If you're looking at GPS tracking for your car, there are usually two costs to consider: the price of the GPS tracker itself and the cost of the tracking service.
At Global Trackers, our current vehicle trackers start from £64.99, with our tracking subscription costing £5.99 per month including VAT.
The exact cost depends on the type of tracker you choose, how it is installed and what you need it to do.
How much does a GPS car tracker cost?
GPS vehicle trackers vary considerably in price depending on their design, installation method and intended use.
As a real example, current Global Trackers vehicle tracker prices are:
- GTOBD GPS Vehicle Tracker — £64.99
- GT1 GPS Vehicle Tracker — £69.99
- GT2 GPS Vehicle Tracker — £89.99
- GT3 GPS Vehicle Tracker — £99.99
These devices aren't all designed to do exactly the same job, so choosing purely on price isn't necessarily the best approach.
An OBD tracker may suit somebody who wants a straightforward plug-in option, while a hardwired tracker may be preferable for a more discreet installation. A waterproof tracker may be more suitable where the device needs additional protection from the environment.
If you're unsure which installation type you need, read our guide Hardwired vs OBD GPS Trackers: Which Is Right for You?
Why do GPS car trackers have a monthly subscription?
A GPS tracker needs more than GPS alone to provide live tracking on your phone or computer.
GPS satellites allow the tracker to establish its location. The tracker then needs a communications connection to send that location to the tracking platform you use.
A tracking subscription can therefore cover several parts of the service rather than simply being a charge for owning the device.
With Global Trackers, the tracking subscription includes access to the tracking platform and the multi-network M2M SIM used by the tracker.
How much is the Global Trackers subscription?
The current Global Trackers vehicle tracking subscription is:
£5.99 per month including VAT.
That works out at £71.88 including VAT over 12 months.
The subscription gives you access to the tracking service and includes the multi-network M2M SIM used by the tracker, so you don't need to arrange a separate mobile SIM for your device.
We'll explain the technology and ongoing service in more detail in our guide Why Do GPS Trackers Need a SIM Card and Subscription?
Are there GPS trackers without a monthly fee?
Yes, there are tracking products advertised without monthly subscriptions, but it's important to understand how each product communicates its location and what is included before comparing prices.
Different tracking products use different technologies and charging models. Some may require you to provide your own SIM or mobile data, while other location devices work using networks of nearby phones rather than providing the same type of dedicated GPS vehicle tracking service.
A lower ongoing cost may be right for some people, while others may prefer a service where the connectivity, tracking platform and support are provided together.
The useful question isn't simply “Does it have a monthly fee?”
It's:
“What am I actually getting for the total cost?”
Do I need to pay for installation?
That depends on the tracker you choose.
A plug-in OBD tracker is designed to connect to a compatible OBD port, making installation straightforward for many vehicles.
Hardwired trackers connect to the vehicle's electrical system. Depending on your experience and the installation required, you may choose to fit one yourself or have it professionally installed.
Installation should therefore be considered when comparing the overall cost of different tracking options.
What's the first-year cost of a car tracker?
It helps to look beyond the headline price and calculate the device plus the tracking service.
Using current Global Trackers prices as examples:
- GTOBD: £64.99 + £71.88 for 12 months tracking = £136.87
- GT1: £69.99 + £71.88 = £141.87
- GT2: £89.99 + £71.88 = £161.87
- GT3: £99.99 + £71.88 = £171.87
Any separate professional installation cost would need to be added where applicable.
Looking at the complete first-year cost makes it much easier to compare one tracking option with another.
Is a more expensive tracker better?
Not necessarily.
The best tracker is the one that suits your vehicle and what you want to achieve.
Paying for features or construction you don't need doesn't necessarily give you better value. Equally, choosing the cheapest device isn't good value if it isn't appropriate for how or where you need to use it.
For example, your decision might depend on whether you want:
- A plug-in or hardwired installation
- A discreet installation
- Additional weather protection
- Tracking for a car, van, motorhome, caravan or another type of vehicle
That's why we prefer to help customers choose based on their requirements rather than simply recommending the most expensive tracker.
So, how much does a car tracker cost?
For a Global Trackers system, the current vehicle tracker itself starts from £64.99, You can compare our current range of GPS vehicle trackers here,and the ongoing tracking subscription is £5.99 per month including VAT.
Your total cost will depend on the tracker you choose and whether you need professional installation.
If you're unsure which tracker is suitable, tell us what vehicle you have and what you want to achieve. We'll help you choose an appropriate option without making GPS tracking more complicated than it needs to be.