The average cost of GPS varies between $50 to $500 depending on the type and features. Additionally, there's a monthly subscription fee for data services, usually ranging from $5 to $25. More advanced features like real-time tracking and geofencing can increase the cost, but they also offer better functionality and security. Overall, getting a GPS tracker can be a good investment for peace of mind and security.
How Various Factors Impact GPS Tracking Costs
Below are some dominant factors involved when discussing the cost of GPS trackers.
Duration Of Agreement
The cost of the customer's contract with the service provider affects the amount paid. Longer contracts usually mean lower monthly payments, covering installation, hardware, and usage. If you're tired of being locked into contracts and subscriptions for your GPS trackers, we can help. Our chosen GPS trackers have no monthly fees, allowing you to stay connected without spending too much, with options like the Family1st GPS Tracker ($29.95), LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker ($49.95), and Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker ($99.95).
Type Of Tracker Chosen
The cost of the GPS tracker depends on the type you choose: Plug-and-Play GPS Device ($29.95), Hardwired GPS Device ($49.95), or Smartphone App Tracking ($9.95/month). The Plug-and-Play GPS Device is a popular choice as it is affordable and simply plugs into your vehicle's port. Hardwired GPS devices are suitable for older or feature-heavy vehicles that cannot integrate modern technology. The Smartphone App Tracking option is the most straightforward, cost-effective, and user-friendly.
Check out our detailed guide on Types of GPS Tracking Devices to explore various options and find the best fit for your needs.
Number Of Devices Chosen
The cost of a GPS tracker package depends on the number of devices you choose. Individual devices start at $29.95. Companies often provide discounts for purchasing multiple devices, such as two devices for $54.95 or three devices for $79.95. This offers savings when buying in bulk.
Company Chosen
The company you choose as your service provider significantly impacts your overall costs, so it's important to consider factors like costs, evaluations, and warranty plans. Brands like LandAirSea ($49.95), Family1st ($29.95), and Tracki ($18.95) offer reliable options with varying price points, helping you find the best balance between quality and affordability.
Coverage
Coverage is another factor that influences GPS tracker cost. While some providers only offer coverage in their state or country, others provide it internationally. Naturally, if you choose a global tracking device, costs will skyrocket. Such features directly impact the cost of a GPS device.
Lookout For Hidden Charges
GPS tracking services may seem cheap but consist of hidden charges for activation/deactivation, service cancellations, contract fees, warranty fees, and other hidden service fees.
Updates
The repeating prices may also affect how the GPS device delivers updates. The shorter the time between updates, the more you will have to pay. A customer who receives updates every minute, for example, will have to pay more than a customer who receives updates every fifteen to thirty minutes.
Features To Look for when buying a GPS Tracking Device
You are already aware that real-time location data from a GPS tracking device can assist you in locating your assets, vehicles, machinery, family, friends, and pets. GPS trackers cannot completely protect the assets or people you are tracking, but they can help you send the assistance you need in an emergency. Minimizing loss and damage ensures an easier and faster recovery. GPS tracking devices should also have the following features:
Specifications In Structure
The GPS tracking devices currently available on the market are small and durable. Most of them are weather-resistant and waterproof, have 4G/LTE connectivity, and some support indoor Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These devices often come with a companion app that can be easily downloaded on any mobile device of your choice, allowing you to access the location within seconds.
Notifications And Alerts
These companion apps allow you to customize alerts and updates based on your preferences. If you’re tracking your teen’s car, you can designate a signal or warning for speeding or other poor driving habits. You will receive these notifications via your chosen mode – SMS, e-mail, or app notification.
Driver Behavior
Monitoring driving behavior is one of the most necessary functions that GPS tracking devices can provide. Surprisingly, the total annual mileage is significantly lower than in 2019, but the number of fatal road accidents has increased by 8%. As a result, many transportation and traffic regulatory authorities have proposed and authorized the use of GPS tracking devices to help avoid accidents over the last decade. The majority of modern-day devices come with sensors to detect instances of unnecessary acceleration, hard braking, and other unsafe driving habits.
Efficiency
GPS tracking devices for personal and commercial use reduce costs and improve the efficiency of business operations and daily life. You can easily assign your vehicle to a job if you know where it is. You can also optimize the best course to your destination using location tracking, saving fuel.
Geofencing
Geofencing is a location-based system that uses Wi-Fi and GPS to trigger a pre-determined action. It enables you to draw a digital boundary around a targeted area in GPS-enabled software, such as a 200-foot radius in Google Maps. A response will be triggered whenever a registered tracking device enters or exits this boundary. Geofencing technology is a marketing method that enables businesses to track customers as they enter their sales zones. Teenagers, children, elderly relatives, and pets can benefit from the feature.
Roadside Assistance
If you’re lucky, your car may break down in a public location, somewhere safe. However, this can also happen in isolated, dangerous areas that are difficult to navigate on your own. The quality of your GPS network can impact your response time and how you handle such a breakdown.
Conclusion
Market prices vary depending on the type of GPS device you choose, the features you are looking for in the product, and what you want to use this service. A decent GPS device does its job well and delivers results with accuracy and precision in the long run. The warranty, customer support, and emergency services are some features that distinguish a stable, dependable service provider from others.
With the advent of smartphones, many of us now carry a GPS tracking device with us wherever we go. We can now use this technology in new and innovative ways, such as AR (augmented reality) applications and the ability to play location-based games. We’re only scratching the surface of GPS, and it’s safe to say that the technology can be utilized in many ways.