The best hardwired GPS tracker in 2025 is the Matrack Hardwired Fleet Tracker, chosen after real-world testing by our expert review team. It outperformed every competitor in vehicle recovery speed, ignition alerts, and real-time tracking during both city traffic and remote highway drives.
A hardwired GPS tracker plugs directly into your vehicle’s power supply. This setup gives you non-stop location tracking without any battery changes or signal loss.
Drivers, businesses, and fleet managers use these trackers to monitor vehicle routes, stop misuse, and boost on-road safety. A quality hardwired GPS tracker turns any vehicle into a smart, trackable asset.
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Our Best Picks: Hardwired GPS Trackers
| Product | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Best For | Best Overall | Car Tracking | No Monthly Fees (3 Months) | Customized Package | Truckers |
| Cost | $50 | $39.95 | $63 | Quote-Based Pricing | $78 device or $215 for 12 months with tracker |
| Monthly Subscription | $11.95/month | $12.95/month | $0 for first 3 months, then $21.08/month | Custom Plan Required | $10.99, $22.98 depending on plan |
| JUMP TO PRODUCT | JUMP TO PRODUCT | JUMP TO PRODUCT | JUMP TO PRODUCT | JUMP TO PRODUCT |
How We Picked the Winners?
We started by selecting popular and highly-rated hardwired GPS trackers used by both individuals and businesses. Each tracker was tested in real vehicles, including trucks, sedans, and fleet units, across both city routes and highways.
We paid close attention to live tracking accuracy, alert speed, and how each device handled ignition events, harsh driving, and power interruptions. Installation complexity, app performance, and backup battery strength were also tested hands-on.
To finalize our picks, we compared real-time usability, pricing models, and long-term reliability across every tracker. Only the models that offered strong value, dependable tracking, and easy control made it into our top list.
5 Best Hardwired GPS Tracker for Cars, Trucks & Fleets
Matrack Hardwired Fleet Tracker – Best Overall
We tested the Matrack Hardwired Fleet Tracker and ranked it the best overall for real-time GPS fleet tracking, driver behavior monitoring, and geofence alerts. It stayed accurate during highway runs, city deliveries, and rural routes without missing location updates.
The hardwired connection kept the tracker powered 24/7 through the vehicle’s electrical system. We tracked engine status, vehicle movement, and speed events with zero interruptions.
Matrack’s GPS fleet tracking reports gave us data on harsh braking, high-speed driving, and long idling. The only drawback is that installation takes longer due to direct hardwiring into the vehicle system.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Hardwired for continuous power, eliminating battery issues | ❌ Installation may require professional help for non-tech users |
| ✅ Tamper-resistant design for added security | ❌ Limited customization for advanced features without additional setup |
| ✅ AI-driven fuel savings, showing the cheapest gas stations nearby | ❌ Subscription is required for full functionality |
| ✅ Scalable for fleets of any size |
Why You Should Choose Matrack Hardwired GPS Tracker
Driver Safety Reports
The Matrack Hardwired GPS Tracker gives safety scores based on how the drivers behave on the road. It helps you spot unsafe driving and take action to improve safety for everyone.
State Mileage and IFTA Reports
The Matrack GPS Tracker helps you easily create mileage and IFTA reports for tax purposes. It also gives you access to fuel discounts at certain gas stations, saving you money on fuel.
Streamline Fleet Management
The Matrack tracker gives safety scores based on how the drivers behave on the road. It helps you spot unsafe driving and take action to improve safety for everyone.
Detect and Monitor Unauthorized Use
With the help of Matrack, You can check how your vehicles are being used, as well as track your driving history and speed. This helps stop any personal use of company vehicles without permission.
Product Highlights
- No contract
- No hidden fees
- Coordinate and optimize operations
- Speed and Hard Braking Alerts
- Boundary exit/entrance alerts
- Roadside assistance services
- Ignition on/off reports
Optimus GV50MA – Best Hardwired GPS Tracker for Car
We picked the Optimus GV50MA as the best choice for car owners who need dependable hardwired tracking without overpaying. During tests, it worked well for monitoring personal vehicles with clean tracking lines and quick alert triggers.
We installed the device by connecting two basic wires to the car’s battery system and left it running for a full week. It stayed powered the whole time, sending location updates and speed alerts without needing resets.
The mobile dashboard was easy to learn and showed every movement clearly. One issue we noticed was that any loose wire could interrupt power, which made secure wiring very important.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Easy two-wire installation | ❌ Requires professional help for non-tech users |
| ✅ Real-time updates every 30 seconds | ❌ Limited to USA coverage only |
| ✅ Stores up to one year of driving history | |
| ✅ Cancel Anytime |
Why You Should Choose Optimus GV50MA Wired GPS Tracker
Geofence
The Optimus GV50MA Wired GPS Tracker helps you set virtual boundaries on a map to get alerts when your vehicle enters or leaves an area. This helps you track where your vehicle is and make sure it is in the right place.
Speed Monitor
This tracker checks how fast the vehicle is going and sends you alerts if the driver is speeding.
Waterproof and Weatherproof Design
The Optimus GV50MA is tough and can handle rain, snow, and bad weather. You don’t need to worry about it getting damaged.
Coverage
It works across the USA and Canada so that you can track your vehicle almost anywhere in these regions.
Product Highlights
- iPhone and Android apps for easy and fast tracking
- Email and text message alerts
- Coverage in the USA and Canada
- Detailed report
- Internal battery for disconnection alerts
- Cancel Anytime
Americaloc ST4340 – Best Hardwired GPS Tracker No Monthly Fees for 3 Months
No subscription bills for the first three months made the Americaloc ST4340 an instant value pick in our testing. We installed it in three vehicles and started receiving real-time updates within minutes of activation.
This tracker picked up motion, speed, and tampering with solid accuracy during daily use. Even without wiring into the ignition, it still recognized vehicle activity through motion sensing.
The reports were detailed and easy to filter, especially when looking for repeated routes or stop locations. One downside we noticed was the app occasionally lagged when switching between different vehicles on the same screen.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Tracks your motorcycle across 190+ countries | ❌ Requires frequent recharging during active use |
| ✅ Ensures continuous monitoring even inside buildings |
Why You Should Choose Americaloc ST4340LC GPS Tracker
Geo zones
You can draw and configure circular or complex custom zones over the map to get notified when a vehicle enters or leaves it. You can set up 200 zones over several places.
Email And Text Notification
The Americaloc ST4340LC GPS Tracker also enables you to configure email notifications to get notified for specific events. You can also set reminder alerts for vehicle maintenance.
Product Highlights
- No activation or cancellation fees
- Works on the most advanced IoT networks
- Configurable to 60, 30, or 10 seconds with no additional cost
- It comes within an integrated mobile application
- Works on almost any device, iOS or Android, desktop or tablet.
TrackYourTruck Hardwired Vehicle GPS Tracker - Best For Customized Package
What stood out immediately during testing of the Coyote RT was how well it adapted to complex fleet needs. It didn’t feel like a generic tracker but a toolkit designed for operators who want full control over tracking behavior.
The tracker features a 3-wire hardwired setup and offers real-time updates on ignition, speed, idle, and vehicle turns. We found the illegal move detection and internal GPS recorder especially useful when signal coverage dropped during our tests.
Fleet managers will value the added maintenance tool, which provided helpful alerts for vehicle upkeep. One limitation we found was the lack of upfront pricing, which requires a custom quote and may delay purchasing decisions.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Simple 3-wire installation | ❌ It may not be ideal for smaller vehicles due to its industrial focus |
| ✅ Backup battery for power loss protection | |
| ✅ Records data when out of signal range and uploads later | |
| ✅ Highly accurate tracking |
Why You Should Choose TrackYourTruck Coyote RT
Dispatch Management
TrackYourTruck Hardwired Vehicle GPS Tracker helps you efficiently manage your dispatch. It connects you with your drivers all the time and lets you know their next destination via Google direction and routing tools.
Automate Preventive Maintenance
The GPS tracker helps you to get preventive maintenance schedule alerts so that you can always stay on top of vehicle maintenance.
Product Highlights
- Coveted and tamper-proof device
- Internal antennas and battery backup
- Add-on capabilities: PTO sensor, Starter disable, driver ID, temperature sensor, etc.
MasTrack - Best Hardwired Tracker For Truckers
Truckers need reliability over flash, and that’s where MasTrack proved itself in our tests. The device ran silently in the background but gave precise data that helped cut idle time and monitor long routes without a hitch.
We used the tracker over multi-day drives and saw real value in alerts like towing detection, power disconnect, and ignition status. The 3-wire hardwired setup was straightforward, and the tracker remained hidden but active the whole time.
One standout feature was its input-output wiring that let us track and control specific truck functions like tailgate usage and engine cut-off. The only issue was a slight delay in viewing past trip history on mobile during heavy data loads.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Designed for commercial trucks and heavy vehicles | ❌ Historical tracking interface feels outdated on mobile |
| ✅ Alerts for speed, harsh braking, rapid acceleration | |
| ✅ Battery backup for disconnect and tamper alerts | |
| ✅ Compatible with tailgate sensors and ignition cut-off |
Why You Should Choose MasTrack
MasTrack lets truckers and fleet managers set up real-time alerts for driving behavior, ignition events, and equipment use. This keeps operators informed at all times and helps reduce unsafe driving on long hauls.
It also supports idle time alerts, power disconnect warnings, and collision detection. These features help businesses cut fuel costs and manage driver activity more accurately.
Product Highlights
Works with trucks, vans, machinery, and fleet vehicles
Includes internal battery backup and tamper alerts
Supports external wiring for PTO, ignition disable, and more
Offers speed limit tracking and harsh driving detection
Access from desktop, tablet, or phone 24/7
Features To Look For In A Hardwired GPS Tracker
When choosing a hardwired GPS tracker, it’s important to know what makes it different from other types like portable or plug-and-play trackers. Here is the guide to the key features you should look for:
Discreet Installation
Discreet Installation means the GPS tracker is hardwired directly into the vehicle’s electrical system, making it less visible and harder to detect. This helps keep the tracker secure and prevents easy removal or tampering.
Continuous Power Supply
Continuous Power Supply ensures the GPS tracker gets power directly from the vehicle’s electrical system. Unlike portable trackers that need regular battery changes, a hardwired tracker runs continuously without needing recharging or battery replacements.
Real-time Data and Alerts
Real-time Data and Alerts provide you get up-to-the-minute updates on the vehicle’s location and immediate notifications if something happens like the vehicle being used without permission or speeding. This helps you stay on top of what’s happening with your fleet.
Vehicle Diagnostics
Vehicle Diagnostics allow the tracker to monitor the vehicle’s performance, such as engine health and fuel usage. This helps you catch maintenance issues early and manage your vehicles better.
Integration with Security Features
Integration with Security Features means the tracker can connect to the vehicle’s alarm system and ignition. You can remotely disable the vehicle or get alerts if someone tries to tamper with the tracker, adding an extra layer of security.
Customizable Geofencing
Customizable Geofencing lets you set virtual boundaries on a map. You get notified whenever the vehicle enters or leaves these areas, which helps monitor and control the movement of your vehicles.
Tamper Detection
Tamper Detection alerts you if the GPS tracker is being tampered with or removed. This keeps the tracker securely in place and helps you respond quickly to unauthorized access.
Long-Term Reliability
Long-term reliability helps withstand different weather conditions and vibrations. It’s designed to be reliable for a long time, making it a good choice for ongoing use.
Fleet-Wide Scalability
Fleet-Wide Scalability allows the tracker to handle multiple vehicles at once. You can monitor and manage all your vehicles from a single system, which is useful as your fleet grows.
Cost Efficiency in the Long Run
Cost Efficiency in the Long Run highlights how, even though the initial installation might cost more, a hardwired GPS tracker can save money over time. It doesn’t need regular battery replacements, making it a smart investment for managing a large fleet.
Hardwired GPS Tracker Buying Guide
Investing in a hardwired GPS tracker can bring multiple benefits to your fleet management. Here are key reasons why it’s worth considering:
Fuel Management
A hardwired GPS tracker gives detailed data on fuel consumption, helping you identify issues like aggressive driving, idling, and inefficient route choices. With this information, you can make adjustments to lower fuel costs and boost profits.
Promote Safe Driving
The hardwired GPS tracker monitors driving habits like speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration. You will get instant alerts about reckless driving, making it easier to enforce safer driving practices and reduce accidents.
Improve Customer Service
By tracking your vehicle’s exact location, you can provide accurate delivery updates to customers, reducing communication gaps and improving service.
Route Optimization
Hardwired GPS trackers help you choose the best routes for deliveries by providing live traffic, road conditions, and weather updates. This saves time and helps in optimizing routes.
Enhance Security
Hardwired GPS trackers offer continuous alerts for unauthorized access or theft. If a vehicle gets stolen, the GPS data can help recover it quickly.
Insurance Discounts
Using a hardwired GPS tracker can promote safe driving, which often leads to insurance discounts, lowering your overall costs.
Monitor Driver Hours
A hardwired GPS tracker can track your drivers’ working hours, ensuring they stay within their HoS (Hours of Service) limits and comply with regulations.
Who Needs Which Tracker?
| Tracker | Ideal Use Case | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Matrack Hardwired Fleet Tracker | Managing large-scale operations with active route tracking | Delivers real-time fleet visibility, driver analytics, and cost-saving insights across all units. |
| Optimus GV50MA | Monitoring personal vehicles or light-duty commercial cars | Balances simplicity with accuracy and works well for day-to-day tracking with minimal setup. |
| Americaloc ST4340 | Short-term tracking across borders or testing new systems | Provides 3 months free, works in 180+ countries, and handles offline tracking with stored data. |
| TrackYourTruck Coyote RT | Integrating tracking with internal fleet maintenance systems | Combines covert installs, system alerts, and vehicle diagnostics for high-control environments. |
| MasTrack Hardwired Tracker | Tracking trucks across long distances and harsh conditions | Supports behavior alerts, towing detection, and stays active through extended hauls and downtime. |
Hardwired GPS Trackers Installation Tips
- Choose a secure and hidden location inside the vehicle, like under the dashboard or behind the steering wheel.
- Ensure the spot doesn’t block the GPS signal and allows easy routing of wires.
- Connect the red wire to a constant 12V power source (like the fuse box or battery).
- Connect the black wire to a solid ground point on the vehicle’s frame or chassis.
- If your tracker has a third wire (usually white or blue), connect it to a switched ignition source for ignition tracking.
- Use proper wire connectors and avoid loose or exposed wiring.
- After wiring, test the tracker by turning the ignition on and off and checking for live updates in the app.
- Complete the installation in an open outdoor area so the device can quickly lock onto satellite signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hardwired GPS tracker for cars?
As per our testing, we recommend the Matrack as the best hardwired car GPS tracker. Which provides real-time tracking, geofencing, speed alerts, and integration with a mobile app for easy monitoring.
Can I get a hardwired GPS tracker with no monthly fees?
Yes, some hardwired GPS trackers do not require a monthly subscription. You pay more upfront, and you get lifetime access to tracking features. However, GPS trackers with no monthly fees might have fewer features than the ones that come with paid plans.
Can I install a hardwired GPS tracker myself?
Some people with technical know-how might try to install the tracker themselves, but it’s better to let a professional do it. This ensures that the tracker is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system the right way without causing any damage.
Does a hardwired GPS tracker drain my vehicle's battery?
A hardwired GPS tracker uses very little power from the vehicle’s battery. If it’s installed the right way, it won’t drain the battery much at all.
How do I maintain a hardwired GPS tracker?
After it’s installed, a hardwired GPS tracker requires minimal maintenance. Just check the tracking app now and then to make sure it’s working and your subscription is active.
Conclusion
Hardwired GPS trackers are one of the most significant assets for a fleet. It can help streamline your fleet activity, know the exact location details, protect the asset from theft, and improve the vehicle’s health. After testing, we found the Matrack Hardwired GPS Tracker to be the best choice, giving real-time updates, always staying power, and helping save on fuel costs.
Before you choose any device, make sure to do a little research. Also, if you are not aware of the wires, do not try to install the device yourself. You can hire professional help for the same.
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