Best Hidden GPS Tracker For A Car

Published date: Last modified on: Ryan Horban
Best Hidden GPS Tracker For A Car

Welcome to our review of the best hidden GPS trackers for tracking a car’s location.

If you suspect your spouse of cheating, need to track a teen driver, want to spy on your employees, or just want to keep your most valuable assets safe, this review is for you.

We took the 12 most popular GPS vehicle tracking devices on the market and tested them for usability, accuracy, battery life, and advanced features. Then, we took price, size, and ease-of-use into account.

These 7 performed the best out of all those on the market.

Ready to find the right tracker for you? Let’s get to it.

Best Hidden GPS Tracker On A Car 1

List Of The 7 Best Hidden GPS Car Trackers In 2024

SpaceHawk GPS - Best Overall Hidden GPS Tracker For Cars

GPS car tracker

After 48 hours of testing, we have a winner. The SpaceHawk GPS is the best hidden tracker for catching a cheating spouse, tracking your employees, and keeping an eye on your teen driver. 

Based on our testing, it stood out from the rest for 3 key reasons:

  • Ease of Use: Just slap it on the car, fire up the app, and boom - you’re done. You’ll see their location right from your phone and get alerts whenever something suspicious is going on. It was the only location tracking app that didn’t require a PhD to use.
  • Accuracy: The SpaceHawk was the most accurate of all these devices by far. It showed the car’s location to within 6 feet from all the way across town. Most other apps showed the “approximate location” up to 100 feet away, which isn’t going to help prove your spouse is cheating or help you find your kids.
  • Features: Long battery life, waterproof, an easy-to-use app, added features like geofencing - this device has a good mix of value and features.

    • One more thing to mention is that the SpaceHawk is pretty dang fast. It sends location updates every 3 seconds, which is about 20x faster than other models (the industry standard is one-minute intervals). And it does this while maintaining a solid battery life. 

    It’s less than $100, which is a steal for these features.

    Watch a real customer experience with this GPS car tracker on YouTube!

    SpaceHawk GPS GIF

    Track-4: Most Durable Hidden GPS Asset Tracker

    Track-4

    • Long Battery Life:Up to 18 months on a single charge - adjust ping rate for extended use.

    • No Hassle:No contract,activation/cancellation fees,SIM included,rechargeable via cell charger or USB.

    • Track Anything:Assets,inventory,vehicles - simple start,email/text alerts & geofencing.
    4/5

    Check Out on Amazon

    The Track-4 GPS tracker is ideal for tracking off-road vehicles like ATVs, motorcycles, and mobile homes, or for taking with you on trips out into the wilderness. If you plan on hiking, biking, or camping, this tracker was made for you.

    Here’s why…

    The thing lasts forever and it’s practically invincible. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the other trackers, but it lasts for up to 18 months (with real-time updates), and is designed to withstand dirt, mud, and heavy rain. Plus it’s solar-friendly.

    Trak-4 has nearly 3,000 verified Amazon reviews as of January 18th, 2023, with the average rating being 4.3 out of 5 stars. A ton of the reviews talk about how durable it is.

    If you’re taking an ATV through the mud and rain, you need a tracker that can withstand the elements. You’ll still get real-time updates and some basic features, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that it won’t short circuit if you drive through a puddle or get caught in the rain.

    Since it’s a bit light on features and has slow real-time updates (every 10 minutes), we don’t recommend it for fleet management or keeping tabs on vulnerable family members.

    Bottom line: Great for taking into nature and protecting big boy toys. Not recommended for daily use, tracking spouses, or fleet management.

    Trak-4 GPS Specifications

    • Dimensions: Approximately 5 inches long x 3 inches wide x 1.1 inches tall
    • Update Frequency: Real-time GPS updates between 1-10 minutes
    • Monthly Fee: $12.99 month-to-month or $6.99 per month if you pay for a year in advance

    SpyTec GL300 – Best Mini Portable With Waterproof Case

    SpyTec GL300

    • Compact & Portable:Fits cars,trucks,kids,pets,boats,more - anti-theft or location tracker.

    • Global 4G Coverage:Track across North America & worldwide (superior to AirTag).

    • Weatherproof & Magnetic:Securely attaches to vehicles,withstands any weather.
    4/5

    Check Out on Amazon

    The SpyTec GL300 is a tiny, discreet mini tracker that’s perfect for tracking a cheating spouse without them ever finding out. It’s only about 3 inches in diameter, so it’s practically invisible. If you hide it in their car - or under the car - chances are they’ll never even see it. It’s perfect for going incognito.

    It’s one of the most popular 4G GPS trackers on Amazon (nearly 13,000 verified Amazon reviews as of January 18th, 2022). It’s currently in the top 3 most purchased tracking systems.

    We recommend getting this tracker to track a cheating spouse, especially if they’re already suspicious that you’re on to them. The only downside here is that it’s quite expensive. It’s $30 per month, which is a lot more than the SpaceHawk. If you’re really worried about being discreet, it’s worth the money.

    NOTE: You need to buy the waterproof case separately, and the magnet mount is not very strong. We don’t recommend this for rough weather conditions.

    SpyTec GL300 Specifications

    • Dimensions: 3.15 inches x 1.15 inches x 1.64 inches
    • Weight: approximately 0.2 pounds
    • Monthly Subscription: $30.00 per month or $300 for a year in advance.
    • Internal battery: Li-polymer 2600 mAh.

    LandAirSea GPS 54 – Amazon Best Seller For Hidden Magnetic GPS (Great for Fleet Tracking)

    LandAirSea GPS 54

    • Unbeatable Battery Life:Lasts longer than any competitor,ensuring reliable tracking.

    • Super Strong Magnet:Discreet attachment to vehicles with the strongest magnet available.

    • Track Multiple Devices:Manage all trackers with one account (subscriptions required).
    4/5

    Check Out on Amazon

    As of January 18th, 2023, the LandAirSea GPS car tracker has over 18,000 verified reviews, making it one of the best-selling vehicle tracking devices on Amazon.

    It’s also perfect for commercial fleet tracking. It has all the features you need to track a spouse or a family member, but it’s designed for commercial purposes (like employee monitoring).

    Here are a few of the fleet tracking features you’ll find most useful in your business:

  • Extra Battery Life: This is ideal for tracking fleet vehicles that always require real-time updates during work hours. You don’t want to keep having to recharge the battery every night when the work is done.
  • Custom Alerts: Track your employee’s speed, location, and routes with instant updates whenever they break a rule. You can also add geo-fencing alerts, which show you whenever they’ve left a safe zone.
  • Human Support: It’s pretty rare these days, but these guys offer support from REAL humans whenever something goes wrong. In business, where every second matters, that’ll be a huge help.

    • What we love about this product is the awesome SilverCloud mobile app. Available on iOS and the Google Play Store, SilverCloud is the most user-friendly GPS tracking app for anyone who wants to monitor a car, truck, or asset.

    LandAirSea GPS 54 Specifications:

    • Dimensions: D: 2.275 inches H: 0.945 inches
    • Battery Life: 6 Months On Power Save Mode
    • Battery Type: Li-On rechargeable, 3.7V, 1500mAh
    • Operating Temperature:-40° C to 60° C
    • Monthly Subscription: Starting at $19.95 per month

    Tracki Mini - The Cheapest GPS Tracker On Amazon

    Tracki Mini

    • Unlimited Distance Real-Time Tracking:See location of vehicles,kids,assets anywhere (4G & worldwide).

    • Smallest & Lightest Tracker:Discreet and portable (1.8"x1.6"x0.7",1.26oz).

    • Longest Battery Life:Up to 5 days (real-time) or 60 days (battery saver) with rechargeable battery.
    4/5

    Check Out on Amazon

    Tracki mini is a 4G LTE GPS tracker that is perfect for tracking on a budget. It’s less than $20, which makes it up to 5 times cheaper than other models on this list.

    And just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it doesn’t work - it has over 37,000 verified reviews on Amazon as of January 18th, 2023. 

    If you don’t want to invest a bunch of money into tracking your spouse, this one will do the trick. You can always upgrade later.

    Just reduce your expectations here. It’s nothing special.

    The location isn’t always accurate and loading speeds are pretty slow. That, and it doesn’t have a waterproof case or strong magnet. Hey, it’s only like $20, so can’t complain here.

    If you just need a basic tracker that won’t break the bank, this one will do the trick.

    Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker – Best Car Tracker Device With a Low Monthly Fee

    Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker

    • Track Anything (USA):Cars,bikes,loved ones,valuables - discreet and portable.

    • Real-Time GPS & Alerts:React fast to theft with location,motion & tilt notifications.

    • Long Battery Life:Choose location updates from 30s to 30 minutes,recharge in 90 minutes.
    3/5

    Check Out on Amazon

    The Invoxia GPS tracker is a solid, no-frills tracker that costs as little as $4 per month and sends basic alerts like movement, location, and geo-fencing notifications.

    If you just need to track a teen driver, vulnerable child, elderly parent, or asset like a motorcycle, it’s perfect.

    Plus, it’s tiny, so it’s very discreet. 

    The Invoxia can easily be tucked into the visor, center console, or hidden under a seat so it is not visible to a driver. 

    It doesn’t have nearly as many features as the LandAirSea or SpaceHawk models, but it’s not bad for the price.

    Please note that this GPS tracker for cars or assets is not waterproof so you will need to hide it inside the vehicle.

    PowerDrive – Best GPS With Long-Lasting Battery

    las overdrive

    Are you looking for the best fleet GPS tracker with long-lasting battery life? If so, we recommend you check out PowerDrive by LandAirSea Systems. 

    What makes this fleet tracking one of our favorite portable GPS trackers is the 12-month battery power (when on power save mode). This makes PowerDrive great for asset tracking applications like safeguarding equipment or personal items on a job site.

    PowerDrive is a car GPS tracker device that is completely self-contained, designed with a powerful surface magnet, and backed by award-winning technical support for the life of the product. 

    What Is A Hidden GPS Device?

    A hidden magnetic GPS device is a covert security product designed to track a vehicle’s location and its movements without the driver knowing. 

    These small, battery-powered devices use GPS technology to determine the location of the vehicle. The data is then transmitted in real time to your mobile phone or computer where you can find out everything a driver is doing 24/7.

    Methodology – How We Evaluate Hidden Tracking Devices

    If you’re looking for a hidden GPS tracker, chances are you’re trying to track someone’s location without them knowing. We won’t ask why, don’t worry.

    With that in mind, we’ve evaluated the products above using criteria related to that goal. 

    We focused on the size, usability, location accuracy, and monthly subscription fees. You want a GPS vehicle tracker that actually shows you where your spouse or employee is, without them knowing, and at an affordable price, right?

    That’s what we based this review on.

    Things like battery life, usability, and additional features were also taken into account.

    The following weighted metrics are used in our analysis:

    • Overall quality of hidden magnetic GPS tracker (25%)
    • How easy the car tracker is to hide (25%)
    • Update frequency and accuracy (10%)
    • Price (10%)
    • Battery life (10%)
    • Monthly subscription fees (10%)
    • Interface usability (mobile app) (5%)
    • Additional features beyond tracking (5%)

    You can learn more about our testing and evaluation protocols by visiting our methodology page.

    Best Hidden GPS Tracker For A Car – FAQs

    Multiple components need to be in place for ahidden GPS tracking systemto be able to perform. First of all, any GPS unit requires the assistance of the network of Department of Defense satellites orbiting the Earth to calculate the position and other location-based data. Passive data loggers receive these GPS signals and log the corresponding location-based data to the tracker’s internal memory for download at a later time. Real-time GPS trackers receive satellite signals to triangulate position and other location-based data and then transmit the recorded information over a cellular network where the recorded information can be viewed live over the Internet.

    Using a car tracking device only requires the device, accompanying software, and the Internet, assuming the GPS tracker is a real-time unit. All software was designed with the user in mind, with a heavy emphasis placed on simplicity.

    No, you generally cannot legally hide a GPS tracker under someone else’s car without their consent. The legality of installing a GPS tracking device on a vehicle varies depending on the state laws and specific circumstances.

    In Texas, for instance, it’s a criminal offense to knowingly install a tracking device on a motor vehicle owned or leased by another person without their consent. This is considered a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential jail time. However, there are exceptions, such as if you have the effective consent of the vehicle’s owner or if you are assisting law enforcement with proper authorization. For example, a parent might be able to track a minor child’s vehicle if they’re the legal owner or lessee of the car. But generally, placing a GPS tracker without the owner’s knowledge or consent is illegal​​​​.

    It’s important to remember that in all 50 states, it is illegal to use a GPS tracker on a car that you do not own without consent. If you need to track a vehicle, it’s crucial to consult with a legal professional to understand the specific laws and regulations that apply in your state and to ensure that you are not violating anyone’s privacy or other legal rights​.

    There are several ways to detect a hidden tracking device on a vehicle, but the simplest way is to do a physical and visual search of the vehicle. This means scanning the inside and outside of your car looking for any unusual or out-of-place items. Another option is to use a GPS bug detector, which can locate and identify any GPS tracking devices that may be hidden in the vehicle. The JMDHKK bug detector is one of the top-selling bug sweepers on Amazon and can be purchased for $43.99. Lastly, you can use an RF detector to help you detect any wireless tracking devices that may be hidden in your automobile.

    TLDR:Perform a visual scan of your car for unusual items. Use a GPS detector or RF detector.

    Hidden car GPS trackers were designed not to be easily detected, but some of the locations you can find one on your car include:

    • Underneath the car
    • Inside the vehicle glovebox
    • Underneath a seat
    • Inside a speaker compartment
    • Hard-wired to the 12-volt system
    • Attached to the vehicle’s bumper

    For more information on the best locations to hide a car GPS tracker please click here!

    First of all, remove it! A GPS tracker hidden in your car can safely be removed without requiring any technical experience. Simply, remove the tracker hidden in your car and then take out the SIM card. With the SIM card removed the realtime tracking device will no longer work. Lastly, you will want to report the GPS tracker car tracking device to the police. Law enforcement will document the unauthorized surveillance and can even help you find out who purchased the tracker hidden in your car by using the serial number of the device.

    Do you still have questions about hidden GPS tracking devices? Give one of our security experts a call at 1-855-922-8100. GPS Tracker Shop is open 7 days a week to assist in all your real time GPS needs!

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