These days, a vehicle can be tracked through either of the two most common ways: 4G GPS tracker or an Apple AirTag. Both devices indicate the location, but their internal workings significantly differ – hence, deciding which one to use depends on if you were to require genuine security monitoring or just basic item tracking.
How They Work (Quick Breakdown)
4G GPS Tracker
- Can use both satellite and 4G cellular network to get location
- Live tracking with speed, routes, and alerts
- Hard-wired or OBD plug-in
- By remote control, it can be turned ON/OFF
- It can be powered only when the engine is started
- Once the battery is dead, RF detectors or scanners will not be able to locate it
AirTag
- Combines Bluetooth with Apple Find My Network
- Getting updates entirely from the nearest iPhones
- The idea is for things — not real vehicle GPS
- No live tracking, no speed, no engine data
- Very easily targeted by Apple’s anti-stalking feature which provides alerts
Advantages of a 4G GPS Tracker
✔ Real-time tracking is possible every few seconds
✔ Operates anywhere where there is satellite and 4G coverage
✔ Tamper alerts, route history, geofencing
✔ Hidden installs — in case of battery being flat, it can’t be detected
✔ Security can be enhanced with remote ON/OFF control
✔ To prevent detection, can be used for a short time to run only when the engine is ON
✔ Great for theft recovery, fleet monitoring & business vehicles
Disadvantages of a 4G GPS Tracker
✘ It is not possible to avoid installation or wiring
✘ Has to have a SIM plan to be connected
✘ A little bit more expensive than an AirTag
✘ Battery can be depleted if it is installed badly (rare)
Advantages of Using an AirTag on a Vehicle
✔ Extremely inexpensive and easy hide
✔ In heavily populated city areas it works fine
✔ No installation is required
✔ Long battery life (1 year)
✔ Basic “where is my parked car?” kind of question can be solved with the help of this device
Disadvantages of an AirTag on a Vehicle
✘ No real GPS — live tracking is impossible
✘ iPhones can detect them quite easily (“AirTag moving with you” alert)
✘ Condition that criminals know the location of them and how to remove them
✘ Location updates are slow, and in areas with low traffic, it is not reliable
✘ There is no engine, speed, or route data
✘ Not good for theft recovery
What would be the best use of these devices?
If you need a 4G GPS Tracker, then use it for:
- Prevention of theft
- Monitoring in real-time
- Tracking from the engine
- Installation without revealing the place
- Security on a professional level
- A device that, when off, cannot be found by scanners
Only for an AirTag should a decision be made in case of :
- A very inexpensive and simple “location hint”
- Assistance in locating a parked car
- Tracking in areas that have a high density of Apple-users
- Non-security related activities.
Conclusion
The 4G GPS tracking device is definitely the best option vehicle security, anti-theft measures, professional monitoring, and covert tracking.
On the other hand, an AirTag cannot be turned into a location helper of the vehicle when security is involved.