5 Best Personal GPS Trackers For 2024 – Personal GPS Safety
Summary
- Purpose: Track safety for kids, seniors, pets, and assets with real-time GPS.
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Top 5 Trackers for 2024:
- SpaceHawk: Best overall, fast updates, waterproof.
- BrickHouse Spark Nano 7: Cheapest, international coverage, panic button.
- Samsung SmartTag: Lightweight, long battery, for luggage/pets.
- TileMate: No fee, good for keys/phones, limited Bluetooth range.
- Spot 4 Satellite Messenger: Global coverage, SOS button, for outdoor use.
- Considerations: Battery life, cost, coverage, and support.
Is your teenager taking a solo trip somewhere exotic and you want to make sure they are safe by knowing their location? Maybe you have a child who frequently gets lost or a senior family member with dementia who wanders. If so, a personal GPS tracking device is something that could enhance your family’s safety. This article will discuss the 5 best personal GPS trackers on the market, and what makes each mini GPS tracker unique. Let’s first start by addressing what are personal GPS location trackers, and find out how realtime GPS is being used by families.
What Is A Personal GPS Tracker?
Personal GPS tracking devices are small, portable GPS units that can be used for anything from secretly tracking a vehicle to making sure an elderly family member is safe. Personal GPS trackers utilize GPS satellites to determine position, location, speed, and other data that can help locate automobiles, assets, and missing persons. GPS data is recorded onto the GPS locators where it is broadcasted over cellular networks via SIM card. This allows you to view, in real time, where your loved ones are located right from a tracker app on your iPhone, Android, or computer. Pretty cool right? Here are the top 5 reasons people invest in personal tracking technology:
- Parents who want a GPS tracker for kids who might wander
- Families who want to real time GPS track an elderly loved one who gets lost while driving
- Athletes in need of a fitness tracker to increase athletic performance
- Businesses that need GPS trackers for vehicles for fleet tracking
- Schools that can use mini GPS devices to track kids with special needs & autism
- Adventurers looking to enhance survival gear in a GPS tracker for hiking
Top 5 Personal GPS Tracking Devices 2024
DISCLAIMER: Information on the GPS tracking devices on this list was gathered from company websites, Amazon, and other online reviews. Each one of the location trackers featured has unique characteristics and requires monthly subscription costs, so we encourage you to learn more about each real time GPS on your own. That way you can learn more about each asset tracker along with its battery life, size, subscription fee, technical support, warranty, and smartphone app’s user-friendliness.
Again, this is only a list of thetop 5 personal GPS tracking devices, not a ranking or in-depth review of each personal GPS and 4G tracker. The goal is to inform readers of the different personal tracking spy gear options currently on the market. We hope you enjoy this list!
SpaceHawk – Best Overall Personal GPS Tracker
Product Highlights
- No service contracts, and a super low monthly fee for unlimited data
- Car GPS tracker can update as fast as every 3 seconds
- Portable magnetic GPS with waterproof housing
Specifications
- Battery Life, on 3-sec to 3-min updates | 1 to 3 weeks
- Dimensions | D: 2.275″ H: 0.945″
- Tracking Technology | 4G LTE + Satellite
Rated best car GPS tracker for 2024 by GPS Tracking Review, SpaceHawk is a magnetic GPS for tracking people, vehicles, or any personal assets. Among 4G vehicle trackers, SpaceHawk updates the location as fast as every 3 seconds. In contrast, highly-rated trackers like Vyncs, Tracki, and Family1st on Amazon only update every minute. However, the most attractive feature of the mini GPS is the small size that allows you to use the personal GPS tracking device for monitoring kids, vehicles, seniors, assets, and even pets!
SpaceHawk is small, waterproof GPS with powerful magnet mount so you can easily attach the vehicle GPS tracker under any automobile or asset. The magnet mount feature is unlike other personal tracking devices such as the BrickHouse Spark Nano 7, SpyTec GL300, and Family1st GPS which all require an additional waterproof case for outside placement on a vehicle. This makes SpaceHawk the smallest GPS tracker on the market, and the perfect tool for catching a cheating spouse! As one online reviewer stated, “Found out the truth with this GPS car tracker, and now I am single. Catch me on Tinder for tacos and margaritas”.
More technical features include speed alerts, unlimited geofence alerts, lifetime access to historical data, low battery notifications, and the ability to track all your assets at the same time from user-friendly smartphone app. The best part? Free technical support is available for the life of your SpaceHawk car tracker.
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AMAZON RATING |
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As of 3/15/2024 4.2 Stars | 22,178 Ratings |
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BrickHouse Security Spark Nano 7- Cheapest Mini GPS
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BrickHouse Security Spark Nano 7
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- Accessory Waterproof Case With Magnet Mount
- Panic SOS Button Feature
- Coverage In Canada, Mexico, and the USA
- Free Technical Support & 2nd Day Shipping
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Specifications
- Size: 3.0” x 1.58” x 1.0”
- Weight: 3.3 Oz
- 15 days of battery life in sleep mode
The security experts at Brickhouse Security are known for their TrackPort OBD GPS, but now they offer one of the smallest GPS tracking systems on the market with their Spark Nano 7. With over 3,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.4 out of 5-star rating, the Spark Nano 7 is one of the top sellers on the market. The reason? The ridiculous pricing of only $29.95 per car GPS. But Spark Nano 7 is more than a mini car GPS, but is a full-blown asset tracking solution that can be attached to your pet’s collar, or carried by your children while at school or on solo trips.
One of the features that stands out on the Spark Nano 7 over other personal GPS trackers such as the LandAirSea GPS 54, Tracki, and Verizon Connect, is the full coverage in North America. Equipped with an international roaming SIM card, Spark Nano 7 will provide real time GPS updates in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The wireless GPS tracker also features an SOS panic button that your children or teens can activate when they need help. The distress signal activated by the panic button will send alerts via email or text message to caretakers or parents instantly.
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As of 3/14/2024 4.4 Stars | 7241 Ratings
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DIANA1433 Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review -October 20, 2023 I haven’t had any problems. works amazing, very precise and accurate, and when I did have a question, the customer service was quick and able to help me in a matter of minutes. I would definitely recommend this product. |
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Gary C. Grifin Negative Review |
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Amazon.com Review - October 16, 2023
The manual states it will not work through metal, defeating its purpose to track vehicles. I had the USB cable plugged in for 12 hours, and all three lights were flashing the whole time, so there was no way to know when it was charged. The power button is extremely hard to push and doesn’t want to turn off. I was totally disappointed with the product; there was nothing I liked about it. |
Samsung SmartTag- Best Lightweight Tracker For Luggage
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Samsung SmartTag
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- Dog and cat GPS
- Wi-fi connectivity
- Durable, water-resistant design
- Easily attaches to luggage
- Only $29.95
Specifications
- Size: 1.7″ x 1.7″ x 0.5″
- Weight: 0.8 Ozs
- 5 days active battery life with 1 minute update
What makes the Samsung SmartTag different than the other personal tracking solutions already mentioned? The answer is the lightweight, compact design of the Amazon Choice when it comes to trackers for kids, keys, and luggage. All you need to do is strap the Samsung SmartThings tracker on your child’s backpack, car keys, or pet’s collar to instantly know where they are located! In fact, Samsung SmartTag is so small it is also classified as one of the best-selling pet trackers!
Another awesome feature of the Samsung SmartTag personal GPS tracker is that it can work both indoors and outdoors.
The device offers approximately 10 days of real time GPS tracking, and will allow you to track your keys, pets, or personal assets via a smartphone app. As one Amazon reviewer said about the Samsung SmartThings tracker app, “They stole my car in Mexico, and I was able to follow it until the car was found!”
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As of 3/14/2024 4.3 Stars | 1942 Ratings |
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D. Burke Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review -December 27, 2023 I bought one of these to throw in my suitcase before a trip. My suitcase didn't make it onto my plane, and I could tell that it was still in the terminal when we took off. It did arrive on the next flight (two days later, but that's Bonaire for you). So my luggage wasn't lost; it was just delayed. And being able to track its location didn't help me get it sooner, but it made me feel better about knowing where it was because it wasn't in my possession. |
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Hailey C. Negative Review |
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Amazon.com Review - January 10, 2024
This tag requires a monthly subscription of $45 or something, and you also have to have a bank account in order to pay for it. It would have been perfect if I had a bank account, I guess. It might be for you if you're ok with paying that amount just to help you find your keys. |
TileMate – Best Phone Finder & Locator For Keys
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TileMate
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- Voice integration with Alexa and Siri
- Bluetooth tracker
- GPS tracker with no monthly fees
- Locator for kids, pets, keys, and phone
- Top-rated personal tracker on Amazon
Specifications
- Size 1.38” x 0.24” x 1.38 “
- Weight: 1.4Oz
- Battery: rechargeable battery (lit-ion)
Classified as one of the top-selling portable GPS trackers on Amazon, the TileMate has over 10,000 verified buyer reviews as of October 2022. However, Tile Mate does not use GPS coordinates or the satellite network to provide the realtime location of your assets. The reason is that Tile Mate is the only personal tracker on this list that uses Bluetooth technology to track assets. The good news? That means no monthly fee. But the bad news is the range is only 150 feet. Therefore, this device is probably best suited as a phone tracker or locator for car keys.
Although Tile Mate can’t be used for fleet tracking or tracking vehicles of any kind due to the limitations of BlueTooth technology, the device can be super useful. Especially, if you are a senior who constantly loses your keys or phone. By simply double-tapping the Tile button, the device will help you find your phone by having it play a loud tone even if the mobile phone is in “do-not-disturb” mode!
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AMAZON RATING |
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As of 3/14/2024 4.5 Stars | 20,415 Ratings |
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MEM Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review -December 7, 2023 This tile product is a great little invention. I Bluetoothed it to my cellphone. My keys are in my purse, but I can't find them. I get on my cell phone, use the Tile app, and push find keys. It sets off an alarm, and I go looking for the alarm. The same goes when I can't find my cell phone. This time, the tile gadget is on my key ring, and when I push the button, it sets off an alarm, and I am off to find my phone. I would buy another one if needed. |
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Chris Negative Review |
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Amazon.com Review - October 13, 2023
I mean, my title sums it up. I really wanted this to work, but out of the 5 or so times I couldn’t find my phone and had the opportunity to turn to this, it wouldn’t work until I had literally already found my phone and was no more than 2 feet from the tile. I’m tossing this and getting the Apple version of it. It's probably more expensive, but if it works, I’ll pay. |
Spot 4 Satellite Messenger – Best Personal GPS Global Coverage
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Spot 4 Satellite Messenger
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- Durable and compact
- Real time GPS location
- Send instant alerts via email and SMS
- Panic SOS button
- Personal GPS tracker designed for outdoors
Specifications
- Size: 6.9” x 2.02” x 0.95”
- Weight: 1 oz
- Battery: 4 AAA Energizer Ultimate Lithium 8x batteries (L92) – Installed
- 10-14 days active battery life with one-minute updates
The SpaceHawk GPS is a hidden tracking device, and the Tile Mate finds lost car keys. However, only the Spot 4 Satellite Messenger offers life-saving capabilities. Ideal, for solo trips and outdoor adventurers, Spot 4 GPS should be a part of every hiker’s survival gear. The reason? A panic SOS button that has worldwide coverage thanks to the satellite network. This means you can adventure into uncharted areas and feel safe knowing you can send out an alert in an emergency.
This personal GPS tracker is not for vehicle tracking, but rather for travelers and those in unfamiliar places who might need help. Simply press the panic button to notify the IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Center) can alert local emergency services personnel about your dire situation. They can also provide the GPS coordinates so you can quickly be rescued.
Spot Trace also allows you to send out custom text messages to your contacts so you can share your trip details with loved ones. This same technology can also be used to share your GPS coordinates with up to 10 contacts if you ever find yourself in a life-threatening emergency.
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As of 3/14/2024 4.0 Stars | 1203 Ratings
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Lm1030 Positive Review |
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Amazon.com Review -November 26, 2022 This unit is unreliable and useless. I took it hunting and sent messages home. Not a single one went through. Clear skies—nothing to interfere with sending a message. I had to hike out until I had cell service to call home and get some help. It’s sad to think I could rely on this if something worse had happened. At least I could hike out. I will be looking into something reliable. |
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J. O. Negative Review |
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Amazon.com Review - September 4, 2023
The product would not receive messages. I talked to SpotX Techs, and they advised that the device currently cannot receive messages from 5G network phones. Can send messages but not receive them, so this is not a useful item. |
GPS Personal Safety: Why It Is Important?
According to a 2008 Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) report regarding missing persons, nearly 780,000 missing person records were entered into theNational Crime Information Center (NCIC). Family members and friends documented and filed reports because they felt the missing person’s personal safety was in great danger. By using a GPS tracker for kids and using features like safe zones, geofencing, and real time alerts, parents can quickly locate a missing child instead of having to reach out to search and rescue personnel.
Personal GPS Tracker Frequently Asked Questions
Is There A Personal GPS Tracking Device No Monthly Fee?
GPS data loggers are personal GPS trackers that do not have monthly subscription fees. However, no monthly fee GPS trackersdo notprovide live updates or alerts. That means they are not recommended for personal safety applications.
How Can I Track My Elderly GPS?
The best way to track a senior who is still driving is to place a GPS tracking device on the automobile or via OBD2 port. If the elderly person is no longer driving, they can be tracked using apersonal GPS tracker that can be kept in the pocket or attached to clothing. For personal tracking, consider investing in a device with anSOS panic buttonfeature.
Does GPS Require Cell Service?
Real time GPS tracking devices require a monthly subscription for sending data over cell towers. This is not an added-on cost to your current cell service provider. The reason is that personal GPS trackers operate as their own independent monitoring solutions that utilize enhanced service features of cell towers. The monthly data plan cost for real time GPS tracking is between $15-$30 a month. However, GPS data loggers do not require the use of cell towers and therefore are no monthly fee GPS trackers.
How Long Does A Personal GPS Tracker Battery Last?
Personal GPS trackers that provide real time updates have shorter battery life, providing around 30 hours of consecutive movement recording. When a personal tracker is not moving it will retain battery power by going into hibernation mode is activated via a motion sensor.
Who Are Personal GPS Safety Device Users?
When it comes to who would want to use aGPS device to enhance personal safetythe range of potential users is quite diverse. The shortlist includes:
- Parents wanting to monitor a child walking to/from school
- Businesses with door-to-door marketing employees
- Parents concerned about the driving activity of a teenager
- Companies looking to improve fleet management
- Automobile owners seeking vehicle security
The great thing about compact GPS devices for personal safety is that they provide users the ability to monitor the things that are important to them every minute of every day. Such technology wasn’t readily available or affordable even a decade ago but now through the use of GPS tracking, businesses can keep a more observant eye on employee activity and parents an eye on their families. This is certainly a positive thing for all parties.
Conclusion
If you want to realtime GPS track your kids or need fleet tracking for vehicles, you want to look at features, cost, and online reviews. Always remember to ask about battery life, any activation or monthly subscription fees, GPS coverage, and of course, technical support. We recommend SpaceHawk as the top personal realtime tracking solution, but encourage you to find what’s best for your specific needs!