AirTag Car Tracking vs GPS Trackers: Which Is Better?
Your vehicle may be more at risk of theft than you realise. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 72,000 vehicles were stolen in Australia in 2023-24, which is 17,000 more than the previous year. As car theft continues to rise, many drivers are turning to technology for security and peace of mind. Apple AirTags have gained popularity for item tracking, and now some Australians are wondering if using AirTags on cars could help protect their vehicles.
It sounds convenient, but there are limitations. Here's how AirTags compare to dedicated GPS car trackers and which one actually helps you stay in control.
Can You Use an AirTag as a Car Tracker?
Yes, you can use an AirTag for car tracking. However, they are not without their limitations.
AirTags rely on Bluetooth and Apple’s Find My network. They can only provide updated locations when they're near other Apple devices. This means they aren't ideal for real-time or long-distance tracking. If a thief drives your car through a low-traffic area, the AirTag may not update its location at all.
While Apple AirTags can help you locate a parked or recently moved vehicle, they aren’t designed for discreet or long-term car tracking. Built-in safety features cause the AirTag to alert nearby iPhone users if it’s been moving with them for an extended period — and after a while, the AirTag may emit a sound to help it be found.
These features make it easy for someone to detect and remove the AirTag, which limits its effectiveness for theft recovery or serious vehicle security.
Key Differences Between AirTags and GPS Car Trackers
|
Feature |
AirTags |
GPS Car Trackers |
|
Power Source & Installation |
Battery-powered, small, no hardwiring |
Hardwired or battery-powered options |
|
Tracking Technology |
Bluetooth + Apple Find My Network |
GPS + cellular network |
|
24/7 Tracking |
No |
Yes |
|
Theft Recovery Effectiveness |
Low |
High |
|
Alerts & Notifications |
Limited |
Customisable |
|
Privacy & Security |
Alerts nearby users; can be removed |
Encrypted, tamper-resistant |
|
Network Dependency |
Needs nearby Apple devices |
Works independently via mobile network |
|
Cross-Platform Use |
iOS only |
Works on iOS and Android |
|
Tamper Resistance |
Low |
High |
|
Data History & Reporting |
Minimal |
Detailed trip history |
Which Tracking Option Wins?
- AirTags are cheap and simple, but not designed for tracking moving vehicles.
- GPS car trackers offer real-time updates and better recovery support.
- GPS devices work across platforms and don’t rely on other people’s phones.
- For comprehensive car protection, GPS tracking is the smarter choice.
When Is a GPS Tracker the Better Option?
A dedicated GPS tracker is a better choice if you own a high-value vehicle, live in a theft-prone area or want more control. With a GPS tracker for a car from Netstar, you benefit from:
- Continuous location monitoring
- Alerts when your car moves without permission
- A full-featured tracking app
- Support from an Aussie-based team
Its purpose-built tech is designed for vehicle security, not just finding the occasional item.
What If You Just Want to Track an Item or Trailer?
If you're trying to track a smaller or stationary object, rather than a car, Netstar’s asset tracker is the right fit. These devices are perfect for trailers, tools and equipment. With a long battery life and no hardwiring needed, they’re ideal for items that move but don’t run on an engine.
Making the Smarter Choice for Vehicle Security
While AirTags are useful for basic location tracking, they fall short when it comes to protecting your car. GPS car trackers are built for the job. They offer real-time updates, tamper resistance and deeper reporting to help you monitor and recover your vehicle if it ever goes missing.
Netstar GPS trackers are made for Aussie conditions and come with reliable, local support. To learn more or request a demo, contact us today.