GPS is commonly associated with maps and navigation, but the technology has proven tremendously versatile. Smaller GPS-powered devices can help you keep track of vehicles, valuable assets, and even loved ones. The Tracki GPS Tracker is among the most popular small, purpose-built tracking devices. Its compact design, versatile use cases, and affordability have caught the attention of those looking to monitor a vehicle across the country or their wandering dog.
But how does the Tracki GPS Tracker stack up against the competition? In this review, we’ll look at the Tracki’s battery life, ease of use, and tracking accuracy. We’ll also compare the Tracki to the well-regarded LandAirSea line of GPS trackers to help you find which best suits your needs and budget. From functionality and performance to usability and cost, here’s a Tracki GPS Tracker review, plus a detailed comparison with LandAirSea.
What is the Tracki GPS Tracker?
The Tracki GPS Tracker is a lightweight and portable device designed for real-time tracking. Tracki’s promotional materials say their users track luggage, keys, vehicles, pets, equipment, valuable assets, and more with their products. Its compact size makes it easy to see why the Tracki is so versatile. It’s small enough to attach to just about anything you can imagine.
Tracki’s diminutive size makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. For example, if you are concerned about the safety of a loved one, a Tracki in their pocket allows you to check on their location anytime you like. Do you have a pet that likes to wander and occasionally goes missing? A Tracki on their collar will help you find them. Company vehicles, jewelry, or valuable collections are easily monitored with an attached Tracki GPS Tracker.
One of Tracki’s key selling points is its plug-and-play simplicity. A USB charging cable is included in the box. Before the first use, fully charge the battery, download the Tracki app to your devices, and activate your tracker. The only thing left is to explore the app's features and determine what you want to track. This quick setup process makes Tracki an excellent choice for beginners who want to get started with GPS tracking quickly.
How Does the Tracki GPS Tracker Work?
The Tracki GPS Tracker uses a combination of GPS and cellular network technology to provide real-time tracking with global coverage. It uses GPS for location and cellular networks for communication.
The Tracki acts as a GPS receiver, communicating with satellites orbiting the Earth. By triangulating signals from multiple GPS satellites, the Tracki can determine its location with an impressive degree of accuracy.
Once the Tracki device has calculated its location, it transmits this data over the cellular network. This communication stage allows you to view the device’s location on a map in real-time. Provided that coverage is good, the Tracki will continue to use the cell network to send regular location updates to the Tracki servers, which then relay that information to your Tracki app running on your smartphone or other device.
This brings us to the key component of the Tracki system, at least from the user’s standpoint. The Tracki mobile app allows you to monitor your device’s location and access its other features. Within the app, you can view a detailed history of the Tracki’s movements over time, set up movement alerts based on virtual boundaries called geofences, adjust tracking frequency, and manage other settings.
Key Features of the Tracki GPS Tracker
For such a small package, the Tracki GPS Tracker has a large number of features. Some of the Track’s most notable highlights include:
Ultra-Compact Size
Perhaps the Tracki’s main selling point is its small and lightweight design. It’s compact enough to be discreetly attached to your pet’s collar, slipped into your purse, or even placed on a keychain without adding bulk or weight. This portability makes the Tracki ideal for monitoring the location of almost anything.
Global Coverage
The Tracki GPS Tracker operates in more than 150 countries globally, thanks to its compatibility with various cellular networks and SIM cards. So, if you’re going on an international trip, you can confidently drop a Tracki in your luggage to ensure it doesn’t get lost. You can also monitor vehicles across borders or keep tabs on pets from across the ocean.
SOS Emergency Button
In case of accidents or other emergencies, the Tracki has an SOS button that sends alerts with your location to designated contacts. This feature, which is not available on all GPS trackers, can provide added safety for children, elderly individuals, or those who work alone.
Customizable Geofencing Alerts
Geofencing allows you to define virtual boundaries on a digital map. The mobile app will send notifications when your Tracki device enters or exits a geofenced region. Geofencing alerts are handy for letting you know when a pet leaves your yard, a vehicle departs from a specified location or any other location-based alerts.
Affordable Subscription Plans
Part of the reason the Tracki GPS Tracker itself is so affordable is because it requires a subscription to access the company’s cellular network and servers. Fortunately, the subscription is relatively inexpensive. The base price is $19.95 per month, but a one-year commitment drops the cost to $13.95 per month, while a two-year plan brings the price down to $9.95 per month.
Extended Accessories
Tracki offers a range of accessories that enhance and extend the tracker’s functionality. Among the more popular add-ons are magnetic attachments for easy placement on vehicles and rubber cases for harsh environments. Other accessories help adapt the Tracki to a wide range of tracking scenarios.
Pros of the Tracki GPS Tracker
The Tracki GPS Tracker has a number of compelling features, but like most technology, it has its pros and cons. First, here’s a look at the pros:
- Extremely portable and adaptable: The Tracki’s small and lightweight form factor makes it incredibly portable and suitable for nearly unlimited use cases.
- User-friendly mobile app: The intuitive Tracki mobile app makes it easy to view the tracker’s location, access historical data, set up geofences, and manage settings — even for users who are not particularly tech-savvy.
- Affordable entry-level pricing: The Tracki is competitively priced for both the device and its subscription plans. These affordable options make GPS tracking accessible to a wider range of users, including those on a limited budget.
Cons of the Tracki GPS Tracker
Now, here are some of the downsides to the Tracki GPS Tracker:
- Subscription plans required: The Tracki requires a subscription plan to access its full feature set. Even though the plans are generally affordable, the recurring cost can add up over time.
- Battery life: While the Tracki’s battery life is generally sufficient for everyday use, it may not match the runtimes offered by other GPS trackers in its class. Devices designed for long-term, continuous tracking will definitely outperform the Tracki’s battery life. If you require long periods of uninterrupted monitoring, you might need to look at other devices.
- Durability: The Tracki is designed for everyday use but might not be as robust or durable as other GPS trackers. A more rugged tracker might be necessary for applications involving extreme temperatures, significant physical stress, or harsh environments.
- Connectivity in remote areas: Although the Tracki boasts global coverage, connectivity can still be an issue in remote areas. That’s because the Tracki relies on cellular network coverage, which is still spotty in many less-populated parts of the world. With poor connectivity, the Tracki might not transmit location data in real-time.
How Does the Tracki Compare to LandAirSea Devices?
So, how do the range of GPS tracking devices from LandAirSea stack up against the Tracki? Here’s a comparison in four key areas:
Technology and Range
LandAirSea trackers offer exceptional GPS accuracy worldwide. Trackers from LandAirSea specialize in GPS satellite connectivity for a higher level of precision.
Real-Time Tracking
Both the Tracki and LandAirSea provide real-time tracking capabilities, but LandAirSea devices deliver more frequent location updates with more granular data. This makes LandAirSea devices particularly well-suited for applications requiring precise tracking. The increased update frequency makes LandAirSea the better choice when you need more detailed reporting from your location data.
Use Cases
While the Tracki is ideal for everyday use cases like tracking pets, keys, and other small, personal items, LandAirSea tracking devices are designed for more demanding applications. For vehicle tracking and industrial use, LandAirSea trackers offer better performance, and their rugged designs are ideal for more professional tracking needs.
Battery Life and Durability
According to the latest data from Amazon, battery life is the number one consideration when customers select a GPS-tracking device. While the Tracki GPS Tracker offers a 600 mAh battery, the LandAirSea 54’s has a 1,500 mAh battery — more than 50% larger than the Tracki’s. Ultimately, the Tracki’s battery is generally sufficient for personal use cases but may not match the extended performance of some LandAirSea devices.
Why LandAirSea is the Better Choice
There’s no doubt that the Tracki GPS Tracker is an excellent solution for everyday tracking needs. However, LandAirSea tracking devices offer many advantages, such as:
Superior Durability
LandAirSea tracking devices are renowned for their rugged, robust designs. Various LandAirSea models are built to withstand extreme conditions, harsh weather, impacts, and industrial settings. In conditions where a standard tracker might not hold up, a LandAirSea device keeps working.
Advanced Features
While you may need to purchase accessories to get what you need from the Tracki, LandAirSea devices typically come equipped with a more comprehensive feature set. Whether it’s sophisticated geofencing capabilities, customizable motion alerts, or comprehensive reporting tools, LandAirSea trackers provide users with more advanced features.
Long Battery Life
LandAirSea is the best choice for applications that require extended tracking times without frequent battery recharges. Many LandAirSea trackers are perfect for long-term deployments, remote tracking, and situations where the device's recharging access might be limited.
Precision Tracking
LandAirSea trackers leverage high-precision GPS technology and typically offer faster update intervals than competing devices. For applications where a high level of accuracy is critical, like asset tracking or vehicle recovery, LandAirSea’s precision tracking provides an advantage over ordinary GPS devices.
Data Security
GPS tracking data is highly sensitive, and you don’t want it in the wrong hands. LandAirSea data is housed on US-based servers, and the company has an excellent track record with data security. Meanwhile, there have been troubling reports about the safety of Tracki customer data.
Choosing the Best GPS Tracker for Your Needs
The Tracki GPS Tracker is a well-designed, affordable, and feature-rich solution for basic to intermediate tracking needs. The more personal or lightweight your use case, the more you might appreciate what the Tracki has to offer. However, if you need more precision, durability, and advanced functionality in a GPS tracking device, turn to LandAirSea, the choice for professional or demanding applications.
Learn more about the LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker today to start tracking. If you need more assistance, contact LandAirSea and a member of our friendly team will answer any questions.
