professional installation for these trackers?

No, installation is simple and user-friendly. Most budget trackers use magnets, clips, or waterproof cases. You can:

• Attach them to a car
• Drop them in a bag or container
• Set up using the app in minutes

Q5. Can GPS trackers under $50 send alerts to multiple people?

Yes, many budget trackers allow sharing access. You can add multiple recipients to receive notifications by app, email, or text, making it easy for families or small teams to stay updated together.