GPS trackers are useful devices that use GPS (Global Positioning System) technology but are also increasingly relying on SIM cards. The reason is unsurprising, and these gadgets benefit from the Internet of Things (IoT) SIM cards. Not only do they act as backup, providing access to the Internet if GPS malfunctions (though that rarely happens), but add smart features. These include calling, texting, connecting emergency products and services, controlling vehicle features, or using alternative or additional maps. Therefore, carriers on our list of the best SIM cards for a GPS tracker need to have a lot of mobile data.
1. Things Mobile
If having consistent coverage worldwide is your primary concern, Things Mobile will be the top choice among GPS tracker SIM cards. For a flat fee of $0.1 per MB, their IoT SIM card will automatically establish a connection with 165 networks and 350+ roaming operators worldwide, and the number grows. It also comes with extra internal memory and increased durability to withstand extreme conditions. That is ideal for GPS trackers in unusual vehicles or bikes that get wet or suffer lots of vibration corrosion, and unnaturally cold or warm weather.
2. WorldSIM
We mentioned WorldSIM when we studied which SIM cards would be the best abroad, and since we don’t know where or why you’ll use a GPS tracker, it may be perfect for you, too. We pointed out their specialty is reaching out to 4000+ partners. That reduces the costs of calling and mobile data by up to 95%, depending on the country and carrier. You merely need to point out the countries you’ll visit (or live in), and a preferred mobile operator, and they’ll find you a great deal. The best part is that you don’t have to commit to the carrier’s plans. Instead, you can recharge the SIM and pay flat fees for each activity separately.
3. TravelSim
Although TravelSIM targets international calling, that doesn’t change the fact it’s valid for a year. It also ships quickly worldwide and works in 135 countries, 200 roaming destinations, and over 300 networks overall. It’s also a prepaid SIM, so you decide how much you want to top up, and comes with a 2-week money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied. If you’re taking a multicountry trip, TravelSim can also arrange a new SIM card with the same number to wait for you. They have 4.5+ million users and offer physical and eSIM cards with varying speeds, from 3G to 5G.
4. OneSimCard
OneSimCard works similarly to TravelSIM and WorldSIM, and can easily take the second spot on our list of the leading GPS tracker SIM cards. It works in over 200 countries, offers physical and embedded SIM for easy access, is compatible with GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) networks, and supports 5G where available. You get two numbers, one for Europe and the other for the USA, and can use bundles or use flat per minute fees after you top the balance up.
5. Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a US-based provider that uses T-Mobile’s network and is famously marketed by its owner, actor Ryan Reynolds. It provides affordable access to 5G and 4G networks in the United States, and any network coverage T-Mobile has across the world, including roaming. Mobile plans start at $15/monthly for 4 GB of mobile data. They continue to 10 GB per month for $20, $25 for 15 GB of data, and unlimited data for a mere $30 per month. The only downside is that you must sign up for at least 3 months, but the upside is that you can cancel easily.
6. Giffgaff
Though Giffgaff isn’t the leader among the top UK SIM card providers, it works better than Three UK if you insert it into a GPS tracker. That is thanks to goodybags, their name for bundles and free SIM cards delivered to UK addresses. Plus, the carrier won’t raise rates in 2022, which range from 10 GBP for 15 GB of data to 35 GBP for unlimited data. All plans, including those and any in-between, come with unlimited calling and texts. The only disadvantage is that roaming in the European Union is limited to 20 GB, and users must pay roaming charges internationally.
7. Three UK
Three UK is, as the name suggests, a carrier based in the UK that stands out for covering 99% of the country’s territory with 3G and 4G networks and offering the fastest 5G network there. Plus, they offer a mix of postpaid, SIM only, and pay-as-you-go plans. In other words, you can sign up for monthly payments and stability, or recharge your balance when you need it for your GPS device. Their plans range from 20 GBP for 20 GB and 35 GBP for everything unlimited. You can also activate Go Roam plans for roaming in 71 countries.
8. Vodafone
Vodafone is an international company with headquarters in 22 countries, partners in 48, and roaming services in 168, of which 74 support at least 3G and 4G connectivity. While their 5G global network is still in the works, you can take advantage of cheap plans. For instance, Vodafone UK offers limitless calling, text, and 5 GB of data for only £10. Thankfully, the pricing doesn’t rise drastically as you increase mobile data. To give you an example, 5G connectivity with 50 GB of data costs £30. Meanwhile, £40 gets you unlimited 4G data in the UK and 25 GB in 51 locations across the world.
9. Tello
Going back to the United States, we have Tello, an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that uses T-Mobile’s network like Mint. However, they’re known for no-contract wireless services with limitless calls, texts, and a lot of data. While you get 4G and 5G data in the United States, it will cost you $10 per month for 1 GB, while 5 GB costs $19 per month. However, you have no obligations, there are family plans, and you can refer friends, so everyone involved gets $10 credits for free.
10. Congstar
Congstar is a German provider of SIM cards that focuses on the younger population. Therefore, you can expect prepaid SIMs without contracts, a lot of calling, texting, and mobile data, and at relatively affordable prices. For instance, 25 EUR gets you 25 GB of data, an eSIM card, affordable European Union roaming, 5 GB of data yearly for free, and flat rates for texting and calling. Getting 5 GB of data costs 5 EUR extra and decreases the more you tack on. Besides bundle details, plans vary in validity, from a month to half a year.