If you’re worried about your car getting stolen then your immediate thought might turn to car tracking devices, but looking for the perfect gadget for your needs may become difficult as there are a two main types of tracking devices. The first is a wired tracking device which is connected to your vehicle’s wiring, but if you’re wanting something that’s a little more flexible and easier to install then you’ll be wanting a magnetic car tracker.
Some trackers are visible when fitted to your vehicle which isn’t ideal, especially if a thief catches sight of it, they can remove it and discard it. Magnetic trackers are easy to install and can remain discreet to ensure they continue to work when they’re needed the most.
Magnetic trackers can be fitted to your vehicle, or bicycle, by attaching them to any metal surface. This is ideal if you have more than one vehicle and would like to track both – individually of course – then a magnetic tracker can offer an elegant and flexible solution, and you’ll avoid having to buy several expensive trackers. Trackers are also useful for worried parents, as some trackers will relay speed information and driving style, so they’re great to keep tabs on a new driver until you’re assured.
If security is important to you then you can also consider proactive methods in securing your car, by investing in a steering wheel lock. We would also recommend a dashcam which could not only be useful in case of an accident but can also record suspicious activity near your vehicle. If you want to protect your vehicle from keyless relay theft, have a look at our guide on the best faraday pouches. All these measures could be effective in deterring crooks.
The best magnetic car trackers 2024 at a glance:
The best magnetic car tracker: Winnes GPS 4G Car Tracker - buy from Amazon
Editor's pick: Winnes TK918C GPS Tracker - buy from Amazon
The best budget magnetic car tracker: SALIND GPS Tracker - buy from Amazon
Magnetic trackers might sound wonderful – why would anyone ever decide against buying one? Well, there is some maintenance involved when using a magnetic tracker; because the tracker isn’t wired into the car it will run off its own battery, which would need charging regularly. You don’t want the battery to die right when you need it. Despite this, there are loads of magnetic car trackers available, and we’ve gathered the best.
The best magnetic car trackers 2024
The best magnetic car tracker
If you’re looking for the best all-round solution, then the Winnes TK905B will probably fulfil your needs. It comes with 150 days of standby and no monthly subscription if you use your own SIM card. It’s simple to use and can be installed easily to your vehicle. You can even set a geofence, so you receive an alert if your vehicle leaves that area.
As long as there’s a GPS signal then you can benefit from app or SMS alerts for things like speeding, low battery, and even vibrations like if your car was to be bumped in the car park. The Winnes TK905B can store the route history for up to six months and has an accuracy of up to 5 meters in GPS tracking which is updated every 5 seconds.
Pros
- Easy to install due to compactness
- Six months of location history and great accuracy
- Lasts a long time on one charge, thanks to 10Ah battery
Cons
- Alarms might be disconcerting when they run low
- Requires a SIM card with data or subscription
| Subscription fee | No |
| Route history | Six months |
| Battery size | 10Ah |
| Location accuracy | 5m |
Editor's pick
The Winnes TK918C GPS tracker offers great value at a lower price than the TK905B but with some added benefits. For starters, it comes with a 20Ah battery which is good for 90 days if you’re activating the tracking system for up to an hour per day, but if it stays on standby mode then you’ll see a massive six month on a single charge. The TK918C also comes with a IP65 waterproof rating which is handy for protecting it against the weather.
You are compromising on accuracy with the TK918C however, as it can only provide an accuracy of between five to ten metres, so the TK905B wins in that area. Both trackers can upload data from the device from up to six months. The unit does require a SIM card with data, or it comes with its own, but using the provided card would require paying into the subscription. With your own SIM card, it’s free.
Pros
- No monthly payments to worry about, reducing the overall cost
- Tracking data history available from the past six months
- Powerful battery lasts for around six months (180 days)
Cons
- Others do offer up to a full year's worth of tracking history
- Requires a SIM card with data or subscription
| Subscription fee | No |
| Route history | Six months |
| Battery size | 20Ah |
| Location accuracy | 5-10m |
The best budget magnetic car tracker
The SALIND is the most affordable magnetic tracker on our list. It offers fantastic value for its price, making it the best budget tracker available. It’s easy to install and use since it comes with a built-in SIM card, so all you need to do it register in online and you’ll be good to go. A 10Ah battery should last you over a month between charges with one hour of tracking per day – or 90 days in standby mode - and you’ll be able to view the battery level online at any time so you can ensure you’re always topped up.
There are some areas where the SALIND falls short of the more advanced trackers – for instance, the IP rating is only IP64 which means it is dust-tight but can only withstand splashing water. It should hopefully be adequate for automotive use. The GPS network is only 2G, but you do get alerts, and a detailed route history for up to one year.
Pros
- Sim card included and built-in, making setup very easy
- Battery status viewable from the app
- Detailed route history of up to 365 days
Cons
- Subscription required, which slightly defeats the budget aspect
- GPS tracking uses a 2G network
| Subscription fee | Yes |
| Route history | 365 days |
| Battery size | 10Ah |
| Location accuracy | 5m |
Best pay-as-you-go magnetic tracker
Sometimes subscriptions can be a little overwhelming, and since most trackers offer some sort of subscription it is important to consider this aspect before buying. For the Rewire Security 104 Pro there are a number of plans available starting at £5 per month. You can choose to pay monthly or even annually if that suits you.
What do you get with the Rewire Security 104 Pro? Well, to begin with there’s the option to buy the 10Ah battery version or the 20Ah battery version for £30 more. The 10Ah version will allow up to 90 days of tracking in standby mode, alongside 4G real-time tracking through the app and/or website. It can reportedly send location updates every three seconds and allow for a years’ worth of location history, which makes it fabulously comprehensive.
Pros
- Easy to use and track via the app or website
- 365 days worth of history available, making things very comprehensive
- Can reportedly send position updates every three seconds
Cons
- Subscription is required, which means extra costs added on
- Other trackers offer longer battery life
| Subscription fee | Yes |
| Route history | 365 days |
| Battery size | 10Ah |
| Location accuracy | 5m |
Best mid-range magnetic tracker
The PAJ GPD Power Finder is designed to be ready for when you need it, it’s easy to install and ready-to-go with a SIM card included in the pack. It comes with a 365-day route history which is great, and an accuracy of around five metres. Like some other trackers the PAJ is rated IP64 so it can withstand splashing water and keep out dust.
The battery itself will last 90 days in standby mode and 40 days with an hour of active tracking per day. There are some great features too – including geozone or “safe area”, and even live tracking that updates every 30 seconds – that’s not as good as some other trackers. Subscription rates run from just under £4 per month to £6 p.m, depending on your plan. The PAJ also comes with a two-year warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- Two-year warranty
- Sim card included, making setup easier
- Route information available from the last 365 days
Cons
- Subscription required, adding extra costs on top of purchase
- Live tracking only updates every 30 seconds
| Subscription fee | Yes |
| Route history | 365 days |
| Battery size | 10Ah |
| Location accuracy | 5m (approx.) |
Best simple magnetic car tracker
When it comes to tracker options there’s always room for the Apple Airtag. While it isn’t a magnetic tracker it does have simplicity on its side. The Airtag can be used to track almost anything – from cars to boats, luggage, and even devices. The tracking device is the sice of a 50p piece and works with an Apply iPhone 11 or newer.
This particular deal is for a two-pack, but you can also get the Airtag in a three-pack, a four-pack, or even on its own. While it won’t give you such parameters as Geo-Fencing or push notifications for speed limit breaches. Still, it will allow you to pick out exactly where your vehicle is using your iPhone. The Airtag is even IP67 rated so it can withstand dust and be submerged in up to one metre or water for up to 30 minutes.
Pros
- Incredibly simple solution for Apple users
- Easy to install, thanks to compactness
- Easy to track them from using your iPhone
Cons
- Aren't anywhere near as comprehensive as the others
- Needs an Apple iPhone 11 or newer to operate
| Subscription fee | No |
| Route history | N/A |
| Battery size | 3V (coin unit) |
| Location accuracy | 6-9m |
FAQs and things to consider with magnetic trackers
Why should I use a magnetic tracker over a wired one?
Magnetic trackers offer greater levels of ease when installing and operating over wired trackers. Some are as simple as plug and play while other require set-up or registration. Another advantage of a magnetic tracker is the ability to remove the tracker easily and place it on another vehicle. This is ideal if you have more than one vehicle but don’t want to buy several trackers. The versatility that is offered by a magnetic tracker is very useful.
How long do magnetic trackers last on a charge?
That depends on the one you go for and how you use it. On standby mode most magnetic trackers should like between 90 to 180 days, but if you’re using the device to track for up to an hour a day then expect that same battery to last you between 40 to 90 days. Look for one with a higher battery capacity – like 20Ah (20,000mAh) – but 10Ah (10,000mAh) is satisfactory.
Since all magnetic trackers require charging it is important to keep an eye on the battery life which can usually be done using the manufacturers’ app.
Are magnetic trackers worth it?
Provided you look after them properly and place them in a hidden area of your vehicle, where thieves couldn't possibly find it, then absolutely. Having a car tracker on the go could be the difference between locating your vehicle or losing it forever due to thieves. It's a good idea to keep it cleverly hidden though, as thieves will do their upmost to locate and disable any trackers installed - usually the manufacturer-installed ones. If you want to keep an eye on your car whilst its parked outside your home, an outdoor security camera can be a great way of monitoring your vehicle if you have to be away.
**Naveed Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He enjoys anything with four wheels, and is always planning his next road trip.**
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