Which GPS Tracker Is Right for You? A Guide for Parents, Travelers & Asset Owners

If you're comparing the best GPS trackers for kids, vehicles, travel, or luggage, you’re in the right place. At BrickHouse, we’ve spent 20 years building trusted, real-time GPS tracking solutions designed for everyday families, not tech experts. No fear tactics, no spy vibes. Just simple, dependable tracking backed by real humans who help before and after you buy.

Below, you’ll learn exactly how to choose a GPS tracking device, which features matter most, and which trackers perform best in real-world conditions, airports, school days, road trips, low-signal zones, and more.

Which BrickHouse GPS Tracker Is Best for You?

Use Case	Recommended GPS Tracker	Why It’s Best
Kids	Spark Nano 7 with SOS Button	Compact portable GPS tracker with real-time GPS tracking, safe-zone alerts, and reliable app notifications that fit easily in a child’s backpack for dependable tracking.
Vehicles	TrackPort OBD GPS Tracker	Plug-and-go design with continuous power, accurate location, instant alerts, location history, and live tracking mode, ideal for cars, teen drivers, small fleets, and daily commuting.
Luggage	Spark Nano 7 with Case	Lightweight, durable case protects the tracker during rough handling while delivering real-time location, strong performance in low signal zones, and reliable alerts inside luggage or carry-ons.
Travel	Spark Nano 7 Global Edition	Built for international travel with a global SIM, accurate location in 140+ countries, long battery life, and dependable tracking across different cellular networks in airports and remote areas.
Fleet / Business Vehicles	Livewire Volt (Hardwired Tracker)	Always-on power for 24/7 real-time GPS tracking, route history, geofence alerts, and mileage reports. Designed for business reliability with simple monthly plans, no battery charging, and strong performance in rough conditions.

All BrickHouse trackers include access to the BrickHouse mobile app for real-time location updates, geofence alerts, and secure cloud-based tracking.

What Is a GPS Tracking Device?

A GPS tracking device uses satellites and cellular networks to deliver a device’s real-time location, plus tools like location history, instant alerts, and safe-zone notifications. Most BrickHouse trackers are portable, beginner-friendly, and designed to keep working in low-signal zones, across cellular networks, and during rough travel days.

We build solutions for families, caregivers, travelers, and small businesses looking for clarity and peace of mind, never for spouse tracking or anything unsafe or unethical.

How to Choose the Best GPS Tracker (By Use Case)

1. GPS Tracker for Kids

Parents want simple clarity, not more stress. A GPS tracker for kids should give you accurate location, fast alerts, and a kid-friendly way to signal you if something feels off.

What to look for in a kids’ GPS tracker:

• Safe-zone (geofence) alerts so you know the moment your child arrives or leaves school, home, or after-school activities
• Instant push notifications and reliable alerts delivered right to your phone
• Lightweight, portable, small device that fits easily in a child’s backpack or clips to a belt
• Long battery life for all-day or multi-day use without battery drain
• SOS or panic button your child can press if they feel unsafe or need quick access to you
• Easy-to-use mobile app with simple menus, live tracking mode, and quick access to location updates
• Dependable tracking that works in low signal zones, around schools, or in crowded areas
• Simple device setup with no complicated steps or tech frustration

Families also appreciate when a tracker uses cellular networks instead of Bluetooth-only signals, because it ensures you’re getting real-time location, not delayed or low-range updates. Features like app notifications, email alerts, and geofence alerts all work together to give you a complete picture of your child’s day.

Recommendation: Spark Nano 7

Small enough to clip to a child’s backpack or belt, the Spark Nano 7 is a portable GPS tracker built for everyday family life. It delivers real-time GPS tracking, accurate location, and safe-zone alerts straight to your phone through the BrickHouse app, no complicated setup required.

With dependable tracking, strong cellular signals, and long battery life, the Spark Nano 7 is ideal for school days, after-school programs, and anywhere kids need a little extra protection without feeling monitored.

It’s simple. It’s reliable. And it’s built for peace of mind, not pressure.

2. Best GPS Tracker for Vehicles

Whether you're monitoring your own vehicle, helping a teen driver stay safe, or managing a couple of work vehicles, you need a tracker that’s durable, accurate, and ready for everyday use.

Key features to look for in a vehicle GPS tracker:

• Flexible mounting options for simple placement inside the car or under the dash
• Long battery life with minimal battery drain
• Real-time tracking with live location updates every few seconds
• Location history to review trips, routes, and travel history
• Movement or unauthorized-use alerts so you’re notified instantly if your vehicle moves unexpectedly
• Low monthly fee or affordable subscription plan with clear pricing
• Geofence alerts and safe zones for vehicles parked at home, work, or school
• Reliable alerts through push notifications, SMS text messages, or email alerts
• Strong performance in low signal zones like parking garages or rural areas
• User friendliness with a clean interface and quick responses in the mobile app
• Dependable tracking even in rough handling, changing weather, or remote areas

If you want real-time location, live tracking mode, and easy access to past routes, a cellular-enabled tracker is essential. Bluetooth-only devices simply don’t offer the range, accuracy, or reliability that vehicles require.

"This service has helped me tremendously keeping up with my 85 year old father who is still driving. The company help me get back onto the app. And gave me tips on how to use it. Someone referred me to Brickhouse and they were correct, you guys are awesome!" - Lucinda branch

Recommendation: TrackPort (OBD Tracker)

The TrackPort is one of the most dependable OBD GPS tracking devices for vehicles thanks to its simple plug-and-play design. Instead of complicated wiring or hidden spots, TrackPort plugs directly into your vehicle’s OBD port, giving you an instant power source and continuous real-time GPS tracking without managing a battery.

Perfect for personal vehicles, teen, senior drivers, or small fleet vehicles, TrackPort delivers:

• Accurate location with dependable performance in low signal zones
• Instant alerts for movement, ignition on/off, and unexpected activity
• Location history and travel history through an easy-to-use dashboard
• Live tracking mode for second-by-second updates
• Quick access to reports, routes, and app notifications
• Low monthly plan options with no long-term contract

Because it’s always powered by the vehicle, you never worry about battery life, your real-time GPS tracking stays active as long as the car has power. TrackPort is the simplest way to get quick recovery, smarter visibility, and peace of mind for your vehicles.

3. Best GPS Tracker for Travel

Travel is busy enough, you shouldn’t also have to worry about luggage mix-ups or tracking family members in crowded areas. A GPS tracker for travel should be globally compatible and battery-efficient.

What to look for in a GPS tracker for travel:

• Global SIM or international roaming for real-time location in different countries
• Compact, portable, small device that fits inside luggage or a carry-on
• Reliable alerts, including push notifications, SMS text messages, and email alerts
• Long battery life for travel days that stretch into nights
• Performance in low-signal or remote areas such as airports, tunnels, or rural highways
• Accurate location and consistent location updates across cellular networks
• Live tracking mode for fast, precise updates when you need quick recovery
• Strong durability to handle rough conditions, baggage drops, and long flights
• User friendliness with a clean mobile app and a clear travel history
• Simple device setup so you can track immediately without stress

Travelers also appreciate trackers that integrate with Google Maps for smooth navigation, deliver multiple app notifications, and avoid unnecessary battery drain with smart power settings.

Recommendation: Spark Nano 7 Global Edition

Spark Nano 7 Global Edition is built for travelers who want real-time visibility without hassle. Using a global SIM, it connects to cellular networks in 140+ countries, giving you dependable location tracking whether your bags are under the plane, your rental car is parked across town, or your family is weaving through a crowded terminal.

With real-time GPS tracking, accurate location, and reliable alerts, the Spark Nano 7 Global Edition delivers:

• Live location updates from almost anywhere in the world
• Strong performance in remote areas and challenging travel zones
• Compact size that fits easily inside luggage or a travel pouch
• Durable design built for rough handling and long flights
• Instant alerts and quick access to movement or location changes
• Location history and travel history for reviewing routes
• Long battery life ideal for multi-leg travel days

Whether you're tracking inside luggage, monitoring a rental car, or staying connected with family members during international trips, the Spark Nano 7 Global Edition gives you dependable visibility without complicated setup or confusing menus.

It’s simple, travel-ready, and built for real-world adventures, not just perfect conditions.

4. Best GPS Tracker for Luggage

Airports are unpredictable, but your luggage doesn’t have to be. A GPS tracker for luggage ensures you always know where your suitcase is, even when airlines can’t tell you.

What to look for in a GPS tracker for luggage:

• Global SIM support for real-time tracking across different countries and cellular networks
• Strong signal inside bags, totes, and hard-shell suitcases
• Instant alerts during transit, including movement, arrival, or unexpected changes
• Small, lightweight design that fits in any pocket, packing cube, or hidden compartment
• Reliable connections in crowded airports, where most devices struggle
• Accurate location and steady location updates even in low signal zones
• Live tracking mode for quick recovery if your luggage goes the wrong direction
• User-friendly app with quick access to travel history and real-time location
• Dependable battery life that lasts through long flights and layovers

A good luggage tracker should also avoid unnecessary battery drain, switch seamlessly between cellular networks, and hold up to rough conditions, tossed bags, conveyor belts, or tight overhead bins.

Recommendation: Spark Nano 7 with Case

Spark Nano 7 with Case is a lightweight, durable GPS tracking device built for travelers who want to keep an eye on their suitcase every step of the way. With real-time GPS tracking, geofence alerts, and dependable performance in low signal zones, it’s ideal for keeping track of your luggage from check-in to baggage claim.

What makes it perfect for luggage:

• Accurate location and instant alerts if your bag moves or arrives ahead of you
• Strong cellular signals inside luggage, even in busy terminals or metal baggage carts
• Compact, small device that fits easily inside pockets, organizers, or hidden spots
• Live tracking mode for fast updates if an airline misroutes your bag
• Reliable alerts via push notifications, email alerts, or text messages
• Travel history so you can see exactly where your luggage has been
• Long battery life designed for multi-leg international trips
• Durable case that protects the tracker from rough handling and compression

Whether your luggage is under the plane, stuck at the wrong terminal, or waiting alone on a carousel, the Spark Nano 7 helps you stay one step ahead, with dependable tracking that works when it actually matters.

5. Best GPS Tracker for Business & Fleets

When you’re running a business, you don’t have time for complicated software, slow systems, or GPS trackers built for giant enterprises. You need clear visibility, fast insights, and a simple, central dashboard that shows every vehicle, asset, and driver in real time.

A great GPS tracker for fleets should help you reduce fuel costs, protect assets, keep drivers accountable, and simplify routing, without burying you under confusing menus or long-term contracts. Whether you’re managing fleet vehicles, service trucks, seasonal crews, or a few company cars, you want real-time GPS tracking that’s accurate, reliable, and easy for your team to use on day one.

Because businesses run on speed, not guesswork.

What to look for in a fleet or business GPS tracking solution:

• Multi-device dashboard to view all vehicles and assets in one place
• Speeding + geofence alerts for quick safety checks and location verification
• Route history + mileage reports for compliance, payroll, and smarter routing
• Fast onboarding with simple setup and quick responses from support
• Straightforward monthly plans with transparent pricing and no surprises
• Live tracking mode with second-by-second location updates
• Instant alerts via push notifications, SMS text messages, or email alerts
• Dependable tracking in low signal zones, remote areas, and rough conditions
• Accurate location with consistent updates across cellular networks
• User friendliness so managers can get answers in seconds, not hours

A smart fleet system also gives you travel history, helps reduce battery drain by optimizing reporting intervals, and keeps all location updates organized so you can run operations with confidence. And because downtime is expensive, you want real humans behind the scenes who answer fast and help you deploy smoothly.

This is where BrickHouse’s business GPS solutions stand out: speed, simplicity, and support you can’t get from the giant, slow-moving competitors.

Recommendation: Livewire Volt

Livewire Volt is a hardwired, always-on GPS tracking device built for business owners who need reliability every hour of the day. Once installed, it delivers real-time GPS tracking, accurate location, and instant alerts without requiring a rechargeable battery.

Perfect for service vehicles, commercial fleets, and small businesses that need dependable visibility, the Livewire Volt provides:

• Continuous live tracking mode with second-by-second updates
• Accurate location and reliable alerts across low signal zones
• Instant notifications for ignition on/off, movement, speeding, and safe zone activity
• Route history + mileage reports for audits, payroll, and optimized routing
• Simple monthly plan with no contracts or hidden fees
• Quick access to all tracking devices through a clean dashboard
• Durable performance in rough conditions, hot climates, or high-mileage fleets

Because it's hardwired directly into the vehicle, the Volt gives businesses zero-maintenance tracking with long-term reliability, perfect for teams that need dependable visibility without worrying about battery life, recharging, or device placement.

If your top priority is knowing where your vehicles are, how they’re being used, and how to run operations more efficiently, the Livewire Volt delivers unmatched simplicity and clarity.

Key Features to Compare in Any GPS Tracker

Feature	Why It Matters
Real-Time GPS Tracking	Live updates every few seconds
Battery Life	Impacts how often you need to recharge
Geofencing	Set safe zones and get instant alerts
Instant Alerts	Push, email, or SMS notifications
Location History	Understand routes and activity patterns
SOS Button	Critical for kids, seniors, and personal safety
Global SIM Support	Ensures worldwide coverage
Size & Portability	Important for kids, luggage, and personal use
Subscription Options	Monthly or annual plans

Pro Tips from 20 Years of GPS Tracking

After two decades of testing GPS trackers, helping families, travelers, and small businesses, and watching how devices perform in real-world conditions, these are the simple habits that make the biggest difference. Think of them as the “power user” shortcuts that keep your real-time GPS tracking accurate, your alerts dependable, and your experience stress-free.

• Test before you travel, especially internationally.
• Set safe zones so you’re alerted instantly.
• Turn on multiple alert types for fast responses.
• Plan for charging even with long battery life.
• Use remote access so you can track from any device.

Shop Dependable GPS Trackers, Backed by Real Human Support

Every GPS device we recommend is tested by our team and backed by:

• 20 years of experience
• Five-star customer reviews
• U.S. based sales support
• Strong warranties
• Live help before and after purchase

No third-party knockoffs. No gimmicks. Just dependable GPS tracking built for everyday families, travelers, and small businesses.

Explore our full GPS tracker lineup here.

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FAQs: GPS Tracker Questions Answered

What’s the best GPS tracker for kids?

The Spark Nano 7 with SOS Button is the best GPS tracker for kids thanks to its real-time location, safe-zone alerts, and dependable app notifications. It’s a small device that fits easily in a child’s backpack and includes an SOS panic button for quick access in emergencies, ideal for busy school days.

Can I track luggage with a GPS device?

Absolutely. The Spark Nano International GPS Tracker delivers accurate location and reliable alerts even inside luggage and low signal zones. With global SIM support, it stays connected through airports, long flights, and rough handling, making it one of the best GPS trackers for travel and quick recovery.

How do I choose the right GPS tracker?

Match the tracker to your use case: kids, travel, luggage, vehicles, or business. Compare battery life, real-time GPS tracking, geofence alerts, and instant notifications. Prioritize dependable tracking, clear monthly fees, and strong performance in remote areas or low-signal zones.

What’s the best GPS tracker for cars?

Spark Nano 7 Magnetic Case Bundle is the best GPS tracker for vehicles. It offers accurate location, movement alerts, location history, and dependable tracking even in rough conditions. The magnetic case provides flexible mounting options for personal cars, teen drivers, or small fleet vehicles.

Do GPS trackers require a subscription?

Yes. All GPS trackers using cellular signals and real-time tracking require a monthly, quarterly, or annual plan. Subscriptions support location updates, safe-zone alerts, and reliable reporting. BrickHouse offers flexible plans starting as low as $17.99/month with no long-term contracts.

Is there a GPS tracker that works internationally?

Yes. The Spark Nano 7 Global Edition is designed for worldwide travel with a global SIM that connects across multiple cellular networks. It provides real-time GPS tracking, dependable performance in low signal zones, and accurate location updates in over 140 countries, ideal for international trips.