The Best Portable GPS Trackers
With the magic of GPS technology, losing your stuff can be a thing of the past. Using a portable GPS tracker, you can easily find your possessions using your smartphone to guide you. Not only are they more accurate than ever, but they're also incredibly small. Throw one of these in your purse or on a key ring, and suddenly you'll never wonder where you left them. Below, we'll discuss our top picks for the best GPS trackers.
What to Look For
How did we find the best GPS trackers on the market? We used the following criteria: range, price, and size. The Apple AirTag is incredibly small and lightweight, but it’s a bit pricier than some other models, and it can only be used by Apple devices. Meanwhile, the Tile Mate works well with almost any device, from Android phones to PCs. It’s great for tracking nearby but also has a solid GPS that pinpoints the exact location. We also like how thin the Tile trackers are. For more information on these awesome portable GPS trackers, keep reading below.
Tile Mate Black Bluetooth Tracker
For your peace of mind
With the Tile Mate, keeping track of your possessions is a breeze. It pairs with any smart device that has Bluetooth, even your computer. Once paired, you’ll be able to directly track your item up to 250 feet away. It has a nice loud beep that will let you use your ears to find stuff. But you can also use the Tile app’s proximity meter to pinpoint your lost object’s location. If you end up losing it outside of Bluetooth range, the Tile app will show you the GPS coordinates to get closer. Best of all, this is extremely affordable compared to the price of many other leading brands of GPS trackers.
Pros:
- Because of the built-in hole, you can easily clip this to bags or keys without the need for extra accessories
- No hidden features if you use Android or iPhone since both have full functionality
- Will work outside with an extremely long battery
Cons:
- The battery can last up to three years, but it’s non-replaceable
Tile Slim Thin Bluetooth Tracker
No bulk, no problem
Traveling can be stressful, especially when it comes to luggage. If you lose your luggage, you’ll want to have a Tile Slim attached. This keeps track of your possessions with a built-in GPS. All you need is the Tile app on your phone, and it will show you the exact location. So if your bag gets routed to another city by accident, you’ll probably know before the airline does. This removes any question of where the bag is, making it easier to retrieve.
Pros:
- The scannable QR code makes it super easy for strangers to identify and return your bag
- Fits in most credit card holders and wallets
- Super lightweight and thin
Cons:
- This is another Tile product with a non-replaceable battery
Apple AirTag
Stay on top of your stuff
Once again, Apple knocks it out of the park. With the AirTag, your favorite devices will never again be lost in the void. We use them to keep track of our wallets, keys, and even our car (sometimes, it’s hard to remember where we parked). The slim profile of this GPS tracker means it can be used for almost anything. With the vast array of colorful accessories, it looks just as good as it functions. After using the AirTag, we can’t imagine living without it now.
Pros:
- Has a replaceable battery that lasts a long time
- Beeps loud enough to hear from other rooms
- If your item is lost, the AirTag will notify Apple users nearby
Cons:
- Only works with Apple devices
Tile Pro 4-Pack Powerful Bluetooth Tracker
For the forgetful
GPS trackers just became premium. The Tile Pro has a longer range and better battery than its predecessors. While the regular Tile Mate has a Bluetooth range of 250 feet, this one maxes out at 400 feet. There’s even a feature to use your Tile to find your phone instead of the other way around. And with four of them in this well-priced bundle, you’ll be sure to have plenty for your most important possessions.
Pros:
- One of the loudest GPS trackers on the market
- Incredibly long range
- Works with both Android and iOS devices
Cons:
- Requires a premium subscription for some features, such as push notifications when you leave something behind
LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker Waterproof Magnet Mount
The quick locator
Want to quickly track something outdoors? Then look no further than this awesome rugged GPS tracker. It’s waterproof and fully rated for outdoor use. And since it’s magnetic, it’s great for sticking onto large vehicles without the need for accessories. This is a premium GPS device that tracks in real time. All you need is to download the smartphone app. You can customize the tracker with geofencing, alerts, and more.
Pros:
- Has lights so you can locate this at night more easily
- Super accurate GPS, better than smaller devices
- A powerful magnet keeps this tracker well-secured
Cons:
- Requires a subscription service with their smartphone app
Frequently Asked Questions
Are portable GPS trackers waterproof?
Most GPS trackers will have some level of water resistance. This usually doesn’t mean that they can be submerged underwater for very long, but they usually can withstand splashing and temporary wetness. To find out how waterproof, look at the IP rating of the tracker. The second number will indicate whether it’s fully waterproof (you’ll want a seven or higher).
Can GPS trackers work anywhere in the country?
Unless the battery dies, you should be able to locate a portable GPS tracker almost anywhere in the world. Because they link up to satellites with a wireless connection, they are constantly updating their location. If you’ve had the tracker for more than a year, make sure to replace the battery so it won’t die in case you lose your bag or wallet.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.