Best No Monthly Fee GPS Trackers

Car GPS Tracker No Monthly Fee Buyer’s Guide For 2024

A no monthly fee GPS tracker helps you keep an eye on your car, teen driver, or business vehicles—without worrying about subscription costs. And we get it. Nobody wants to pay fees! This is the reason we wrote this guide. So you can quickly find GPS tracking solutions that don't require any subscription. Whether you’re a parent looking for peace of mind or a small business owner managing assets, this guide has you covered.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The best no-monthly-fee GPS trackers available in 2024
• Key features like battery life, real-time tracking, and easy installation
• How these trackers work for cars, fleets, and personal assets
• Answers to common questions about setup, SIM cards, and tracking accuracy

By the end, you’ll know which GPS tracker fits your needs—without surprise fees—so you can confidently monitor what matters most.

Disclaimer: In this article, you’ll find our top picks for GPS trackers with no subscription fees. We’ve curated this list based on performance, reviews and features, not through an exhaustive review or ranking process. To be clear, we don’t carry any of these products and receive no commission for featuring them—so you can trust that there’s no bias in our recommendations. Our goal is to guide you toward the best options for your needs, with complete transparency. Keep this in mind as you explore and decide which tracker works best for you.

LandAirSea - Best Overall Car GPS Tracker No Monthly Fee

Our expert pick for the best hidden GPS tracker for car no monthly fee product is a covert device simply known as LandAirSea 54. This live GPS tracker is small, powerful, designed with a magnet mount, and comes with a full year of tracking service. Place this spy tracker underneath any car and find out if your wife is having an affair, if your employees are driving company vehicles like maniacs, or if your teenager is hauling ass in the family car.

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Key Features & Specifications

• Durability: Waterproof, dustproof, internal magnet, compact design.
• Real-Time Tracking: 4G LTE and satellite, multiple alert types.
• Connectivity: App, website access, location sharing feature.
• Battery Life: 1-3 weeks regular, 6 months low power mode.
• Extras: Dark Mode, map tracking, historical playback, monthly GPS fee.

The LandAirSea 54 stands out from other popular tracking devices, like the SpyTec GL300, MOTOSafety, or Tracki, because of its thoughtful design. This durable, waterproof GPS vehicle tracker features a strong magnet mount, built to handle rain, heat, and rough conditions. The best part? Real-time GPS tracking is available without a monthly subscription fee, helping you save money in the long run.

Whether you need to track vehicles, assets, or ensure your teen stays safe behind the wheel, this mini GPS tracker provides reliable, real-time location updates. Designed for flexibility, it works well for vehicle GPS tracking, personal use, or even on a dog collar. No more worrying about complicated subscription plans or monthly fees.

With industry-leading technical support available 24/7, you can get help whenever you need it. Many users appreciate the simple setup and reliable tracking, along with the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly where your vehicle or asset is at all times.

Still not convinced? Verified Amazon reviews show how real users love the practical benefits and money-saving features of this car GPS tracker.

Positive Review: Brooke rates the Personal Real Time micro GPS Tracker highly, giving it 5 stars for its ease of setup and effectiveness. She urgently purchased it after an attempted break-in on her Hyundai. The activation and app setup was straightforward, with her main challenge being finding a discreet placement in the car. During a test drive to the grocery store, the tracker proved reliable, showing her car’s location within 10-12 feet accuracy. Brooke appreciates the user-friendly app, though she hasn’t tried the PC version yet.

Negative Review:  Jess Reed, however, is disappointed with the same tracker, rating it 1 star. Initially, the tracker worked well, securely placed under the car. About a month later, it began malfunctioning, showing the car moving at 18 mph in a location 2 hours away, while the car was actually stationary beside Jess. The tracker became unreliable, with frequent glitches and inaccurate battery readings. Despite efforts to locate it, both on the vehicle and at the indicated location, the unit was nowhere to be found. Jess’s experience turned from initial satisfaction to significant frustration due to these issues.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a 4g LTE GPS tracker with no activation fees or monthly fees that can do it all then check out LandAirSea 54.

Vyncs Pro - Best For OBDii Ports

Vyncs GPS Tracker is one of the top-selling GPS tracking devices on Amazon. Why? Because Vyncs Pro 4G GPS is perfect for personal GPS tracking and ensuring the security of your vehicle. With its real-time GPS capabilities, you’ll always know where your car and loved ones are located. And the best part? This OBD2 GPS tracker comes with a full year of real time tracking data with unlimited updates every 60 seconds! Pretty awesome right?

Key Features & Specifications

• Durability: Sturdy design, fits OBD-II port, dimensions 2.4 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches.
• Real-Time Tracking: 4G LTE, USA and international coverage (200 countries), real-time updates.
• Connectivity: App and web access, no monthly fee, one-year service.
• Battery Life: No battery needed, powered directly by vehicle’s OBD port.
• Extras: Vehicle diagnostics, geofence alerts, fuel level tracking, global support.

With easy installation and compatibility with a web app, it’s a user-friendly choice for anyone looking to monitor their vehicles. Now, let’s explore som real customer experiences via verified Amazon buyers.

Positive Review: Donna Humphreys recommends Vyncs GPS with a 5-star rating, praising its detailed tracking features for location, speed, and driving behavior. As a single parent using it for 6 years in older cars, she highlights its alert system for mechanical issues, helping prevent major repairs. She found it invaluable during a snowstorm to track her driver and in quickly recovering her stolen car. Donna appreciates the peace of mind, its positive impact on insurance premiums, and ensuring her young driver’s safety.

Negative Review: If you’re considering the Vyncs GPS, be aware of what J.M. experienced. He gave the device one star after dealing with poor customer service and compatibility issues with his 2020 Honda Civic. At first, he liked the vehicle monitoring features, but GPS tracking quickly became unreliable. When he reached out for help, he only got generic responses from customer support. To make things worse, he was told he’d need a new device, along with an extra activation fee. J.M. suggests looking at other GPS tracking devices because this one didn’t work well with newer vehicles, and the customer service left a lot to be desired—despite the appeal of having no monthly fees.

Bottom Line: If you want a reliable car GPS tracker, the Vyncs Pro GPS might still be worth considering. This 4G real-time GPS tracker gives you location updates, vehicle diagnostics, and geofencing capabilities. Whether you need real-time tracking for your car or asset tracking, this device offers solid features without the burden of monthly subscription fees.

Invoxia - Best Motorcycle GPS Tracker No Subscription

The Invoxia GPS tracker works great for motorcycles and other valuables, giving you year-long tracking without any monthly fees. Thanks to its compact design, you can easily hide it wherever you need. You’ll get real-time location updates through a simple, easy-to-use app, helping you stay on top of things. Whether you’re keeping an eye on your motorcycle or tracking other valuable items, this tracker keeps you in the loop. Instant alerts and a long battery life make it a solid choice for vehicle tracking, giving you peace of mind knowing your stuff is secure.

Key Features & Specifications

• Durability: IP33 protection, robust materials, compact size (105 x 27 x 9.5 mm).
• Real-Time Tracking: GPS with motion and tilt alerts, 4G LTE-M connectivity.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, LoRa, SigFox, comes with a manual and USB cable.
• Battery Life: 300 mAh lithium-ion, long-lasting, rechargeable in 90 minutes.
• Extras: 1-year subscription included, affordable, suitable for personal and vehicle tracking.

Positive Review: Kolbe highly recommends Invoxia GPS, giving it 5 stars for reliably tracking his motorcycle across the country. The device provides real-time location updates and journey history, requiring only infrequent charging. Its proven waterproof capability assures durability against the elements. Kolbe values the peace of mind this tracker brings, ensuring the safety of his motorcycle.

Negative Review: Monica Nabizadeh gave the Invoxia GPS tracker one star after facing serious problems. She dealt with unreliable reception, delayed notifications, and no real-time tracking when it mattered most. The tracker often froze, and resetting it was frustrating and not user-friendly. When she reached out for help, customer service didn’t respond. The biggest issue came when her motorcycle was stolen again—the tracker missed key movements and didn’t update quickly enough, making recovery impossible. Monica’s experience shows how unreliable the device can be during emergencies, with poor customer support making it less effective for theft prevention and recovery.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a portable GPS tracker for your motorcycle, the Invoxia still offers some useful features. Its compact design and year-long tracking without a monthly subscription fee make it appealing for everyday tracking. However, it might not provide the real-time GPS tracking you need in urgent situations.

Brickhouse Security Spark Nano 7 – Best For Personal Use

The Brickhouse Security Spark Nano 7 is a mini personal GPS tracker, offering expansive 4G coverage across North America. This device is particularly effective for tracking vehicles and assets, and it includes a one-year subscription plan. Therefore, it can you monitor fleet movements or  keep tabs on family vehicles.

Small enough (3 x 1.58 x 1 inch) to be discreet, its portability and ease of use make it ideal for various tracking needs, whether it’s ensuring the safety of a teenager’s first car or tracking assets. And if you ever need help using the tracking system, BrickHouse Security offers free technical support for the life of the tracker device.

Key Features & Specifications

• Durability: Small, lightweight design (3 x 1.58 x 1 inch, 9.1 ounces).
• Real-Time Tracking: 4G coverage across North America, real-time vehicle tracking.
• Connectivity: Cellular technology, supports GPS, suitable for cross-border tracking.
• Battery Life: 7-10 days (additional extended battery pack accessory available)
• Extras: 1-year subscription included, no long-term contract, portable and concealable.

Positive Review: In her Amazon review from February 21, 2022, Lindsay Combs gave the Spark Nano 7 GPS tracker five stars. She loved how easy the app is to use, especially with features like geofencing, customizable alerts, and multiple map sources, including Google and satellite views. Lindsay found the tracker super versatile, especially for keeping track of her kids. She also appreciated how you can personalize the app’s navigation bar and templates for location history, geofences, and trip tracking, making it easy to set things up the way you want.

Negative Review: Maria Guerrero wasn’t so lucky with her Spark Nano 7. On January 6, 2023, she gave it one star, saying it stopped working after just two months. The device overheated while charging, even melting the original charger, which left her frustrated and disappointed.

Bottom Line: If you’re thinking about trying the Spark Nano 7, Brickhouse backs their products with solid tech support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s worth a shot if you want a mini GPS tracker that offers real-time GPS tracking and features like geofencing without the hassle of complicated setups.

Apple AirTag – Best Bluetooth Device

An Apple AirTag is a tiny, coin-sized tracking device that makes it easy to keep track of your personal items. At just $28, it’s a breeze to attach to things like your keys or bags, and it works perfectly with all your Apple devices. So, if you lose track of your keys, you can quickly find them using the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. It’s a lifesaver on those busy days when things tend to disappear right when you need them most.

AirTags are simple, affordable, and don’t come with any monthly fees. The battery lasts over a year and is easy to swap out, making things even more convenient. While they’re not real-time GPS trackers, AirTags rely on Apple’s Find My network, which uses millions of Apple devices to help you find your stuff—even if it’s out of Bluetooth range. Let’s say you forget your backpack at a café. The AirTag will ping the Find My network and update you on its location, even if you’re miles away. Built with IP67 water and dust resistance, AirTags can handle the bumps and spills of daily life, making them a smart way to track your everyday essentials.

Key Features & Specifications

• Durability: IP67 water and dust resistant, lightweight (0.39 ounces).
• Real-Time Tracking: No live GPS tracking. Find My app, built-in speaker for sound alerts.
• Connectivity: Simple one-tap setup with iPhone or iPad, uses Ultra Wideband technology.
• Battery Life: Replaceable battery, lasts over a year, user-replaceable.
• Extras: Lost Mode, encrypted communication, part of the Find My network, privacy-focused.

Positive Review: T J gives the Apple AirTag a 5-star rating in their review on Amazon, dated January 8, 2024. They initially purchased an individual AirTag after using a 4-pack and found it incredibly useful, especially after forgetting their wallet at home. The AirTag’s ability to alert the phone when separated from tagged items is highlighted as a key feature. T J compares the AirTag favorably against Bluetooth Tiles, citing issues with Tiles like failing to play sound or locate items despite being in close proximity. The ease of setting up AirTags and their effectiveness in alerting the user when leaving items behind, like in a vehicle, is praised. They also appreciate the precise location tracking feature of the ‘Find My’ app for Apple products. However, T J notes a downside: unlike Tiles, AirTags don’t have a button to help find a misplaced phone.

Negative Review: Amy gave the Apple AirTag one star on September 14, 2023, after feeling let down by its accuracy. Setting it up was a breeze, but the AirTag struggled with precise tracking. She bought it to keep tabs on her dog’s location around her property. However, during testing, even when her dog wandered more than 500 feet away, the AirTag still showed it as inside the house.

Bottom Line: With over 165,000 Amazon reviews, most users report positive experiences with the AirTag. If you’re looking for a tracker to keep an eye on personal items, this could be a great fit. Just keep in mind, it’s not the best option for tracking pets or situations where real-time GPS tracking is essential.

 

Konnect OBDii – Best For Fleets

The Konnect GPS tracker is a real time vehicle tracking device that plugs directly into your car’s OBD-II port. What makes it unique when compared to other OBD2 GPS trackers like Vyncs or MotoSafety are the unlimited updates every 3 seconds. Yes, this is the fastest real time location updates on the market today. Imagine being able to track a family car’s whereabouts in real-time, ensuring the safety of teen drivers or monitoring the efficiency of a business fleet. That is what the Konnect GPS device offers you.

Key Features & Specifications

• Durability: Ultra-compact design, attaches to vehicles, ideal for fleet tracking.
• Real-Time Tracking: Maps with Google Maps, real-time tracking via web or app.
• Connectivity: Direct OBD-II port plug-in, no additional accessories needed.
• Battery Life: No battery required, powered by vehicle’s OBD-II port.
• Extras: Discreet tracking with LED light disablement, unlimited updates every 3 seconds, free 24/7 technical support.

Positive Review: Justin Leeds rates the OBD2 GPS tracker 5 out of 5 stars in his review on Amazon, dated December 3, 2023. He expresses high satisfaction with the device’s performance, despite initial skepticism due to its price. Leeds finds it exceptionally valuable for tracking vehicles or monitoring personal situations, like a cheating spouse. While he notes that the tracker is not very accurate, it provides sufficiently close location data. He highly recommends the product for its effectiveness in tracking.

Negative Review: Chris gives the OBDii GPS tracker a 1-star rating in his Amazon review from January 8, 2020, due to activation issues. He struggled to activate the device on a mobile phone because of the website’s poor mobile formatting, leading to repeated errors. After a failed attempt to reach customer service and encountering a full mailbox, he resorted to using a computer and live chat to finally activate the device. Chris suggests that the product description should mention the need for a non-mobile device for activation to prevent customer frustration.

Bottom Line: Konnect delivers fast location updates and easy installation, making it a great fit for small businesses.

Honorable Mentions

The best no-monthly-fee GPS trackers we’ve mentioned are great if you need to discreetly track a car and figure out what’s really going on. While the devices on our 2024 list come highly recommended by our security experts, there are more options worth checking out. Below are some additional GPS trackers with no monthly fees that might be a good fit for your needs:

1. Prime Tracking: A GPS tracker with real-time location tracking, geofencing, and email/text alerts for vehicles, kids, and pets, and no monthly fees.
2. FlashBack GPS: A portable GPS tracker with a waterproof magnetic case, long battery life, and historical playback.
3. GPSit1000bzl LTE Vehicle Tracking Device: A vehicle GPS tracker with no monthly fees, remote engine shut-off, and 4G LTE coverage.
4. Bouncie Connected Car Tracker: A car tracker with trip history, alerts for speeding and rapid acceleration, and location sharing with friends and family.

 

Why Real Time GPS Trackers Need SIM Cards

You might be wondering why real-time GPS trackers need SIM cards and come with monthly subscription fees. Here’s the simple breakdown. These trackers use cellular networks to send location data instantly, and that’s where the SIM card comes in. The SIM card connects your device to the network, making sure the mini GPS tracker for your vehicle can send data through cell towers without interruption.

The monthly subscription fee covers the cost of using the cellular network. Telecom companies charge for access to their networks, and your subscription fee pays for the data the tracker uses to send location updates. Without this connection, you wouldn’t get those real-time updates you rely on.

TLDR: Real-time GPS trackers need SIM cards to connect to cellular networks, and monthly fees cover the data usage. This combo keeps you connected to your vehicle’s location or other valuable assets with accurate, instant updates—so you can track what matters most without missing a beat.

7 Key Factors For Finding The Best No Monthly Fee GPS Tracker

Thinking about getting a GPS tracker without the hassle of monthly fees? That’s a smart move! But before you dive in, it’s good to know what to watch for so you can pick the right GPS car tracker for your needs. Below are the 7 essential factors to keep in mind when choosing a no-monthly-fee GPS tracker:

By carefully considering these factors, you can find the ideal no monthly fee GPS tracker to keep your teen drivers and company vehicles safe while avoiding extra costs.

Ease of Installation

Nobody wants to deal with a complicated setup. Look for a GPS tracker that’s easy to install—like one that plugs into your car’s OBDII port or has a magnetic mount. No wiring or special tools needed—just plug it in or attach it, and you’re ready to go. This way, you can get everything up and running fast without wasting time or paying someone to do it for you.

Real-Time Location Updates

When tracking something important, real-time updates make a big difference. A real-time GPS tracker keeps you in the know by showing the exact location at any given moment. Whether you’re keeping tabs on a vehicle, trailer, or anything else valuable, this feature gives you peace of mind—helping you confirm things are where they should be.

Historical Location Data

Seeing past routes can tell you a lot. If you’re tracking a vehicle or keeping an eye on a family member’s driving, historical data helps you spot patterns and correct unusual behavior. Whether it’s unauthorized detours or inefficient driving, reviewing location history makes it easier to address small issues before they become bigger problems.

Real Time Alerts

You can’t monitor your tracker all the time, which is where alerts come in handy. A device that sends notifications for things like speeding, harsh braking, or leaving a set area keeps you informed without constant checking. With alerts, you’ll know right away if something’s off—whether it’s reckless driving or unexpected changes in location.

Battery Life

The last thing you want is a dead tracker when you need it most. A long battery life—or a tracker that connects directly to the car’s power—makes sure the device works when you need it. This is especially important for long trips or if you don’t want to deal with frequent recharging.

Durability

Your tracker will probably face some tough conditions—like rain, heat, or rough handling—so durability matters. A weather-resistant, tamper-proof GPS tracking device can handle bad weather or attempts to interfere with it, so you’re not left in the dark when things go wrong.

User-Friendly Interface

A confusing app or website can ruin the experience. A tracker with a simple mobile app or web interface saves you from headaches and lets you find what you need fast. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to check location updates and alerts without any hassle.

Why SpaceHawk Is Your Trusted Source GPS Solutions

At SpaceHawk GPS, we’ve been helping businesses and everyday people track what matters most for over 15 years. We’ve worked with everyone—from city departments and law enforcement to Fortune 500 companies—and folks like parents keeping an eye on teen drivers or spouses who just need some peace of mind.

We get that finding a reliable GPS tracker with no monthly fees isn’t easy. That’s why we test every product ourselves. We check for real-time tracking, location history, easy setup, long battery life, and durability to make sure it holds up when you need it most.

Picking the right tracker comes down to trust. With our experience and hands-on testing, you’ll get honest advice you can count on. At SpaceHawk, we’re here to help you find the best tracking solution, so you can feel good about what you’re buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do GPS Trackers Have A Monthly Subscription Fee?

Yes, most live GPS trackers come with a monthly subscription fee unless the data cost is bundled into the hardware. That fee covers access to cellular networks, which are essential for sending real-time location updates. That’s also why these trackers need a SIM card—without it, you wouldn’t receive live tracking information.

Some real-time GPS trackers skip the monthly fees by including the data cost upfront in the device price. Choosing one of these can save you money over time. Popular options include the LandAirSea 54, Plug and Play GPS, Trakkit GPS, Invoxia’s Real-Time Tracker, and SinoTracks ST901L 4G. These trackers offer a full year of real-time tracking, so you won’t have to worry about ongoing fees!

Can I Use A GPS Tracker Without A SIM Card?

Yes, some GPS trackers, like the Trakkit WiFi GPS Tracker and Apple AirTag, don’t require a SIM card. So, how do they work? They use WiFi networks and GPS signals to track location, making them a good option for those looking to avoid SIM card-related costs. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these devices are not ideal for detailed GPS reporting or fleet management due to their limitations.

Can I Get GPS Without Wi-Fi?

Yes, and the reason is because GPS trackers rely on satellite signals rather than Wi-Fi to determine location. Therefore, vehicle trackers can function independently to provide accurate location data even in areas without internet access.

How Much Does A GPS Tracker Cost Per Month?

You can expect GPS data fees to range from $8.95 to $39.95 per month. However, some GPS trackers come with no monthly fees because the cost of data is built into the device. This means you can track your vehicle or assets without any ongoing subscription costs—at least for the first year!

Can I Save Money By Purchasing GPS Data For A Year Or Two Years?

Yes! Choosing a longer-term GPS data plan can save you a lot of money. Many GPS tracking companies offer discounts or bundle deals when you commit to a one- or two-year plan. If you know you’ll need the tracker for the long haul, locking in a longer plan is a smart way to cut costs.