Getting hit by theft happens to all of us at some point. Approximately 14.6 percent of households in the country were exposed in 2018 to one or more of the types of crime that are collectively called property crimes, according to statistics from the Swedish Crime Prevention Council (BRÅ). This includes 67,500 bicycle thefts and 17,000 car crimes. So do a few thousand boat engines, lawn mowers and the like. In recent years, stolen pets have also come up on the list. Almost all households have something that is prone to theft, as if it were missing, they would like it to be found.
Tested GPS trackers
In total, the solution can be one or more tracking transmitters, or GPS trackers as it is usually called in Swedish. These use satellite systems and the internet to provide their position, preferably as accurately as possible, and give you information in an app on your mobile.
For this to work as intended, the transmitter needs power and therefore GPS trackers, just like mobile phones, have rechargeable batteries. But because a tracker, in most cases, does not have nearly as many functions as a smartphone, they draw much less power and do not need to be charged as often. Some products even have a battery life of over ten years.
Safe and secure
Of course, a tracker does not protect you from theft, but just like with home alarms, sometimes decals can be a deterrent. Alternatively, if you hide a transmitter and then track it down, law enforcement can get a highly qualified tip on where your stolen property is and possibly who stole it.
When it comes to living things, tracking transmitters are also good to have. You who have been panting around in the terrain and are looking for a stray dog or had a minor panic attack when a kid is very late home from school know what we mean.
The new type of track transmitter for children and pets is like a hybrid between a mobile and a traditional tracker in that they can be called to and from and can also send different types of messages. The most important thing, however, is that the transmitter’s position is clearly visible on the map in the app.
Geofencing
The majority of the mobile tracking apps on the market have a feature called geofencing in foreign languages. In the app that belongs to the tracking transmitter, or on a website, you draw an area, for example around your home. If the transmitter crosses the border, you will receive an alarm in the mobile. You can create several different such boundaries around the gym, school or whatever. This is incredibly practical whether it is vehicles, people, gadgets or pets. Some trackers have extended features when it comes to alerting if something unusual happens. These can be indications of movement, acceleration, falls and so on.
Knowing exactly where a loved one, an expensive gadget or four-legged friend is in this now provides some security that is difficult to argue away. Obtaining a tracking transmitter involves two different costs. One is a lump sum for the product itself. The second is the price per month for data traffic, which is a fixed amount monthly or per full year.
Then we did the test
We tested six track transmitters with slightly different areas of use, all of which are sold in Sweden. The transmitters run on batteries, have built-in SIM cards with a fixed monthly subscription and no one requires any installation. We tested for about 14 days and used the track transmitters both in town and in the country. To help us, we have had children, cats, dogs, vehicles and movable property. We have also tested the mobile apps you need to use the transmitters. The apps that belong to the products are free to download and use. The grade refers to the whole, with the greatest emphasis on function.
Things to consider before buying track transmitters
- How should the tracker be used?
If it is to be used every day, and can be charged regularly, long battery life is not super important. However, if you intend to track protect an object that you rarely use, such as a boat, long battery life is a must. - How durable must it be?
If the track transmitter is to be in a pocket in a person’s clothes, it may be sufficient that it can withstand moisture. If it is to work in a car in the winter, it should work in minus degrees. Should it be worn on a dog collar or on a child, it is good if it is waterproof. - How easy is it to handle?
If the track transmitter or the associated app is complicated, there is a risk that it will not work in the acute stress that occurs if people, animals or property disappear. This also applies that it is easy to charge both at home and on the go.
Tips when you get a tracker
- Placing a track transmitter on a person’s or her property, vehicle, et cetera, without the person’s express consent is a gross violation of personal integrity. It can be prosecuted in some cases.
- If you travel with your tracker, remember to turn it off before boarding the plane. Namely, it can be contrary to the airline’s safety policy to have a private track transmitter running during the flight.
- If you travel with your tracker, remember to turn it off before checking in your luggage. It can be tempting to want to keep track of your bag, especially if you have several connecting departures, but it can be against the airline’s safety policy to have a private track transmitter running during the flight.
Bikefinder: GPS tracker that tracks your bike
With a GPS track transmitter from Bikefinder mounted in your bike handlebars, you can feel safer. Should the bike be stolen, you have a good chance of tracking it down.
Rating 4.5 out of 5
Opinion
Bikefinder is very easy to get started with and just as intuitive to track the bike with via mobile. For a more expensive bike, it may be worth considering buying insurance, but for some it is probably enough to buy only the tracking subscription.
Positively
- Flexible tracking
- Easy to install
- Insurance can be purchased at
Negative
- Dummy to the other end of the handlebar is not included
- Exposed location
Tested: May 2022
Manufacturer: Bikefinder
Communication: GPS, mobile and bluetooth
Weight: 52 grams
Size: 221 x 92 x 61 mm
Battery: 960mAh, charged via usb-c (2.5m cord included)
Award: Costs SEK 1,649 at Kjell & Co
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Read our entire test of Bikefinder
Eztracker Guardian G2: Tricky GPS tracking and security alarms
The Eztracker Guardian is a good size and shows the correct position on a map, but unfortunately most things are too complicated for ordinary people.
Rating 1 out of 5
Opinion
The Eztracker Guardian is a good size and shows the correct position on a map, but the road there and around it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to usability. It does not live up to the product description.
Positively
- Good size
- Indicates correct location
Negative
- Tricky to set up
- Unclear product description and manual
Tested: June 2022
Manufacturer: Eztracker
Communication: gps / agps / lbs, gsm, 3g
Size: 50 x 50 x 20 mm
Weight: 46 grams
Battery life: up to one week, rechargeable battery 1000 mAh
Geofence: yes
Price data traffic: 24 months Eztracker live tracking in the EU SEK 149 / month, or buy without and choose your own SIM card.
Water resistance: IPX6
Award: SEK 1,295 at prylstaden.se
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Read our entire test of the Eztracker Guardian G2
Minifinder Zepto: Keep an eye on the car with GPS tracker
With a GPS track transmitter from Minifinder mounted in the car, you know where it is, but you can also easily get a driving record if you need one for work.
Rating 4 out of 5
Opinion
It can hardly be easier to get started than with the Minifinder Zepto. With the small plug inserted in the car, you can easily keep track of where it is and can receive an alarm if it leaves any of your set geo-zones.
Positively
- Flexible tracking
- Easy to install
- Good driving record
Negative
- Need two apps
- Easy to find and remove for the thief
Tested: May 2022
Manufacturer: Minifinder
Communication: gps and gsm
Weight: 27 grams
Size: 40 x 31 x 24 mm
Battery: 40 mAh
Award: costs from SEK 1,389 at Prisjakt
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Read our entire test of the Minifinder Zepto
Track – a clever GPS puck that keeps track of most things
Track is slightly larger than a matchbox and can be used to get GPS position on a bit of each. Like a motorcycle or car.
Rating 4.5 out of 5
Opinion
Tracking Pro gives you one less thing to think about in everyday life. Attach this to something you want to keep an eye on and then do not give it a thought until you receive notifications from the app. It is also stylish and user-friendly.
Positively
- Flexible tracking
- Easy to install
- Good and clear app
Tested: May 2022
Battery life: Up to several months, (rechargeable lithium battery 4440 mWh)
Water resistance: Dust and waterproof
Geofence: Yes, it is possible to have several different ones
Price data traffic: Buy one, two or three years of service immediately. Buy a one-year extension for SEK 495
Works in: Scandinavia and the Baltics
Award: Costs SEK 1,999 at sparatracker.se
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Read our entire test of Track
Tractive gps tracker – finally you can see where the cat is running
Have you ever wondered what your outdoor cats do when they leave the safe corner of the home? With Tractive GPS Tracker in the collar, you can follow every step your pet takes.
Rating 5 out of 5
Opinion
Tractive gps tracker for cats is mounted in the collar of your outdoor cat. Via the app, you have a full overview of where the kitten is and how it moves and sleeps. The app is easy to use and should you need to go out and look for the cat, the map will guide you right. Tractive does what they promise exactly right – now you can take part in the whole cat’s life.
Positively
- Flexible tracking
- Intuitive app
- Also shows movement and sleep
Negative
- The cat may need to get used to the size
Tested: June 2022
Product: Tractive GPS Cat 4
Manufacturer: Tractive
Communication: gps, lte and bluetooth
Weight: 35 grams
Measure: 71.5 x 28 x 17.3 mm
Award: SEK 529 at Amazon Sweden
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Read our entire test of Tractive gps tracker
Xplora X5 Play: Safe gps tracking of children
With the Xplora X5 Play GPS watch for children, you as a parent can let them go a little more yourself without losing touch.
Rating 4.5 out of 5
Opinion
As a kind of security insurance before the children enter the real screen age, the Xplora X5 Play is a really good choice. The watch is easy to understand for children and the app is good for adults.
Positively
- Good alternative to mobile
- Easy to use
- Uncomplaining
Negative
- Special charging cord
- Quite large geo-zones
Tested: May 2022
Manufacturer: xplora.se
Battery life: about 2 days.
Charger: USB with magnetic connection.
Water resistance: Water resistant (IP68)
Geofence: Yes, it is possible to have several different ones.
Subscription price: SEK 99 / month for annual subscriptions.
Rec. Award: SEK 1,990
Award: Costs SEK 1,821 at Teknikproffset
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Read our entire test of the Xplora X5 Play
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