GPS trackers are of all kinds ranging from plug-in trackers to hard-wired. But when we talk about mini-GPS trackers, it is generally portable ones. Here we will walk you through the list of the best mini-GPS trackers.
Portable GPS trackers are smaller and also don’t cost an arm and a leg. They are usually of pocketable size and can be carried around easily. You can use them for tracking almost every asset you want.
Owning a GPS tracker is the first step towards the safety of your loved ones and valuables. Because let’s be honest no matter how well you study a new place’s map, there is still a high possibility of you getting lost. And in such a situation, a GPS tracker may prove to be a lifesaver.
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Mini GPS Trackers- Why do you need them?
The principal purpose of a GPS tracker is to keep you updated with the whereabouts of your assets and loved ones. And small GPS trackers make this task easier.
A mini-GPS tracker is lightweight and quite simple to use. You can customize safe areas for your kids on the map and receive alerts when they leave the safe zone. The best mini-GPS trackers come with more than enough features to give you a sense of confidence if you wander off the beaten path.
Another benefit of having a mini-GPS tracker is you can put it in places without others noticing. They have an added benefit over the other GPS trackers too. While it might be tough to get your child or pet to carry around a bulky tracker, you can simply attach a mini-GPS tracker on your kid’s clothes or around your pet’s collar. To know how these devices function, click here.
Here we have put together a list of the best small GPS trackers for you.
9 Best Smallest GPS Trackers in 2024 – Tested
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to LIST the best products in the market, and not to review or rank them. All the products listed here have several unique features catering to a wide range of customer requirements. While compiling this list, we evaluated the devices based on their cost, subscription plans, battery life, size, and installation process. We considered factors like the countries they offer coverage in, ease of use of their application, security, or other unique features they offer. We also looked into add-on services these vendors provide – lifetime warranty, 24/7 customer support, installation help, and more. The intention is to inform and educate the reader on the variety of options available in the market.
AngelSense- Best Affordable Tracker
This GPS tracker is designed specifically to meet the needs of people who have ASD. The mini-GPS tracker inspires confidence in autistic people and provides a sense of security to their caregivers. Once you place the device on the person, you can track their every movement and the routes they take. Safety-wise this is the best GPS tracker you can have for your loved ones.
AngelSense gives you the best results at an affordable price and can compete with devices even above the $300 range. The mini-GPS tracker is secured with customized, sensory-friendly wearables that can only be removed with a special parent key. In addition, the 2-way voice with an auto-pickup speakerphone gives you an extra sense of relief. You can not only track your kids but also give directions to them.
The mini-GPS tracker allows you to create geofences and alerts you when your kid enters or leaves the customized area. You can share the location of your loved ones with rescue teams in cases of emergency. Also, the device fully complies with school regulations. That means your child can wear it to almost every crowded place you can think of.
Product Highlight
- 2-way voice with auto pickup speakerphone
- SOS button
- Proactive Alerts
- Live Location Sharing
Battery & Specs
- Size: 2.4″ x 1.7″ x 0.63″
- Weight: 1.4 Oz
- Battery: NA
- Battery type: NA
- 24 hours of active battery life
Family1st GPS Tracker- Best Battery Life
Family1st GPS tracker sits on the first spot on our list of the best mini-GPS trackers. The small size of the tracker allows you to put it in a bag or the car with no one noticing. Equipped with a lightning-fast 4G LTE network, this GPS LTE tracker is perfect for tracking vehicles, kids, pets, seniors, and all other valuables.
Family1st GPS tracker comes with an 2400 mAh Li-Polymer rechargeable battery which can last up to two weeks. You can hide this small GPS tracker anywhere in a vehicle, backpack, or luggage and track it via the app or the website.
The sleek design of the Family1st GPS tracker makes it easier to plant the device in multiple unsuspecting places. You can even place the GPS tracker under your vehicle with the help of the Family1st Magnetic case. The other features of this portable GPS tracker include low battery and geofence alerts and a feature to receive texts and email notifications.
Product Highlight
- Real-time GPS tracker
- Pocketable size
- Lifetime Warranty
- 14-days battery Life
- 30-days money-back guarantee
Battery & Specs
- Size: 2.8” x 1.8” x 1.1
- Weight: 3.60 Oz
- Battery: 2400 mAh Li-Polymer
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2 weeks battery life on the basic plan for an hour of drive time minimum every day
Whistle 3- Best for Pet Tracking
Designed specifically for tracking pets, Whistle 3 turns out to be one of the best portable GPS trackers. The lightweight tracker runs on GPS and thus covers a wider range than Bluetooth-based devices. This new upgrade comes with two new modes, Whistle goes explore and Whistle go.
Whistle 3 allows you to monitor your pet’s daily activities and also how your pet measures up for their age, weight, and breed. Since they designed it for pets, durability and waterproof feature is a given. So, you need not worry about your pets that love to jump in a puddle whenever they see one.
The battery life for this product is also exceptional compared to other pet tracking devices. Depending on the activity of your pet, the battery can last up to 6-7 days. It can be easily attached to your pet’s collar and it won’t even feel the weight. You can also get text, app, or email notifications when your pet leaves home.
Product Highlight
- Small and reliable design
- Nationwide location tracking
- Longer battery life
- Affordable
Battery & Specs
- Size:1.8″x1.4″ x 0.6
- Weight: 0.96 Oz
- Battery:1 Lithium-ion batteries
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 7 days active battery life with 1 minutes update
Trakbond Trail- Best Tracker for Kids
If you are looking for a mini-GPS tracker specifically for your kids, you will find Trakbond Trail to be quite useful. Based in India, this mini-GPS tracker takes special measures to ensure the safety of your little ones. The small device is equipped with advanced features such as real-time tracking, panic button, timeline view. And you get all of it at an affordable price.
Trakbond Trail comes with a pre-installed SIM card and you get 2-months of subscription for free. The subscription includes unlimited data usage, SMS alerts, a mobile app, a secure cloud, instant support, and other benefits. The company charges no cancellation fee and you can withdraw from the contract whenever you want. In addition, you get a 1-year warranty and lifetime support.
This mini-GPS tracker allows you to create geofences and mark safe areas. The app will alert you or you’ll receive a text when your kid enters an unfamiliar place that doesn’t come under the pre-defined regions. You can also check the exact location of your kids or assets on a live map. Trakbond Trail comes with various wearing options like a neck strap, silicone case, and lockable carabiner. You can easily attach the locator to your child’s clothing or backpack. The device has a trendy look and comes in various colours, so your child can wear it comfortably.
The only downside of this mini tracker is the battery life. While the company promises battery backup up to 2 days, it may seem insignificant compared to what the other companies are offering. However, you won’t get such cheap plans with other trackers along with all the service. Trakbond Trail lets you check the location history of the tracker and features an SOS button for emergencies. With that said, the company promises security of your data.
Product Highlight
- Small GPS tracker
- Check location history
- Wearable options
- SOS button
- Lightweight and durable
Battery & Specs
- Size: 1.6″ x 1.7″ x 0.9″
- Weight: 1.4 Oz
- Battery: 3.7V 600 mA/H Lipo battery
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2 days of active battery life
Geozilla GPS tracker- Best Portable and Lightweight Tracker
Another small-sized tracker to ensure the safety of your loved ones and the security of your valuables. Geozilla GPS tracker can easily be paired with the app to receive alerts and notifications. The mini-GPS tracker is lightweight and thus can be attached to your kid’s clothing with no inconvenience. You can also latch it to your pet’s collar.
Geozilla GPS tracker is available at an affordable price with a battery life of 5 days. The portable device is black, so it will not stand out if you decide to carry it in person. It comes with a hard case pouch that ensures your device can assist you even in unfavorable weather.
You can rely on this mini-GPS tracker for the safety of your pets and kids. Geozilla GPS tracker will be your most reliable companion when you take on trips to new countries. You can trust this device to lead you whenever you feel lost.
Product Highlight
- Lightweight and portable
- Blends with surroundings
- User-friendly app
- Affordable tracking services
Battery & Specs
- Size: 8″ x 1.6″ x 1″
- Weight: 1.05 Oz
- Battery: Li-ion 520mAh
- Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2-3 days active battery life for 1-minute updates
- 6 days in sleep mode (no activity)
Fitbit Versa 4- Best For Fitness Enthusiasts
The latest version of the Fitbit is Versa 4- with an in-built GPS tracker. It is a thin & lightweight fitness watch that will help you fulfill your fitness goals. It has 40+ exercise modes for you to choose from. It has an in-built GPS tracker, so you can get real-time location information while enjoying outdoor activities.
It helps you to plan your workout by analyzing your sleep pattern and heartbeat and suggesting the best workout for you so that you can fulfill your fitness goals without dressing your body. It is integrated with Google maps, so you will not have to use your mobile to reach a destination. You can use the watch itself and get turn-by-turn directions. Additionally, it also helps you not to miss any phone calls, texts, or alerts.
There is not a single reason for you to dislike this watch. And if you are a fitness enthusiast who wants to achieve the best of yourself or an athlete preparing for an upcoming competition, you can choose this without any second thought.
Product Highlight
- Built-in GPS tracker
- Active Zone Minutes
- 40+ exercise modes
- Sleep tracking
- 7-day battery
- Water-resistant
Battery & Specs
- Size: 9.72″ x 1.13″ x 0.49″
- Weight: 1.05 Oz
- Battery: NA
- Battery Type: Internal & Rechargeable
- 7 days active battery life
Apple Watch Series 8- Best Wearable Tracker
Another wearable GPS tracker with fascinating features is the Apple Watch Series 8. It helps you to understand your health better and schedule your workout properly with reliable data insights. It allows you to send a text, make a phone call, and stream music without your mobile. You can even take it with you while traveling across the globe and never miss out on any workout. It is customizable, so you can customize it according to your needs and requirements. It has plenty of safety features like crash and fall detection that will connect you with the emergency service in no time. It is a life-saving feature in an emergency.
It is a durable device. It is tough, water-resistant, and dust resistant, so you can take it with you without worry. You can even take this with you while swimming. It has advanced health features like blood oxygen level, and sleep stages tracking, and can also provide deep insight into women’s health. It has temperature sensors and can provide cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates. It can track your sleep stages and help you to understand your sleep cycle better.
Product Highlight
- Built-in GPS tracker
- Easy to connect and operate
- Smartphone and fitness band in one
- Waterproof design
- Blood oxygen sensor
- Always-On Retina Display
- 18 hours of battery life
- 5GHz Wi-Fi and U1 Ultra Wideband chip
Battery & Specs
- Size: 12.32″ x 2.69″ x 1.33″
- Weight: 9.9 Oz
- Battery: NA
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 18 hours of active battery life
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker- Best Tracker For Discreet Tracking
Tracki Mini is the smallest GPS tracker you are likely to come across. It is an affordable solution that costs $28.88, along with a monthly subscription fee of $19.95.
Tracki Mini, as the name suggests, is a mini device. It is no bigger than a cookie; hence, you can even use this for coveted tracking. It is a perfect solution to track your new teen driver without letting them know. When a teen starts driving, it becomes crucial for a parent to ensure that they are driving safely, and abiding by the rules. But it is common for teenagers to engage in reckless driving activity. At times, they might try to race their other friends to get the adrenaline rush. But it is not safe. You can avoid this by getting a GPS tracker and keeping an eye on their movements.
The Tracki Mini will help you to monitor their real-time location, and also their driving behavior. It will send you a notification when it detects any poor driving behavior. This way, you can help them to overcome it and avoid it in the future.
Product Highlights
- Unlimited distance real-time tracking
- Lifetime warranty
- Stores historical data for up to five years
- SOS button plus 2-extra buttons
Battery & Specs
- Size: 1.74”x 1.5”x 0.6”
- Weight: 1.26 Oz
- Battery: 3500 mAh Li-Polymer
- Battery Type: 1 Lithium-ion battery
- 5-day active battery life with 1-5 minutes update
Spot Trace GPS Tracker- Best Durable Tracker
If you want durable hardware that can accompany you in the wild, then this is an ideal match for you- the Spot Trace GPS tracker. Spot trace is an advanced tracking system that allows you to track your movements in real-time. Your family members can access your real-time location using the mobile application. It uses 100% satellite technology even at remote locations around the world. It allows you to keep track of your loved one’s movement so you can always know where they are with real-time notifications.
Another notable feature of this tracker is that it can work over the world – no matter where you are., you can always trust this device. It has a decent battery life and can last up to 10-14 days with a one-minute tracking update. You can lower the update frequency for a live tracking experience, but it will affect the battery life. Spot trace GPS tracker costs $55 along with monthly subscription fees starting from $14.95.
Product Highlights
- Extremely compact
- Allows online tracking
- Sends you instant alerts through mail
- Provides a huge range of uses
Battery & Specs
- Size: 6.9” x 2.02” x 0.95”
- Weight: 1 oz
- Battery: 4 AAA Energizer Ultimate Lithium 8x batteries (L92) – Installed
- Battery Option: 4 AAA Energizer® NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH12) – Sold Separately
- Battery type: Options of external, Internal, and rechargeable
- 10-14 days active battery life with one-minute updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I use a mini-GPS tracker?
Simple answer – anything that you want to track! A mini GPS tracker works best to track children and pets. The size of these trackers ensures that your kids and pets can roam and play around freely. You can also use mini-GPS devices for luggage, handbags, laptop bags, wheelchairs, bikes, and so on.
How long does a mini GPS tracker last?
It depends on the GPS tracker you choose. Some GPS devices have longer battery backup than others.
But on average, a GPS tracker lasts up to two weeks with active tracking and up to six months in sleep mode. You can further extend the battery life by lowering the frequency of updates.
How accurate are mini GPS trackers?
Generally, GPS trackers provide you with accuracy within 0.3 meters. It is the basic parameter of most devices. Also, size does not affect the accuracy of the device.
How to choose the best small GPS tracker device?
Consider these factors to choose the perfect GPS tracker for you.
- Battery life
- Size
- Connectivity
- Price
- Monthly subscription fees
- Geofencing
- Smart alerts
- Additional features
Is there a monthly fee to use a GPS tracker?
Yes, you have to pay monthly or annual subscription fees to enjoy the GPS tracking service. You have to pay this cost as GPS service providers have to rely on satellites to provide accurate location updates.
Final Verdict
Who doesn’t like to have an extra set of eyes to ensure the safety of their loved ones? GPS trackers provide you with the extra help you are looking for. These mini-GPS trackers will keep you updated with the exact coordinates of your valuables at the touch of a button.
The best mini-GPS trackers must be lightweight since you’ll be carrying them around the entire time. If you are looking for trackers specifically for pets, then Whistle 3 and Geozilla GPS tracker can prove to be a good pick. When it comes to special kids, AngelSense takes the crown. If you are one of those people who want multiple benefits along with the tracker, you might want to go for Apple Watch or Fitbit.
So, you see different trackers suit different needs. We have done our bit by compiling the best of the lot for you. Now it is up to you to choose the one you think is the best for you.
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