Are you looking to keep track of your loved ones, secure your belongings, or manage a fleet of vehicles? GPS trackers have become an essential tool for personal safety, family security, and business management. But with so many types of GPS trackers available, it can be confusing to know which one is right for you. So, it's important to understand "which type of GPS tracker is best for you".

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of GPS trackers, explain how they work, and help you choose the best one for your specific needs—whether for personal, family, or business use. Let’s dive in and explore how to make the best choice for your tracking needs!

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding GPS Tracking Technology: GPS uses satellites to find and share real-time locations via cellular, satellite, or Bluetooth connectivity.
• Cellular GPS Trackers: Best for real-time tracking in cities, offering features like geo-fencing and speed alerts but require a monthly fee.
• Non-Cellular GPS Trackers: Perfect for remote locations with no cell signal, offering reliable coverage and emergency alerts.
• Bluetooth GPS Trackers: Affordable, lightweight, and ideal for finding nearby items like keys, wallets, or bags without monthly fees.
• Factors to Choose the Best Tracker: Your purpose, location, real-time tracking needs, and budget will decide the most suitable GPS tracker.

Understanding GPS Tracking Technology

When you hear "GPS tracking," you’re hearing about a way to know the exact location of something or someone. GPS stands for "Global Positioning System," a technology that helps find and follow the location of an object, like a car, a person, or even a pet. GPS technology is all around us, used in devices like smartphones, cars, and special trackers for people, pets, or packages.

How Does GPS Technology Work?

At the heart of GPS tracking is a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites send signals down to GPS devices on the ground. Here’s how it works:

• Satellites Send Signals: At any time, there are 24 main GPS satellites in space that send out signals.
• Your GPS Device Receives Signals: The GPS device on Earth picks up signals from at least four of these satellites.
• Location is Calculated: By measuring the time it takes for the signals to reach the device, the GPS can calculate the exact location (latitude, longitude, and even altitude).

This method of finding a location is called "triangulation." Because the GPS device knows how long it takes to get signals from multiple satellites, it can figure out where it is on the map.

The Role of Connectivity in GPS Trackers

To be useful, GPS trackers need a way to send the location data to a phone or computer where users can see it. This is where connectivity comes in, and there are a few types:

• Cellular: Many GPS trackers use cellular networks (just like your phone does) to send location data in real-time. These work well in places with good cellular coverage but may not work well in very remote areas.
• Non-Cellular: Some trackers don’t use cell networks but instead connect through satellite networks. These are often used in remote places where there’s no cell service, like in the wilderness.
• Bluetooth: In some cases, Bluetooth is used for very close-range tracking, like finding keys or a wallet within a house or small area.

Why is Connectivity Important?

Without connectivity, a GPS tracker can’t send or receive data. Imagine you’re tracking your pet’s location – if the GPS tracker loses connection, you won’t be able to see where they are in real-time. Choosing the right type of connectivity is key, depending on where and how you’ll use your GPS tracker.

Types of GPS Tracking Technology

When looking to buy a GPS tracker, it’s important to understand the different types available. GPS (Global Positioning System) trackers use various technologies to help you locate people, vehicles, or belongings. Here, we’ll explore the main types of GPS tracking technologies in a way that’s easy to understand.

1. Cellular GPS Trackers

One of the most common, and probably the best types of tracking. Cellular GPS trackers are small and portable devices that use cellular networks to send location information. They work similarly to how mobile phones use cell towers to stay connected. This type of GPS tracker communicates with cell towers to send data about its location to an app or a website, so you can check it anytime.

Cellular GPS Trackers are faster than satellite-based tracking devices and can deliver more accurate results in real-time. In fact, some top providers like Tracki offer worldwide coverage, you get accurate location and alerts no matter where you are. 

How Cellular GPS Trackers Work?

When a cellular GPS tracker is turned on, it receives signals from satellites to determine its exact location. Then, using nearby cell towers, it sends this location data to a server over the cellular network. You can view the tracker’s location in real-time on your smartphone, tablet, or computer by logging into an app or website provided by the GPS tracking company.

Features of Cellular GPS Trackers:

• Real-Time Tracking: Shows the location live as the tracker moves.
• Geo-Fencing: Allows you to set virtual boundaries; you’ll get alerts if the tracker crosses these boundaries.
• Small and Portable: These compact devices can be easily placed in vehicles, bags, or even on a pet collar.
• Battery Life: Usually rechargeable and lasts for a week.
• Durable and Weatherproof: Most cellular GPS devices are designed to handle harsh weather.
• Speed Alerts: Notifies you if the tracked item or person exceeds a set speed limit.
• Mobile App Access: Track using a mobile app for easy access.

Price: Basic cellular GPS trackers cost around $10-$100. Advanced ones with extra features can go up to $200 or more. There’s usually a monthly fee ranging from $5 to $25, depending on the provider and features.

Advantages of Cellular GPS Trackers:

• Real-Time Updates: You can see where the tracker is instantly.
• Wide Coverage: Works wherever there’s cellular coverage, so it’s useful for cities and places with good cell networks.
• Multi-Device Compatibility: Accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
• Accurate Tracking: With the help of both GPS and cellular signals, it provides reliable location data.

Disadvantages of Cellular GPS Trackers:

• Monthly Fees: Most cellular GPS trackers require a monthly fee to keep the service active.
• Coverage Limitations: They need cellular network coverage to work well. In remote areas with weak signals, the accuracy may be reduced.
• Battery Life: Needs frequent recharging, depending on the tracker’s usage.

Best For:

Cellular GPS trackers are best for:

• Vehicles: Track cars, trucks, or motorbikes in real-time.
• Fleet Management: Businesses with multiple vehicles can keep track of each vehicle’s location, routes, and usage.
• Personal Use: Helpful for tracking loved ones, pets, or personal belongings.
• Employee Monitoring: Track company devices or vehicles used by employees for safety and accountability.

2. Non-Cellular GPS Trackers

In areas where cellular coverage is not available, non-cellular GPS trackers would be the best bet. Non-cellular GPS trackers, also known as satellite GPS trackers, are devices that use satellite networks to send location data. Unlike cellular GPS trackers, these devices don’t rely on cellular towers. Instead, they use satellites in space to send their location information, which makes them very effective in remote areas where there’s no cellular signal.

How Non-Cellular GPS Trackers Work?

Non-cellular GPS trackers connect directly to satellites to determine their exact location. These trackers send the location data through satellite communication to a server, which can be accessed by the user through an app or a website. Because they use satellites instead of cell towers, they work even in areas with no cell service, such as mountains, deserts, or open seas.

Features of Non-Cellular GPS Trackers:

• Global Coverage: Works almost anywhere in the world, including remote areas.
• Weather Resistance: Many non-cellular GPS trackers are designed to withstand tough weather conditions.
• Emergency Alerts: These can send emergency signals if the user needs help, making them ideal for adventure tracking.
• Battery Life: Often lasts longer or includes special features for saving battery.
• Rugged Design: Built to handle outdoor use, it’s great for hiking, camping, and boating.

Price: Non-cellular GPS trackers are usually more expensive than cellular ones. Basic models start around $200, while advanced models can range from $250 to $900 or more. Monthly fees can be higher, around $10 to $50, depending on the service plan.

Advantages of Non-Cellular GPS Trackers:

• Works in Remote Areas: They don’t need cell towers, so they work in mountains, forests, deserts, and oceans.
• Reliable for Emergencies: Many of these trackers have an SOS feature that sends alerts in case of an emergency.
• Durable and Weatherproof: Most are designed for outdoor use and can handle harsh weather.
• Ideal for Adventures: Great for people who love hiking, camping, and travelling off the grid.

Disadvantages of Non-Cellular GPS Trackers:

• Higher Cost: Both the device and the monthly service plan tend to be more expensive than cellular GPS trackers.
• Bulkier Design: Non-cellular trackers are often bigger and heavier, which can be less convenient for some users.
• Limited Tracking Features: Some models have fewer features compared to cellular GPS trackers, focusing mainly on basic location tracking.

Best For:

Non-cellular GPS trackers are ideal for:

• Adventurers: Perfect for hikers, campers, and anyone exploring remote locations.
• Boating and Marine Use: Useful for tracking boats and ships where there’s no cell signal.
• Wildlife Tracking: Effective for tracking animals in remote areas where cellular coverage isn’t available.
• Safety in Remote Work: Great for people working in isolated locations, like researchers or field workers, where quick assistance might be needed.

3. Bluetooth GPS Trackers

Finally, we have Bluetooth GPS trackers. These are small, affordable devices that can be attached to your belongings and help you find items within a short range by connecting to your smartphone using Bluetooth. They’re ideal for keeping track of personal belongings like keys, wallets, bags, or even your pet around the house or yard. Unlike cellular or satellite GPS trackers, Bluetooth GPS trackers don’t use cellular networks or satellites to track location. Instead, they rely on Bluetooth signals to locate items close to you.

How Bluetooth GPS Trackers Work

Bluetooth GPS trackers connect to your smartphone through Bluetooth, which is a wireless technology for short-range connections. When you attach a Bluetooth GPS tracker to an item (like your keys, wallets etc), you can use an app on your phone to see if the item is nearby. The app shows the tracker’s last known location, and if the item is within range, you can make the tracker beep to help you find it. Some Bluetooth trackers also alert you if you leave the item behind.

Features of Bluetooth GPS Trackers:

• Short-Range Tracking: Helps you find items within a range of around 30-100 feet.
• Sound Alert: Many Bluetooth trackers have a sound alert that you can activate to locate the item.
• Lost Location: This shows the last location of the tracker on the app if you lose it.
• Compact Design: Small and easy to attach to items like keys, wallets, or bags.
• Battery Life: Most have a long-lasting battery that lasts several months to a year.

Price: Bluetooth GPS trackers are budget-friendly, usually costing around $20-$50 per tracker. There are no monthly fees, which makes them an affordable choice.

Advantages of Bluetooth GPS Trackers:

• Affordable: Lower cost than cellular or satellite GPS trackers.
• Easy to Use: Simply attach, connect to your phone, and start tracking.
• No Monthly Fees: Bluetooth GPS trackers don’t require a subscription.
• Portable and Lightweight: Easy to carry and attach to small items without adding weight.

Disadvantages of Bluetooth GPS Trackers:

• Limited Range: Only works within a short distance, usually 30-100 feet.
• Dependent on Smartphone: Must be connected to a smartphone with the app installed.
• Not Suitable for Long-Distance Tracking: This doesn’t work for tracking items or people far away or in remote areas.

Best For:

Bluetooth GPS trackers are best for:

• Personal Items: Great for keeping track of keys, wallets, bags, or other small belongings.
• Home Use: Ideal for finding items in and around the house or office.
• Pets: Useful for pets that stay indoors or in the yard.
• Daily Essentials: Helpful for items you often misplace, like phones or purses.

Comparison of GPS Tracking Technologies

Here’s a simple comparison table to help you understand the differences between different GPS tracking technologies. 

Feature	Cellular GPS Trackers	Non-Cellular GPS Trackers	Bluetooth GPS Trackers
How They Work	Use cellular networks to send location data	Use satellites to send location data	Use Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone
Range	Works where there is cell coverage	Works globally, even in remote areas	Limited to short range (30-100 feet)
Real-Time Tracking	Yes, with live updates	Yes, works globally	Only within Bluetooth range
Coverage	Limited to cellular network areas	Works anywhere with a satellite view	Only nearby, within Bluetooth range
Battery Life	Lasts a few days; needs regular charging	Long-lasting; some with power-saving mode	Usually lasts several months
Cost	$20 - $200 for device + $5-$25/month	$200 - $900 for device + $10-$50/month	$20 - $50, no monthly fees
Advantages	Real-time updates, Geofencing, wide coverage in cities	Works in remote areas, reliable for emergencies	Affordable, easy to use, no fees
Disadvantages	Needs cellular coverage, and has monthly fees	Higher cost, larger size	Limited range, dependent on smartphone
Best For	Vehicle and fleet tracking, family use, for Pets	Outdoor adventures, marine and wildlife tracking	Tracking small items like keys or bags

Factors to Consider When Choosing a GPS Tracker

When you're looking to buy a GPS tracker, it's important to know what you need, and which features to focus on. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

1. Purpose of Tracking: The first step is to think about why you need a GPS tracker. Different trackers work best for different needs:

• Personal GPS Tracker: This is ideal if you want to keep track of loved ones, like kids or elderly family members. These trackers are usually small and easy to carry.
• Business GPS Tracker: If you're managing a fleet of vehicles or need to monitor employee locations, a business GPS tracker with advanced features can help.

2. Coverage Needs: Coverage is a big factor, especially depending on where you’ll use the GPS tracker:

• Urban Areas: GPS trackers in cities often have good coverage, as they connect easily with nearby cell towers.
• Remote Areas: If you need tracking in remote or rural areas, choose a GPS tracker that can cover a wide area, sometimes called a "Remote GPS." Some GPS devices even use satellite networks for better coverage far from city limits.

3. Real-Time Tracking Requirements: Do you need to see live updates of the tracker's location? If so, Real-Time GPS Tracking is the feature to look for. Real-time tracking is essential for cases where you want immediate updates, like tracking a delivery or monitoring a person’s safety.

Real-time tracking is great for:

• Parents want instant updates on their kids.
• Businesses need to track their deliveries or employees.

4. Budget Constraints: GPS trackers come with different price tags depending on their features. It’s important to balance your budget with the features you want:

• Affordable GPS Trackers: Basic models with fewer features cost less and are good if you just need simple location tracking.
• Mid-Range or Premium GPS Trackers: These often come with extra features like real-time tracking, wider coverage, or long battery life, but maybe pricier.

5. Battery Life and Device Size: Battery life and size can impact how easy the tracker is to use:

• Battery Life: For personal use, a smaller tracker with a longer-lasting battery is ideal, so you don’t have to charge it too often.
• Device Size: If you need the tracker to be discreet or wearable, look for compact models. Compact GPS trackers are easy to carry and more comfortable for personal use.

Conclusion

In the end, the best GPS tracker for you depends on your needs. If you’re tracking in cities or need real-time updates, go with a cellular GPS tracker. For remote areas, a satellite tracker will provide reliable coverage. If you just need to find items around the house, a Bluetooth tracker is affordable and simple.

Choose wisely based on what matters most to you – coverage, budget, and purpose – and enjoy the peace of mind GPS tracking can bring.

FAQs

Do all GPS trackers need a subscription?

Only cellular and satellite trackers need a subscription; Bluetooth trackers don’t require any monthly fees.

What’s the difference between cellular and satellite GPS trackers?

Cellular trackers use mobile networks for real-time updates, while satellite trackers work in remote areas without mobile signals.

Can I use a GPS tracker internationally?

Yes, many trackers with worldwide coverage plans work in different countries but check your provider's details.

How long does a GPS tracker battery last?

Battery life depends on the tracker type, ranging from a few days (cellular) to several months (Bluetooth).

Are GPS trackers accurate in all locations?

GPS trackers are accurate in most places, but coverage in remote areas depends on whether you use satellite or cellular connectivity.