What about GPS trackers without cell service?

The name "GPS without SIM card" is confusing when it comes to defining a specific type of tracker, as it includes two different types of products:

• Products using conventional networks (2G, 3G, 4G) which are sold without a SIM card but require one to work. It's similar to a GPS tracker with a subscription plan but the SIM card is not provided by the manufacturer.
• Subscription-free products that do not require a SIM card to work as they use the Sigfox and Lora networks (public frequencies), Bluetooth technology, or any other subscription-free technology.

In this article, we share details on these two types of GPS trackers without SIM cards, their pros and cons, as well as the recommended uses for each device.

SUMMARY

• The GPS trackers without SIM cards but with a subscription plan

• The GPS trackers without SIM cards and without a subscription plan

• The dedicated GPS without cell service for cats and dogs

The GPS trackers without SIM cards but with a subscription plan

About GPS trackers without SIM cards

The GPS trackers without cell service work with conventional networks (2G, 3G, 4G) even if the SIM card is not included. Same way as for a phone, to access these networks you need to buy a SIM card in store and subscribe to a plan.

The pros and cons of a GPS tracker without a SIM card

The pros

GPS trackers without a SIM card work just like products with a subscription plan, except that the SIM card is not provided by the manufacturer. However, this is useful as you can freely choose the SIM card and service provider of your choice, and the subscription plan that best suits your needs.

Another benefit of SIM-free GPS tracker is that SIM-free trackers offer better cost-effectiveness thanks to the absence of monthly subscription fees or paid services. Although the initial investment may be slightly higher, subscription-free services help lower ongoing operating costs over time. You won’t have to choose between cellular data plans or pay a service fee every month.

The cons

Unlike built-in SIM cards that usually operate in several countries with multiple operators, this SIM card will only access one single network with limited data security.
Beware of dead zones where the network connection of your GPS beacon will be restricted by the number of carriers available and may cause privacy concerns.

Moreover, the manufacturers of these low-cost trackers are mostly Chinese and often fail to meet compliance with regulations, permits or licenses for legal purposes.
They provide limited product support or no apps (GPS tracking can only be done by text), and data protection is often overlooked when tracking without consent.

Also, the accessories aren't always of great quality nor are they suitable for all uses (e.g. pets), with little attention to local laws or ethical tracking standards.
Ultimately it is a backup option to track a car or motorcycle. But, even in this case, a Sigfox or Lora tracker with longer battery life and better safeguards is recommended.

The GPS trackers without SIM cards and without a subscription plan

A GPS tracker without a SIM card can also refer to a GPS tracker without a subscription plan and therefore require no SIM card to work properly. We can also call this a GPS tracker without a subscription plan, to be more precise.

Low-power GPS trackers for vehicles

There are GPS trackers without subscription plans that use public networks (Sigfox and Lora), also known as low-power networks, which are perfect for locating a vehicle such as a car, a motorcycle/scooter or even to track a bike. Indeed, the purpose of this tracker is to find the location of a stolen vehicle, which doesn't require real-time tracking. It is not necessary to follow the vehicle's movements but rather to know its final destination. Finding a vehicle then becomes easier thanks to this smart object.

This tracking device sold without a subscription plan comes at a reasonable price (about $100 for a car tracker). Also, these GPS trackers without a subscription plan are usually small, handy and with a long battery life – this avoids needing to take the tracker out of the car to charge it often. Finding a lost vehicle becomes easy thanks to this tracking system.

In addition to personal vehicle tracking, despite SIM-free GPS trackers helping individuals in theft recovery cases (through location history thanks to its embedded data loggers), the technology is also widely used in fleet management, asset protection, and even industrial and research uses. Their long battery life suits environments where frequent recharging is not an option.

Bluetooth object locator

Objects lost indoors

You can find on the market GPS trackers with no subscription plans, smart key rings using Bluetooth to find objects indoors such as keys or wallets. This is true of Apple’s Airtag, which uses Bluetooth technology. This Bluetooth GPS tracker will help you find your keys, your phone or your wallet, even if it got lost behind the sofa, using the built-in ringing mode.

You can also find your belongings by using the hot and cold feature: the stronger the Bluetooth signal, the closer you are to the tracker. Beware, the range of such a product is only 164 ft. (50 meters) max, in an open environment, free of any wall or obstacle. Locating an object in your home becomes a piece of cake with this location tracking device. The smart key ring is easy to use and most of the time has a free app available on all platforms.

Objects lost outdoors

Bluetooth GPS trackers locate objects without SIM, GPS chip or Wi-Fi. It’s a non-SIM tracking method with limited real-time tracking and short range. Beyond 164 ft. (50 meters), the device uses your phone’s Bluetooth and GPS. You’ll see the last known location via a user-friendly app or web interface.
Some emerging trends in tracker technology include "crowd GPS", where nearby phones relay data. But many factors limit its accuracy of tracking. Though AI and data analysis improve such tools, they’re still unreliable for moving pets. Machine learning helps, but conditions remain unpredictable.
These devices are best for keys or bags. For pet tracking, they’re more of a comfort gadget than a security solution. New online accounts may enhance performance, but they can’t match the reliability of a full GPS tracker with real-time updates.

The dedicated GPS without cell service for cats and dogs

The different technologies mentioned above are not adapted for a GPS tracker for pets. Either because they don't provide real-time tracking, or because they only work within a limited range. So, what choice do you have to ensure the safety of your dog or cat?

Radio beacons for cats and dogs

You can also find radio beacons for cats and dogs. This device is made up of a receiver and a transmitter that communicate with each other by radio frequency, which allows you to track your dog or cat. This frequency has a maximum range of a few miles. Therefore, even if it's limited in range, it is still larger than with Bluetooth trackers.

However, tracking is made in real-time, but with one major drawback: tracking can not be done with your phone, but only with a radio receiver. This limits the number of users to one person: the one who has the radio receiver.

This type of tracking device is very expensive, Garmin being the main manufacturer. Mostly used for hunting, these trackers can cost several hundred dollars. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this type of product to find your lost dog or cat except in very specific cases, in dense forests for example with many dead zones.

Why choose a GPS collar for cats and dogs with a subscription plan?

GPS collars for cats and dogs include a SIM card. This enables the provider to activate service per device, requiring a subscription to access tracking features and ensure compliance with regulations.
The SIM is often multi-carrier and multi-country, reducing dead zones. As long as a GSM network is available, tracking works while respecting local laws and data protection rules. These GPS collars allow real-time tracking without distance limits—crucial for your pet’s safety. They are designed to prevent risks, while meeting legal purposes of location tracking.
Lost pets keep moving. With the mobile app, you can follow their exact position on a map, always in line with data security and privacy concerns set by tracking regulations.
Other features like ringing or vibrating help with pet training. You can also set safety zones and receive alerts, all while staying within ethical tracking and consent frameworks.
GPS collars make it easier to find your pet, safely and responsibly. Choosing certified products helps avoid tracking without consent or issues with permits or licenses.