Have you ever heard of the term “there is no such thing as a free lunch?” Sadly, that is true even with car GPS trackers. With the assortment of specialized features, it is not surprising that vehicle tracking devices are services instead of just devices. Because of that, it is impossible to find specialized vehicle tracking devices with a one-off pay-and-go system. This article on the best vehicle tracking devices with no monthly fee is a list of vehicle trackers that use commercial SIM cards (like unlocked phones) or offer quarterly to annual subscriptions to continue working.
Also See: The Top 14 Kid Tracker Apps of All Time
Inside This Article
What Are GPS Trackers for Vehicles?
Before we start this list of the best vehicle tracking devices with no monthly fee, we have to explain a few features these devices have. There are a few types of car GPS trackers out there with different connection, battery, and installation types. These three factors will change what features are installed with your device.
Connection Type
There are two prevailing types of connections for car GPS trackers. The most common one uses a 4G or 4G LTE data connection to connect to its compatible smartphone app. These devices are usually more interactive with live map tracking and “ignition kill switches” to shut off your car remotely. The other type, on the other hand, is simple trackers that send timed SMS messages with the GPS position of your vehicle. Both types do receive SMS “commands” using codes that can activate or turn off the devices’ features.
Battery Type
Now for its battery type. There are three main battery types for vehicle tracking devices, independent, battery-affixed, or OBD-II connected. Independent battery type trackers are fully independent of your vehicle’s electric supply. They have their own battery that you need to recharge occasionally to work. Battery-affixed types, meanwhile, need to be attached directly to your car’s battery. Whether placed in the engine compartment or adjacent to it, they need to be directly wired to the battery. Finally, smaller vehicle trackers use your car’s OBD-II connection port. Unless you are driving a classic or a junker, your car probably has an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port meant to diagnose your car’s issues. OBD-II connected car trackers use these ports for power instead of independent batteries.
Installation Type
There are two main installation types for vehicle trackers: magnetic and non-magnetic. The difference between the two is simple since magnetic trackers are supposed to be installed onto your car’s chassis. Its strong magnetic force will allow it to cling to your car without being noticed. Meanwhile, non-magnetic car trackers are meant to be hidden inside your car or carried with the person whenever they are using it.
The Best Vehicle Tracking Devices With No Monthly Fee
For this list of the best vehicle tracking devices with no monthly fee, we will add more info than just the model’s name and brand. We will also add its connection and battery type, whether it can be magnetically installed, and a short description of how the device works. You can also easily decide on what model you want with our included pros and cons section per device. Without further ado, here is our list of the best vehicle tracking devices with no monthly fee!
Brand: Brickhouse Security
Connection Type: 4G LTE
Battery Type: Independent
Magnetic Installation:No
Our premium pick for a vehicle tracking device with no monthly fee is Brickhouse Security’s Spark Nano 7 GPS tracker. Small and discreet but fully featured, the Spark Nano 7 has a 4G LTE SIM card pre-installed for its data needs. It uses its 4G connection to link with Brickhouse Security’s smartphone apps or their web page for its real-time map tracking using Google Maps. Aside from that, you can also see speed alerts and set geofences using the app.
The Spark Nano 7 also has a few accessories you could add on, depending on what you need. It has a magnetic weatherproof protective case that turns the Spark Nano 7 into a magnetically installed tracker and a battery-connected adapter that continuously charges the Spark Nano 7 from the car battery. Even without these, though, the Spark Nano 7 is everything you would need in a vehicle tracker when combined with Brickhouse Security’s Premium subscription.
Pros
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Geo-fencing
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- SOS/Panic button
- Speed and shock alerts
- Small and portable
Cons
- Expensive
- Expensive annual or quarterly subscription
Brand: TKSTAR
Connection Type: 4G
Battery Type: Independent
Magnetic Installation: No
Another good vehicle tracking device with no monthly fee is the TKSTAR TK905B. Our best choice pick and TKSTAR’s highest battery capacity model, the TK905B is more than decent for its price tag. Similar to Brickhouse Security’s Spark Nano 7, the TK905B also uses its 4G data connection to interact and update its compatible smartphone app and webpage with your vehicle’s real-time location. It also uses Google Maps for its real-time tracking, travel history playback functions, and speed alerts. The downsides, though, are its complicated set-up procedure and the need for a compatible SIM card and phone plan to work.
Pros
- Decently priced
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Geo-fencing
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- Speed and shock alerts
- Small and portable
- IP65 water and dustproof
- Large 10,000 mAh battery (Standby time of 80 days)
Cons
- Requires a SIM card and plan to work (text and data only plan recommended)
- Complicated set-up and installation
Brand: SinoTrack
Connection Type: 4G LTE
Battery Type: Battery-affixed
Magnetic Installation: No
The best value pick on this list of vehicle tracking devices with no monthly fee is SinoTrack’s ST-901L 4G LTE Tracker. Designed to be installed in the engine compartment, it has a complicated installation where wires are supposed to connect to the battery, the automatic cruise control (ACC), and the relay controlling the oil pump. A failed, or botched installation would result in one or more of its features not working. The ST-901L works the same way as the previous vehicle trackers on this list by using 4G to connect to a compatible smartphone app or webpage.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Geo-fencing
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- Speed and shock alerts
- Waterproof
- Ignition kill switch
Cons
- Requires a SIM card and plan to work (text and data only plan recommended)
- Complicated set-up and installation
Brand: Invoxia
Connection Type: 4G LTE
Battery Type: Independent
Magnetic Installation: No
A great alternative to our premium pick, Invoxia’s Real Time GPS Tracker is a small and easily concealable tracker perfect as a vehicle and person tracker. Since it is designed to prevent carjacking and theft, the Invoxia tracker’s best feature is its movement alert which uses the 4G connection to update the app whenever your vehicle moves. Aside from that, it also has an SOS button you can push and acts as a personal safety alarm when needed.
Pros
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Geo-fencing
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- SOS/Panic button
- Speed and movement alerts
- Small and portable
Cons
- Expensive
Brand: Reiwour
Connection Type: 4G
Battery Type: Independent
Magnetic Installation: Yes
Reiwour’s 4G GPS tracker is a vehicle tracking device with no monthly fee, mainly designed for larger vehicles and trucks. Due to its large, heavy, and rugged build, this tracker can handle a few bumps and hits while connected to the chassis. Aside from lacking a few features, this device works similarly to the previous items on this list by using a 4G connection to update its compatible smartphone apps. If you are getting a vehicle tracker for a big rig, an off-roader, or a pickup truck, we suggest getting this model because of its rugged construction and stronger magnets.
Pros
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Geo-fencing
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- Tampering alert
- IP65 water and dustproof
- Large 10,000 mAh battery (Standby time of 80 days)
Cons
- Expensive
- Large and heavy
Brand: TKSTAR
Connection Type: 4G
Battery Type: Independent
Magnetic Installation: Yes
The TK915 is a vehicle tracking device with no monthly fee that is similar to another of TKSTAR’s models, our best choice pick, the TK905B. The two are virtually identical in terms of functionality with similar features and even use the same app! There are two significant differences between the two models. This device only has a 7,800mAh battery instead of the 10,000 that the TK905B has. In return, it offers magnetic installation using six built-in solid magnets. Overall, the difference between the price of the two is around $20, but we suggest getting the TK905B over the TK915 because of its more robust battery pack.
Pros
- Decently priced
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Geo-fencing
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- Speed and shock alerts
- Small and portable
- IP65 water and dustproof
Cons
- Requires a SIM card and plan to work (text and data only plan recommended)
Brand: SinoTrack
Connection Type: 4G
Battery Type: Independent
Magnetic Installation: Yes
Another vehicle tracking device with no monthly fee from SinoTrack, the ST-915L is a vehicle tracker with an independent battery and can be magnetically installed. Similar to the previous device on this list, the TKSTAR TK915, SinoTrack’s ST-915L is a small and portable vehicle tracker with real-time GPS reports, geofencing, and speed and shock alerts. Best used for motorcycles due to its small size, the ST-915L is around $30 cheaper than the TK915 and has nearly the same features (save for IP65-rated water and dust proofing). If you want a cheap but effective vehicle tracker, the Sinotrack ST-915L is a good deal.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Geo-fencing
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- Speed and shock alerts
- Small and portable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Requires a SIM card and plan to work (text and data only plan recommended)
Brand: Vyncs
Connection Type: 4G
Battery Type: OBD-II Port
Magnetic Installation: No
The first and best OBD-II port-installed vehicle tracking device with no monthly fee on this list, the Vyncs Pro 4G is Vyncs top-of-the-line model. Not only does it use a 4G connection to report real-time GPS positions with geofencing, but it also has several alerts. Due to its OBD-II port connection, it has access to your vehicle’s accurate speed, brake, fuel, and mileage data that it also shows on the compatible Android and iOS apps. Aside from that, it can also show some of your vehicle’s maintenance needs as reported through your OBD-II port. Sadly, even with all these perks and features, your car needs to have an OBD-II port for the Vyncs to work. If your vehicle has one, the Vyncs Pro could easily beat our premium pick, Brickhouse Security’s Spark Nano 7.
Pros
- Easy to install and set-up
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Geo-fencing
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- Speed, brake, and rapid acceleration alerts
- Ignition-on wake-up mode
- Shows OBD diagnostic information
- Fuel and mileage reports
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires an open OBD-II port
Brand: TKSTAR
Connection Type: 4G
Battery Type: OBD-II Port
Magnetic Installation: No
Another TKSTAR model on this list of the best vehicle tracking devices with no monthly fee, the TK816B is an OBD-II port-installed model. Compared to the Vyncs Pro 4G, though, the TK816B is pretty lacking. While both models are OBD-II port-installed devices, the TK816B only uses the port for power and does not use any of the diagnostic features provided by the port. That said, the TK816B is similar to the other TKSTAR devices on this list with similar features and operations. Overall, the TK816B is a cheaper alternative vehicle tracker for vehicles with OBD-II ports.
Pros
- Decently priced
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Geo-fencing
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- Speed, vibration, and shock alerts
Cons
- Requires a SIM card and plan to work (text and data only plan recommended)
- Requires an open OBD-II port
Brand: Brickhouse Security
Connection Type: 4G
Battery Type: Battery-affixed
Magnetic Installation: No
Brickhouse Security’s battery-affixed vehicle tracker, the Livewire Volt, is everything our premium pick is without the portability. Compared to the Spark Nano 7, the Livewire Volt does not have an SOS/Panic button or a strong independent battery. That said, it has similar features using the same 4G connection and apps the Spark Nano 7 does. It also has IP67 water and dust proof certification that is perfect for engine installation. If you do not mind learning how to install the Livewire Volt, this is a great vehicle tracking device with no monthly fee!
Pros
- Decently priced
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Geo-fencing
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- Speed, shock, and towing alerts
- IP67 water and dustproof
Cons
- Expensive annual or quarterly subscription
- Complicated set-up and installation
Brand: SinoTrack
Connection Type: 4G
Battery Type: OBD-II Port
Magnetic Installation: No
The ST-902L lacks an important feature — geofencing. Even with that flaw, the ST-902L has a stable power source through its OBD-II port and a compatible iOS and Android app to view its real-time GPS data. If your car has an OBD-II port and you want a cheap but workable alternative to more expensive vehicle trackers, the ST-902L is one of the best alternatives out there!
Pros
- Affordable
- Compatible iOS and Android control apps
- Real-time GPS reports
- Historical location data
- Speed and shock alerts
Cons
- Requires a SIM card and plan to work (text and data only plan recommended)
Important Features Vehicle GPS Trackers Should Have
Vehicle trackers have additional features compared to standard GPS trackers meant to ease your worries about your car’s safety. Among these features, there are a few that stand out, like real-time tracking, geofencing, security alerts, and emergency buttons. Not all vehicle trackers will have these features, as it depends on what type it is. Because of that, there are a few things you should look out for and keep in mind when looking for vehicle trackers. Note the following features and factors when looking for a vehicle tracker you want, and pick the best one for you!
Real-Time Tracking and Geo-Fencing
Vehicle trackers usually have a leg up against regular GPS trackers with real-time tracking. Using a compatible smartphone app or your device’s web-based service, you can see your vehicle’s location on a map in real-time. Not only do these services show you where your car is, but they also usually have an extensive history of where your car has been!
If real-time tracking was not a boon in itself, most car trackers also have geofencing. While a bit complicated to explain, geofencing is basically selecting an area where your car should usually be. Most vehicle tracking services will report to you whenever your car has passed outside this “fence.” Depending on the vehicle tracker model, this feature may or may not be available for the device, so make sure to see if the tracker you picked has geofencing available.
Security (Anti-Theft) and Alerts
One of the big reasons why people get a vehicle tracking device with no monthly fee is to secure their vehicle. As we said earlier, real-time tracking and geofencing are great ways to know where your vehicle is. Should something happen to it, you and authorities can easily track and trace your car’s location if needed. However, those are not the only anti-theft measures on vehicle trackers since some also have ignition kill switches. Usually found in OBD-II type vehicle trackers, this feature will let you remotely turn off your car’s ignition, making it unable to start.
Aside from kill switches, some vehicular GPS trackers also have alarms and alerts for different features. Some of the more common features include over-speed alarms as well as movement and shock alerts that warn you when something is happening to your vehicle.
Emergency/ SOS Feature
Some vehicle trackers also have advanced emergency and SOS features. Similar to panic buttons and personal safety alarms, these features can quickly call emergency services or alert your loved ones when you are in distress. There are also vehicle trackers that combine their shock alerts and SOS feature to automatically call for help in potential car crashes and similar emergencies.
Cost and Durability
Two of the most important things to think about when getting a vehicle tracking device with no monthly fee are its cost and durability. There are a lot of very expensive and really cheap vehicle trackers out there, but prices are not always connected to durability. Generally, you want a vehicle tracker from a trusted brand that has a high production standard for their devices while still being in your price range. For this list, you can be assured that the trackers we presented are from well-regarded companies with a good track record.
Ease of Use and Additional Features
Finally, the last things you have to think about when getting a vehicle tracking device with no monthly fee is its ease of use and additional features. Most modern vehicle tracking devices have a lot of features to look into, but they would not matter if you cannot access them. A good vehicle tracker should be easy to use and set up for any user. This includes connecting it to a compatible smartphone app or webpage service where you can see and modify its features and settings. Besides its ease of use, any additional features should also factor into your decision to buy a vehicle tracker model.
Best Vehicle Tracking Devices With No Monthly Fee FAQs
Before we finish this list of the best vehicle tracking devices with no monthly fee, here are a few frequently asked questions about these devices and our answers to them.
Conclusion
There you have it — a list of the best vehicle tracking devices with no monthly fee! Hopefully, you found what you needed from this list. When picking which one to get, always make sure your vehicle is compatible with the device (especially the OBD-II type).
Your car is not the only thing you can “track” to keep safe, though. With everything available on the internet, you can track weather warnings too! Some of the best earthquake apps and hurricane tracking apps out there can help you keep track of potential bad weather when you need it!
