How to choose a tracking device

Tracking devices can broadly be divided into three groups:

Online trackers

What are they used for?

These devices are commonly used to:

• provide additional protection against vehicle theft
• track vehicles used by family members
• monitor company vehicles and fleets
• monitor drivers and vehicle use
• track fuel and operational data

How does it work?

These devices contain a GPS module that receives satellite positioning signals. The device sends the location to a server over mobile internet, and server software displays the coordinates on a map so you can track its location.

These trackers generally connect to a vehicle or equipment's electrical system. Some models need only a power connection, while others can also connect to the CAN bus or OBD2 socket.

A CAN or OBD2 connection can provide additional vehicle data beyond location. Depending on the device and vehicle model, this may include mileage, fuel level, engine status and usage information.

Some systems offer additional remote vehicle functions, such as remote engine starting or preventing the engine from starting.

How to choose

Review the dashboards and mobile apps offered by different manufacturers.
Since basic GPS tracking functions are similar across many devices, software usability and manufacturer services often make the biggest difference in daily use.

Before buying, check whether professional installation is available and whether it costs extra.

Also compare these costs:

• device purchase price,
• monthly or annual subscription,
• SIM card and mobile data,
• installation,
• maintenance and technical support.

How does it work?

Autonomous trackers operate on a similar principle to online trackers. Their GPS module receives satellite positioning signals, and the information is sent to a server over mobile internet.

The main difference is that they run on their own batteries, independently of a vehicle or equipment's electrical system.

With limited stored energy, these devices generally do not stay continuously online. Instead, they wake at intervals or according to a schedule to send their location.

For example, a device can send its location:

• every 10, 20 or 30 minutes
• every few hours
• once a day
• at a specified time
• according to the selected schedule.

Some manufacturers allow more frequent transmissions. However, frequent positioning and continuous data transmission significantly increase energy consumption and shorten battery life.

What types of autonomous trackers are available?

Autonomous trackers differ in their intended use and design.

Small devices may suit animals, motorcycles or small valuables. Larger devices with higher-capacity batteries may be preferred for containers, machinery, trailers or equipment that can remain stationary for long periods.

The main differences include:

• battery capacity and operating life
• device size
• positioning methods
• data transmission methods
• operating temperature range and weather resistance
• the manufacturer's software and dashboard

How to choose

Choosing an autonomous tracker calls for more careful assessment than choosing an online tracker.
The device must operate for as long as possible on a limited energy supply, making the efficiency of its electronics, communication methods and operating algorithms particularly important.

Four main criteria matter when choosing an autonomous tracker:

1. Positioning quality and methods. Multiple positioning methods improve the chance of obtaining location information under different conditions.
2. Transmission reliability. One or two SIM cards and, where available, alternative communication options can improve the chance of successful data transmission.
3. Battery life. Assess how long the device can operate without battery replacement or recharging.
4. Management software. The dashboard, location history, notifications, reports and remote configuration features matter in daily use.

How does it work?

These products do not operate like conventional tracking devices.
They contain no SIM card, GSM module or GPS receiver. They cannot determine their own location or exchange data over the internet independently. Bluetooth tags simply broadcast a unique identifier using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

If a passing phone has Bluetooth enabled, it can detect this identifier and send its own location at that moment to the relevant network. These systems commonly use:

• Google Find Hub
• Apple Find My

networks.

The mapped location is not determined directly by the tag: it comes from the phone that detected it.

Put simply, nearby phones help determine a Bluetooth tag's location.

More compatible phones nearby increase the likelihood of a new location report. Without a nearby phone able to detect the tag, no new location can be reported.

How to choose

The basic operating principle is largely the same across Bluetooth tags:
A device broadcasts a unique Bluetooth identifier; nearby compatible phones detect it and send location information to the relevant network.
Supported network and compatibility with your phone matter more than the brand alone.

Pay particular attention to:

• support for Apple Find My or Google Find Hub
• compatibility with your phone
• battery life
• device size
• audible finding features
• ease of use

Choose a model compatible with your phone and ecosystem, with suitable size and battery life.

Unwanted tracking alerts

Alerts against unauthorised tracking. From 2024, Apple and Google introduced cross-platform alerts to help prevent unwanted or unauthorised tracking.

If a Bluetooth tag that does not belong to you moves with you for an extended period, your phone may detect it and warn that an unknown tracker is nearby. In some cases, you can access options to help find the tag or make it play a sound.

A limitation for discreet theft protection. These features benefit personal safety, but can limit the use of Bluetooth tags for discreet tracking of vehicles, equipment and valuable assets against theft.

The person carrying the tag may receive a phone alert about its presence. In other words, the tracking tag may reveal itself.

Where are they useful? Bluetooth tags report their location through nearby compatible phones, making them useful in cities, airports, shopping centres and public transport where many phones are present.

If a vehicle or equipment remains in an area with few people and phones, new location information may be unavailable for a long time.

Bluetooth tags are therefore well suited to finding keys, bags, suitcases and personal belongings. For discreet theft protection, they are not a direct replacement for GPS/GSM trackers that determine their own location and transmit without nearby devices.