Learn Why GPS Trackers Are Better Than Apps With Our Latest Guide…
When it comes to keeping tabs on loved ones, many people default to location-tracking apps that run on smartphones. They seem like a convenient way to check in, but are they the best option? Dedicated GPS trackers offer a range of benefits that make them a far superior choice to mobile-based tracking apps.
In this guide, we’re outlining the reasons why GPS trackers are a better option than mobile apps so you can make an informed decision. First though, we’ll cover a few of the basics:
Where Can GPS Trackers Be Used?
GPS tracking hardware can be used for pretty much any situation where you need accurate location information.
Obvious uses included vehicle and asset tracking, such as tracking a car or work van, but they can also be used for kids’ GPS tracking, tracking pets, helping protect lone workers and keeping solo travellers safe.
Do GPS Trackers 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.
Trackers365 provide subscription-free 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.
GPS trackers, on the other hand, are 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 phones battery is drained 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. It does one thing: tracks location. There are no invasive app permissions, no risk of apps selling personal data, and no unnecessary access to personal information.
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 attach securely to bags, clothing, or even shoes.
Safer for Younger Children & Older Adults
Not everyone carries a smartphone all the time. Young children playing outside, elderly relatives who aren’t comfortable with technology, or individuals with memory issues may not always have their phone on them. A GPS tracker ensures their location can still be monitored without relying on a mobile device.
Plus, many GPS trackers offer geofencing, which offers a real-time alert, providing a faster response than fumbling with a smartphone app.
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 children, elderly relatives, or personal valuables, 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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