When it comes to GPS tracking, specs don’t tell the full story.
Battery life claims, feature lists, and app screenshots all look good online — but what actually matters is how these systems perform once they’re installed and left alone for months at a time.
At GL Pro Sound, we install GPS tracking systems every week — across personal vehicles, fleets, machinery, boats, and caravans. Some systems age well. Others look great on paper and quietly fail in real-world use.
This list is based on hands-on installation experience, long-term reliability, and how these systems perform after the novelty wears off.
How We Tested & Reviewed These Systems
Every system on this list has been:
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Installed by our in-house technicians
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Used across different vehicle types
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Evaluated for long-term reliability, not just day-one performance
We looked at:
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Ease of use
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Reliability over time
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Data quality and history
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Real-world ownership experience
1. TrakPro (Hardwired) — Overall Winner
Best for: Businesses, fleets, and owners who want maximum reliability and control.
TrakPro hardwired is the most complete GPS tracking solution we install. It’s designed to be always on, always connected, and built for long-term use.
Pros
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Always powered — no batteries to charge or replace
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Deep tracking data and long-term history
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Optional immobilisation for added security
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Extremely reliable once installed
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Scales well from single vehicles to fleets
Cons
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Requires professional installation
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Higher upfront cost than DIY options
Why it wins:
For all-round performance, reliability, and peace of mind, TrakPro hardwired has the fewest compromises. Once it’s installed, it just works — year after year.
2. TrakLite DIY — Best Budget / Entry Option
Best for: Private owners who want peace of mind without professional installation.
TrakLite DIY is popular for a reason. It delivers real GPS tracking without complexity, ongoing maintenance, or battery anxiety.
Pros
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Easy DIY installation
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Always powered when connected
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Same app and interface as hardwired options
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No charging or battery replacement
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Excellent value for money
Cons
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No immobilisation in DIY form
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Less suited to high-risk commercial vehicles
Why it wins for budget buyers:
For the price, TrakLite DIY delivers more long-term reliability than most alternatives — without asking the owner to remember to charge anything.
3. Viper VSQ 500
Best for: Security-focused installs where Viper is already part of the vehicle setup.
Viper’s GPS offering integrates well into certain security ecosystems and is a recognised name in vehicle protection.
Pros
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Trusted brand
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Integrates with Viper security systems
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Solid performance when professionally installed
Cons
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Less flexible as a standalone tracker
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App and data depth not as strong as others
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Not ideal for mixed-use or fleet environments
Installer insight:
Works best when paired with existing Viper systems — less compelling as a standalone tracking solution.
4. Solid GPS (Battery Operated)
Best for: Very specific, short-term or non-powered use cases.
Battery-operated GPS trackers sound appealing — no wiring, quick setup — but real-world vehicle use exposes their limitations quickly.
Pros
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No wiring required
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Can be installed almost anywhere
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Useful for short-term tracking needs
Cons
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Battery must be charged or replaced
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To achieve ~12 months of battery life, cost is the same as other options that need need charging
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If the battery dies, the tracker dies
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Not ideal for vehicles used infrequently (10–15 times a year)
The reality:
At similar cost, a hard-powered system offers continuous tracking with zero maintenance. In practice, battery trackers often fail at the exact moment you need them most.
5. GPS Innovation
Best for: Niche or legacy installations where this system is already specified.
GPS Innovation systems can suit certain environments, but they’re not our go-to recommendation for most vehicle owners.
Pros
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Suitable for specific commercial applications
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Installed solutions available
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Works in defined scenarios
Cons
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Less intuitive interface
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Limited flexibility compared to others
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Not ideal for mixed personal or light commercial use
Installer insight:
Best used when there’s a specific reason for it — not as a general-purpose tracking solution.
Final Verdict
There’s no shortage of GPS tracking options on the market — but not all of them are built for long-term, real-world vehicle use.
Overall Winner:
TrakPro Hardwired — for reliability, data depth, and long-term confidence.
Best Budget Option:
TrakLite DIY — for owners who want dependable tracking without complexity or battery management.
The right system isn’t about features — it’s about what still works a year from now, when you’ve forgotten it’s even there.
If you’d like help choosing the right GPS tracking setup for your vehicle or business, the team at GL Pro Sound can walk you through the options based on how you actually use your vehicle — not just what looks good on a spec sheet.