Guide3 weeks ago8 min read

How to Choose the Right GPS Tracker for Your Vehicle

There are dozens of GPS tracking devices on the market. We break down the key factors to consider: network type, battery, form factor, and OBD2 vs wired installation.

Erebos Team

Choosing a GPS tracker can be overwhelming. There are dozens of models across different brands, network technologies, and form factors. This guide breaks down what actually matters when choosing a GPS tracker for your personal vehicle or fleet.

1. Network Type: 2G vs 4G LTE

The most important decision is the network technology. 2G (GSM/GPRS) trackers are cheaper and have excellent coverage, but 2G networks are being phased out in some countries. 4G LTE trackers are more expensive but future-proof and offer faster data transmission.

In Greece and most of Europe, 2G networks will remain active until at least 2030. For most use cases, a 2G tracker is perfectly fine. If you're building a long-term fleet, consider 4G LTE.

2. Installation Method

There are three main installation types: hardwired (connected to the vehicle's power), OBD2 plug-in (no wiring), and battery-powered (magnetic mount, for assets without power). Hardwired is the most reliable for vehicles. OBD2 is the easiest to install.

3. Battery Backup

A backup battery is essential if you're tracking high-value assets. If someone cuts the main power wire, the tracker keeps running on its internal battery and can send an alert. The FMB920 includes a 170mAh backup battery.

4. Our Recommendation

For most individual users and small fleets: Teltonika FMB920 (2G, wired) or FMP100 (4G, OBD2 plug-in). For professional fleet management with CAN bus data: Teltonika FMC230.

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