GPS trackers have many benefits and offer valuable insights. But most come with an upfront cost for the hardware plus an ongoing monthly fee for the service, which can impact monthly profits. To reduce the financial burden of using these devices, there are GPS trackers with no monthly fees. Here’s a look at the leading options for these devices.
And when you’re finished reading, check out the other articles in our ‘GPS tracking’ series:
- What is commercial GPS tracking?
- GPS vs GIS: Which technology is better for your fleet?
- Benefits of real time GPS fleet-tracking solutions
- Best GPS trackers with no monthly fee
Quicklook: Best GPS trackers with no monthly fee
- Best for any-shape geofencing: Vyncs Pro 4G –Find GPS Trackers
- Best for magnetic GPS tracker: TKSTAR GPS –Find GPS Trackers
- Best for fleets: GPSit1000BZL LTE Vehicle Tracking Device – Find GPS Trackers
- Best for theft prevention with remote engine cutoff: SinoTrack ST-901L –Find GPS Trackers
- Best for no annual or activation fees: Trakkit GPS – Find GPS Trackers
5 best GPS trackers with no monthly fees
As you search for the best GPS device, review this list of options that have no monthly fees to find the best one for you.
Vyncs Pro 4G
The Vyncs Pro 4G offers detailed insights via your smartphone. It also connects with third-party applications, such as the home assistant Alexa. Since it’s plugged into the onboard diagnostics (OBD)-II port, no battery is needed, so you won’t have to uninstall it for charging.
Best for: Any-shape geofencing
Special features:
- Real-time geofencing
- OBD-II port connection
- Speed alerts
- Fuel data insights
Benefits:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Mapping technology
- Easy use with smartphone connection
- Real-time location tracking refreshed every three minutes, with optional upgrade to 15-second refreshes
- Worldwide coverage
Disadvantages:
- Activation and renewal fees increase cost of ownership
- International users report problems using the device
Pricing: $89.99 plus a $39.99 activation fee, with annual renewal of $78.93 after the first year
| Technical specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2.4 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches |
| Mounting type | OBD-II port |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | Uploads to the cloud |
| Weight | 2.2 ounces |
| Battery life | No battery |
| Battery type | No battery |
TKSTAR GPS
The TKSTAR GPS has no monthly fee, though you’ll have to pay for a subscriber identity module (SIM) card service as the device does not come with one. The device can be used for several days without charging, depending on mode and refresh frequency. While users report some issues getting up and running, overall the performance gets good reviews.
Best for: Magnetic GPS tracker
Special features:
- Connects to the TKSTAR app
- 120 days of battery life
- IP65 waterproof
- Attaches magnetically
- Removal detection
Benefits:
- Accurate within five meters
- Real-time tracking
- Historic route view
Disadvantages:
- SIM card needed, but not included
- Users report lack of technical support
- Installation and usage instructions are challenging to follow
Pricing: $62.99
| Technical specifications | |
| Dimensions | 5.2 x 3.94 x 2.36 inches |
| Mounting type | Magnetic |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | Uploads to the cloud |
| Weight | 10.5 ounces |
| Battery life | 90 days on standby or 3-5 days in continuous use |
| Battery type | 5000 mAh |
GPSit1000BZL LTE Vehicle Tracking Device
The GPSit1000BZL LTE Vehicle Tracking Device comes with one year of service. After that, you’ll have to pay an annual fee of $99 to continue using the device. It’s one of the best GPS devices for truckers available without a monthly fee because it’s electronic logging device (ELD)-compliant.
Best for: Fleets
Special features:
- Sensor data
- Trips and stops
- Speed limit indicator
- Engine hours
- Backup battery
Benefits:
- Tamper-proof
- Data insights, including idle moments, driving habits and fuel use
- Location tracking with uploads every 10 seconds
- Geofencing with alerts when the vehicle leaves a set area
- Users report good customer service
Disadvantages:
- Requires annual $99 fee after first year
- Installation manual must be downloaded online
Pricing: $180
| Technical specifications | |
| Dimensions | 4 x 2 x 0.7 inches |
| Mounting type | Three-wire connection behind the dashboard |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | Uploads to cloud servers |
| Weight | 1.92 ounces |
| Battery life | Connects to vehicle for power |
| Battery type | Connects to vehicle for power |
SinoTrack ST-901L
The SinoTrack ST-901L is one of the best GPS trackers from a trusted brand. And while there are no monthly subscription fees, you need a compatible SIM card and service for use. The device offers many outstanding features, though, including geofencing for remote monitoring and tracking. Arguably its most unique feature is a remote engine cutoff switch for theft prevention.
Best for: Theft prevention with remote engine cutoff
Special features:
- Real-time tracking
- Cut the engine remotely in case of theft
- Easy installation
- Manage multiple vehicles using one account
Benefits:
- Waterproof
- Real-time tracking
- Geofencing
- Up to two years of vehicle tracking history
- Speed limit alerts
Disadvantages:
- Does not come with required SIM card
- Connecting the device to a power supply is challenging
Pricing: $49.99
| Technical specifications | |
| Dimensions | 3.54 x 2.04 x 0.66 inches |
| Mounting type | Three-wire connection under dashboard |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | Uploads to the cloud |
| Weight | 5.3 ounces |
| Battery life | Battery is only a backup and recharges once the vehicle is in use |
| Battery type | 150 mAh battery backup |
Trakkit GPS
While many GPS trackers out there have no monthly fees, most still include activation fees, annual fees or the cost of SIM card service. The Trakkit GPS, however, relies on W-iFi and requires no ongoing fees at all. The drawback to this is that the data only uploads once it is in range of a connected Wi-Fi network.
Best for: No annual or activation fees
Special features:
- Set up multiple devices with one account for GPS fleet tracking
- Optional vehicle hardwiring
- Motion detection
- Temperature
- Mobile alerts
Benefits:
- Logging and reporting features
- Use on a variety of items, including luggage, bikes and motorcycles
- Simple syncing to Apple and Android devices
- Optional waterproof magnetic enclosure
Disadvantages:
- Installation and use tutorials are confusing
- Tracking is spotty based on reception
- Hardwire kit costs extra
Pricing: $128.95
| Technical specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2.25 x 1.3 x .75 inches |
| Mounting type | Magnetic or optional vehicle connection for an added fee |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Storage | Not disclosed |
| Weight | 1.2 ounces |
| Battery life | Up to six days |
| Battery type | Two AAA batteries |
GPS trackers with monthly fees vs. no monthly fees
Using a tracker is required under the ELD mandate from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). But using a device offers more than just compliance. It also provides valuable insights into fuel use, optimization and routing.
The trouble some fleets have with these devices is the ongoing service fee. And while $10 to $20 per month doesn’t seem like a huge expense, the price adds up quickly when you manage a fleet.
GPS trackers with monthly fees tend to offer real-time updates and added features that services with no monthly fees do not. Balancing the need for data and insights with a budget will help determine whether an ongoing service fee is right for you. Depending on the size of your fleet, the added data and insights of a service may be worth the expense.
Managing expenses with no-fee GPS tracking
Monthly fees for various services can add up quickly and lower your bottom line. Finding solutions with no monthly fees can help you manage your budget and maximize profits. Select a GPS tracker from the list above to eliminate subscription fees for your fleet tracking purposes.
FAQ
Yes, though you might have to pay for a SIM card or only get updates about the device’s location when it’s connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Many GPS trackers offer ELD compliance along with valuable insights to optimize your transportation business and lower expenses.
Passive GPS trackers store data on a USB drive or other internal memory. While you can’t view the data in real time, you can view it once uploaded to a computer.
