Hidden GPS Trackers: Track Anything Covertly

Technology has become one of the most important devices in the lives of individuals and companies. According to market reports, the hidden GPS trackers market size is expected to grow to $7.9 billion in 2032 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.60% in the forecast period of 2024-2032. A GPS device can be hidden to help combat vehicle theft, loss of valuable assets, and strengthen personal security. They offer tracking services that allow for greater control over valuable possessions and assets or family members and friends. GPS provides a number of benefits for personal or business use.

This article provides all the necessary information to help you choose the right hidden GPS tracker. 

What Are Hidden GPS Trackers?

Hidden GPS trackers are small devices used for tracking vehicles, assets, possessions and people without being seen. They possess GPS tracking technology to get exact location and status information. Since they’re designed to be hidden, they’re discreet. Hidden GPS trackers, size, the ability to attach or conceal and battery life are all important. Unlike other types of GPS tracking devices that can be mounted in plain sight, a discreet GPS tracker is small and can be hidden inside a vehicle, bag, suitcase or any other type of personal property

Why Use a Hidden GPS Tracker?

The primary use of a covert GPS tracker is to track assets without the device being visible and to track people without them knowing. That’s why size and the ability to mount a hidden GPS tracker in an inconspicuous place is so important.

Key Features of Hidden GPS Trackers

When choosing the best hidden GPS tracker for your needs, several key features must be considered. These are:

Size and Stealth

These small GPS trackers are designed to be covert. Size matters! The smaller the GPS device, the easier it is to hide. But tracking a vehicle is much different than tracking a person. If you want to have a GPS tracker hidden on a vehicle, you also have to think about WHERE the device can be placed. That’s why magnetic trackers or magnetic cases are so popular. You can stick a magnetic tracker on the underside of a vehicle so it can’t be detected.

Battery Life

Typically, covert GPS trackers are small. But it’s worth noting that the smaller the GPS device, the less battery life it’ll have. There are some long-life, rechargeable devices on the market; however, the life of the device battery also depends on how frequently you need location updates. Some devices will last months, or years on a single charge, but will only provide location updates once a day. Others can give you real-time updates every few seconds but will need to be recharged every few days. There are also GPS devices that take replaceable batteries.

Waterproofing

Another feature of GPS trackers used outdoors or in marine environments is waterproofing. The waterproof GPS tracking device can endure rain, snow, and humidity. If you need to track something that might be left outdoors, or may be subject to the elements, be sure to use a waterproof GPS tracking device built for any condition.

Range and Coverage

Hidden GPS trackers, like any other type of GPS tracking device, will be limited in its functionality based on range and coverage. For example, if you are tracking a person or asset internationally, you’ll need to make sure the device is trackable globally, or at the very least, in the region your device is going. Some GPS trackers can be used anywhere in the world where there’s cellular coverage. But if you’re tracking a cargo container that’s traveling by boat, you’ll need a device that’s trackable by satellite.

Additional Features

GPS trackers, and the apps and software connected to the devices, can offer a wide range of tracking features, like real-time GPS tracking. It’s important to define “real-time tracking.” Pretty much every GPS tracking provider will claim “real-time tracking” as a feature. But really, all GPS trackers are tracking in “real-time.” What you need to consider is location update frequency. If you’re tracking a person or vehicle, you might want faster location tracking updates. If you’re tracking an asset that rarely moves, you might only need location updates every hour, or even once a day. Other features like geofencing can alert you any time your GPS tracking device enters or exits a specific geographic location.

How Does a Hidden GPS Tracker Work?

When a hidden GPS tracker is activated, these devices can receive signals from GPS satellites to locate and pinpoint a specific position on the surface of the earth. Modern hidden GPS trackers can be accurate to within a couple of feet! A signal is sent wirelessly to the user's mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop via cellular networks, Wi-Fi, or satellite link for pretty precise tracking. Learn more: How Does GPS Tracking Work?

Top Use Cases for Hidden GPS Trackers

Hidden GPS trackers aren’t just for “spying” on someone. There’s a ton of practical uses for having a covert GPS tracker. From our 20+ years of experience in GPS tracking, here are some of the most popular and common hidden GPS use cases:

Vehicle Theft Recovery

Vehicle theft recovery is by far the most common reason our customers choose our hidden GPS trackers. But it’s not just our customers we’re talking about. The most frequent use of covert trackers is GPS for vehicle theft recovery. Hidden GPS trackers do not protect a vehicle from being stolen. That’s a major misconception. Afterall, the GPS tracker is out of sight on a vehicle, so a potential car thief wouldn’t be deterred because they don’t even know the vehicle is being tracked! Owners who opt for a tracker can always track their car, motorcycle, or boat and get real-time information about where the vehicle is. Hidden GPS trackers for vehicles make recovery much more likely as you can provide the exact location of the stolen vehicle to the authorities.

Asset Protection

An asset GPS tracker can protect valuables like jewelry, paintings, generators, outdoor equipment, electronics and more. Just like vehicle theft, equipping high value items with a hidden asset GPS tracker won’t prevent something from being stolen, but it will make recovery possible. By combining real-time location monitoring with geofencing, you can get peace-of-mind knowing that you’ll know any time something of value is moved.

Personal Safety

Another primary use of GPS trackers is personal safety like keeping safe children, elderly family members or any of your loved ones. For example, common uses of small GPS trackers are to ensure children travel safely to school and back, either on foot, by bike or while riding the bus. Any time your child is out of your site, you can use a personal GPS tracker to see their location. 

Surveillance

Many companies use hidden GPS trackers to track and manage their fleets and other assets. So, when these GPS are installed in your vehicles, they allow leadership to track routes travelled, reduce fuel costs, and increase the overall operational performance. 

Key Benefits of Using Hidden GPS Trackers

Hidden GPS trackers have numerous benefits for personal and business use Some benefits of hidden GPS are:

Theft Recovery

Theft recovery GPS helps in taking back possession in the event of vehicle theft. Whether you’re tracking an asset or a vehicle, having a hidden GPS tracker equipped will allow you to recover what’s been stolen. Unfortunately, theft happens. But with GPS, you’ll always be able to know if and when your stuff moves.

Real-Time Tracking

One of the most useful features of these trackers is that they can assist you in real time GPS tracking. If you attach the GPS to your valuables, you can get real time updates in case it gets lost.

Moreover, this feature is also extremely useful for vehicles if they get stolen. You can locate your assets in the shortest time possible.

Peace of Mind

The hidden GPS trackers are devices that can also provide you a peace of mind. Since these trackers help you locate your valuable possessions and your loved ones, you can have a carefree life.

Competitive Edge for Businesses

For businesses, hidden GPS trackers provide a competitive edge as they enable business owners to monitor their company cars and property. They help in planning easier routes for vehicles. These trackers also make sure that the employees are doing their jobs efficiently. GPS trackers provide an effective solution to track employee activity and performance, security, as well as productivity.

Why Covert Tracking Is Critical for Security

Covert GPS trackers provide business and individuals with an advantage as they are not easily noticeable by the thieves. This feature enhances the possibility of tracking and recovering stolen vehicles or any other assets. This is because the device is hidden, and criminals are not aware that they are under surveillance, hence facilitating real tracking.

Real-World Success Stories with Hidden GPS Trackers

18-Wheeler Truck Recovery

Last June, an 18-wheeler from a trucking company in Texas was stolen and taken to another side of the state. By having a GPS tracker on the vehicle, the company was able to monitor the real-time movements of the vehicle. The police were also informed and by tracking the GPS they managed to arrest the truck driver and prevented further loss. 

Source: cdllife.com/2023/video-texas-police-chase-stolen-semi-with-18-people-plus-driver-crammed-in-the-cab

Luxury Car Theft Prevention:

A private car owner using high-end sports automobiles installed a secret tracking GPS in his car. For example, when his Porsche 911 was stolen from a secure parking lot, the concealed tracker sent the owner an SMS notification through his smartphone. Real-time tracking enabled the police to chase and arrest the thieves in less than 30 minutes with no harm coming to the car.

Source: https://www.gsfleet.io/en/stolen-porsche-911-gt3-rs-found-with-the-help-of-gsgroup-gps-tracker

Heavy Equipment Recovery

Culy Contracting, a construction company operating from the United States had lost $350,000 in heavy equipment. The company had recently implemented GPS Insight’s tracking solution which offered real-time tracking of all the equipment. Finally, when the theft took place, they were in a position to give the police the exact location of the stolen assets. The equipment was recovered with relative ease thus minimizing the amount of money lost. This case explains how GPS tracking minimizes theft associated risks and disruption in the construction industry.

Source: https://www.gpsinsight.com/blog/heavy-equipment-theft

How to Choose the Best Hidden GPS Tracker for Your Needs

Choosing a hidden GPS tracker requires certain factors to be considered to meet the user's needs. Here's a breakdown of the best hidden GPS tracker for vehicles:

1. Size and Design

An ideal concealed tracker should be one that cannot easily be observed or noticed; it should be small and should fit in the background. When you are following a car, it is recommended to install trackers behind the dashboard or in panels. This is so because other transport items like bags and tools are most conveniently stored in compact places.

2. Battery Life and Recharge Options

The battery duration varies widely. This, of course, depends on the devices used. Subscribing to some trackers provides coverage for a few days in real time tracking. Others take long periods, updating can last for several months. Rechargeable options are ideal for regular use, while battery-powered models with replaceable batteries work well for low-maintenance applications.

3. Coverage Area and Signal Strength

The coverage area and GPS signal strength are two vital coverage areas. Some trackers are location specific, while others are locations anywhere in the world and operate through cellular based SIM cards. Consider those GPS models that use both GPS and GSM for tracking in case in a signal-poor area.

Best Affordable Hidden GPS Trackers of 2024

Find the best hidden GPS trackers featuring top-performing, long-lasting, and cost-effective devices in this buying guide. The most popular models are designed to suit various needs, attached with their strengths, weaknesses, and detailed descriptions.

1. Spark Nano 7 GPS Tracking Device

Suitable for use in larger fleets, this tracker has a battery life of up to 3 months and sophisticated analysis functions. Consider Spark Nano 7 GPS tracking to enhance your experience more. It has 4G coverage anywhere in North America and comes with a water-resistant case to provide you a better experience. It has affordable service plans to help you get started. It may need a specialist's touch to implement effectively, it is the best for businesspeople.

Device with case: Spark Nano 7 GPS Tracker With Case

• Pros: Long battery life, Small, Portable, fleet management capabilities, and metric-rich solutions
• Cons: Need subscription fee

2. LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker

The best model for this purpose is the one that can be attached to the vehicle through a magnetic connection; it is also waterproof. It has a strong app for real-time tracking, but you need to get a subscription to use all the options.

• Pros: Portable, durable, instantaneous notification
• Cons: Monthly subscription required

3. Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker

Excellent for tracking assets, Optimus 2.0 has up to 30-day batteries, and it has configurable alerts, such as upon entry to a geofence area or upon movement. While it is not waterproof from the box, it can be used for indoor and protected assets monitoring.

• Pros: Long battery life, special sounds, small in size
• Cons: No built-in waterproof casing

4. Tracki 4G Mini GPS Tracker

A cheap and discreet GPS tracker, the Tracki 4G is highly configurable and supports several networks to keep track continuously. Despite the 2-to 3-day battery life, it has an impressive and reasonable price, making it perfect for tracking non-automobile items such as keys, wallets, pets, and bikes.

• Pros: Cheap, compatible with many networks, compact
• Cons: Few hours of operation without an extended pack

5. Jiobit Smart Tracker

This GPS-tracking device is intended to protect the family and is perfect for tracking children and pets. However, it lacks some of the features of most tracking devices, and it costs more than most trackers while still providing a lightweight and secure means of location sharing.

• Pros: Low weight, reliable positioning, long-time positioning
• Cons: High cost as compared to other trackers.

Comparison: Top Hidden GPS Trackers by Features and Price

Let's look at the hidden GPS tracker comparison in the table below:

Editor's Picks: Best Hidden GPS Trackers for Specific Use Cases

Finding the best GPS is essential for various needs. Here are our top picks:

Best for Vehicle Recovery: Livewire Volt GPS Vehicle Tracker

With features of real time tracking, Livewire Volt is best suited for recovering your car in case it gets stolen. This affordable and reliable covert makes it possible for the system to monitor your vehicle’s location at all times to provide maximum tracking. Since it does not require batteries, it can provide you instant alerts of movements. These movements can be tracked to know the exact location of your vehicle.

Best for Asset Tracking: EON Odyssey GPS Tracker

The feature that makes EON Odyssey GPS Tracker stand out is its long battery back-up when tracking valuable assets. It gives accurate position information, geographical containment zones and alarms, which makes it ideal for protection of expensive tools and things.

Best for Business Fleet Tracking: Brickhouse Security Fleet Solution

Brickhouse GPS trackers are specific for fleet management with improved tracking abilities and maximum battery life up to 90 days. Its complete reporting features improve the efficiency of vehicles, making up for its comparatively higher cost for companies.

Best for Budget-Friendly Use: Tracki 4G Mini GPS

For everyday users and occasional drivers, the Tracki 4G Mini packs great value and the ability to attach it just about anywhere. Its small weight makes it ideal for monitoring personal items such as bags and bicycles. It has a battery that will only last for 2-3 days, unless an extended pack is added, but its relatively cheap price makes it sell.

Best for Child Tracking: Jiobit Tracker

The Jiobit Smart Tracker focuses on family safety with secure location sharing. Its small size is perfect for attaching to kids and has long battery life and durability. However, it comes at a higher price point than other options.

Conclusion

Hidden GPS trackers provide a ton of individual and business use. Regardless of your specific use case, if you require improved safety and more confidence, hidden GPS trackers can give you what you need. Starting from theft recovery for cars, through covert asset tracking, to personal safety for loved ones, GPS trackers, especially hidden GPS trackers give you visibility on the things you care about. When choosing which hidden GPS tracker to buy, think of the size, battery life, whether you need a rechargeable or replaceable battery, where you’re going to use the tracker, what you’re going to be tracking and if you need it to be waterproof or trackable across international borders. There’s a lot to take into consideration. This post should help you in your purchase, but if you’d rather talk to an expert, our team is here to help! 

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

How is a Hidden GPS Tracker Installed?

A hidden GPS tracker can be installed in several ways, depending on the model and the object. Most trackers come with adhesive or magnetic bases that enable them to be installed in hidden areas such as undercarriage, the wheel well or the bumper of a car. Other trackers are designed to be installed discreetly on areas such as glove boxes, under seats, or even within the panels. Some models can be installed on specific parts of the vehicle or placed in suitable areas of the vehicle’s body for hidden tracking.

What Is the Battery Life of Hidden GPS Trackers?

The time between recharges varies from days up to several months, depending on usage and the capacity of a tracker. Some passive locations that update location occasionally can survive much longer than the real-time location trackers.

Are There Rechargeable Options for GPS Trackers?

Many hidden GPS trackers come with rechargeable batteries, so you can conveniently and effectively use them. Some of the models have longer battery discharge durations in some models for purposes of long-term tracking.

What Are Passive GPS Trackers?

While GPS trackers offer near real-time location tracking by continuously reporting location data, passive GPS trackers work well when studying a subject over time and with less need for recharging.

Is It Legal to Use Hidden GPS Trackers?

It’s legal to place hidden GPS trackers on your personal property, but it is unlawful to monitor other individuals. So, find out if this aspect of the law works locally and that one is allowed to keep an eye on another’s property.