Top GPS Trackers For The Elderly – Guide & Comparison
Growing old comes with all kinds of downsides, including confusion and temporary loss of memory, which is why some will require the help of the best GPS tracker for elderly people, to stay safe at all times and let their relatives know exactly where they are. So, if you’re in the market for an accurate GPS tracker for seniors, the Tracki 2024 Model Mini Real GPS Worldwide is a good option. The device provides full coverage for the United States, Canada, and 185 other countries and comes with an international SIM card included. With the help of this product, you will be able to track your vehicles, children, animals, equipment, drone, and employees to keep them safe. It is 30% smaller and lighter than other similar devices, which makes it easier to hide. It features a revolutionary technology that makes the device work perfectly indoors and outdoors and you will receive real-time alerts as soon as the tracker crosses the Geo-fence zone you designate. In case this product is not available for sale right away, the Spy Tec GL300MA GPS Tracker 4G LTE Mini represents a reliable alternative.
Comparison table
1st Choice
Smaller and lighter than other similar devices, this mini GPS can help you track your children, older relatives, goods, vehicles, and pets. It comes with an international SIM card and offers full coverage for the USA, Canada, and 185 other countries. The GPS comes with useful accessories, an integrated smart app, up to 5 years history reports, and live chat support.
When objects are moving, the battery consumes more energy, meaning you’ll have to recharge the device every 1-2 days.
If you’re looking for a tracking device that provides perfect coverage both indoors and outdoors, this one from Tracki could prove a good choice. It works like any other mobile phone data plan.
2nd Best
Coming with a sleek, compact, and durable design, this item is light enough to go unnoticed if you place it under a car seat or in the backpack of your child. It is delivered with a quality battery that will last up to 2.5 weeks with a single charge. The reliable 4G LTE coverage will send constant notifications about the tracker’s location via push notifications and email.
Although most US areas benefit from good 4G coverage, the tracking location of this GPS unit might not be accurate in remote places.
Compact and easy to use, this device is mainly reliable thanks to its widespread 4G coverage and the prolonged battery life that can last up to two and a half weeks. It delivers precise insights.
Also To Consider
This device is small and compact, coming with a durable shell that is waterproof and shockproof. It is suitable for when you want to keep an eye on your spouse, children or senior relatives and know their location at all times. It benefits from the latest 4G LTE technology and it updates the tracked location every 10 seconds. It comes with an easy-to-use integrated app.
This gadget doesn’t provide coverage outside North America, so you won’t be able to use it if you travel outside the US or Mexico.
If you’re looking for a reliable GPS unit to help you constantly monitor the exact location of your kids, spouse or senior relatives, this device from Primetracking is accurate and easy to use.
9 Best GPS Trackers For The Elderly (Updated Reviews) in 2024
Regardless of their age, seniors need to feel as if they are still in control of their lives, and this starts with going for walks and spending as much time outdoors as possible. However, if you want to know they are safe, you should invest in a GPS tracker for older adults. Here are some of the most sought-after models available on the market right now.
1. Tracki 2024 Model Mini Real GPS Worldwide
Designed to be easily concealed, this mini GPS is 30% smaller and lighter than other similar devices on the market. It only weighs 1.26 ounces and its battery will last you 2-3 days with just one charge, tracking the movement of your parent or relative every 1-5 minutes.
The product provides full worldwide coverage (USA, Canada, and 185 other countries) and comes with an international SIM card included. If you choose a long term plan, you’ll pay less than $10 per month to keep track of your parents, children, vehicles, animals, equipment, tools, drones, and other assets. It comes with a magnet, belt clip, lanyard, and key-chain and can be easily used via an app compatible with Apple iOS and Android.
What we liked about the GPS is that it works perfectly both indoors and outdoors and sends a real-time alert when the tracker crosses the Geo-fence zone you designate.
Pros
Weighing only 1.26 ounces and being 30% smaller than other similar GPS units, this product can be easily hidden under a car, in the bag, luggage or backpack and will let you know the exact location of your children, older relatives, animals, vehicles, tools or your employees.
It includes an international SIM card that offers full USA and Canada coverage, as well as full coverage for 185 other countries.
For less than $10 a month, you will get all the advantages of a full GPS tracker, live phone customer service, a free tracker if the one you have is lost, as well as an app you can use with both Android and iOS smart devices.
It comes with a magnet, belt clip, lanyard, and a key-chain, as well as a rechargeable battery.
It can send real-time alerts when the person or good you are tracking crosses a Geo-fence zone that you designate.
Cons
If you’re tracking a moving object, it takes more power, meaning the battery won’t last more than one-two days.
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2. Spy Tec GL300MA GPS Tracker 4G LTE Mini
The sleek and compact design of this product will make you like it from the beginning. You can easily hide it under a car seat or inside a backpack for discrete monitoring of your loved ones and keeping them safe at all times.
The product provides reliable 4G LTE coverage and comes with an easy-to-use app that can be accessed from your computer, phone or tablet to track your children, pets or older relatives whenever you want.
You can customize your settings to receive important updates such as proximity alerts and notifications about your tracker’s movements via push notifications, email or text. You can also create summary data reports to provide valuable information about the person or good you are tracking such as total distance, travel speed, and others.
Just like all other similar devices, this affordable GPS tracker for elderly requires an additional data plan.
Pros
The device offers 24/7 customer service and is very accurate, so you can always know the exact location of your beloved family members.
With the monthly subscription, you will have access to numerous services, including custom alerts, Geo-fencing, and precision insights, all sent to your email, iOS or Android smart device.
You can create summary data reports to keep a record of valuable data about the tracker, including the travel speed, distance, and others.
The Spy Tec GPS user comes with a powerful battery that can last up to two and a half weeks, as well as full 4G LTE coverage at all times.
Cons
You will have to pay a separate monthly fee for each tracking device, meaning that if you have more than one relative in need of constant monitoring, the service will end up being quite expensive. However, if you activate 5 or more devices, you will receive a discount on the subscription fee, according to the manufacturer.
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3. Primetracking Personal Portable Tracker GPS Mini
The lightweight and compact design of this item makes it easy to conceal in vehicles, pockets, backpacks or strollers so you can keep an eye on your employees, children, old relatives or goods. It is small enough to remain undetectable for discreet surveillance when you want to know your loved ones are safe.
The product is designed to track any location in the United States, Mexico or Canada from your phone, tablet or computer. It works on multiple devices and networks, wherever there is phone reception, meaning you will rarely hit a blind spot.
It benefits from the latest 4G LTE technology so that you can track the location, movement, and direction of a person or merchandise in real-time. The location is updated every 10 seconds and will accurately show where the GPS tracker is on the integrated app.
Apart from SOS notifications and historical data, this mini GPS unit also allows you to receive notifications whenever the person you are tracking leaves the designated Geolocation.
Pros
The device is small, lightweight, and compact, allowing for discreet tracking of your spouses, children, employees or goods to keep them safe at all times.
Equipped with the latest 4G LTE technology, this tracker delivers information about the location, movement, and direction of a person or good every 10 seconds. All information is received directly on your app and you can check it anytime you want from your laptop, smartphone or tablet.
It can track any location in North America – Canada, Mexico, and the United States – meaning it is a great device for those who travel regularly.
The product is delivered with a SIM card and you can cancel the subscription anytime you want. There is also no contract, activation fee or any other hidden fee apart from the monthly subscription.
Cons
This gadget doesn’t work outside North America so it may not be the best option to keep track of your goods if you run an international business or if your children or parents are traveling outside the continent.
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4. Americaloc GL300W Mini Portable XW Series
The newer version of the popular GL300 model, this tracker is perfect for assets, people, and vehicles. The product comes with an extended battery life that can last you up to a couple of weeks, depending on how often the tracker is used to deliver the exact location.
It provides real-time tracking and up to one year of tracking history. The location is updated if a person, vehicle or asset is moving and you can set the device to receive notifications every 10, 30 or 60 seconds, without any additional costs.
The integrated app features a user-friendly interface to cater to the needs of inexperienced users also and works perfectly with any iOS or Android device, including smartphones and tablets. What’s even better, the tracker will work in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and almost every other country in the world, making it a reliable device for those who travel often.
Pros
Benefiting from the latest 4G technology, the new Americaloc GL300W is faster and more accurate than the previous 2G versions, so you can locate your senior parents, teenagers or employees at all times.
The device is delivered with an easy-to-use app that works great with both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Besides, you can check the tracking location almost anywhere in the world, including in the US, Canada, and Europe.
Depending on how often you use the tracker, the battery can last for days and even weeks with a single charge.
It can be configured to receive location updates for moving targets every 10, 30 or 60 seconds without any additional costs.
Cons
Despite the manufacturer claiming the battery lasts two weeks for every 80-minute tracking, you should expect to recharge it more often after a while.
The app doesn’t tell you exactly at what hour the tracked person is leaving or how long it remained in one location.
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5. GeoZilla GPS Location Tracker with Wifi
Featuring a sleek and elegant design, this mini GPS tracker provides the accurate location of cars, boats, ATVs, trucks, spouses, children, elderly, business assets, tools, animals, and others. You can easily connect the device to the GeoZilla app to find your loved ones or valuables anywhere they are, even indoors.
The app works both with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, while the GPS itself provides worldwide coverage, including Australia or the United States. The product is compact and lightweight and can be easily hidden inside a backpack, bag, suitcase or under the car seat to remain untraceable for discreet tracking.
Some of the features include custom alerts, Geo-fence zones, SOS button, and others. You can create customized notifications for departure and arrival hours to-and-from-home or school for your children and old parents battling temporary memory loss, amnesia, and dementia. The rechargeable battery offers up to five full days of energy with every 60 seconds location updates.
Pros
You can use the battery save mode technology when tracking is not in use to keep the battery charged for weeks.
The device is compact, lightweight, and elegant, and can easily fit in any pocket, bag, backpack or under the car seat for discreet tracking of your loved ones or assets.
It comes with an easy-to-use app for all iOS and Android devices and provides accurate location tracking every 60 seconds.
You can set up geofences with the custom alerts so you will know exactly when the person enters or leaves a predefined area.
Cons
The SOS alerts are sent to the app but not to phone numbers or email addresses specified in the settings, which makes them rather useless unless you keep the app open at all times.
Although the monthly data plan is accessible, you won’t get live customer service for the app or the tracking unit. All you can do is send an email to the manufacturer and wait for 24 hours for a response.
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6. KKBear 3G GPS Watch Tracker for Kids
This 3G smartwatch is equipped with all the necessary features for an active person who loves spending time outdoors but may not always know how to return home.
The product is available in four different colors, making it a suitable choice for the elderly and children alike. The black strap is made of genuine leather and is elegant, perfect for adults, while the blue and pink straps are made of silicone and are great for children.
The watch is equipped with a series of useful functions, including emergency call, alarm clock, camera, two-way call, voice monitoring, real-time tracking, and geofence. You can use the Geofence option to receive real-time notifications whenever the person wearing the watch enters or leaves a designated area such as the house or the school perimeter.
The Voice Remote feature allows you to listen to the sound next to the watch without notifying the hearer first.
Pros
Smart and simple to use, this GPS tracker bracelet for elderly people is available in four color options, including black, pink, and blue.
The product is equipped with a lot of useful functions and even comes with a camera that allows the wearer to take photos and store or send them via an app or the one controlling the app taking remote pictures of the person wearing the watch.
Used at all times, the battery will last for a few days with a single charge, slightly less depending on which functions you prefer.
Another useful function of this watch is the voice chat that allows the watch wearer to send and receive 15-second long voice messages to and from the app.
Cons
The watch supports T-mobile, Speedtalk, and ATT cards in the United States but won’t support Verizon and Sprint. Moreover, you will have to purchase a SIM card and benefit from all data-consuming features of the watch within the data plan you opt for. Thus, if you finish your data on the SIM card, you won’t be able to use Geofence or GPS tracking locations anymore.
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7. Topchances Elderly Kids Smart Watch with Dual Way
Available in four color choices, this smartwatch provides a battery autonomy of up to 160 hours in the standby mode. The low-power consumption option allows you to talk for approximately 3 hours or listen to your favorite music for up to 6 hours, all with a single charge.
The watch benefits from GPS and Wifi positioning technology and accurately indicates the location of the person wearing the device. Some of the main functions include remote monitoring, an alarm clock, sports pedometer, SOS button, electronic fence, and two-way conversation.
You can also use the watch to chat through GPRS data transmission or send voice messages no longer than 10 seconds. The app supports Android versions 4.0 or newer and Apple 8.0 and newer. And, in case your senior parent or grandparent takes off the watch for too long, you can set up an alarm to remind them to wear the watch again.
Pros
The device is available in four color choices, including elegant versions of rose gold, silver so it represents a stylish accessory for people of all ages.
The battery autonomy allows you to talk for 3 full hours, listen to your favorite music for up to 6 hours, while the standby autonomy is of approximately 160 hours. On average, you will have to recharge the watch every other day.
It supports one-touch calling so the elderly can easily call their loved ones and let them know where they are.
You can use the watch to track your daily number of steps or have the GPS function activated and send your exact location at all times via an easy-to-use app. The app supports both Android and iOS.
Cons
This device doesn’t come with a SIM card and requires its own data plan, meaning you won’t be able to use any data-required function unless you pay a monthly subscription to your preferred mobile carrier.
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8. Yepzon Smart Tracker 4G LTE Sensor
Small and light enough to go undetected, this cheap GPS tracker for elderly people represents a good choice to keep an eye on your beloved ones. It is compatible with WiFi and Bluetooth technologies and comes with a sensor that will connect to GPS outdoors and WiFi signals or Bluetooth proximity indoors to deliver an exact location of the people wearing the device.
Unlike other similar items that are flimsy and prone to breaking, this one features a durable shell that is shockproof and waterproof to last longer. It can be worn on your wristband or keychain and can be charged wirelessly or with a USB-C cable. The battery provides an autonomy of up to 3 days in standby mode or almost 24 hours when it is used.
The product is paired in approximately 10 seconds to the Yepzon app that doesn’t collect any personal data and doesn’t require an account to log in. The product is compatible with both Android and Apple smartphones and tablets.
Pros
The app and GPS tracker can be accessed at all times with the help of a monthly data plan that starts at $12.99 per month when you opt for the one-year service pack. The first month of service is free.
It features a built-in temperature and collision sensor and it is shockproof and waterproof, meaning it will last longer than other similar devices.
The tracker can be worn on the keychain or wristband and features an SOS button that immediately alerts family members in case of danger.
Thanks to the WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS-tracking technologies, the product offers the exact location of the wearer at all times, whether it is indoors or outdoors.
Cons
Although the tracking technology is accurate, the main issue regarding this device is the battery life. Fully charged, it barely lasts 24 hours, meaning you will have to remember to charge it every night to enjoy its perks the next day.
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9. Hangang Personal GPS Tracker TK1000
Specifically designed for children and seniors who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or temporary memory loss, this GPS tracker requires a SIM card from your local country. It must support the 2G network and requires a monthly subscription plan for data traffic. If you live in the United States, we suggest using T-Mobile and a SpeedTalk SIM card for a monthly fee of approximately $5.
The device is small, compact, and lightweight, so it can easily fit inside bags, trucks, and backpacks. It is suitable for outdoor activities too, including biking and hiking, and will transmit the exact location of the person carrying the GPS. The gadget is delivered with a free app and web-tracking platform that works for both iOS and Android devices.
By pressing the SOS button for 3 seconds, the device will send an alarm message to the admin number, letting you know that your child or senior relative might be in danger and requires help.
Pros
This tracker can provide real-time location of your beloved child, senior relative or pet at all times and comes with a free app that works both on Android and iOS devices.
It features an SOS button that will send an alarm message to the admin number if pushed continuously for 3 seconds.
The electronic fence feature allows you to customize the security range so that every time your child or elder leaves the designated safety zone, the app will receive a reminder timely. This option is perfect for seniors struggling with dementia.
It is lightweight and compact and is made of a durable, waterproof shell that makes it suitable for outdoor and indoor use.
Cons
The size of the device is quite big to be attached to a keychain or inside a wallet, so it will be best to place it inside a bag or a backpack.
Despite the fact that the GPS uses Google Maps which is familiar to many, the app and the tracker might take some time to set up.
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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Finding a GPS tracker for adults is easy given the wide array of devices on the market, but how can you be sure you picked the right one? Continue reading to find out the most important features of a reliable GPS tracker for elderly people.
Compact and lightweight design
Whether we’re talking about teenagers or seniors suffering from dementia in the earliest stages, all people want to be independent and they might not react well to the possibility of having their moves constantly monitored. However, if you want to keep them safe, you will have to opt for a GPS tracker for adults with dementia.
Most of these devices are small, compact, and lightweight, so they can go easily unnoticed by the ones you are looking after. They can be placed inside a backpack, bag or under the car’s seat and deliver real-time information about a person’s location so you can keep an eye on them at all times.
Full 4G Coverage
For a tracking device to be reliable, it needs to transmit real-time data as accurately as possible, and this can only be achieved with full 4G coverage.
All of these GPS units come with monthly payment plans that include numerous services, as well as full 4G coverage for the device. If you want a reliable item, you should opt for one that works both indoors and outdoors and can even pick up a familiar Wi-Fi network to connect when one is available.
If your employees, children, older relatives or goods are traveling across the border, the SIM card that comes with the GPS needs to have international coverage also. Luckily, most devices work perfectly in the United States, Canada, Europe, and many other countries around the world but you still need to check with the manufacturer to make sure this service is available.
Reliable battery
Another feature to consider when shopping for a personal GPS tracker for elderly is battery autonomy. Depending on how often the device will log-in data, as well as whether or not the target is on the move, the battery might last anywhere from one day to one month.
If you plan on using this gadget only for a couple of times per day, the battery can easily last you a couple of weeks with only one charge. However, if you want to receive hourly updates, you may have to recharge the device every other day.
Don’t forget that batteries will wear out in time, especially if you use the GPS units daily. Luckily, for many of these products, you can find more powerful batteries available for sale.
Wearable devices
There are many stylish options available for those who don’t want to hide these tracking devices. Most of them come in the form of wearable bracelets that are elegant and lightweight, resembling regular watches or pieces of jewelry.
Depending on how much you are willing to spend on such an item, you can choose one that also takes pictures with an integrated camera, counts the number of steps the person does daily, works as an alarm clock, provides real-time tracking, features voice monitoring or can send emergency calls.
All these functions are suitable for both children and seniors who may get easily lost when traveling to unfamiliar places or picking another route to school or back home. What we also liked about these particular products is that they are fun, versatile, and easy to match with your outfit as their straps or bracelets are available in various widths, colors, and patterns.
Integrated app
Most GPS trackers are delivered with an integrated app that you can access via your email, smartphone, tablet or laptop. Most of these apps are designed with a user-friendly interface to make tracking and storing the data easier, even for inexperienced users.
They work both with Android and iOS and provide a series of benefits to their users, including push notifications, location updates every minute or hour, according to your preferences, SOS, movement speed, and others.
It is important to know that these apps are integrated into the monthly data plan and there shouldn’t be any additional cost for any of the features they offer.
Other functions
As we previously mentioned, depending on how much you are willing to spend on such an item, GPS trackers come with numerous features you can access for the safety of the tracked person or good.
If you’re opting for a wearable tracker, in the shape of a bracelet, similar to smartwatches or fit bands, the person wearing it can also take pictures, monitor the heart rate, count the daily number of steps, pair the device with a laptop or smartphone for easy access to the stored data, and even put the tracker on the “do not disturb” mode.
You may also want to choose devices that are somewhat water-resistant if not entirely waterproof, especially if you plan your senior relative or child to wear it constantly. As for the charging method, if you happen to run out of battery, you should consider a GPS tracker that comes with USB-C or Wireless charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Based on what criteria should I choose a GPS?
The most important criteria were previously discussed in the buying guide but for those who are looking for a quick read, you should consider the battery life, the product’s coverage, the monthly data plan you will be paying, and the number of functions it provides.
Keep in mind that most trackers come with an integrated app for easy monitoring but you will have to pay a monthly data plan, similar to the one you pay for your phone. Depending on the manufacturer, the number of devices you are choosing, and the discounts offered, you should expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $30 per month, even more, if you are looking for international coverage also.
Products that are designed to resemble fit bands or smartwatches allow the person who is wearing them to send SOS messages in case of need, check the time, benefit from an alarm clock in the morning, monitor their heartbeats, and even count how active they are daily.
As for coverage, the newest generations of trackers use 4G LTE technology. Luckily, nowadays you get 4G network almost all over the country, including in more secluded locations.
Q: What’s the battery life of a GPS tracker?
As we already stated, the device’s battery life depends on a series of factors. If you are using it to track a moving target, the GPS will use more battery, meaning you will have to charge it more often, probably once every other day. The same goes for those who want to receive real-time notifications every 15 minutes or hours for the entire day.
If you only plan on receiving notifications a few times a day and you are only monitoring someone who barely leaves their house, the battery life can last for up to a month, depending on its power.
It is important to mention that the more functions a wearable GPS tracker for adults has, the faster the battery discharge. Depending on the product’s generation, the quality of the battery and its power, you should expect to charge the device once every 2-3 days, sometimes daily.
Q: What coverage does a GPS tracker have?
Most of today’s products benefit from 4G coverage across the country, even in locations that were once remote, to provide increased accuracy in case of an emergency. However, the coverage of the GPS depends on the monthly plan you are willing to pay.
If you want the device to track the location of goods, people or pets even when they leave the country, you should expect to pay up to $40-$50 per each tracker per month, depending on the manufacturer.
Some older generations of products only provide 2G or 3G coverage, meaning the real-time data you will receive is slower and less accurate. Moreover, some of the device’s features may not be available for 3G coverage.
And, as we welcome the newest generations of data sharing, 5G and even the 6G somewhere in the future, it would be best to choose trackers that can support these technologies.
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