When it comes to gadgets, the smaller the better. These mini gadgets are carryable, unobtrusive, and work splendidly no matter where you place them. That is why it is no wonder that people look for small or mini GPS trackers as well.
Mini GPS trackers are amongst the best applications of small-size efficient technology. They have all the features of a basic GPS tracking device but are just small in size. They are easy to use and user-friendly devices.
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How Does Mini GPS Trackers Work?
Mini GPS trackers work like any other GPS tracker. It connects to a series of satellites for detecting locations. A GPS tracker determines the locations through the positions and distance of satellites from the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) network.
Mostly, a GPS tracker is powered through the OBDII port of the vehicle or an internal battery. It collects the data and sends it to the dedicated application or software from which the user can access the data and monitor the device.
Tracking is categorized into two types. It’s either active tracking or passive tracking. While active GPS trackers provide real-time locations any time you want, passive GPS trackers store the data that can be viewed later.
Types Of Mini GPS Trackers
Portable Or Wearable GPS Trackers
The portable GPS trackers are the most popular trackers used these days. They are small in size and are designed for personal use. As these devices have long-lasting chargeable batteries, they are best for hiking, adventure sports, vehicle tracking, and personal tracking. Like their bigger counterparts, mini GPS devices also have dedicated apps for users.
Mini GPS trackers are also available as wearables like wristwatches, bands, pet collars, and pendants, and are especially popular among kids and elderlies. Their fun and comfortable design make them attractive for kids and older family members.
OBDII GPS Trackers
The OBDII trackers are plugged into the OBDII port of your vehicle to track them. Easy to install, these devices draw the power and data through the port. The one benefit of these GPS devices over the portable ones is that as they are connected to the engine of the vehicle, they tend to gather useful data.
Apart from tracking the location of your car, they can collect information regarding your engine, fuel, battery, etc.
Hardwired GPS Trackers
As the name suggests, hardwired mini GPS trackers are directly wired into your vehicle. Although not popular these days, people still choose them for vehicles without an OBD II port.
They offer almost all the benefits provided by OBDII GPS trackers and are best for those looking for a completely hidden tracker.
Advantages Of Having Mini GPS Trackers
Real-Time Tracking
It is a common misunderstanding that the real-time tracking feature of a mini portable GPS is not useful for personal tracking. Apart from knowing where your loved ones are, the real-time location data allows you to schedule family activities efficiently. On a busy day, when you want to have a good family dinner, you can easily check their location and decide what to cook based on the time you have.
If you need to pick up your kid on the way back from work, simply look up their location and take the fastest route. Also, in case of an emergency, if your family member is unable to inform you of their location, you can still reach them through the location data from the tracking device.
Handy
Families prefer mini or small trackers over others as they are handy. You can place them anywhere, and carry them in your handbag or pocket discreetly. More importantly, there is no installation required.
You can switch a tracker between multiple things, as and when required. From keeping a tab on the tiniest of stuff such as a ring box to safeguarding your large vehicles, the mini GPS trackers can work for all sizes of valuables.
Good battery life
These days every renowned GPS manufacturer focuses on offering long battery backup. These tracking devices can work for more than a week on a single charge. A mini GPS tracker with a long-lasting battery is a trustful resource to keep your family and valuables safe. If you ask around, some people would suggest the easy way out. They would advise you to go for a smartphone for tracking purposes.
Getting an app on your smartphone can help you track the locations of your family members. However, smartphones are built to perform multiple functions, which can easily drain the battery. Phone apps are a good option if you need to track once in a while. But for continual tracking, a mini GPS tracking device is the best.
Waterproof
Nowadays, most portable GPS trackers are waterproof. They can significantly work for the following:
- People who commute on a bicycle, motorbike, or any other two-wheeler, especially during the rainy season.
- People are interested in watersports like scuba diving, rowing, river rafting, swimming, etc.
- Boats and yachts.
- Lifeguards
- There could be many other scenarios where your GPS tracker might come in contact with water, thus it’s advantageous to buy a waterproof mini GPS tracker.
Best For Hidden Tracking
What would be the best qualities of a discreet GPS tracker? Yes, you guessed it right. It should be small in size, lightweight, and can fit anywhere you desire. A mini GPS tracker possesses all these qualities to let you track someone without letting them know. Although, if you need a hidden GPS tracker specifically for personal purposes, we got you covered.
A mini GPS tracker can fit into a car seat cover, glovebox, suitcase, handbag, etc. However, you should know all the rules and regulations of your area before choosing the option of discreet tracking. You don’t want to be in trouble just to find some information and invade someone’s privacy.
Recover Your Stolen Vehicle
As we know, a mini GPS tracker can help you with hidden tracking. Apparently, you can use it to recover your stolen car, bike, or any other vehicle. A mini GPS tracker is a tiny and unobtrusive device. Due to this design, you can place it somewhere in your vehicle that would be out of reach to an offender.
If your vehicle ever gets stolen, you can track its location and provide the information to a law enforcement officer. The powerful battery of the tracking device would give you enough time to reach your vehicle and get it back.
Use It For Adventure Sports
If you love adventure sports, a mini GPS tracker could increase the utility in many ways. You can use it for sports like cycling, trekking, mountain climbing, treasure hunting, etc. Many of these sports require you to go through unknown paths. Some adventure sports will require setting a virtual boundary.
You can use the Geofencing feature to set the virtual boundaries in these cases. Using a mini GPS tracker will let you take your game to the next level. You will never lose track and your fellow teammates if you have an efficient tracking device.
Improve The Efficiency Of Your Business
Apart from helping you with the safety of your family and friends, a mini GPS tracker can be a great assistance for your business. It helps in increasing the speed and productivity of your business if used appropriately.
Knowing the real-time location of drivers will prevent unnecessary phone calls by the employer as well as customers. “Ubereats” is one of the examples that use tracking deliveries in the best way. Their process of delivery works very well as the supplier, delivery man, and the customer can coordinate and know the real-time location of the delivery. You can also use the tracking device to safeguard your employees and valuable assets.
What are the best Mini GPS Trackers Available in the Market?
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to LIST the best products in the market, and not to review or rank them. All the products listed here have several unique features catering to a wide range of customer requirements.
While compiling this list, we evaluated the devices based on their cost, subscription plans, battery life, size, and installation process. We considered factors like the countries they offer coverage in, ease of use of their application, security, or other unique features they offer. We also looked into add-on services these vendors provide – lifetime warranty, 24/7 customer support, installation help, and more.
The intention is to inform and educate the reader on the variety of options available in the market.
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker
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Tracki is a real-time tiny GPS tracker that is known for its extremely small size with loaded features, thus we can call it a “small packet with a big bang” device.
With Tracki, you can check the real-time location of your dear ones and you can track almost anything that can move. You can track kids, the elderly, pets, equipment, drones, ships, luggage, and the list goes on.
This GPS device can send you alerts on speed, moving, and fence crossing. You can use the SOS button to alert your special contacts in case of emergencies.
This tracking device has worldwide coverage and can track in 190 countries.
There is an option of indoor tracking through Bluetooth and WiFi to track your valuable assets inside your home or any other building.
The 3500 mAh battery can work for 1 month in “battery save mode” and for 3 months if you choose “life tracking mode” once a day.
The device comes with a belt clip, magnet, lanyard, and keychain for attaching it.
Tracki Mini GPS tracker is available at $28.88 with a monthly subscription of $9.95.
The company offers a lifetime warranty and free replacement of damaged products with a warranty. It also provides 24×7 customer support.
Product Highlight
- Worldwide coverage
- 5 years of historical data
- Option for an extra bigger battery
- Indoor and outdoor tracking supported
Battery & Specs
- Size: 1.74”x 1.5”x 0.6”
- Weight: 1.26 Oz
- Battery: 3500 mAh Li-Polymer
- Battery Type: 1 Lithium-ion battery
- 5 days active battery life with 1-5 minutes update
Family1st Portable GPS Tracker
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The Portable GPS Tracker by Family1st is a dedicated GPS device designed for families with all age group members. This mini real-time GPS tracker has all the features and alerts at an affordable price.
If we talk about its design and build, it is among the smallest trackers available in the market. It has sturdy housing that can be used in the toughest of conditions. The black and gray color gives it a classic and appealing look. Its sleek design will let you easily place it anywhere. You can keep it in a glove box, seat cover pocket, handbag, suitcase, schoolbag, jeans pocket, etc.
This tracker provides all the necessary alerts that are beneficial for the safety of your loved ones and belongings. You can create custom Geofencing zones to notify you when the device leaves or enters that restricted zone. Also, get alerts on speed, harsh braking, low battery, and late-night driving. You can receive these alerts through the push notification on your cell phone, via text, or by email. It also has a dedicated SOS button that allows sending notification to your loved ones in case of emergencies. Furthermore, you can check all the present and past data through the companion app (available on Android and iOS) and the web portal.
Its integration with Alexa is one of the special features of the Portable GPS tracker. You can use the voice commands to make the best use of the tracking device.
The Portable GPS uses fast 4G technology that can work amazingly fast to transmit the data. The in-built buffer feature allows the device to track even in areas with the poor network coverage. The coverage of this tracker is limited to a few countries. Currently, it’s providing its coverage in the USA, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Island, Canada, and Mexico.
It has a long-lasting battery that can work for more than two weeks with continuous updates.
This mini GPS tracker is available at the price of $28.95 with a monthly subscription of $19.95. Family1st provides you with 24×7 tech support via Email and Monday-to-Friday call support (9 AM to 5 PM).
Product Highlight
- Cost-effective device
- Low monthly subscription cost
- Best for personal tracking
- Handy and doesn’t require any installation
- Great customer support
- Good battery life
- Real-time tracking and alerts
Battery & Specs
- Size: 2.8” x 1.8” x 1.1”
- Weight: 3.60 Oz
- Battery: 2400 mAh Li-Polymer
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2 weeks active battery life with 1-minute update
- 6 months sleep mode battery life at one update per day
Spark Nano 7 Micro GPS Tracker
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Spark Nano 7 Micro GPS Tracker is one of the most compact GPS trackers that can be used to track people, pets, and cars. The tracker comes with 4G connectivity all over North America – the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The tracker comes with a wide range of security and alert features. If you have a teen driver at home, you can set up speed limits and geofences, and get alerts whenever your teen drives above the speed limit or is in an unsafe area.
Spark Nano 7 Micro GPS tracker can also be used for seniors and kids. It has a panic button that your dependents can use to alert you in case they are in trouble. The device is compatible with all iOS and Android devices.
You can get the device for a low cost of only $17.97. The subscription plan starts from $24.99 a month.
Product Highlight
- Versatile tracker
- Low device cost
- Panic Button
- Geofence and Alerts
- Coverage in North America
Battery & Specs
- Size: 3.0” x 1.58” x 1.0”
- Weight: 3.3 Oz
- Battery: 2600mAh
- Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- 6 Days on one-minute tracking
- 15 days of battery life in sleep mode
SPOT Trace GPS Tracking Device
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Spot Trace GPS Tracker is one of the strongest waterproof mini GPS trackers. This device sends you an immediate email or text alert when the tracker comes into motion. It’s beneficial as you get notified when your loved one leaves a place.
You can get the alerts on low battery and power off through the companion app. Furthermore, you get daily alerts to let you know your assets are secured.
It has an option of “Dock Mode”, which allows this tracker to track an asset stored on the water.
This tracking device will cost you $89.95 with a subscription fee of $12 per month.
Product Highlight
- Extremely compact
- Allows online tracking
- Sends you instant alerts through mail
- Provides a huge range of uses
Battery & Specs
- Size: 6.9” x 2.02” x 0.95”
- Weight: 1 oz
- Battery: 4 AAA Energizer Ultimate Lithium 8x batteries (L92) – Installed
- Battery Option: 4 AAA Energizer® NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH12) – Sold Separately
- Battery type: Option of external, Internal, and rechargeable
- 10-14 days of active battery life with one-minute updates
AngelSense GPS Tracker
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AngelSense is one of the best mini GPS trackers designed for kids. Its smart features and intuitive interface allows you and your kids to use the device hassle-free.
This device has an option of a two-way voice call. You can contact your kids through this device without even providing them with a cellphone.
The company provides the option of Diary Lock, which registers data and synchronizes every 30 seconds.
This device is available at $69 with a month-to-month plan of $52.99.
Product Highlight
- 2-way voice with auto pickup speakerphone
- SOS button
- Proactive Alerts
- Live Location Sharing
Battery & Specs
- Size: 2.4″ x 1.7″ x 0.63″
- Weight: 1.4 Oz
- Battery: NA
- Battery type: NA
- 24 hours of active battery life
Americaloc GL300 W Mini GPS Tracker
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The Americaloc GL300W is a small portable GPS tracker to track your vehicles or equipment. It is a real-time GPS tracker with no activation or hidden fees.
This tracking device can help you track vehicles from any phone, tablet, or computer. It has a powerful battery that can last for weeks and track many movements with faster coverage.
GL300 W has the option of location update speed of 10, 30, or 60 seconds. The mobile app (Android and iOS) assists you to keep historical data for up to one year. It comes with a preinstalled lithium-ion battery and SIM card option.
It’s quite an expensive device and costs upwards of $106, along with a monthly subscription fee of $25.
Product Highlight
- Real-time Alerts
- Geofences
- Accurate location
- Long battery life
Battery & Specs
- Size: 7” x 1.51” x 0.92”
- Weight:24 oz
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery
- Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 10-14 days of active battery life with one-minute updates
Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker
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The Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker is among the most popular miniature GPS trackers available in the market. It has a customizable location update system for every 30 seconds that can be upgraded to 10 seconds with an upgraded plan.
It provides text, email, and mobile app alerts for all the movements and changes. It alerts for movement, low battery, and SOS button-press.
This tracker has a rechargeable battery that can last for 1-2 weeks as per usage. The internal motion sensor assists in maximizing battery charge as it goes on a standby mode when it’s idle.
This tracker supports the coverage in the US, Canada, and Mexico only. The company provides phone and email support for its customers.
The current cost of Optimus 2.0 is $39.95 with a monthly subscription of $19.95. The company offers a 30 days return policy and a lifetime warranty.
Product Highlight
- Low subscription cost
- No contract, no cancellation fee
- Alerts for geofences, low battery, SOS, and more
- Google Maps integration
Battery & Specs
- Size: 3″ x 1.5″ x 1″
- Weight: 3.3 Oz
- Battery: Lithium Polymer batteries
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2 weeks of active battery life with 1-minute updates
PrimeTracking Personal GPS Tracker
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A tiny, lightweight but sturdy GPS tracker, PrimeTracking device is one of the best mini trackers. Because of its compact design, you can hide it anywhere – stroller, wheelchair, bikes, cars, bags, and more.
The device offers real-time tracking, instant alerts, historical route tracking, and time stamp recording. It also boasts 2-week-long battery life with active use. It also has an SOS button that kids or the elderly can use to alert you whenever required.
PrimeTracking has a user-friendly companion app that can be accessed through any iOS and Android device. You can get the device at $29.99. The service plan is extra, starting with $25 a month.
Product Highlight
- Historical route tracking
- Real-time Tracking
- Timestamp recording
- SOS button and other security alerts
Battery & Specs
- Size: 1.57″ x 1.05″ x 3.07″
- Weight: 2.24 Oz
- Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer battery
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2-week active use battery life with 1-minute updates
Trackimo GPS Tracker
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If you are looking for a small-size and lightweight GPS tracker, the Trackimo is a good choice for you. This GPS tracker uses a decent 3G technology for connectivity.
Considering the alerts for emergencies, Trackimo has 3 special buttons. It has an SOS button in the center and two other buttons beside it. You can use these two buttons to send custom messages to your favorite contacts. The button settings can be changed through the website or the companion app.
Trackimo GPS tracker is available at the price of $198.90 with a monthly subscription of $5. The company offers a one-year limited warranty to its customers.
Product Highlight
- Worldwide 3G connectivity
- Indoor and outdoor tracking
- SOS, Geofencing, Speed, and Motion alerts
- Live tracking with 1-minute updates
- 1-year warranty on the device
Battery & Specs
- Size: 1.8” x 1.6” x 0.7″
- Weight: 1.4 Oz
- Battery: 600mah Lithium-ion battery
- Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 4 days active battery life with 1-minute updates
- 1 month save mode battery life with 6 updates per day
LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
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LandAirSea 54 is a real-time 4G mini GPS tracker with an internal magnet and waterproof body. It’s a pocket-size device that can fit into any compact area such as a trousers’ pocket, purse, backpack, toolbox, etc.
LandAirSea 54 tracker can be integrated with Google maps in real-time or on the SilverCloud app for reliable live tracking. You get immediate notification via text or email alerts.
You can disable its green LED light and turn on the dark mode for discrete tracking.
It includes a 4G sim card for high-speed connectivity. The battery of LandAirSea lasts for 4 to 5 days and it requires at least 12 hours to charge it completely.
The LandAirSea 54 comes at the price of $29.95 and requires a monthly subscription plan starting at $19.99 per month. But for 2 years of prepay subscriptions, you are charged as low as $9.95/month.
Product Highlight
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Built-In Magnet Mount
- Dark Mode and Low Power Mode
- Historical Reporting
- Includes Sim Card
Battery & Specs
- Size: 2.25″ x 2.25″ x 0.8″
- Weight: 8 Oz
- Battery: Lithium ion battery
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 3 weeks of active battery life with 3-minute updates
- 6 months battery life on Sleep mode
Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Mini GPS Tracker
Size and weight of the Tracker
The most vital factor before choosing a mini GPS tracker is to check its size. You know the exact reasons for buying a mini GPS tracker and be aware of the places where you want to use it. It could be a trousers’ pocket, a kid’s school bag, a teen’s car, or the jacket of an elderly, a mini GPS tracker would fit well in all these spots. Some companies provide you with all the exciting features but they lack when it comes to providing a compact tracking device. Choose wisely keeping in mind if the tracker would fit well in your desired places.
Just like the size, the weight of the GPS tracker also matters. The mini GPS tracker should be lightweight and portable. A heavy GPS tracker can make you uncomfortable and you might end up avoiding that device eventually. You don’t want to feel like carrying a heavy pebble when you keep a GPS tracker in your pocket. Moreover, the lightweight GPS trackers are best for traveling, cycling, running, or any activity.
Functions And Controls
Mini GPS trackers have many options that you can use to monitor the functioning and settings. The device should offer an intuitive user interface with controls that are easy to understand. It should provide you quick access to change the settings. An efficient GPS tracker allows you to change the settings through the hardware buttons as well as the mobile app. Also, look if the mobile app has enough options that are suitable to your needs and comforts.
Connectivity
Choose a tracker that supports a faster connectivity option. It’s a smart choice if you use a tracker with a 4G cellular connection or higher technology. Good connectivity will allow you to track in the areas where most trackers will lag or fail to send you updates.
Mapping
You should check the user interface of the mapping provided by the company. A good quality mapping will allow you to zoom in and check the area with different views. It’s best if they are providing different views as per your comfort. The most common options are a street map view, bird-eye view, and satellite view. They could also partner with a good-quality map provider such as google maps. Either way, the user should be able to track the device with a proper view and in real-time.
Alerts
Mini GPS trackers come with the option of smart alerts and notifications. You should go for a tracker that offers you all types of alerts that assist you in safety and increase your productivity. The best GPS tracker alerts are speeding, idling, Geofencing, SOS, driving behavior, fuel refill, etc.
Theft Prevention
Advanced mini GPS trackers come with a proximity sensor that identifies if someone or something is near the GPS tracker. The tracker will sense it immediately if someone tries to enter your car and send you a notification. Through this feature, you can prevent your car from getting stolen. Choosing a GPS tracker with this feature will help you stay alert and save your vehicles or any other valuables from theft.
Coverage
Every tracking device has different areas of coverage. Some of them are limited to a few countries and some can work worldwide. Get yourself a tracker that can at least work in the areas/countries where you travel a lot.
Accessories
A good company satisfies its customers by providing extra accessories. Mini GPS tracker accessories may include a wall charger, case, extra battery, vehicle mounting brackets, etc. Check out the company’s website and look for the section where it mentions what’s included in the box.
Value for Money
Getting a GPS tracker is an investment. And to choose the one that offers you the best value for your money, you need to evaluate your expenses and the returns. List down the features you need, and look for a customizable tracking solution. You don’t need to shell out money for unnecessary features.
Subscription Fees
The subscription fees of mini GPS trackers may vary according to their plans and services. There are several companies in the market that will charge you a low monthly subscription and offer you a budget plan. Choose a company that offers you the best features at a minimum subscription fee.
Tech support
The mini GPS trackers are mostly easy-to-setup devices. But still, at times the users may find it challenging to understand the device or their companion app. This is why the company you are choosing should provide you with good tech support. Choose a vendor that offers 24×7 customer support through various mediums including phone calls, live chat, and emails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Where can I use the mini GPS tracker?
Answer: You can use the mini GPS trackers to track your cars, motorbikes, bicycles, fleets, delivery men, kids, teens, elderly, pets, boats, and any object that moves.
Question: What is the average weight of mini GPS trackers?
Answer: Mini GPS trackers can weigh from 50 grams to 100 grams.
Question: How often do we need to charge the battery?
Answer: Generally, a decent battery tracking device requires charging after two weeks.
Question: How often does the best mini GPS tracker update its data?
Answer: A mini GPS tracker refresh rate can be (10, 30, or 60) seconds. This refresh rate is determined by the subscription plan you choose for the device.
Carson Rogers is a technology writer and reviewer. With over 5 years of experience in the industry, he has established himself as an expert in the technology niche. His passion for all things tech and his keen eye for detail enable him to provide thorough and insightful product reviews that help readers make informed decisions. Carson enjoys hiking in his free time when he's not busy reviewing the latest gadgets. His love for the outdoors also inspires him to write about tech gadgets that are useful and make life convenient.