The 6 Best Portable GPS Trackers For 2024: The Top Pick Will Shock You!
If you're searching for the best portable GPS tracker, this guide has you covered. Whether you need to track a vehicle, keep tabs on a loved one, or ensure your pet stays safe, there's a device perfect for your needs. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The best overall portable GPS tracker for vehicles and personal assets.
- Which GPS tracker is ideal for pets, and why it’s not the same as others.
- Budget-friendly options, including trackers with no monthly fees.
- How to pick the right GPS tracker for your specific application.
- Key features to look for in a portable GPS tracker, like battery life and real-time tracking.
When it comes to tracking vehicles and personal assets, SpaceHawk GPS is our clear winner. This powerhouse offers real-time tracking, a magnetic waterproof design, and pinpoint accuracy. But not every tracker is a one-size-fits-all solution. For example:
- Tractive GPS is designed specifically for pets, ensuring your furry friends stay safe.
- Tile Mate works best for keeping track of keys and small items.
- LandAirSea 54 offers no monthly fees for a full year, perfect for those on a budget.
Ready to find out which GPS tracker is right for you? Keep reading to explore the top picks and discover why SpaceHawk is literally a f**king BEAST that destroys the competition when it comes to anti-theft security, teen tracking, or simple real time tracking of cars,
SpaceHawk - Best Overall Portable GPS
- Less Than $100 - Cheaper Than A Private Investigator
- Realtime Location Refresh Rates Every 3 Seconds
- Waterproof Magnetic Design For Covert Accurate Tracking
If you are looking for an absolute powerhouse of a mini GPS tracker than SpaceHawk is the portable tracking solution for you. First of all, unlike Apple AirTags, this device is undetectable and does not use Bluetooth technology for tracking a vehicle's location. Instead, providing pinpoint accurate live GPS data as fast as every 3 seconds- the fastest on the market! And unlike Family1st GPS tracker or the SpyTec GL300 GPS tracker, SpaceHawk does not require any additional accessories such as a waterproof case. Why? Because SpaceHawk is the only mini GPS tracker engineered with a powerful surface magnet and waterproof design. If you want a portable portable GPS tracker trusted by law enforcement agencies and private investigators, look no further than SpaceHawk GPS!
Fun Fact: SpaceHawk is also the #1 ranked GPS tracker for cheating spouse
Related Article: Where To Find A GPS Tracker On Your Car
LandAirSea GPS 54 - Best Portable GPS Tracker No Monthly Fees
Key Features
- Dimensions 2.25 x 2.25 x 0.8
- Mini Magnetic Real Time Car GPS With No Monthly Fees
- Unlimited Realtime GPS Updates Every 60 Seconds
- #1 Ranked Portable Car GPS With No Subscription
Our pick for the overall best portable GPS tracker with no monthly fees is LandAirSea GPS 54. But why does this magnetic GPS tracker rank above Tile Mate, Spark Nano 7, and other real time tracking devices? First of all, the LandAirSea 4G GPS tracker comes with a full year of service with no monthly subscription fees. That's right! Unlike other portable trackers that can cost as much as $39.95 per month, LandAirSea is the only vehicle GPS tracker that provides unlimited updates every minute for 365 days at no additional cost!
Smallest Portable GPS Tracking Device
Another great feature of this portable GPS tracking device is its size. The reality is many of the real time GPS trackers featured on Amazon such as Family 1st GPS and SpyTec GL300 require a waterproof case in order to equip the car tracker on the perimeter of an asset. This significantly increases the footprint of the vehicle tracker. However, LandAirSea is a fully magnetic GPS tracker with a size of 2.25 x 2.25 x 0.8. That means it is small enough not to be detected by a driver and does not require any accessories such as a bulky pelican case with a magnet.
Versatility
As we mentioned, the small size of the LandAirSea car GPS is a fantastic feature. This results in versatility when it comes to using cases. Simply, place this portable GPS tracking device in a vehicle, child's backpack, or your luggage to find out everywhere the assets go. And if you have multiple GPS locators, you can track them all at the same time using the tracker app which is available for free on the Google Play or Apple store!
Tracking Features We Love
- Car GPS Tracking Device With No Subscription Fees
- Magnetic GPS - No Accessory Case Required
- Free Technical Support For Life
- Geo-Fencing & Speed Alert Systems
Visit Website: https://fleet1st.io/products/no-monthly-fee-gps-tracker
Optimus 3.0 LTE 4G GPS Tracker
Key Features
- Dimensions 3.11 x 1.5 x 1.75
- Special Routing Feature For Private Investigators
- View Vehicle Tracker On Google Maps - Live Traffic & Street View
An Amazon Choice product in the category of GPS locators, Optimus 3.0 has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from verified buyers on Amazon. What does that mean exactly? That means the 4G real time GPS tracker is considered one of the better overall portable GPS tracking units on the market today! Now, let's see why Amazon customers like this tracker device, and see what they are saying!
What's Included With The Purchase?
Optimus 3.0 comes with a SIM card, battery charger, instruction manual, and USB cable. But unfortunately, the 4G GPS tracker is not water-resistant and does not come with a waterproof case for protection from the elements. That means you will need to invest in an accessory pelican case if you want the tracker hidden under a car and to protect the realtime GPS from water damage. But don't worry because the hidden GPS tracker device along with the accessory case is still very affordable at $49.95 + monthly subscription fees.
GPS Tracking Users
If you opt to invest in the waterproof accessory you can use the Optimus 3.0 combo pack for fleet management applications. However, the limited battery life (1-2 weeks) would suggest the best uses for this GPS tracking device be: teen tracking and senior safety applications. For example, vehicles, kids, and seniors can all be tracked with this device, allowing you to know they are safe. But you will need access daily or weekly access to the Optimus 3.0 portable GPS tracker so you can keep the device's battery charged.
Tracking Features We Love
- Affordable Monthly Subscription Fee ($19.95 per month)
- Instant Vehicle Tracking Alerts via Email & SMS
- Neodymium Magnet Used On Accessory Waterproof Case
Visit Website: https://optimustracker.com/
Yepzon Freedom Indoor Tracker
- Panic SOS Button
- Key Finder & Pet GPS
- Real Time GPS Tracker For Kids
Engineered in India and distributed by an asset tracking company in Finland, Yepzon has built a reputation as a provider of portable tracking solutions for monitoring vehicles, kids, and senior loved ones. Now, let's take a closer look at the Yepzon Freedom GPS and see how it stacks up against other portable tracking devices.
Indoor & Outdoor GPS Tracking
Yepzon offers a free mobile app that allows you to get an accurate location on your child or loved ones whether they are indoors or outdoors. This is one of the only location trackers to offer accurate indoor tracking thanks to the utilization of Wi-Fi technology. Most other personal or vehicle tracking devices only use GPS and the truth is a GPS GSM tracker signals can not penetrate dense materials such as metal and concrete. This gives the Yepzon Freedom real time GPS tracking system a competitive advantage over other personal GPS devices.
SOS Panic Button
Are you going on a solo trip? Do you worry about where your kids are located? If so, Yepzon Freedom offers a "locator mode" with 3 unique modes that are designed specifically for personal safety. The first mode is designed for solo trips where you can quickly share your real time GPS location. The second mode involves a panic SOS button that sends out an alarm in case you need assistance. The last mode is a "finder's tracker" that is perfect for people who tend to be a little forgetful. Think of seniors who might misplace their car keys!
Tracking Features We Love
- Monthly Fee Is Only $4.99
- Mobile App Does Not Save Private Personal Data
- Super Small Size For Personal GPS Tracking
- Geo Fencing & Speed Alert Systems
- Indoor Location Tracking With Wi-Fi
Visit Website: https://yepzon.com/
Tile Mate Portable GPS Tracker - Amazon Best Seller
Key Features
- Dimensions: 0.24 x 1.38 x 1.38 inches
- Amazon Choice For Portable & Pet GPS Tracker
- BlueTooth Key Finder
If you want a tracker for cars, trucks, or mobile assets the Tile Mate would not be the series tracker you want. The reason? Tile Mate does not utilize GPS satellite technology. So why does this portable GPS have over 10,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.6 out of 5-star rating? The answer is that it helps people locate their valuables. Let us explain!
No Monthly Subscription Fees
Tile Mate has a limited 150 feet range and uses BlueTooth tech to help you locate your missing cell phone, pets, keys, or personal valuables. If you have something important that is lost (and within the 150-foot range) the Tile Mate can ring the missing item! The key finder can even activate your lost phone even if it is set on a "do not disturb" mode! This water-resistant portable tracker might not be a good fit for GPS fleet management situations, but it can be a fantastic asset if you need an affordable phone or key tracker!
Tracking Features We Love
- 10,000+ Amazon Verified Reviews (4.6 out of 5 stars)
- Track Your Mobile Phone Even If It Is On Silent Mode
- Only $24.95 With No Monthly Subscription Fees
Visit Website:
Tractive Waterproof GPS Dog Tracker - Best Portable Pet Tracker
Key Features
- Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.4 x 0.6 inches
- Mini GPS Attaches To Pet Collar
- 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Tractive is the first real time portable pet GPS designed specifically to help you find your cat or dog if they wander off. Unlike the TileMate which has a limited range of only 150 feet, Tractive uses real time GPS tracking that allows you to monitor your pet anywhere in the United States where there is cellular coverage!
Know Where Your Pet Is 24/7
Tractive is designed to attach to any pet collar where the mini GPS will then provide real time tracking updates on location 24/7. However, the feature we really love about this portable pet GPS is the geofencing option. This unique pet safety feature allows you to set a safe zone for your dog or cat. If your pet leaves that safety zone you will be notified via text message or email that your pet might be in trouble. This makes it easy to know when your pet is in danger and where they are located! You can even use the pet GPS as evidence if a neighbor accuses your dog of pooping on their lawn!
Tracking Features We Love
- Live Tracking & Location History
- Affordable Monthly Subscription Fee $4.99
- Best Pet GPS Featured On Amazon
Visit Website: https://tractive.com/
What Is The Best Portable GPS Tracker?
If you’re looking for the best portable GPS tracker, the SpaceHawk takes the top spot—but the best choice really depends on what you need it for. The SpaceHawk shines when it comes to tracking vehicles and personal assets, but it’s not designed for pets. For that, Tractive is a much better fit. And if you’re trying to keep track of your keys, the Tile Mate is the way to go.
One reviewer shared their experience with the SpaceHawk, saying, “Found out my teen was driving like a complete maniac. Was able to intervene before a potential accident. This LTE car tracker may literally have saved his life!” Stories like that show how valuable a good tracker can be.
Portable GPS trackers come with plenty of perks. They’re small enough to slip into your pocket, luggage, or glove compartment, giving you an easy way to keep your loved ones and valuables safe. If peace of mind is your goal, a portable GPS tracker is definitely worth it.
5 Key Features For Finding The Best Portable GPS Tracker
When you're looking for a portable GPS tracker, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options out there. The key is to focus on what matters most for your needs. A well-chosen tracker can save you money and ensure you get the best value without wasting time or energy.
Realtime Tracking Capabilities
You want a tracker that keeps you in the loop with accurate, up-to-date location information. Models like the SpaceHawk offer realtime tracking as fast as every 3 seconds so you can always see where things stand. This instant access is important because it will bring you peace of mind, whether you’re keeping an eye on a teen driver or valuable equipment.
Power Options
Think about how you’ll use your tracker. A rechargeable battery with long life is perfect for portable use. If you need something more permanent, trackers like the LandAirSea GPS can connect directly to your car’s power via hardwiring or be used as a wireless real time GPS tracker.
Free Tech Support
Yes, portable GPS tracking devices designed to be user-friendly, but that does not mean you might struggle a little getting started. Therefore, look for a GPS tracking device that offers free, quality technical support. No AI chat bots, forums or emails that take 4 days to get a response. Work with a company that has real people working who answer the darn phone when you call!
Subscription and Fees
All real time GPS trackers require ongoing subscriptions to cover the cost of data. Therefore, make sure to weigh these costs against the benefits.
Complementary Features
The best trackers come with apps that make your life easier. For example, the SpaceHawk offers a 4-star rated mobile app so you can monitor locations and manage settings right from your phone. Pretty cool, right?
By focusing on what truly matters, you’ll find a GPS tracker that fits your life—and your budget—perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardwired or Portable GPS Tracker - What Option Is Best For Personal Use?
If you want a car GPS tracker to monitor teen driving or a wireless GPS tracker to keep a watchful eye on a wandering senior, a portable GPS tracker would be the best option for personal use. Portable GPS tracking devices are versatile, allowing you to track ATVs, vehicles, valuable items, kids, pets, luggage, and anything that is important to you. Hard-wired GPS trackers tend to be used for long-term tracking or fleet tracking applications. According to the security experts GPS Tracker Shop, most consumers invest in portable GPS tracking devices.
Is There A Difference In Monthly Subscription Costs?
Yes, monthly subscription costs can vary quite a bit. The LandAirSea GPS 54 is a standout with no fees for the first year, while options like Tractive and Yepzon Freedom keep things budget-friendly at around $4.99 per month. The key is to look at what features you need and compare them with the subscription costs to figure out what gives you the best bang for your buck.
Is It Illegal To GPS Track Someone Without Them Knowing?
Yes, it's generally illegal to track someone's car without them knowing. In many places, tracking someone without their knowledge or consent is considered an invasion of privacy or stalking. It's essential to be aware of local laws before using a GPS tracker on someone's vehicle or personal belongings.
How Can You Tell If Someone Put A Tracker On Your Car?
Start with a thorough visual inspection. Check areas like the undercarriage, behind the car seat, and in the trunk. Pay attention to any loose or hanging wires, which might be from an extension cable. Don't forget the OBDII port! Some trackers plug right into this onboard diagnostics port.
Is There An App That Can Detect A Tracking Device?
Yes, there are apps! Many tracking apps double as detection tools. These apps can sense the signals emitted by trackers, helping identify their presence. One such example is the Live GPS Search app. You intrigued? But remember, always cross-check with manual inspection. Sometimes, a dash cam might even inadvertently capture someone tampering with your vehicle!
Can I Use A Portable GPS Tracking Device For Long-Term Tracking?
Portable GPS trackers are great for catching a cheating spouse, monitoring a reckless teenage driver, or keeping an eye on an at-risk senior loved one. However, portable GPS tracking devices have limited battery life so if you want a secretly track a car for longer than 6 months we would recommend a hard-wired or OBD2 GPS tracker.
Is Technical Support Available For My GPS Device?
Portable real-time GPS trackers are compact, water-resistant, and user-friendly devices. However, as with any tech product, there can be a learning curve. That's why we favor the SpaceHawk GPS car tracker; it offers lifetime technical support. You can reach their support team via email and phone five days a week. Additionally, they provide a YouTube channel addressing common questions. In contrast, other real-time GPS trackers like Family1st and Tracki primarily offer email support, which may result in response times of 24-48 hours.
Are There GPS Trackers With Extended Battery Life?
Yes, while many portable trackers are designed for short-term tracking due to battery limitations, there are trackers available with extended battery life suitable for long-term use. If tracking for more than six months is needed, considering hard-wired or OBD2 GPS trackers would be a smart move.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your loved ones and valuables safe has never been easier thanks to portable GPS trackers. Seriously! So whether you’re looking at the reliable SpaceHawk for tracking vehicles and assets or the pet-focused Tractive, there’s a portable GPS tracker out there to fit your needs. Each one offers unique features, like LandAirSea’s no-monthly-fee option or Yepzon Freedom’s indoor tracking capabilities. If you’re on a budget, the Tile Mate delivers affordability without skimping on quality. Portable trackers are perfect for short-term monitoring, but if you’re planning something more long-term, a hard-wired option might be better. Whatever you’re trying to track, there’s a device that can help. Find what works for you and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything’s secure.