8 Things to Consider Before Buying a GPS Tracking Device

Before you buy a GPS tracking device, check eight things: what you need it for, the total cost including subscription, build quality and size, indoor coverage, battery life, app usability, safety features such as SOS, and the accessories available for attaching it.

Different types of GPS tracking devices exist. It is critical to understand the features, dependability and accuracy that the device and its service give you, so you can keep your loved ones secure. Choosing the cheapest GPS tracking device can be alluring, but it is important to make sure you are not compromising on key tracking features.

Read on for the eight factors to consider before buying a GPS tracking device.

What can GPS tracking devices do?

Global positioning system, or GPS for short, is a commonly used technology for transferring exact information about time and location to a particular GPS receiver anywhere on or near the planet. Mobile phones or internet access are not necessarily required for GPS devices to operate independently or communicate data. The position of the user will be sent to you by a GPS tracker as the real time tracking data is monitored and retrieved using a receiver.

1) Purpose of using GPS tracking device

A fantastic device for monitoring loved ones, pets, and seniors, GPS trackers can still keep them secure without limiting their freedom. Using a GPS tracker is essential for monitoring the location of a loved one, with enhanced security features such as geofenced safe zone alerts and activity monitoring to ensure their safety.

2) Cost of GPS tracking device

There are many different brands of GPS tracking devices that are produced by a range of companies, and each one has a slightly different price range for its device and subscription fees. Other than taking note of the device’s price, it is important to also factor in the cost of the location service subscription fees as well.

The Tack GPS Tracker is US$59.95 and the Tack GPS Plus Global is US$79.95, and both include a preinstalled SIM and 30 days of Tack Cloud. Subscription plans start from US$2.95/month on a two-year Standard plan, which gives Tack GPS a low cost of ownership compared with many other GPS tracking solutions that carry high monthly subscription fees.

3) Build quality and portability of the device

Because GPS trackers are portable, they can be placed almost anywhere. For example, you may put one in your toddler's backpack, take one on a trip, wear one on your pet's collar, or put one in your teen's bag to make sure that you keep tabs on their locations. When selecting GPS trackers for tracking that is meant to be discreet, certain professions (like those of private investigators) also take GPS tracker size into consideration.

The Tack GPS tracking device is lightweight (30 grams) and has a portable form factor. With great durability, Tack GPS is made to withstand demanding conditions thanks to its ultrasonic welding and weatherproof construction.

4) Indoor coverage of GPS tracker

The information gathered by the tracker is sent to the server using cellular technology so that smartphones and desktops may access it. The majority of GPS tracking systems transmit data using mobile networks.

Consider whether your receiver travels in locations where your service is spotty to determine how long it will take for the device to transmit its whereabouts.

With Tack GPS's NB-IoT/Cat M1 connectivity, the tracker reports from any country its built-in SIM has a roaming agreement with, which is 30+ countries for the Tack GPS Tracker and 120+ for the Tack GPS Plus Global, so check the coverage list for the places you travel. Our hybrid tracking technology combines GPS with Wi-Fi positioning and cell-tower fallback, so Tack GPS works indoors and outdoors. Expect roughly 3 to 5 m accuracy outdoors, 10 to 30 m indoors using Wi-Fi positioning, and 100 to 250 m when only cellular positioning is available.

5) Battery life of tracking device

The battery life of the GPS tracking device should also be taken into account before buying the GPS tracker. This helps you determine how long you can use the tracker before having to charge it again.

There are small, battery-operated GPS trackers available that have motion sensors integrated within, limiting their function to when the user is moving. Power banks are another option that can extend your battery life and allow you to recharge. Many trackers, however, need recharging after only a short period of daily use.

Using a rechargeable battery with smart sensors that optimise its power consumption, Tack GPS has a long battery life that lasts up to 30 days.

6) Usability of the tracking app

You will be missing out on a lot of valuable features if the GPS tracker doesn't come with a companion app. You will be unable to set up geofences, examine account settings, or monitor other important metrics like battery life.

It should be noted that if a companion app is included, alerts in and out of geofences can be seen instantaneously on a smartphone. You should also have more freedom to customise how often location reports arrive.

The OurSphere app comes with a robust dashboard that shows the list of paired tracking devices, location information and a map, so everyone in the family can get a better sense of assurance.

With a simple touch, the app lets you switch tracking modes. On the Standard plan, location updates arrive every 60 minutes normally, every 10 minutes in active mode and every 2 minutes in emergency mode. On the Premium plan those intervals are 10, 5 and 1 minute.

7) Safety features of location tracker

When selecting GPS trackers, it's a good idea to look out for features like the SOS button because they may save lives. When in need, the user can push this button to notify a specific person of the device's position. This specific feature can be valuable in dire circumstances.

Tack GPS comes with One-Click SOS that can trigger a notification alert on your phone. You will be notified of the device's current location in the OurSphere app, and you can trigger emergency mode from the app for continuous updates every 2 minutes on the Standard plan.

8) Availability of attachment accessories

Attachment accessories for GPS trackers can come in the many forms of cables, cases and mounting brackets for cars, bags, or pouches.

Designed to attach the Tack GPS tracker to your pet's collar, bike frames or handles, the Wonder Sleeve (Fabric Case) for Tack GPS tracker comes with a velcro strap for flexible attachment and effortless comfort.

The Wonder Sleeve (Fabric Case) for the Tack GPS tracker comes in 2 colours: a grey fabric case with a black elastic band, and a black fabric case with an orange elastic band.

Try out Tack GPS tracking device

Thinking of buying a GPS tracker? Rather than investing in expensive gear coupled with high subscription cost, we employ straightforward, dependable technology in a small, strong device.

Find your peace of mind with the Tack GPS multi-purpose location tracker, a 30-day battery life and subscriptions starting from US$2.95/month.

Keep your loved ones safe and in view across every country your Tack tracker roams in. Click here to buy now.