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Best Personal GPS Trackers

5 Best Personal GPS Trackers For 2024 – Personal GPS Safety

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?

GPS TrackerPersonal 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:

  1. Parents who want a GPS tracker for kids who might wander 
  2. Families who want to real time GPS track an elderly loved one who gets lost while driving 
  3. Athletes in need of a fitness tracker to increase athletic performance 
  4. Businesses that need GPS trackers for vehicles for fleet tracking
  5. Schools that can use mini GPS devices to track kids with special needs & autism
  6. 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 the top 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 

Best GPS Tracker For Car

CHECK PRICE!

Rated the best car GPS tracker in 2023 by GPS Tracking Review, SpaceHawk is a magnetic GPS that can be used for tracking people, vehicles, or any personal assets. Out of every 4G vehicle tracker device on the market, SpaceHawk was the only device that updates the tracker’s location as fast as every 3 seconds. Highly-rated vehicle tracking devices on Amazon such as Vyncs GPS tracker, Tracki, and Family1st only provide updates 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, and designed with a 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 apps for iPhone or Android. The best part? Free technical support is available for the life of your SpaceHawk car tracker as well as a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

Key Features

  • No service contracts, and a super low monthly fee for unlimited data
  • Car GPS tracker can update as fast as every 3 seconds 
  • Free technical support for the life of the real time tracking device 
  • Portable magnetic GPS with waterproof housing 
  • Rated best GPS tracker for car by GPS Tracking Review

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

PRODUCT

KEY FEATURES

SPECS

AMAZON RATING

  • Powerful magnet mount

  • Speed & geofence alerts

  • Lifetime historical data

  • Free technical support

  • Waterproof & portable

  • Battery Life: 1-3 weeks

  • Dimensions: D: 2.275", H: 0.945"

  • Tracking: 4G LTE + Satellite

  • Updates: As fast as 3 seconds

  • Warranty: 1-year manufacturer's

As of 3/15/2024

4.2 Stars | 22,178 Ratings

PROS

CONS

  • Updates location as fast as every 3 seconds.

  • Small, waterproof design with magnetic mount.

  • One-year manufacturer's warranty included.

  • Small size could be easier to misplace or lose.

  • Limited to 4G LTE + Satellite coverage areas.

  • Smartphone app required for full functionality.

Spy Equipment Private Detectives

BrickHouse Security Spark Nano 7- Cheapest Mini GPS

BrickHouse Security Spark Nano 7

  • Track Anywhere: Seamless 4G coverage across North America, Mexico, and Canada.

  • Hidden & Discreet: Magnetic mini device easily attaches to any vehicle for theft protection.

  • Weatherproof & Durable: Works great in cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.

4.5/5
 
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. 

Key Features

  • 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

PRODUCT

KEY FEATURES

SPECS

AMAZON RATING

  • International 4G coverage

  • Discreet magnetic attachment

  • Real-time monitoring

  • Waterproof casing

  • Affordable subscription plans

  • Coverage: North America

  • Subscription: Starts at $17.99/month

  • Waterproof: Yes

  • Included: Charger, guide, SIM

  • Device: Spark Nano 7

As of 3/14/2024

4.4 Stars | 7241 Ratings

 
 

PROS

CONS

  • International 4G coverage in North America.

  • Real-time and historical vehicle tracking reports.

  • Easy to cancel anytime for a hassle-free experience.

  • Waterproof case necessary for outdoor use.

  • Requires web browser access for full functionality.

  • Real-time tracking dependent on 4G network reliability.

DIANA1433

Positive Review

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.

Gary C. Grifin

Negative Review

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

Samsung SmartTag

  • Track More: Attach to belongings easily with new design.

  • Long Battery Life: Up to 500 days, even longer without power saving.

  • SmartThings Find: Easily track loved items in SmartThings app.

4/5
 
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!”

Key Features

  • 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

PRODUCT

KEY FEATURES

SPECS

AMAZON RATING

  • Redesigned for more utility

  • IP67 water/dust-resistant

  • Long battery life

  • Intuitive tracking

  • Audible signal

  • Battery Life: Up to 500 days

  • Water Resistance: IP67

  • Compatibility: SmartThings Find

  • Mode: Non-Power Saving for longer

  • Activation: For IoT devices

As of 3/14/2024

4.3 Stars | 1942 Ratings

PROS

CONS

  • Long battery life of up to 500 days.

  • Easy setup with SmartThings Find for immediate use.

  • Audible signal feature helps locate items quickly.

  • Limited to items within Bluetooth range for direct tracking.

  • Requires a Samsung Galaxy device for full functionality.

  • Battery life varies with usage and settings.

D. Burke

Positive Review

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.

Hailey C.

Negative Review

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

TileMate 

  • Track Anything: Attach to keys, bags, pets, more. Find with free app.

  • Ring Nearby: Make Tile beep to easily locate it.

  • Track on Map: See last location, even far away.

4.5/5
 
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!

Key Features

  • 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)

PRODUCT

KEY FEATURES

SPECS

AMAZON RATING

  • Versatile tracker

  • Find nearby or far

  • Find your phone

  • Tile Network assistance

  • Smart home compatible

  • Water-Resistance: IP67

  • Battery Life: Up to 3 years

  • Bluetooth Range: Up to 250 ft

  • Compatibility: Android, iOS, Smart Home

  • Premium Plan: Smart Alerts, Reimbursement

As of 3/14/2024

4.5 Stars | 20,415 Ratings

PROS

CONS

  • Versatile tracker for keys, backpacks, and more.

  • Long battery life of up to 3 years.

  • Bluetooth range of up to 250 ft / 76 m.

  • Water resistance does not mean it's fully waterproof.

  • Requires proximity to Bluetooth range for direct finding.

  • Requires continuous Bluetooth connection, affecting phone battery.

MEM

Positive Review

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.

Chris

Negative Review

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

Spot 4 Satellite Messenger

  • Off-Grid SOS: Send emergency alerts and GPS to responders without cell service.

  • Track Your Journey: Share location updates even where phones don't work.

  • Global Satellite Network: Communicate and send SOS anywhere with Globalstar satellites.

4/5
 
The SpaceHawk GPS is an awesome hidden tracking device and the Tile Mate is perfect for finding lost car keys, but only the Spot 4 Satellite Messenger can save your life! 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.

Key Features

  • 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

PRODUCT

KEY FEATURES

SPECS

AMAZON RATING

  • Life-saving communication

  • No cell service required

  • Global satellite coverage

  • SOS emergency button

  • Tracking feature

  • Subscription: Required

  • Service Plans: Two available

  • In the Box: Device, accessories

  • Usage: Adventure, safety

  • Activation: Easy setup

As of 3/14/2024

4.0 Stars | 1203 Ratings

PROS

CONS

  • Provides communication beyond cell service areas.

  • Includes strap, carabiner, USB cable, and batteries.

  • Easy setup: purchase, activate, and ready to explore.

  • Battery life varies based on tracking frequency.

  • Limited to areas covered by Globalstar satellites.

  • GPS accuracy can be affected by environmental factors.

Lm1030

Positive Review

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.

J. O.

Negative Review

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 the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Reports were documented and filed by family members and friends who 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 trackers do not provide 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 a personal GPS tracker that can be kept in the pocket or attached to clothing. For personal tracking, consider investing in a device with an SOS panic button feature.

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 a GPS device to enhance personal safety the range of potential users is quite diverse. The shortlist includes:

  1. Parents wanting to monitor a child walking to/from school
  2. Businesses with door-to-door marketing employees
  3. Parents concerned about the driving activity of a teenager
  4. Companies looking to improve fleet management
  5. 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! 

Sage Curby
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