GPS Tracker Vs Bluetooth Tracker, which is the best for you?
Many customers have sent me a picture or a video of bluetooth tracker and ask me it’s the same as our device. I know they are very confused before buying a tracker or locator for their family or their belongs, pet.
Smart trackers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and offer an abundance of different features.
How to choose a locator that suits your demands? That’s never an easy job.
This article explains the differences between a GPS tracker and a Bluetooth tracker. It also illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of the two devices, to make it easier for you to decide which tracker option to go for.
What’s a Bluetooth Tracker?
Bluetooth trackers are tiny devices that sync with your phone and it can be attached to objects such as a keychain to allow you to track it in close range. Bluetooth trackers are a boon for people who tend to forget their keys or wallet on the table every time they go out, but these devices have limited use.
But they can be ideal for someone who worries about leaving their purse or umbrella behind. These devices do provide assistance in locating close proximity possessions and in some scenarios, valuable items. People often mistake them for devices that can be tracked from anywhere on the planet, but to be honest, Bluetooth trackers are basically key locators..
What’s GPS Tracker?
GPS Trackers, on the other hand, have unlimited range and they are able to track the location of an object anywhere on the planet where GPS signals are available. GPS tracking devices link with at least 4 different satellites to calculate the real-time location of an object, upload the location data via cellular signals (GSM) and display the location to the user via an app or software. To calculate the location of an object, GPS devices require a clear view of the sky to communicate with the GPS satellites. If you’re worried about losing your car, motorcycle or want to see the location of an object in real-time, what you need is a GPS Tracker. GPS tracking devices are able to display the real-time location of an object on demand.
Tracking devices need to be able to communicate with at least 4 satellites to be able to calculate its location so it needs a clear view of the sky and therefore do not work inside buildings. Bad weather, thick metal containers and tall buildings often cut off GPS signals, to calculate the location accurately the tracker has to be outside. So they are not the ideal solution to find your wallet behind the couch.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a GPS tracker?
Following are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of GPS Tracker.
Advantages of a GPS tracker
- 100% waterproof
- Virtual Fence: you can set up a predefined fence, for example, around your house. As soon as thetracker will leave this virtual safe zone, you will receive a notification on your smartphone.
- Historical Tracking Route Playback
- Real-time localization
- Large Battery Capacity or can be connected to car power
- Independent localization, don't need of a second smartphone
- Unlimited range: whereever the “loser” target is located, you can still locate his position
- Precise localization using GPS technology
- Global coverage (usually)
Disadvantages of a GPS tracker
- Sometimes GPS interference might occur (for example, indoors or under metal)
- Dependent on mobile signal, so low costs are associated with the usage of the GPS tracker
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Bluetooth tracker?
- Very exact localization, but only within 10 meters
- Low susceptibility to noise
- Lower costs
- Small Size,easy portable
Disadvantages of a Bluetooth tracker:
- Requires Bluetooth on your smartphone
- Very limited reach (10 m outdoors, indoors dependent on the room)
- If the target is located outside of the 10 meter radius, the device has to fall back on an external, foreign smartphone (Requirement: Location service + Bluetooth of the foreign smartphone are active and the same Bluetooth app is installed), so that the localization feature functions.
The next time you consider buying a “GPS tracker” keep these in mind. If your main goal is keeping track of your keys or wallet, a Bluetooth tracker might be the right choice for you. If you want to track objects over long distances look for a GPS tracker that combines GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO satellite systems so you get the most accurate location of an object anywhere in the world.