7 Best Portable GPS Trackers For 2024
Summary
- SpaceHawk GPS Tracker
- Best Overall: Magnetic, waterproof, 180-day standby. Requires subscription.
- Family1st Tracker
- Cheapest: Real-time, 2-week battery. Affordable but higher monthly cost.
- Amcrest GL300W
- Best for Safety: Compact, 14-day battery, SOS button. Limited to North America.
- GeoZilla Tracker
- Lowest Fee: Real-time, 5-day battery. Global coverage, less accurate.
- Americaloc GL300W
- Top Global: 14-day battery, 180 countries. Bulky, higher subscription cost.
- Optimus 2.0
- Best Standby: 100-day standby. Customizable but high subscription cost.
- Tracki Mini
- Smallest: Tiny, global coverage, 60-day battery with extra pack. Short battery life without pack.
Have you ever wondered if your teenager was being truthful about where they were going or how much time your husband spends at the office? The truth is people everywhere now use portable GPS tracking devices to catch cheating spouses, spy on troubled teens, or protect business assets! These super small battery-powered location trackers are now the go-to for any worried parent or business professional keeping track of their assets.But what are the best portable GPS trackers?
Our fleet tracking security experts did the research and put together this buyer’s guide of the industry’s best portable GPS tracking devices! Each has a companion app or computer log-in for easy access to real-time updates and tracking history. So if you want to track your fleet of company vehicles, monitor your pet, or make sure your teenager isn’t driving like a lunatic, we would encourage you to learn more about each real-time GPS tracker mentioned in this article. Now, let’s dive in!
Our Top Choices For Portable GPS Trackers
SpaceHawk GPS Tracker – Top Overall Magnetic GPS Tracker
SpaceHawk is a magnetic car tracker that is small, wireless, waterproof, and hand-picked by Tracking System Direct as the best overall vehicle locator. This little beast of a mini GPS tracker stands above the Tracki, SpyTec GL300, and other Amazon trackers that require bulky magnetic cases. This is because the portable tracking device has a built-in magnet, can update locations as fast as every 3 seconds, and is backed with free technical support for the life of the real time GPS tracker! Known as a slap-n-stick magnetic GPS, the SpaceHawk GPS vehicle tracker can go anywhere on a clean metal surface. This means you can place the asset tracking solution under a car bumper, wheel well, or shipping container!
Has there been some theft at your construction sites? Do you want a mini GPS with a strong magnet that will help you protect all your assets? With 180 days of standby mode, you won’t find an asset tracker with a longer standby time than SpaceHawk! The anti-theft GPS asset tracking solution literally blows away the competition! If you want to safeguard your tools, make sure a teenager is driving safely, or find out if a spouse is unfaithful, this is the magnetic GPS tracker we recommend.
Battery and Specs
- Built-in Li-ion battery gets up to 3 weeks with 3-minute updates.
- LED indicator lets you know when the battery is low and if it’s receiving a GPS satellite signal.
- Size: 2.25 x 2.25 x 0.8″ (57.2 x 57.2 x 20.3 mm).
- Weight: <1 lb (0.5 kg).
Product Highlights
- Includes SIM card with multiple alert systems (perfect for teen tracking).
- Google Maps interface with real time speed alerts.
- Built-in magnet for anti-theft protection.
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As of 3/15/2024 4.2 Stars | 22,178 Ratings |
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Check out SpaceHawk fleet GPS tracker reviews byCLICKING HERE!
Family1st Portable GPS Tracker – Cheapest GPS Vehicle Tracker
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Family1st Portable GPS Tracker
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Only three inches long, the Family1st portable GPS tracker is ideal for carrying around in a pocket or purse. This 4G GPS tracker is also integrated with WiFi and Amazon’s Alexa, so grandparents and those in hospice care can call for help when in trouble around the home!
Battery and Specs
- Rechargeable battery: 2 weeks at 60-second updates.
- Standby time: 6 months, updating once per day.
- Battery: 2400 mAh Li-Polymer.
- Size: 2.8″ x 1.8″ x 1.1″
- Weight: 3.60 Oz
Product Highlights
- Lifetime warranty on GPS device.
- Low device price and subscription plan.
- No cost activation, no contract, and no deactivation fees.
- Waterproof magnetic case.
- Coverage in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
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As of 3/13/2024 4.0 Stars | 1568 Ratings |
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Leo Maddalena Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review -November 21, 2023 I had a little issue with the initial connection, but it was remedied quickly with their customer service. I have only used it for a few days, but it appears to be timely and accurate thus far. I would opt for the magnetic case to mount on the exterior to ensure connectivity. Has a little difficulty transmitting through metal or concrete surfaces, such as a garage. Would recommend. |
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Joleen T Negative Review |
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Amazon.com Review - November 20, 2022 I searched for one of these that did not require a paid subscription. This one said it did not. I received it and found out I would have to pay for a subscription, so it’s useless to me. I don’t even know if it works or not. |
Check out Family 1st car and pet GPS tracker reviews byCLICKING HERE!
Amcrest GL300W GPS Tracker – Best For Personal Safety
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Amcrest GL300W GPS Tracker
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Broken down on the road? A large SOS button on the front can let anyone know where you are across the United States, Canada, or Mexico. This makes the Amcrest GL300W our top pick for personal safety.
Battery and Specs
- Li-Polymer, 2600 mAh rechargeable battery
- 1-minute updates: 10-14 days of battery life
- Size: 3″ x 1.5″ x 1″.
- Weight: 3.52 oz.
Product Highlights
- Compact and secure.
- Intelligent battery notifications.
- Motion and SOS alarm setting.
- Weather-resistant.
- Compatible with up to 20 geofences.
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As of 3/13/2024 4.3 Stars | 1959 Ratings |
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Nicholas Gentile Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review - October 13, 2022 It works just as described. I have been adjusting the update frequency to improve battery life, but even at 1 minute, it usually lasts more than 14 days. I am considering switching to the OBCD port model so I don't have to recharge. I love using it on the work vans, and I really do appreciate it having a USB C port. Thank you! |
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Loc L. Negative Review |
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Amazon.com Review -September 2, 2021 This is a terrible product when it comes to service. I used it for a month with the prescription that I paid $25 per month. This product only worked for 4 days and quit working after that. Do not purchase this unit if you want to use it for the long term. I'm trying to return this unit but don't' even know how to do it since it's been a month. |
Check out Amcrest 3G GPS tracker reviews byCLICKING HERE!
GeoZilla GPS Tracker – Protect Elderly Parents With The Lowest Monthly Fee
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GeoZilla GPS Tracker
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Why do you think the Geozilla made it on this list with a battery of only a few days? Is it the ability for international travel with an SOS button? Nope! Is it that it weighs just over 1 ounce? No! The real reason is the price! In fact, the Geozilla can track your family and assets for as low as $4.40 a month! That’s the lowest monthly fee we’ve seen! No other real-time tracking monthly subscription cost can compare.
Battery and Specifications
- Rechargeable battery lasts 2 to 3 days with 60-second updates
- 6 days of standby time with no activity
- Battery: Li-ion 520mAh
- Size: 1.85″ x 1.6″ x 1″.
- Weight: 1.05 oz.
Product Highlights
- Best for tracking senior citizens, children, and pets.
- The compact real-time GPS tracker can be used as a portable pet GPS.
- An SOS button.
- Global cellular coverage.
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As of 3/13/2024 3.4 Stars | 96 Ratings |
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Bill Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review - January 15, 2020 This tracker works very well, and the location is very accurate. A few times I have tested it, I put it in my kid's backpack and checked for her location after school. The device is easy to connect to and use with the downloaded app. I would recommend it for every parent. |
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NFRB Negative Review |
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Amazon.com Review -August 27, 2020 The tracking is inaccurate, notifications are extremely late (more than 5 hours at times), and overall, the tracker is useless and not up to the task of tracking effectively. Very disappointing and overpriced as a result of poor performance. |
Check out GeoZilla GPS, a Tile Mate competitor, reviewsbyCLICKING HERE!
Americaloc GL300W GPS Tracker – Top Pick For Global Coverage
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Americaloc GL300W GPS Tracker
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What could be better than friendly tech support? Unlike any other sellers on this list, Americaloc also provides two free months of tracking service after purchasing the device!
Battery and Specifications
- Rechargeable Li-ion battery can reach up to 14 days
- Size: 7″ x 1.51″ x 0.92″.
- Weight: 2.3 oz.
Product Highlights
- Several battery nodes.
- Converts to a wired device if needed.
- International coverage.
- Yearlong history record
- No contract, activation fee, or cancellation fee.
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As of 3/29/2024 4.5 Stars | 1,592 Ratings |
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Kevin R. Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review -January 8, 2024 This device works perfectly. I like it because it pinpoints the application of my vehicle. I use it for my daughter's vehicle. She has a tendency to get lost in unknown places. And it's easy for me to find her when she needs me. |
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Mike V Negative Review |
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Amazon.com Review -October 25, 2023 This product seemed like a great idea. However, once it arrived and I created the account, they made you aware that you have to pay for a monthly subscription in order to get notifications or to be able to use the tracking device. I did not see any description of a monthly subscription fee when ordering this item. An AirTag costs less, and there’s no monthly subscription fee. |
Check out Amcrest 3G GPS tracker real customer experiences by CLICKING HERE!
Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker – Top GPS GSM Tracker For Standby Time
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Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker
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The Optimus 2.0 has unique options, making it an excellent extended battery GPS tracker. Only a few providers let you change the update interval at no charge, but this asset tracker has the longest update interval we’ve seen at 10 minutes! A full 10 minutes between updates may seem like a long time waiting for real-time updates, right? Well, if you need a great asset tracker to sit and wait for over 100 days in standby mode, Optimus 2.0 is your ideal GPS tracker!
Battery and Specs
- A long-lasting lithium polymer battery lasts up to 14 days when reporting once a minute.
- Size: 3in x 1.5in x 1in.
- Weight: 3.3 ounces.
Product Highlights
- Waterproof magnetic case included.
- Built-in SOS button for personal safety.
- Customize alerts based on speed, battery capacity, and geofences.
- No additional charge to increase the rate of updates to every 10 seconds.
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As of 3/13/2024 4.2 Stars | 1794 Ratings |
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Charlene Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review - September 3, 2021 My first GPS tracker. I ordered for my new high school driver. It tells me where she's been, where she’s going, the speed, and if the car is parked. It also notifies me anytime the car starts and moves. So if the car is moved at 2 AM, I will know she’s sneaking out. |
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Anthony W. Negative Review |
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Amazon.com Review -February 5, 2020 Unless you can re-charge this unit every day, I do not suggest you purchase this item. On a full charge, it only lasted about 4 hours. Also, the signal is not strong at all. Unless you want to set the unit on your dashboard, it does not work properly. On a positive note, if you can place it inside the car and are not worried about battery life, it does give an accurate location. |
Check out Optimus 2.0 GPS tracking for vehicles reviews byCLICKING HERE!
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker – Smallest 4G LTE Car GPS Tracker
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Tracki Mini GPS Tracker
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It lasts about two to three days during real-time tracking, but it has 30 days of standby time if only updating its location once a day. If you need longer tracking time, opt-in for the extra extended battery pack. While the combo will be a bit thicker, it’ll extend the battery life to about 2 weeks.
Battery and Specifications
- 900mAh rechargeable battery can last up to 30 days in sleep mode or up to 2-3 days with real-time updates between 1 to 5 minutes.
Product Highlights
- Easy setup procedure.
- International cellular coverage.
- An optional battery extender is available.
- Unlimited distance real-time tracking 4G LTE+ extra triband.
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As of 3/13/2024 4.1 Stars | 44904 Ratings |
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Ian Mars P. Acut Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review - January 5, 2024 I bought this Tracki GPS to provide security for my scooter. I want to know where it's at even when I'm not riding it. However, as of January 5, 2024, the GPS is not yet installed on my scooter, and I haven't opted for the subscription for the monthly bill for the GPS. Anyway, I recommend buying this GPS from this seller as advertised on Amazon! |
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Ian Mars P. Acut Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review - January 5, 2024 I bought this Tracki GPS to provide security for my scooter. I want to know where it's at even when I'm not riding it. However, as of January 5, 2024, the GPS is not yet installed on my scooter, and I haven't opted for the subscription for the monthly bill for the GPS. Anyway, I recommend buying this GPS from this seller as advertised on Amazon! |
Check out Tracki motorcycle GPS tracker reviews byCLICKING HERE!
Related Article: https://gpstrackershop.com/how-to-secretly-track-a-vehicle/
Portable GPS Tracker – FAQS
How Will I Follow My Portable Real-Time GPS Tracker?
When using portable vehicle tracking devices, all the GPS data is at your fingertips! Each tracking system has a monthly fee to connect with the cellular network and a companion app for smartphones or a computer log-in. Follow the turn-by-turn path a tracker took during the day, or follow up on the tracking history when most convenient for you! Create geofences that give special alerts when your GPS units enter or leave the area or follow a few car lengths behind while watching the real-time updates roll in. You can also set speed alerts on your portable trackers to get notified when a teen is speeding. Whether it is with a mobile device or computer, the choice is yours on how you view the realtime GPS tracking data!
Are Portable GPS Trackers Waterproof?
Yes, many portable GPS trackers are designed to be waterproof. Some of the top-selling waterproof products includeLandAirSea GPS 54, andTrak4. However, there are also highly-rated mini GPS trackers that can be waterproof with the purchase of an additional accessory case. These portable GPS trackers includeTracki,Spark Nano 7and theSpyTec GL300. This feature is especially important if you plan to use them outdoors or in conditions where they might get wet. Waterproofing levels can vary, so look for an IP rating to understand the extent of water resistance. Below is an infographic that explains IP rating:
Infographic Courtesy Of Tracking System Direct
Do Portable GPS Trackers Rely on Satellites or Cell Towers?
Portable GPS trackers use satellites to determine location. They then typically use cell towers to transmit this information from your device to remote servers, which is how you can view GPS data from your mobile phone. This dual approach ensures accurate location tracking and real-time data transmission in areas with cellular coverage. However, there are hiking GPS devices that solely rely on satellite technology and can send out anSOSin an emergency situation.
What Else To Consider When Purchasing A Portable GPS Tracker?
Whatever brings you to the market for a car or personal GPS tracker, the prices can swing from low to high based on the brand and special features. Always check the battery life features before the price, as some options may not apply to your portable tracking needs. Also, check if the GPS locators will have global coverage with the cellular network if you need a long-term tracking solution – before traveling!
Not all portable magnetic GPS devices have the flexibility to be used as a pet, personal, or car tracker. It’s best to do your own research to determine what will work best for your situation. Will you be setting up geofences around a school or office? Do you need to receive immediate reports on overspeeding? These are just some caveats you must consider when investing in a real-time GPS tracker, handheld GPS, or GPS tracker for car.
GPS Tracker Shopwould also encourage you to learn about OBD GPS trackers if are looking for fleet-tracking solutions for your business needs.