Torn Between Using A Mobile Tracking App And A GPS Tracker? Here’s Everything You Need To Know…
When your child reaches a new milestone it can be more daunting for you as a parent than it is for them. Whether it’s starting ‘big school’, their first school trip or just developing their own independence, there are plenty of anxiety-inducing moments along the way.
Many parents understand that tracking and keeping tabs on a child’s whereabouts can be helpful, offering peace of mind; knowing where they are and that they’re safe. A lot choose mobile ‘location-tracking’ apps that run on smartphones. They seem like a quick and convenient way to check in, but they do have some drawbacks which aren’t initially apparent.
That’s why a growing number of people are now choosing dedicated GPS trackers instead.
In this article we’re highlighting the (often overlooked) downsides of mobile tracking apps, to show you why a dedicated GPS tracker is more likely your best option.
First though, let’s cover some of the basics.
What Are Mobile Location Tracking Apps?
Mobile tracking apps can be installed on your child’s smartphone and provide real time updates on the device’s location, which you can access using your phone, logging into the same app.
Some offer geofencing and location history too, which means you can get alerts if the device (and your child) leave a pre-set area, plus, see where your child has been recently.
Do GPS Trackers Or Mobile Apps Need A Monthly Subscription?
GPS trackers require a SIM card with data to work properly. In most cases, GPS tracking companies offer their trackers using a subscription model, which covers the monthly cost of your data. However, these can be expensive and problematic, as there’s a reliance on the tracking company to ensure your data remains in place every month, not to add; the ongoing expense!
Similarly, mobile tracking apps often push customers towards paying a subscription. Whilst some may offer a ‘free’ version, features are often restricted or limited; meaning you’ll need to commit to a monthly payment to get any feasible use out of them/
Trackers365 provide subscription-free GPS trackers, meaning there are no monthly subscription costs. The amount you pay is all you pay. We incorporate lifetime data into our devices, so you don’t need to worry.
Why GPS Trackers Are Better Than Phone Based Tracking Apps
True Reliability
One of the biggest downsides of phone-based tracking apps is their reliance on the device itself. If the phone battery dies, the app stops working. If your child or loved one switches their phone to airplane mode, disables location services, or even just enters an area with poor signal, you’re left in the dark.
A GPS tracker, on the other hand, is built for one job; tracking. They have longer-lasting batteries, often lasting days or even weeks on a single charge. Some even come with low-battery alerts so you know when to recharge them. Unlike an app that can freeze or glitch, a GPS tracker continues to function reliably.
If you opt for a phone based tracker, you’ll quickly realise that, when in use, the phone’s battery drains pretty quickly, that’s because the phone needs to constantly send a signal up to satellites.
Think about any time you’ve allowed ‘location services’ on an app and remember how much impact it has on the battery life of your mobile!
More Accurate & Real-Time Location Updates
Smartphone-based apps often rely on Wi-Fi and phone masts to estimate location, which can be wildly inaccurate in certain areas. Ever noticed how a location jumps from one spot to another randomly? That’s because phone tracking isn’t designed for pinpoint precision.
Dedicated GPS trackers, however, use multiple satellite signals for precise, real-time location updates. Whether in a busy city or a rural area, they provide consistent tracking without the inconsistencies that come with mobile networks.
In fact, some trackers (ours included), offer location accuracy between 5-15m.
No Privacy-Intrusive App Permissions
Many tracking apps require extensive permissions, including access to contacts, messages, and even microphones. That’s a lot of private data being collected and possibly shared with third parties.
A GPS tracker eliminates this issue. There are no invasive app permissions, no risk of apps selling personal data, and no unnecessary access to personal information.
An often overlooked issue with tracking apps is account sharing too. Multiple users (such as mum and dad) can often see each other’s location when accessing a tracking app, this is often unwanted.
Works Even If The User Tries To Turn It Off
Let’s be honest, kids (and even some adults) don’t always like being tracked. With a phone-based tracker, they can simply disable the app, turn off location sharing, or uninstall it altogether. That defeats the purpose of having the tracker in the first place.
A dedicated Kids GPS tracker is much harder to tamper with. Many models are small, discreet, and can be placed in bags or coats without worry.
Safer for Younger Children
Not all parents want their child to even have a smartphone.
With a GPS tracker you can postpone this technological milestone as long as you want too.
No Social Pressure or Unnecessary Features
Many mobile tracking apps come with additional features, like social sharing. While these might seem useful, they can also create unnecessary stress and even conflict. Kids may feel pressured to justify every move, and some parents may become overly obsessive about checking every detail.
GPS trackers strip away all the distractions and focus purely on location tracking. No social pressures, no overwhelming data; just simple, effective tracking.
Final Thoughts
If safety and reliability are the main concerns, a dedicated GPS tracker is the clear winner.
Unlike smartphone-based tracking apps, GPS devices offer uninterrupted service, higher accuracy, better privacy, and fewer opportunities for users to disable tracking.
Whether for younger children, tweens or teenagers, a standalone GPS tracker is a smarter and more dependable choice.
Want true peace of mind? It’s time to leave unreliable phone apps behind.
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