Fleet GPS 101: Start Here
New to fleet tracking? This is your roadmap. We'll explain how GPS trackers actually work, what the three main types are, how much they cost, and what to check before you buy. No jargon. No sales pitch. Just the stuff we wish someone had told us eight years ago.
How to Judge a Tracker Before You Buy It
At the start, you don't need to know every spec. You need to know three things: how often does it update its location (every 10 seconds beats every 60), how long does the battery last (or does it plug into the car), and does the app actually work on your phone. If a seller can't answer these in plain English, walk away. No amount of "military-grade" marketing replaces those answers.
Your Learning Path
Do you need real-time tracking for 20 vehicles, or just a cheap anti-theft device for one? These are very different problems. Start with the basics.
OBD-II (30-second install), hardwired (hidden, needs wiring), or magnetic (battery-powered, sticks anywhere). Each has trade-offs. See the buying guide.
Some units are $40 upfront and $15/month forever. Some are $80 upfront and free forever. The math depends on how long you plan to keep the device. No-fee trackers here.
Install a single unit. Live with it for two weeks. If it works, buy the rest. We've seen too many fleet owners buy 20 units before realizing the app crashes on Android. See our hardware reviews.