Best GPS Trackers for Cars

Verizon Connect offers the best GPS trackers for cars, our research finds, due to top tracking features like automatic route optimization and driver efficiency tools like traffic or diagnostic alerts.

However, Verizon Connect is one of the more expensive providers. Plenty of other top GPS tracking systems might be best, depending on your individual needs.

To help, we’ve pulled together a list of the top 5 GPS trackers for cars in the US, comparing cost, features, and overall tracking quality.

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1. Verizon Connect: Best for Advanced Driver Behavior Analytics in Car Fleets

Verizon Connect’s Reveal software is our top choice for car fleets focusing on improving driver behavior and safety. This vehicle-tracking software delivers detailed daily reports for each driver, helping you identify trends and spot efficiency opportunities specific to car operations.

There’s plenty more for car-centered fleets, too.

Verizon Connect’s car trackers

Designed for lighter-duty vehicles like cars, Verizon’s Vehicle Data Device can easily be plugged into a vehicle’s diagnostic port (usually an OBD-II or occasionally a JBUS port). It can also be connected to the port using optional cables, though we recommend direct connection. Once in place, these devices can be activated using Verizon Connect’s Spotlight app.

Hardwired options are also available, but most cars won’t need them.

Verizon Connect’s car fleet management features

Verizon Connect’s real-time alerts warn managers of unsafe driver behaviors that could damage their health or their vehicle. Those actions include harsh driving, speeding, and excessive idling.

This feature is most helpful for car fleets, since driver behavior directly impacts fuel costs and vehicle wear. In contrast, our research indicates haulage truckers often operate with greater care – given the size and expense of their vehicles and goods.

Verizon Connect also syncs with its integrated dash cams, like the Dual-Facing AI Dashcam, giving you eyes on the road and your drivers with 1080p cameras with 150-degree view ranges. The advanced AI safety features will monitor for unsafe driving behaviors and alert you with real-time app notifications when needed.

Concerned about fuel being used for non-work purposes? Verizon Connect can sync up with many different fuel cards, including Wex fleet cards. By monitoring both GPS activity and fuel purchases at once, you’ll have a clear understanding of all driver purchases and movements – and reduce the likelihood of non-business transactions on your company fuel cards.

Does Verizon Connect offer a great value for money?

Verizon is one of the pricier fleet tracking systems on the market, and it is the absolute best we’ve encountered during our research. It provides everything a car-centered fleet (or any other vehicle-based fleet) needs, including traffic alerts, automatic route optimization, and live car movement alerts for things such as idling, speeding and harsh driving.

The system integrates with Garmin GPS units, a robust array of Verizon phone apps, and asset tracking. The only real pause for thought is that implementing a panic button is a bit trickier than other providers we’ve researched.

2. Samsara: Best for Dispatch Optimization in Car Fleets

Samsara is ideal for car fleets needing efficient dispatch and real-time optimization, thanks in part to its complex routing functions.

Samsara’s car trackers

Similar in size and shape to Verizon’s hardware, the Samsara VG54-NA and VG54-NAH devices are also installed in a car’s OBD-II port. You’ll also need to use the Samsara app to get it set up on your account.

It’s worth noting that Samsara doesn’t have any hardwired car trackers as far as we are aware.

Samsara’s car fleet management features

We found fleet managers could select the optimal car and route for each job, with the system calculating the predicted departure times based on real-time traffic conditions, time on site, and travel time.

In other words, dispatching car drivers on jobs with Samsara is painless.

For car fleets involved in deliveries, field services, or any operations where timing and rapid response are critical, the extent of this feature sets Samsara apart from the rest.

Does Samsara offer a great value for money?

Samsara’s pricing is custom and based on the specific needs of your fleet, from the number of vehicles you’ll be tracking to the specific features you need. Prices tend to start at around $27 per vehicle, per month, positioning it in the higher price bracket.

Despite the cost, Samsara’s strong selection of features rival our top-rated provider Verizon Connect. The platform’s ability to calculate optimal routes based on live traffic conditions and driver availability should enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and increase customer satisfaction to make that price worthwhile.

A mandatory three-year contract and lack of installation support might be a drawback for smaller fleets. It’s important to consider whether Samsara’s advanced routing and dispatch features align with your fleet’s operational goals. Otherwise, these features may be a waste of investment.

3. Teletrac Navman: Best for Comprehensive Driver Safety in Car Fleets

Teletrac Navman’s TN360 platform stand out for one thing in our extensive research: driver safety monitoring. If your fleet drivers regularly deal with road trouble, Teletrac could be for you.

Teletrac Navman’s car trackers

Teletrac Navman offers a hardwired version of their device, which it says can more easily access vehicle data such as seatbelt information. The device looks extremely similar to the plug-and-play version, but it requires a professional installation, so if you need to switch cars, you may face some difficulties.

Teletrac Navman’s car fleet management features

Ideal for car fleets prioritizing safety and compliance, Teletrac Navman’s TN360 software offers a detailed breakdown of driver history and behavior. Notable features include:

• Automatic alerts for dangerous driving
• Driver fatigue management
• A leaderboard system to encourage safer driving practices among car fleet drivers.

Driver behavior can directly impact safety and insurance costs, so this is an important factor to consider in your GPS tracking system.

Does Teletrac Navman offer a great value for money?

Teletrac Navman starts at $25 per vehicle, per month. That’s just below our estimates of Samsara’s private pricing, and it’s a good balance between cost and advanced features focused on driver safety.

Driver monitoring tools like fatigue management should help reduce accidents and associated costs in car fleets. Plus, the option for a short, one-year initial contract provides added flexibility compared with the above two providers.

4. Azuga: Best for Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance Tracking in Car Fleets

Azuga’s standout feature is its ability to help car fleets optimize fuel efficiency and maintain their vehicles, a crucial task for car fleets with significant fuel expenses.

Azuga’s car trackers

Azuga’s plug-in devices go directly into a car’s OBD-II port, just as the above GPS tracking devices.

Azuga doesn’t supply a hardwired model, but, for most cars, this shouldn’t be an issue. It might be more of a problem that it doesn’t offer GPS mapping integrations. It does offer a panic button, although it’s only within the mobile app.

Azuga’s car fleet management features

Azuga offers rich, detailed data on fuel usage, idling times, and engine diagnostics, enabling fleet managers to make informed decisions to reduce fuel costs and prevent maintenance issues.

It’s got solid tracking too. One of its most unique features is the ability to customize refresh time from anywhere between 30 seconds and 59 minutes, letting your drivers go with as much or as little oversight as they need.

The platform’s FleetMobile integration can track safe driving and speeding to create an overall driver score. Users can also add features like:

• Vehicle health monitoring
• Navigation
• Tracking
• Parked vehicle location
• Other third-party apps

Does Azuga offer a great value for money?

Azuga’s pricing ranges between $25 to $35 per vehicle per month, which is on the higher end of the spectrum. Still, the strong emphasis on fuel efficiency tracking and vehicle maintenance can translate into substantial cost savings for car fleets over time.

The three-year minimum contract may be a consideration for some businesses.

5. RAM: Best for Affordable Car Fleet Tracking

RAM Tracking is a cost-effective vehicle tracking solution, so small and medium-sized car fleets will find it especially appealing.

RAM’s car trackers

We couldn’t find much information about the specific hardware RAM offers to its GPS tracking customers. What we do know is that it offers both plug-in and hardwire options, so all vehicles are covered.

You can also get an asset tracker with RAM, although you won’t get a panic button or integration with your drivers’ existing GPS devices.

RAM’s car fleet management features

RAM might be the cheapest platform on this list, but it doesn’t compromise on essential features.

We appreciate its straightforward dashboard which provides oversight to live tracking, driver scoring, and weather updates in one place. Once inside its map view, you’ve got all the abilities to track your fleet cars without worry – you just won’t have the advanced reporting to match the best providers.

Does RAM Tracking offer a great value for money?

RAM Tracking joins Verizon Connect and Samsara in using a quote-based pricing structure for two of its three tiers, it lists a starting price for the first tier: $14.99 per month. This makes it one of the most affordable options available.

It provides essential tracking features such as real-time location updates and driver scoring, so it’s a cost-effective solution for small- to medium-sized car fleets in particular. Short contract lengths also offer a flexibility that smaller, less established fleets may need.

By skipping the extensive bells and whistles of other providers, RAM Tracking delivers essential services at a competitive price.

How Did We Rank the Best GPS Trackers for Cars?

Expert Verdict

There are plenty of great GPS car trackers on the market, but if we had to pick, our favorite is Verizon Connect. It’s not the cheapest platform – that accolade goes to RAM – but it’s got the best tracking features of all its contemporaries.

Still, fleet managers will find that some systems better serve their needs than others. You may want to compare quotes from local fleet management providers to find the best options in your area.

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