We are here to introduce the advantages and disadvantages of wired GPS car locators and wireless GPS car locators in detail for you.
With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), car ownership is increasing, and the demand for remote vehicle control is growing. Many buyers struggle to choose between wired GPS trackers and wireless gps trackers—each has unique benefits depending on your needs.
In this guide, we’ll compare wired vs. wireless GPS car trackers, highlighting their pros, cons, and best use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Wireless VS. Hardwired GPS Tracker
Wired GPS Tracker: Track in Real Time with Reliable Power
Wired GPS is more “wired” than wireless GPS, which is used to connect the power line and ACC line of the vehicle.
The working power of wired GPS is provided by the vehicle, and generally, there is a built-in micro battery that can make the device work for 1.5 hours to 2 hours after a power failure, so as to prevent the device from being cut off maliciously and unable to continue working.
Pros of Wired GPS Trackers
Because the working power of wired GPS can be provided by the vehicle, the best feature of wired GPS is that it can be located in real-time 24 hours a day without worrying about the device suddenly running out of power and leaving the line.
In terms of signal strength, the signal of wired GPS devices is also stronger, and the positioning accuracy is relatively better.
In terms of function, a wired GPS locator is powerful, can real-time GPS tracking, can remote fuel cut-off power control, fuel consumption monitoring, set up electronic fence area, can over-speed alarm, fatigue driving alarm, vibration alarm, illegal movement alarm … everything, in the vehicle monitoring platform – immediate positioning – you can also view the vehicle’s traveling track.
Key takeaways:
✔ 24/7 Real-Time Tracking – No battery concerns; always active.
✔ Stronger Signal & Higher Accuracy – Better for precise location data.
✔ Advanced Features – Includes:
Remote fuel cut-off
Fuel consumption monitoring
Geo-fencing (virtual boundaries)
Over-speed, fatigue driving, and vibration alerts
Historical route playback
Cons of Wired GPS Trackers
Wired GPS must be connected to the vehicle power line, the installation location is not flexible enough, and can only be installed in a place where there is a power line, so it is easy to be destroyed by the wrongdoers and lose its function
In addition, the real-time positioning function of wired GPS keeps the device always in the signal receiving/sending state, and the wrongdoers can use the signal shield/detector to interfere with the working state of the device or find the installation location of the device.
Key takeaways:
✖ Installation Limitations – Must be near a power source, reducing hiding spots.
✖ Vulnerable to Tampering – Thieves can disable it by cutting wires.
✖ Signal Detectable – Can be found using GPS jammers or detectors.
Application
- Enterprise fleet
- Bus passenger transportation
- Tracking and detection
- Precious logistics transportation
- Cargo tracking
- Vehicle leasing
- Car loan management
- Private car management
Wireless GPS Tracker: Long Battery Life & Stealthy Placement
The wireless GPS locator is a whole device that has no external wiring, thus, it cannot obtain an external power supply, and the working period of using the device is limited by the built-in power supply.
The battery life of a wireless GPS tracker is determined by the positioning frequency set by the owner, and the higher the positioning frequency, the shorter the battery life.
Therefore, wireless GPS locators are generally of the ultra-long standby type and can be used directly for 3-4 years without battery replacement or charging.
If you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting wireless GPS tracker that requires zero maintenance and offers discreet installation, the W18L GPS Tracker is an excellent choice.
W18L is a compact, wire-free GPS tracking solution designed for stealth and longevity. Equipped with a 20,000mAh high-capacity battery, it offers up to 3 years of standby time, making it ideal for long-term vehicle monitoring, asset tracking, and logistics management without the hassle of frequent charging.
W18L-4G LTE Wireless GPS Tracker
Key features of the W18L Wireless GPS Tracker:
No wiring required – install it in seconds without modifying your vehicle
IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, suitable for harsh environments
4G LTE connectivity, providing fast and stable positioning updates
Magnetic base for easy and secure attachment
Real-time tracking, geo-fence alerts, remote voice monitoring, and more
Whether you’re a fleet manager, a logistics provider, or a car rental operator, the W18L offers powerful tracking performance with the convenience of wireless operation.
👉 Learn more and buy now: W18L Product Page
Advantages of Wireless GPS Trackers
Wireless GPS positioning time is controllable, and the device enters a dormant state immediately after the transmission signal ends.
The flexible adjustment can largely avoid the interference of signal shields and the induction of signal detectors, further improving the tamper-proofness of the device.
Wireless GPS can be free of installation, because no wiring, so the installation of a wireless GPS tracker will not be subject to the restrictions of the vehicle line, can be placed in any position of the vehicle with the help of strong magnetic, Velcro (pay attention to the signal strength), excellent concealment, in addition to the owner of others difficult to find out, good anti-theft.
Conclusion:
✔ No Installation Needed – Magnetic or Velcro mounting; hides anywhere.
✔ Anti-Theft & Tamper-Proof – Hard to detect due to no wires.
✔ Adjustable Tracking Intervals – Saves battery and avoids signal jammers.
Disadvantages of Wireless GPS Trackers
Compared with wired GPS locators, wireless GPS has a single function and cannot be positioned in real-time.
The location information displayed by wireless devices is the location information of the last positioning, not the current location information, so unless the car is stolen or in other emergencies, real-time positioning.
Conclusion:
✖ No Real-Time Tracking – Only shows the last recorded location unless activated.
✖ Limited Features – Lacks fuel cut-off or live alerts.
Application
- Vehicle leasing
- Car loan management
- Private car tracking and detection
- Precious logistics transportation
- Bus passenger transportation
- Cargo tracking
Wired vs. Wireless GPS Trackers: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Wired GPS Tracker | Wireless GPS Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Vehicle battery | Internal battery |
| Real-Time Tracking | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (unless activated) |
| Battery Life | Unlimited (vehicle-powered) | 3–4 years (depending on usage) |
| Installation | Professional required | DIY, no wiring |
| Anti-Theft Protection | Moderate (detectable) | High (stealthy) |
| Best Use Case | Fleet management, constant tracking | Theft recovery, hidden tracking |
Conclusion
Generally speaking, “everything has advantages and disadvantages”; the focus of product selection is on suitability and how to avoid shortcomings.
In some specific vehicles and application scenarios, vehicle owners should choose the GPS device suitable for their vehicles according to the advantages and disadvantages of the locator, so that they can get twice the result with half the effort.
Nowadays, many fleet managers choose to install wired and wireless GPS locators for double protection.
