Tell us if this story sounds familiar: Tony, the owner of 123 Plumbing, heard that he could save some money by tracking the company’s small fleet of vans. He did a quick Google search and found a cheap GPS tracker that plugged right into his vehicles’ OBD-II port and would give him data right away—no crazy setup required and no monthly subscription fee that he could see. Within a week, his vehicles are having electronic issues, and one has had its battery go completely dead.
What happened? Essentially, Tony’s new OBD-II trackers had a conflict with the vehicle’s internal computer and a very costly disaster ensued. And unfortunately, this could happen to anyone, especially with plug-and-play devices that have only been on the market for a few years.
Small business owners don’t have the time or money to find out the hard way which OBD-II trackers are going to cause issues. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive primer on OBD-II vehicle trackers. It explains:
- What OBD-II trackers are and how they work
- The top plug-and-play GPS trackers available today
- Which OBD-II GPS tracker is the best for small business
What is an OBD-II Tracker?
OBD-II GPS trackers are GPS tracking devices that are installed directly via a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics port. While many other types of GPS tracking devices are hardwired directly to the vehicle’s battery and ignition in a process that requires professional intervention, these plug-and-play devices simply plug into a vehicle’s OBD-II port.
The Benefits of OBD-II Trackers
There are many benefits to OBD-II GPS tracking devices, especially for small businesses looking for efficient fleet management. For one, they’re easy to install and compatible with nearly every car, pickup, or van from 1996 onwards, making them a versatile solution for a wide range of vehicles. There’s no need for a costly professional installation with these devices, making them budget-friendly. They also tend to be aesthetically pleasing, with the best ones being very discrete, easy to hide, and not requiring any tangled cables.
Beyond the basics and aesthetics, OBD-II trackers record and deliver valuable vehicle diagnostic information that you’d typically have to visit a mechanic to discover. When your vehicle’s “check engine” warning light illuminates, the best OBD-II GPS trackers can decipher the diagnostic trouble code, or DTC code, for you in simple terms. Having direct access to onboard diagnostics means that good OBD-II trackers come with an impressive suite of features including vehicle health and maintenance monitoring, driver safety features, idling and fuel consumption reports, and much more. They also maintain data flow, even when the vehicle is not running.
With their straightforward installation and compact size, OBD-II trackers are perfectly suited for pickups, vans, and other light- to medium-duty vehicles commonly used by small businesses.
How to Install an OBD-II Tracker
To install an OBD-II tracker, all you need to do is locate the port, which is generally found under the steering wheel console on the driver’s side of the car. Then, simply plug the device in. Following this, take the vehicle for a short drive to allow for calibration.
Choosing the Best OBD2 Tracker: Top Plug-and-Play Options
When it comes to technology solutions, variety is abundant, and not every option is a perfect fit for every business need. To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve analyzed some of the most popular OBD-II trackers available on the market today. This breakdown will help you determine which service best aligns with your specific requirements for vehicle tracking and fleet management.
Force Fleet Tracking
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No contracts | No hard-wired option |
| No hidden fees | Not available for personal use |
| Hardware is included in the price | Free hardware must be returned if you cancel |
| Vehicle health & maintenance alerts included at no extra cost | |
| Idling reports | |
| Driver safety | |
| RoadScore | |
| TireCheck | |
| Route histories | |
| Alerts for harsh braking, speeding, dangerous driving | |
| Disturbance alerts |
Force Fleet Tracking is designed as a fleet management service specifically for small businesses, utilizing OBD-II GPS tracking devices to deliver actionable insights into fleet operations. It stands out for being user-friendly, cost-effective, and offering a comprehensive set of powerful features for a single, transparent price – without extra charges or hidden fees.
Starting with Force’s plug-and-play OBD-II tracker requires no contracts or long-term commitments. The device, about the size of an Airpods case, discreetly connects to your vehicle’s OBD-II port.
The comprehensive Force GPS tracking solution addresses key operational challenges faced by small fleet businesses. It provides the ability to monitor vehicle health and enhance driver safety records, all while offering real-time vehicle tracking. Force Trackport OBD-II device, a compact GPS tracker for vehicle diagnostics and fleet management.
The Force platform also provides real-time alerts for potentially hazardous or unauthorized activities, such as a driver entering or leaving a designated geofenced area, disconnecting their tracking device, or engaging in unsafe driving practices. The system maintains detailed records of trip history, including start and end times, mileage, speed, routes, and driving behavior. Idling and maintenance reports, among other features, have been shown to help Force customers achieve up to 40% savings in fuel costs.
Force’s OBD-II GPS Trackers also excel in delivering accurate, mile-based maintenance tracking, reports, and alerts, directly linked to actual miles driven. This feature ensures timely maintenance notifications. Unlike some competitors like Momentum IoT and Verizon Connect, which may charge extra for maintenance features, Force includes these as standard. Learn more about these features here.
Discover real-time savings. Explore Force’s fleet pricing.
Vyncs GPS Tracker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance add-on option | Annual contracts mean long-term commitment required |
| Unsafe driving alerts | Activation fees |
| Geofences | Hidden costs |
| Location tracking | Slow standard refresh |
| Companion app that can help you track mileage | |
| Maintenance reminders |
When searching for GPS tracking devices without monthly fees, Vyncs often appears prominently. However, it’s important to note that Vyncs operates with annual plans rather than month-to-month subscriptions. They offer tiered plans—basic, premium, and professional—to which you can add features like roadside assistance.
Vyncs also charges extra for features that are often standard with other fleet tracking focused companies. For instance, a 20-second GPS sampling rate is an additional $40 per device annually, Live Map Auto Refresh costs an extra $30 per device per year, and their ‘driver safety supercharge’ is $35 more per device each year. Adding to their annual pricing structure, Vyncs imposes a one-time $39.99 activation fee per device.
While Vyncs provides faster update intervals for premium subscribers, their standard refresh rate is a slower 3 minutes.
On the plus side, their companion app is useful for mileage tracking, allowing users to categorize driving time as work-related or personal. Additionally, their maintenance alerts can identify minor issues such as wear and tear, battery charge levels, and recall notices.
Connect OBD-II GPS Tracker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vehicle maintenance alerts | Billed annually |
| Safety alerts for aggressive driving and hard braking | Very expensive hardware |
| Historical driving activity | |
| 3-second refresh rates | |
| Aggressive driving, hard braking, and low fuel alerts | |
| Speeding and battery alerts | |
| Geofencing |
The Connect OBD-II GPS tracker from Tracking System Direct is a basic GPS tracker that comes with standard features but at a premium price point. With hardware costs approaching $400, customers might expect more advanced functionality. While it does boast 3-second GPS refresh rates, in the context of fleet telematics, anything faster than 10 seconds is generally considered excessive.
This service also advertises no monthly fees, but this is due to annual billing, and the overall cost, including hardware, is higher than the industry average.
OneStep GPS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2-60 second updating | Activation fee required |
| Safety alerts | |
| Geofencing | |
| Speeding, harsh braking, idling alerts | |
| Vehicle service reminders | |
| Fuel usage |
OneStep GPS provides vehicle tracking solutions for both individual vehicle owners and fleets. Their system sends alerts for poor driving habits such as speeding, rapid acceleration, hard braking, excessive engine idling, and after-hours vehicle use. Basic reporting features are available through their web application. However, initially designed for personal use, its feature set may not be as comprehensive as needed for businesses focused on home services or fleet operations.
Unlike many business-oriented solutions, OneStep GPS requires prepayment of the first and last month’s service fees, along with a $20 activation fee, representing a considerable initial investment. OneStep GPS tracker, a versatile device for vehicle monitoring and basic fleet tracking applications.
Azuga
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive app | 36-month contracts |
| Driver safety features | No trials |
| Vehicle maintenance reports | Lackluster refresh rates |
| Dispatch | More expensive than other solutions with similar offering |
| Idling | |
| Geofences | |
| Timecards | |
| Advanced smart routing system add-on |
Azuga is a fleet tracking solution designed to enable organizations to monitor driver behavior, establish custom geofences, and implement in-cab safety alerts and driver coaching. Azuga’s standout feature is Azuga Routes, an optional add-on that facilitates route scheduling with integrated telematics data. This add-on considers commercial routing restrictions, time windows, volume and weight limits, and predictive weather conditions.
They offer several pricing tiers, all with contracts starting at 36-month terms. Their entry-level plan, at $25 per vehicle monthly, surprisingly omits standard fleet tracking features like vehicle diagnostics, maintenance alerts, or trip logs—a significant difference compared to many competitors. Minute-by-minute tracking is only available at the $35 per month tier, which is not only costly but also offers slower refresh rates than competitors’ standard plans.
Momentum IoT
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No contracts | Fleet maintenance and equipment usage tracking are not included in standard pricing. |
| PowerSense add on allows for equipment usage tracking | No dedicated driver safety features |
| Asset tracking for job sites | No diagnostic descriptions for most makes, DTC codes missing for many makes |
| Geofences | Bulky hardware and cables must be hung under the dashboard, often in the way |
| Speed alerts | |
| Mileage history |
Momentum IoT is a GPS fleet tracking solution tailored for small to mid-sized fleets, including trucks, trailers, heavy machinery, and light equipment such as winches.
Momentum IoT provides a straightforward solution for businesses in industries like construction, oil and gas, and agriculture seeking to monitor their fleets and generate high-level reports. However, users must pay extra to manage preventative maintenance schedules and receive vehicle service alerts.
Momentum IoT also supports geofencing alerts, speed notifications, and trip and mileage history viewing. It lacks alerts for harsh braking or unsafe driving, and its maintenance features are not part of the standard package. For more detailed insights beyond a general overview, additional costs apply for preventative maintenance and tool usage tracking. Momentum IoT OBD-II tracker, a fleet management device with optional add-ons for maintenance and equipment tracking.
Discover why small business owners favor Force. Read customer testimonials.
Verizon Connect
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| International coverage | Long contract periods |
| Automated maintenance alerts | Expensive compared to similar services |
| Unauthorized break or detour tracking | Steep learning curve |
| Dynamic routing | |
| Live map with route replay | |
| Speed alerts | |
| Geofences |
Verizon Connect is a comprehensive GPS fleet tracking software offering numerous add-ons and extensive data collection capabilities. Beyond standard fleet tracking, Verizon Connect provides advanced analytics, asset tracking, and route optimization add-ons, complemented by separate apps for drivers and fleet managers.
Larger fleets with in-house data analysis expertise may find greater value in Verizon’s services, as larger data sets can yield more significant insights.
Samsara
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automated maintenance alerts | Contracts are 3-5 years long |
| Vehicle diagnostics dashboard | Pay for hardware |
| Heat maps of routes taken | Clients must sign up for at least three years, with a minimum of three vehicles. |
| Real-time vehicle location | |
| Dash camera add ons | |
| Temperature probes |
Samsara is a robust tracking platform designed for large-scale fleets. It offers fleet managers tracking, fuel and maintenance data, and equipment monitoring for trailers, large trucks, production facilities, and construction sites. Samsara provides a broad range of hardware add-ons, including tracking devices, dash cameras, environmental monitors, temperature probes, and asset trackers, catering to diverse industrial applications.
While Samsara offers powerful solutions for enterprises, its long-term contracts and complex setup processes make it less adaptable and user-friendly for small businesses. Samsara OBD-II tracker, a high-end fleet tracking solution designed for large enterprises and complex operations.
The Verdict on GPS Trackers for Small Businesses
When comparing fleet management tools and plug-in trackers, Force emerges as the best choice for small businesses, largely due to the quality and reliability of its GPS vehicle tracker.
Force’s hardware is notably superior to other GPS trackers in the market. It features easy installation and minimal power consumption and interference with vehicle electronics, which helps preserve battery life.
Ultimately, some services overlook the critical aspect of ensuring their OBD-II port plug-in trackers do not interfere with the vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU). It’s important to remember that GPS trackers vary in quality and functionality. With a decade of experience in this field, Mojio, the technology behind Force, has developed a solution with the most comprehensive vehicle data library in the industry.
Combining an extensive vehicle diagnostics library with a fast 10-second GPS refresh rate and a feature set specifically tailored for small and medium-sized field service businesses, Force delivers the best GPS trackers for small businesses that are reliable and won’t compromise your vehicle’s electronics.
Experience the Force difference, risk-free. Start your free trial today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Force stand out from other fleet tracking software?
Force is specifically optimized for small businesses and home service companies. From its user-friendly features to affordable pricing and no-contract terms, Force offers exceptional value for fleets with two or more vehicles.
How does the free trial work?
Upon signing up for a 14-day free trial, Force will send you a free GPS tracking device for each of your vehicles. If you choose to continue using Force after the trial, simply maintain the service. Your billing cycle will begin 14 days after the start of your trial. If you decide not to continue, just inform our team, and we’ll provide a prepaid shipping label for returning the devices.
How do I confirm my vehicle’s compatibility?
Force is compatible with almost any vehicle equipped with an OBD-II port, which includes nearly all cars, vans, and light trucks manufactured since 1996. If you’re uncertain, please contact our team, and we will verify your vehicles’ compatibility.
How long does installation take?
Installation of Force is quick, typically taking just a few minutes per vehicle. Simply plug the devices into the OBD-II port and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions in your web browser.
What if I need assistance getting started?
Force is designed for ease of setup and use. However, Force’s customer support team is readily available, and our Help Center offers extensive resources to guide you through the setup process and beyond.
How much can my small business save with Force Fleet Tracking?
The savings your business can achieve with GPS fleet tracking depend on your specific operational challenges. By addressing issues such as wage loss, costly driving habits, breakdowns, and customer satisfaction, the benefits can accumulate quickly. On average, a fleet of 5 vehicles can save over $4,400 annually in fuel costs alone by effectively managing idle time! This figure does not even account for the increased efficiency from improved on-time job completion.
Discover the solution designed for your needs. Start a free trial of Force Fleet Tracking today, without any obligation.
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Published May 1, 2023
