In modern transportation and logistics, a GPS tracker is essential for tracking deliveries and providing real-time updates. A GPS tracker with long battery life can help monitor driving behavior and improve fleet safety. A reliable GPS tracker also can combat theft or help you recover a stolen vehicle.
But without a long battery life, all those advantages can go out the window with the battery’s charge. Below you’ll find GPS tracking options that improve fleet security and reliability for all types of equipment.
And when you finish reading, check out the other articles in our ‘Specialized fleet tracking solutions’ series:
- What is GPS fleet tracking?
- Best vehicle tracking devices with no monthly fee
- Best GPS trackers with audio
- Best dash cam with GPS tracking
- Best GPS trackers with long battery life
Quicklook: Best GPS trackers with long battery life
- Best for extra-long battery life: Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker
- Best for worldwide coverage: Tracki Mini GPS Tracker
- Best for detailed tracking: Americaloc GL300W GPS Tracker
- Best for durability: LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
- Best for theft prevention: Invoxia Real Time GPS Tracker
- Best for custom alerts: Spytec GL300 Real-Time GPS Tracker
6 best GPS trackers with long battery life options
The following battery-powered GPS trackers each have long battery lives and excellent reputations for reliability. Find one for all fleet sizes below.
Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker
The Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker offers an extremely long battery life for a battery-powered GPS tracker. It can last up to a month with a single charge when set to update each minute. The Optimuz 2.0 GPS also offers geofence generation. The small device and protective cover with magnetic mount can be installed in a wheel well, below the truck, under the bumper or any other discreet location.
Best for: Extra-long battery life
Special features:
- Magnetic mount
- SOS button to call for help
- Email or text vehicle alerts for speed, battery capacity, motion and geofence zone
Benefits:
- Reporting frequency customization, from every 10 seconds to every minute
- Geofence generation capabilities
- Powerful customized app and alerts
- Easy to attach
- Easy to use
Disadvantage:
- Some consumers complain of reception or charging issues
Pricing: $29.95 for the device, plus $19.95 per month or $191.52 per year for an app subscription
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 3″ x 1.5″ x 1″ |
| Mounting type | Magnetic mount |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | n/a |
| Weight | 2.5 ounces |
| Battery life | 336 hours |
| Battery type | Lithium polymer batteries |
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker
Tracki is an ultra-flexible portable GPS device that offers excellent worldwide coverage. If you need to track your fleet in Canada, Mexico or farther afield, the Track Mini may work as it offers full coverage in 187 countries. In addition to app integration, the Tracki battery works for two to three days with real-time updates, or 30 days when set for one-minute updates. Get a battery life of up to 10 months tracking once a day.
Best for: Worldwide coverage
Special features:
- Optional battery extender — get real-time updates for up to two weeks
- Global tracking
- Unlimited 4G LTE+ tracking
Benefits:
- Easy setup
- Simple to use
- Minimum battery life of two to three days
- Easy to attach
- 10-month battery life tracking once a day
Disadvantages:
- Some customers say geofence doesn’t work
- Some have issues setting up GPS tracking
Pricing: $15.69 plus $19.95 monthly, or as low as $9.95 per month for long-term prepaid plans
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 1.75″ x 1.5″ x 0.55″ |
| Mounting type | Magnetic waterproof box mount |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | N/A |
| Weight | 1.26 ounces |
| Battery life | Two days to 10 months, depending on settings |
| Battery type | 600mAh battery; optional 3,500mAh battery |
Americaloc GL300W GPS Tracker
The Americaloc GL300W GPS Tracker is a high-quality truck GPS tracker that uses the CAT M1 Technology and works throughout North America. The app allows geofencing and data tracking including downtime, movement and battery capacity. The long-lasting battery can last 10 to 14 days with one-minute updates.
Best for: Detailed tracking
Special features:
- Text and email alerts
- Create shareable device location links for customers or family members
- Works in more than 182 countries
Benefits:
- Extra-detailed maps
- Extra-detailed tracking
- Geofencing
- Location updates every 10, 30 or 60 seconds
Disadvantages:
- Issues with long-term operations
- Not intended for tracking luggage on airplanes
Pricing: $87.50 with a 70% off coupon available on Amazon, plus a $25 per month subscription
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2.7” x 1.51” x 0.92” |
| Mounting type | Portable, with optional hardwiring |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | N/A |
| Weight | 2.3 ounces |
| Battery life | 10 to 14 days with one-minute updates |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion battery |
LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
The LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker can last up to three weeks with three-minute updates. This low-cost unit is waterproof, and features an internal magnet for easy mounting. Its rugged casing protects against dust and harsh temperatures, making it one of the most durable options. The built-in rechargeable battery can last six months without maintenance.
Best for: Durability
Special features:
- Includes SIM card
- Low cost
- Internal magnet mount
- 100% waterproof
Benefits:
- Can be installed in a wheel well, bumper or chassis
- Offers tracking parameter alerts via text or email
- Geofencing with boundary alerts
- Option to disable LED lights for extra discretion
- Compatible with Mac, PC, iPhone and Android devices
Disadvantage:
- Some customers complain of poor craftsmanship or reliability issues
Pricing: $29.95 plus a monthly subscription of $15 per month
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2.25” x 2.25” x 0.8” |
| Mounting type | Internal magnet mount |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | N/A |
| Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Battery life | Up to three weeks with three-minute updates |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion battery |
Invoxia Real Time GPS Tracker
Invoxia’s Real Time GPS offers exceptional tracking with the option of location updates every 30 seconds, or every two, five, 10 or 30 minutes. The battery can last up to four months in power-saving mode. You can also charge it in just 90 minutes. The Invoxia Real-Time truck GPS Tracker allows you to create multiple virtual fences and receive real-time alerts.
Best for: Theft prevention
Special features:
- Two-year subscription included, then $3.33 per month.
- Designed to protect against theft
- Set multiple geofences
Benefits:
- Built-in SIM card
- Low-cost subscription
- Motion and tilt alerts
- Easy setup
Disadvantage:
- Shortest tracking time is 30 seconds; not as precise as other options
Pricing: $159, including a free two-year subscription to the app
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 1.1” x 0.4” |
| Mounting type | Flexible mount |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | N/A |
| Weight | 1.05 ounces |
| Battery life | Up to four months with Smart Battery Management |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion battery |
Spytec GL300 Real-Time GPS Tracker
The Spytec GL300 Real-Time truck GPS tracker offers easier and faster GPS tracking with a lifetime warranty. Visualize the history of any tracked asset with Time Machine features. Battery lasts up to 14 days with updates once per day. Choose between reporting periods of five seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds or one, three, six, 12 or 24 hours.
Best for: Custom alerts
Special features:
- Set custom boundaries
- Create custom arrival and departure alerts
- Generate reports to track asset movement
Benefits:
- Easy to use
- Set customized alerts
- Flexible configurations and uses
- Lifetime warranty
- 24/7 support
- Send emergency SOS notifications
Disadvantages:
- Arrives in a two-pack, but they must be used together
- Doesn’t work in Europe
- Difficult to cancel a subscription
Pricing: $32.95 plus monthly fees from $25 to $30
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 1.25” x 1.5” x 3” |
| Mounting type | Flexible mount |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | N/A |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Battery life | Average battery life of 7-10 days with two hours of use per day. |
| Battery type | Lithium polymer battery |
What is a GPS tracker?
A truck GPS tracker allows users to track and monitor locations. GPS trackers use the Global Positioning System, a satellite-based radio navigation system. While GPS technology is nearly ubiquitous in everything from smartphones to electronic logging devices (ELDs), a reliable GPS tracker still has an important role in fleet management. Sometimes called a long-range tracker, a GPS tracker can reduce theft, improve driver safety and help businesses improve efficiency.
Why is a GPS tracker with long battery life important?
A GPS tracker with a long battery life means less worry about recharging the battery. It also means that the GPS won’t stop working when you need it most — like when the vehicle is parked in a lot. GPS tracking offers added security to valuable items and equipment.
What to consider in GPS trackers with long battery life
GPS trackers with a long battery life can last for six to 12 months without active tracking. Active tracking significantly reduces battery life, leading to the battery needing more frequent charging.
How long the battery lasts
Battery life is essential for a truck GPS tracker. Whether you need to recharge a GPS battery daily or every two to three weeks can make a big difference. When choosing a GPS tracker, it’s worth considering how long of a battery life you need based on your operation. If typical routes only last two to three days, the longest battery life may not be essential.
Ease of use
A truck GPS is only useful if you use it. A GPS tracker that’s complicated or confusing is impractical for most truckers. Intuitive design and simple instructions for use are essential in a GPS tracker for fleets of all sizes.
Flexibility
Your fleet may face diverse weather and road conditions, including remote, low-coverage areas and narrow city streets that require precision and accuracy. A GPS tracker for fleets needs the flexibility to meet evolving demands and diverse circumstances.
Durability
Durability is essential in a battery-powered GPS tracker. You don’t want it failing in the middle of a haul. For trucks facing extreme weather conditions, a reliable GPS needs to perform well in both extreme heat and extreme cold temperatures.
The best GPS tracker with long battery life for your fleet
A GPS tracker isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Routes, location, weather, typical hours on the road and tracking needs all come into play. You might need a GPS tracker that can withstand extreme weather while transporting goods in either summer or winter. Or your fleet may prioritize a GPS tracker whose battery can last months while assets are parked.
When shopping for the best fleet GPS tracking system, you should weigh up-front and subscription costs in your decision. Whichever GPS tracker with a long battery life you choose, it may very well pay for itself via added safety, security and tracking features.
FAQ
The battery may drain more quickly in areas of low coverage where the network signal is weak or when there are network provider issues. An older battery will also drain more quickly or be unable to hold a full charge.
Yes, there are GPS trackers that don’t need charging, including the LiveWire Dash Vehicle Tracker and Sync.
Leaving a GPS plugged in does not drain the vehicle battery. Check with your GPS manufacturer to optimize GPS battery life.
