Selecting a GPS tracking device can seem complicated at first, but it comes down to a few simple questions. What asset do you need to track? How often will it move? And where will it operate? Once those basics are clear, it is easier to decide between a wired vehicle tracking device and a battery-powered tracking device. Making the right choice ensures you get the best return on investment while keeping your vehicles and equipment visible at all times.
Match the Device to the Job
No two tracking requirements are the same. Before looking at product specifications, it helps to think about the bigger picture.
- What is the asset? A car or truck has very different needs than a trailer or piece of equipment.
- Where is it located? Will it operate across highways, in remote regions of Australia, or mostly in a yard?
- How is it used? An asset in constant motion will need more frequent GPS updates than one that moves occasionally.
- What data do you need? Some businesses require simple location reporting, while others seek detailed insights into driver behaviour, route histories, and automated reporting.
Answering these questions helps narrow down whether wired or battery powered devices will deliver the best value.
Wired Vehicle Tracking Devices: Reliable Power and Rich Data
For powered vehicles such as cars, vans, and trucks, a wired vehicle tracking device is usually the most reliable choice. Because these devices are hardwired into the vehicle, they draw power directly from the battery, which allows them to send frequent updates without the risk of running flat. This makes them especially useful for businesses that need regular location reporting or continuous visibility across a fleet.
Wired trackers also provide richer data. In addition to location, they can deliver insights into ignition status, driver behaviour, and engine diagnostics. For fleets that want to go beyond simple tracking, this level of detail improves safety, efficiency, and compliance. The consistency of reporting is another advantage, as wired devices remain active as long as the vehicle has power.
Two popular examples are the MacTrack Fleet 3 and the MacTrack Mini 2.
- MacTrack Fleet 3: A versatile GPS tracking device that supports advanced reporting and can be configured for complex fleet needs. It suits businesses that want both standard location tracking and detailed telematics.
- MacTrack Mini 2: A compact wired tracker that is simple to install and ideal for straightforward vehicle tracking. It delivers the essentials with minimal fuss, making it popular for smaller fleets or where installation time needs to be quick.
Both devices integrate easily with our fleet GPS tracking platform in Australia, ensuring vehicles can be monitored, routed, and managed effectively.
Battery-Powered Asset Tracking Devices for Flexible Monitoring
Battery-powered asset tracking devices offer flexibility that wired units can’t. Since they do not rely on a vehicle’s electrical system, they can be attached to almost any surface on an asset, from trailers to shipping containers to heavy equipment. Installation is straightforward because no wiring is required, which makes them ideal for assets that are difficult or costly to hardwire.
One of the biggest strengths of battery-powered asset tracking devices is their long battery life. Many models are built to last months or even years before the battery needs attention, depending on how often they are set to send updates. This makes them ideal for equipment or assets that may sit idle for long stretches of time. Businesses can still keep visibility over high-value items, confident that if an asset is moved or stolen, it can be located quickly.
What to Look for in a GPS Tracker
Update Frequency
The frequency of location updates has a big impact on performance and usability. Frequent updates (for example, every minute) are essential for fleet GPS tracking in Australia, but will drain a battery-powered unit faster. In contrast, an asset that rarely moves may only need updates once or twice per day, which extends battery life considerably.
Environmental Conditions
Australia’s climate ranges from coastal humidity to outback dust and heat. Some GPS trackers are built as rugged GPS trackers to withstand outdoor conditions, while others are better suited for enclosed environments. Always check the IP rating of a GPS tracking device if you know it will be exposed to water or dust.
Most of our devices are rated IP68 or IP07, which means they are fully dust-tight and water resistant. An IP68 GPS tracker can withstand continuous immersion in water deeper than one metre, while an IP07 GPS tracker is protected against temporary immersion up to one metre for around 30 minutes, giving confidence that the device will continue to perform reliably even when exposed to dust, rain, or accidental submersion.
Network Coverage
Different GPS trackers communicate over different mobile networks, just like your phone. The most common options are 4G LTE, Cat-M1, and NB-IoT. Each one works a little differently, and the right choice depends on how and where your asset will be used.
- 4G LTE is the same network many smartphones use. It is fast and reliable in cities and regional areas, but it uses more power, which can shorten the battery life of portable trackers.
- Cat-M1 is a type of 4G designed specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) devices like GPS trackers. It has good coverage in Australia, uses less power than regular 4G LTE, and is a strong option for both vehicles and assets that need frequent updates.
- NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) is built for very low-power devices that only need to send small amounts of data. It works well in hard-to-reach places, such as basements or remote rural areas, and is ideal for battery-powered asset tracking devices that don’t need to report as often.
If your assets operate in remote regions, it is important to check which networks are available in those areas before choosing a GPS tracking device. Some devices are specifically designed to use low-power networks like Cat-M1 or NB-IoT, which extend coverage and help preserve battery life. Our team can work with you to determine which network option is best suited to your assets and locations, so your trackers remain connected and useful even when they are far from major cities.
Software Integration
The tracker is only one part of the solution, but you don’t need to worry about stitching everything together. We provide the software platform as well, giving you a complete system that makes life easier. Our platform integrates seamlessly with the devices, so you can set up alerts, automate reporting, and manage data across all your assets in one place. This is especially valuable for businesses with mixed fleets of vehicles and equipment, as everything is managed through a single, easy-to-use dashboard.
Industry Examples of GPS Tracking in Action
Looking at how different industries use GPS trackers can make the decision clearer.
- Transport and Logistics: Fleets often rely on wired vehicle tracking devices for live routing, fuel efficiency insights, and compliance reporting.
- Construction and Equipment Hire: Battery-powered asset tracking devices provide visibility of construction machinery stored across multiple sites. They also reduce theft risk and simplify asset allocation.
- Agriculture: Farmers often use a mix of both. Wired devices track vehicles and utes across properties, while battery-powered devices monitor trailers, pumps, or mobile equipment.
- Government and Utilities: The public sector uses vehicle tracking devices for consistent fleet visibility while also deploying battery-powered trackers on bins, trailers, or smaller equipment that moves occasionally.
Balancing Cost and Value in Tracking Solutions
Budget is always part of the decision. Wired devices can have a slightly higher upfront installation cost, but once installed, they provide long-term, reliable tracking without the need for battery changes. Battery-powered GPS trackers, while easier to install, require occasional replacement depending on the update frequency.
The most effective approach is to match the device type to the asset type, rather than trying to make one solution fit all. Many businesses end up with a mix of wired tracking devices and battery powered tracking devices to cover their full range of needs.
There is no universal GPS tracking device that suits every scenario. The right choice depends on the type of asset, its power source, the environment it operates in, and the level of detail required from the data. For vehicle tracking, wired devices offer constant visibility and advanced telematics. For trailers, containers, and equipment without a power supply, battery-powered asset tracking devices provide flexible and reliable monitoring.
By considering the context, weighing up features, and choosing the right device for each job, businesses can ensure their vehicles, equipment, and assets are managed effectively. At MacTrack, we partner with Digital Matter, a trusted GPS manufacturer, to deliver reliable devices backed by local expertise and support.