If you have a kid that wanders (like I had when my youngest was a preschooler) or you have a dog that sometimes sprints, you might think about ways to keep them safe and find them just in case. Here are some of the best GPS trackers for your young child and pets that are affordable.
They vanished in seconds.
One minute your toddler was in the playpen. The next—gone. Or maybe your dog slipped out the back gate, tail high, chasing a squirrel into the unknown. These aren’t just “oops” moments. They’re full-blown panic attacks for any parent or pet owner.
That’s why families everywhere are turning to affordable GPS trackers—tiny devices that act like digital lifelines. And here’s the secret: you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your little humans or four-legged escape artists safe.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Which GPS trackers give real-time updates—down to the second
- The key features to consider BEFORE investing in a GPS device
- The budget-friendly options that don’t skimp on safety
- Real-world reviews—what parents and pet lovers actually say after using them
We’ve tested the tech, dug through reviews, and pulled together the best GPS trackers for kids and pets in 2025 that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re parenting a fearless preschooler or a Houdini Husky, this guide will help you choose the right tracker—before the next close call becomes a crisis.
Now, let’s start by going over the 5 best personal GPS trackers, starting with the top overall real-time GPS tracker: SpaceHawk GPS.
SpaceHawk – Best Real-Time Tracker
The SpaceHawk GPS tracking device is the ultimate in real time location technologies. Yes, this mini GPS tracker can track anything: ATVs, vehicles, assets, and even people. Teen drivers? Yes. Autistic kids who wander? Absolutely. One of the only personal GPS trackers manufactured in the USA, SpaceHawk offers a portable design making it perfect for a variety of applications.
With real-time updates that fire every 3 seconds, SpaceHawk makes it easy to locate your kid in busy mall crowds or cutting through wooded trails. Waterproof and magnetic, this personal GPS device can literally track all of the things that matter most.
Key features
- 3-second updates: fastest on the market
- Geofence breach alerts: Instant texts if they leave a safe zone
- Free technical support from reps here in the USA
- Lifetime warranty
What real parents are saying: Sparkles & Stretch Marks, a mommy blogger, rated SpaceHawk the best overall teen driving monitor. In fact, she stated, “The SpaceHawk real time GPS tracker serves as a vital resource for parents dedicated to safeguarding their teen drivers.”
Purchase this GPS tracker on amazon.com
Tractive – Best GPS Tracker for Pets
A vet-recommended collar built for escape-prone dogs and cats, Tractive is the first GPS device guaranteed to increase pet safety. Real-time tracking follows your pet’s every dart, dive, or detour, with updates every 2–3 seconds. The waterproof collar survives lake swims, mud baths, or subzero snow digs. Set a “safe zone” around your yard: if your husky breaches it, your phone screams. The app even logs months of location history—prove Mr. Whiskers really did raid the neighbor’s trash.
Key features
- Escape alerts: Know the second they bolt
- Virtual fence: Draw boundaries around yards or parks
- Subscription: Starts at $9.99/month—cheaper than a lost-pet flyer campaign
A Reddit user tested both the Fi Smart Collar and Tractive GPS for under a month. They praised Fi’s sleek design, reliable tracking in low-signal areas, and bright nighttime light but criticized its finicky app, lack of a recall beeper, and occasional offline issues when the WiFi base was unplugged.
For Tractive, the user liked the app’s simplicity and built-in recall beeper but faced hardware issues: the tracker’s cover broke quickly, the beeper stopped working within weeks, and GPS disconnected more often than Fi. While cheaper, Tractive lacked features like family sharing and location history, and its geofence alerts were delayed. The user concluded Fi’s premium price felt justified for its reliability, while Tractive’s affordability came with frustrating durability trade-offs.
Apple AirTag – Best Budget Tracker for Pets
Clip an AirTag to your dog’s collar or cat’s harness. Apple’s Find My network uses nearby iPhones to map their last location—ideal for indoor hideouts or backyard escapes. Precision Finding guides you to the exact bush your terrier’s trapped under, while separation alerts ping if your cat slips out a window. At $29 (no fees), it’s a steal—but skip it if you’re in rural areas with few iPhone users.
Key features
- Ultra-Wideband tech: Pinpoint hiding spots within inches
- Splash-proof: Survives rain, drool, or water bowls
- Replaceable battery: $3 yearly, no tools needed
A KittyCatGO review tested the Apple AirTag as a cat tracker in home, backyard, and wooded trail scenarios. While the AirTag worked acceptably in controlled environments, it struggled in remote areas where weak Bluetooth signals and a lack of nearby Apple devices rendered Lost Mode ineffective. The Precision Finding feature, though functional at close range, often displayed “weak signal” errors even when the cat was visible nearby, and the tracker faltered when the cat was in motion.
The reviewer concluded it’s unreliable for outdoor adventures or rural settings. While useful for urban or static scenarios, it’s ill-suited for cats exploring off-grid or moving unpredictably.
Editor’s note: Some people use AirTags to track their cheating spouse.
Family1st – Affordable Personal GPS Tracker for Kids
Family1st keeps it simple: clip it to a belt, toss it in a lunchbox, or magnetize it under a bike seat. Geofences alert if your kid strays from school grounds, while the SOS button blasts their coordinates to your phone—no apps required. The 14-day battery survives forgetful chargers, and at $24.95/month, it’s half the cost of premium rivals. Just don’t expect cry detection or live audio.
Key features
- No contracts: Cancel after summer camp
- Shockproof casing: Handles playground drops
- Low-battery alerts: No dead zones mid-field trip
The reviewers at MK Library highlighted a sense of security using Family1st, particularly for monitoring children or elderly family members. However, frustrations arose over inconsistent connectivity in remote areas, noting delays or gaps in location updates during critical moments. While the SOS button and historical routes provided reassurance, technical hiccups—like app glitches and setup complexity—dampened confidence for users less familiar with GPS tech.
Overall, MK Library described the tracker as a “reliable backup” for daily safety but cautioned against relying on Family1st GPS in low-signal zones.
Jiobit – Best Mini GPS Tracker for Toddlers
Jiobit is a compact GPS tracker designed to help protect children who are prone to wandering, especially those with autism. The device is about the size of a key fob and offers real-time location tracking using a combination of cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections. Coverage extends to over 150 countries, and location updates are reliable—even indoors. Jiobit is water-resistant, shockproof, and typically needs to be charged only once a week.
Multiple attachment options are available, including a secure magnetic pin that fastens discreetly to clothing and is difficult for children to remove on their own.
The Jiobit Guardian app allows caregivers to create custom geofences, which act as virtual boundaries on a map. When the device crosses a set boundary, the app immediately sends a notification. A mobile geofence can also be used to keep children digitally tethered to a caregiver’s phone in public settings. This kind of tracking helps caregivers respond quickly in the event of wandering.
Jiobit requires a monthly subscription, with plans starting at $3. Subscriptions climb to $39.99/month, but for autism parents or fearless explorers, it’s a lifeline.
Key features
- Clip-on stealth: No bulkier than a pacifier
- Trusted Circle: Grandparents get real-time updates too
Real user experience: The reviewer, an autism parent, found Jiobit invaluable for preventing wandering incidents, praising its discreet design and secure attachment that prevented sensory discomfort or removal. Real-time tracking and geofencing alerts provided immediate peace of mind, especially when his son approached unsafe areas.
Key Features To Consider With A Personal GPS Tracker
Now that you know our personal favorite GPS trackers for kids and pets, what if you want to do your own research and find an affordable option? All power to you! In fact, we encourage you to research all the latest and greatest gadgets that can help secure your children and furry friends. However, we do recommend there are some key features to consider before investing in a personal GPS tracker.
Real-Time Location Tracking
Whether it’s a curious pet exploring the neighborhood or a child racing to the playground, instant updates are essential. Choose tracking devices that refresh every few seconds, providing live movement patterns rather than delayed or static points on a map. For pets, opt for lightweight, secure attachments like collars with GPS, while kids’ wearables should prioritize comfort and durability. Look for features like historical route mapping to retrace steps or paw-prints, ensuring you’re always informed—not guessing.
Battery Life
Pets and kids don’t pause for charging. Trackers should last at least 24–48 hours, with pet devices ideally stretching to weeks on a single charge. For kids’ wearables, seek low-power modes (e.g., disabling games during school hours) to extend battery life. Pets benefit from sleep or inactivity modes that conserve energy when they’re resting. Cellular-enabled devices should balance data accuracy with power efficiency—avoid models that drain quickly when active. A dead battery mid-adventure is a no-go.
SOS Button
A dedicated emergency button is critical for children. When pressed, it should instantly notify caregivers with the child’s location and trigger alerts through linked apps. Test this feature rigorously to ensure it works under stress—no delays or false signals. For peace of mind, prioritize devices that allow customizable emergency contacts and provide clear confirmation that help is on the way.
Parental Controls
Balance supervision with respect by using tools like geofencing (alerts if they stray from designated zones), scheduled “focus modes” to block distractions during school, and secure two-way communication. Avoid overly intrusive features; instead, opt for apps that let you customize safety boundaries and monitor activity without accessing personal data. Ensure compatibility with your smartphone’s OS for smooth, reliable use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does A Personal GPS Tracker Work?
According to Fleet1st, a GPS tracker determines its location by receiving signals from a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. The device calculates the time it takes for signals from at least four satellites to reach the device, then uses trilateration to identify its precise coordinates (latitude, longitude, and altitude). Many trackers transmit this data via cellular networks or radio frequencies to a software platform or app, allowing users to monitor the tracker’s location in real time.
Can GPS Trackers Work Indoors or Underground?
GPS signals struggle to penetrate solid structures like concrete walls or underground environments. In such scenarios, most trackers will lose accuracy or stop updating. However, some devices use Wi-Fi positioning or Bluetooth beacons as a backup to approximate indoor locations, though this is less precise than satellite-based tracking.
Can I Use A GPS Tracker Internationally?
Many GPS trackers work globally, as they rely on satellites accessible worldwide. However, devices using cellular networks for data transmission may require a local SIM card or an international roaming plan. Check the tracker’s compatibility with foreign networks and be aware of legal restrictions on tracking in certain countries.
