The 10 Best GPS Trackers for the Elderly

Daniel Fogarty

Fact checked by: Lynda Menegotti, Editor

How We Found The Best GPS Trackers:

4 Experts Consulted

180+ Hours of Research

21 Products Considered

10 Products Selected

Caring Village may receive commissions for purchases or leads made through links in this article.

Top 10 Products to Track my Elderly Parent's Location

Below is our list of the top 10 GPS products for tracking your aging loved one's location based on reviews from several tech industry blogs, customer reviews, and ratings.

How We Tested

The grades assigned to each GPS tracker below are based on criteria related to price, range, battery life, comfort, functionality, standout features, and overall customer reviews. The following grading structure is used to help you quickly identify the differences in GPS trackers and investigate each one for your needs.

Grading Summary

A+ = An excellent quality GPS tracker with no overall limitations or drawbacks. The functionality, comfort, and price are all appropriately aligned and give the customer the best cost and quality.

A = A high-quality GPS tracker with some minimal limitations in the price, battery life, or subscription cost.

A- = A top-quality GPS tracker with good standout features but the cost-to-quality ratio in the price and subscription cost is on the margins for comparison.

B+ = A great-priced GPS tracker and functional device for the primary purpose of tracking and monitoring with limited technology and additional features.

B = A quality GPS tracker that offers the core functionality and reliable technology to support monitoring with only basic features and no standout differentiators from competitors.

AngelSense Elderly GPS Tracker and App

Overall Grade: A

Extremely easy to use, comfortable to wear, and provides immediate relief and safety with the GPS watch, tracking, and SOS features.

The AngelSense GPS Tracker is absolutely true to advertising. You are able to download the app and have your watch up and running within minutes with the app's intuitive user interface. There's no learning curve!

With AngelSense, you will find a unique product offering that includes a GPS watch, tracker, and mobile app with a monthly service plan that includes unlimited notifications, full-day location updates, late departure warnings, email alerts, and real-time technical support.

The GPS Watch comes in a single size and color option and is comfortable to wear and water resistant. The battery can be charged in less than an hour (and in 56 minutes, from our experience).

The battery lasts about 16 hours, so it is important to note this and coordinate the charging daily.

The GPS Tracker is small and generally unnoticeable on your belt or in your pocket.

AngelSense initially entered the market as a service to track children and those with special needs (such as autism) and later expanded into the elderly tracking space. This solution is perfect for those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other memory problems, as it helps prevent wandering and mistreatment while promoting independence and reducing family caregiver stress and anxiety.

For a limited time, AngelSense is offering a FREE GPS Watch. Don't miss out! 

What Our Testers Love About AngelSense

Photo: Dan Fogarty, M.A., FACHE

  • Extremely easy steps to set up the GPS watch and the AngelSense app within minutes of delivery.

  • The GPS tracking and notifications to your phone (via text) and your email with updates that include location, change of location, speed of driving, and more.

  • The GPS watch is comfortable and lightweight on your wrist.

  • You have both a one-way and two-way communication device from your phone to the device and an SOS option in emergencies.

  • You have the ability to set up a first-responder emergency alert within the Tools section of the app.

  • You can see the battery life and cell reception via the app, so you know how much battery is left.

  • You will be amazed by the real-time mapping with an "unknown place' alert feature that gives you immediate alerts.

  • You can monitor daily activity by easily scrolling through the app.

  • You can share a link for daily tracking with a family member to assist in monitoring the activities and safety of your aging parent.

  • The GPS watch will be fully charged within less than an hour (as fast as 56 minutes from our experience).

  • You can find a quick search for your loved one using the Indoor Search (via Wi-Fi) if at home or connected to Wi-Fi.

  • You have access to three pricing plans to choose from, and provide free onboarding support by phone.

Tranquil GPS Watch

Overall Grade: A

A high-quality watch that brings safety and security to your aging loved one in style.

Photo: Tranquil Website

Tranquil created a luxury-style watch that provides a sense of empowerment when wearing this GPS technology. The watch comes in 4 different colors (black, silver/black, rose gold, and silver/sand). The face of the watch is indistinguishable from a high-end luxury watch. The price will get your attention starting at $749.95. It is priced based on the luxury style, GPS technology, and high-end features (7-day battery life+, water protection).

The technology and design are what distinguish Tranquil from other products. It is designed with the user in mind and if that is your aging loved one, then take a deeper dive into this device:

  • The purposeful mission of the watch and why it was created is rooted in a passion and personal experience of an older loved one with Dementia
  • The watch fits comfortably on your wrist with the ability to lock it on if needed
  • The battery life is true to advertising lasting an entire week
  • The assembly and instructions for setting up your watch are as simple as can be with a QR code taking you to instructional videos and step-by-step instructions
  • The app for Tranquil is designed to offer specific functions and support (i.e. map tracking, battery life, notifications, etc. 

The GPS Tracking Watch has additional safety features that are important to highlight:

SOS Button: When placing an SOS call the Tranquil watch will go from the first emergency contact down. Its intelligent programming ensures that it does not stop on a voicemail, rather it will move to the next point of contact (POC).

2-Way Calling with Auto-Answer: This powerful feature permits calling to/from the device itself.

Safe Zones: You can establish virtual boundaries creating a safe zone where your aging adult can be and if they cross the boundary you will receive an alert. This safety feature can give you some peace of mind as you do not have to constantly check the map.

What Our Testers Love About Tranquil

Photo: Dan Fogarty, M.A., FACHE

  • The watch looks custom-made and does not look like a GPS tracker

  • The material is manufactured in Finland and is a quality product

  • The real-time map is easy to monitor and provides detailed information on the whereabouts

  • The customer service team is fast to respond and able to push out adjustments to the watch itself

  • The battery life lasts as expected, with a week’s worth of power

Medical Guardian

Overall Grade: A-

Wearable, comfortable, smart technology that keeps you safe at a reasonable price. 

Medical Guardian provides numerous options for families and seniors such as GPS trackers, medical alert devices, in-home devices, and personal emergency response systems. Their offerings also include fall detection and a 24/7 monitoring service that provides a comprehensive security offering.

The uniquely designed smartwatch-style GPS tracker, MG Move, is perfect for active older adults. You will find voice-to-text SMS messaging as one stand-out feature.

Best GPS Trackers for Seniors - MGMove

The Mobile Guardian 2 is a wearable mobile alert device with an easy notification system for safety with a single button. It is a water-resistant auto-fall detection safety measure for your aging loved one.

Best GPS Trackers for Older Adults - Medical Guardian - Mobile Guardian 2

The Mini Guardian is Medical Guardian's most petite offering at half the width of standard devices. Specifically designed to be water-resistant this product can be used in the shower and bath where falls are common. The Mini Guardian can be clipped to clothing and accessories or worn around the neck.

PocketFinder

Overall Grade: A+

A small, waterproof GPS finder providing pinpoint accurate location using, GPS, WiFi, and cell connection for a safe and reliable device. 

The newer PocketFinder models utilize all three location technologies, GPS, Cell ID, and Google Wi-Fi touch, for accurate outdoor and indoor locating. It also has an SOS button. You can also receive $30 off Personal or Vehicle trackers exclusively with the Caring Village discount code: CARING30

What We Liked:

  • This device provides email and text updates for your computer or phone including the exact location and speed at which the tracker is moving
  • The geo-fence zone with up to 60 days of tracking history
  • App available for Andriod and iOS devices

Pocket Finder GPS Tracker

iTraq

Overall Grade: A-

This trustworthy GPS tracking device is durable and convenient to monitor with excellent customer support and an appropriate price. 

iTraq determines its position using WiFi triangulation (for indoor tracking) as well as GPS and cellular tower triangulation that allows iTraq to be located anywhere in the world where cellular service exists. There are also fall detection, scheduled reporting, and geofencing abilities. Battery life can also last up to four months depending on the settings you select.

What We Liked:

  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Temperature sensor alerts for extreme cold and heat
  • Location sharing ability

SpyTec GPS GL300

Overall Grade: B+

This durable GPS tracker is compact and a safe way to monitor and care for your aging loved one primarily focused on tracking a person, vehicle or asset. 

The Spy Tec STI_GL300 Mini Portable Real-Time GPS Tracker is a good match for seniors because it ensures unsurpassed accuracy and provides real-time location tracking. Powered by proprietary tracking software and the cutting-edge GL-300 real-time GPS tracking device, Spy Tec is an industry leader in addressing consumer and enterprise GPS tracking needs.

What We Liked:

  • Long battery life of up to 2 weeks
  • Structurally waterproof, magnetic case for a solid and durable device
  • It's easy to set up special alerts to be notified when the tracker arrives at a specific location
  • 0.256 millisecond processing time of the 4G cellular network using a SIM card and GPS/GSM technology
  • All of the information and data is stored on the cloud so you can rest assured that you will not lose your loved one's location

SPOT X Satellite GPS Messenger

Overall Grade: B

A great device connected to a satellite network for a reliable and secure 1-way GPS tracking message service.

SPOT Gen3 gives aging adults a critical, life-saving line of communication when they travel beyond the boundaries of cell service. The latest generation of award-winning SPOT devices, SPOT Gen3 lets family and friends know their loved one is okay, or if the worst should happen, sends emergency responders their GPS location - all with the push of a button.

What We Liked:

  • SOS button for use in emergency situations
  • Continuous tracking options
  • Easy to use 1-way messaging that is easy to customize
  • These devices are connected to a private satellite network called GEOS creating a safety network anywhere
Best GPS Trackers for Seniors

GPS SmartSole

Overall Grade: B+

A comfortable GPS tracker that is hard to forget with an additional comfort to the senior using it as they walk around. 

The GPS SmartSole provides peace of mind for family members and those caring for the millions of people suffering from memory impairment and wandering which can be caused by Alzheimer's, Dementia, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, or other cognitive memory disability. The patented GPS-enabled “Smart” insoles fit easily into most adult shoes and let you monitor the whereabouts of loved ones who may tend to wander or be at risk of becoming confused and lost. You can track their location through any smartphone, tablet, or web browser, set up text and e-mail alerts if they leave or enter defined areas on a map.

What We Liked:

  • The unique hidden design protects the wearer's dignity
  • The ability to check your loved one's location via their app

Trackimo

Overall Grade: A-

This multi-purpose GPS tracker is fast, convenient, and ready to use right out of the box. 

Trackimo has a comprehensive GPS tracker offering to include uses for vehicles, drones, pets, children, and the elderly. Their primary device is currently the smallest on the market coming in at less than 1.5 ounces. Trackimo leverages smart alerts by SMS or email that can automatically message family members when their loved one leaves the "safe zone." They also boast about battery life of up to 96 hours which is quite impressive with the small size of the device. As of November of 2018, they are offering free GPS service for the first year before you transition into a $5 per month fee which is the lowest fee we are aware of. Although their primary device is the 3G Tracker, their other devices such as travel trackers, watches, and pet devices all have the same functionality in different form factors and can be reviewed at their online store.

What We Liked:

  • The speed, fence, and motion alert feature is uniquely designed to track and alert you when there is any change in behavior or movement outside the geo-fence
  • Extremely long battery life (up to 1-month)

Bay Alarm Medical 

Overall Grade: A-

An extremely reliable and reasonably priced GPS tracker will connect you within seconds to emergency services and help.

The Bay Alarm Medical Alert GPS tracker is ideal for older adults with active lifestyles. It is a portable help button like many competitors. The on-the-go help button is small and is easily worn around the neck, on a belt clip, in a bag, or wherever convenient. The long battery life of up to 72-hours, water-resistant exterior, and auto-fall detection (if selected) will keep your aging loved one safe. You can get started with a $79 device (one-time) cost and then a $29.95/month service cost. You can upgrade with additional monthly costs for fall detection and include in-home protection. The 4G cellular network will provide you with extensive coverage and safety protection.

What We Liked:

  • The solid 72-hour battery life
  • The optional auto-fall detection that connects to a dispatcher in about 15 seconds
  • The press and hold button that provides and instantaneous connection

Notable Mention: Alerta Patch & Wedge Wearable Proximity Monitor

Overall Grade: A

For close-range monitoring to keep your aging parent safe, there is no better device. It is a comfortable device and not noticeable to the wearer.

The Alerta Patch & Wedge System was designed for the family caregiver, caring for someone with dementia at home. While not a GPS device, we felt this passive, wearable proximity monitoring system was worth a mention. The care recipient wears the patch on the upper back. It is discreet and comfortable. The caregiver can either hold the wedge carried in a pocket or place it in a central location. Alerta allows the caregiver to attend to household tasks (or maybe even rest) without needing a line-of-sight to the care recipient. The patch is lightweight, comfortable, water-resistant, and discreet. Alerta is a low-cost, easy-to-use solution that does not require additional devices or cellular or WiFi services.

What We Liked:

  • This patch sticks directly to your loved one's skin like a bandaid making it more discreet than many alternatives
  • This product is specifically designed for indoor use

Brand Comparison

BRAND

PRICE*

COST*

GPS RANGE & CAPABILITIES

BATTERY LIFE

$749.95

$599.95

$39.95/mo

3G Cellular Network

7 days

$99 (+$19 Activation Fee)

$399/year

3G/4G Cellular Connection

Up to 24 hours

$124

$39.95/mo

$439.46/year
(16% savings)

4G Cellular Connection

3-5 days

$159

$12.95/mo

$129/year

Google WiFi Touch/Smart Tracker

2 days

$129

$7.99/mo

$79/year

iTraq Data Plan

Up to 120 days for one report per day setting.

Up to 14 days for one report per hour setting.

Up to 3 days for one report every 10 minutes setting.

$39.95

$19.95/mo
(with annual plan)

$24.95/mo
(with monthly plan)

Mobile App Interface

14 days

$139.95

N/A

Satellite GPS Network

17 days

$359

N/A

4G Cellular Network

Up to 48 hours

$198.90

$60/year

3G Cellular Network

Up to 1-month

$79

$29.95/mo
(Mobile Lite)

$39.95
(Mobile Plus)

$49.95/mo

(Mobile 360 Bundle)

4G Cellular Network

Up to 4 days

$159 (1 Month Supply)

$222 (3 Month Supply)

$312 (6 Month Supply)

N/A

Radio Signal

Up to 1-month

Conclusion

Before purchasing a GPS tracking device, make sure to receive permission from your aging loved one. If possible, start having conversations about how you should handle particular situations with your loved one as the disease progresses. While these are no doubt difficult conversations to have, getting them out of the way early on will give you peace of mind as a caregiver and help ensure that you are following your loved one's wishes as closely as possible. We have several tips for how to navigate sensitive conversations like this in our, 'What is the Best Way to Communicate with an Aging Parent About the Future?' article.

And keep in mind that although GPS tracking does not necessarily equal better care, as it cannot stop someone from getting lost if worn or in possession of the person lost, they can provide peace of mind to concerned family members. Research the products above to find the right device or app for you or your loved one.

Expert Contributor

Daniel Fogarty

Dan Fogarty, M.A., FACHE

Dan Fogarty has more than 10 years experience in healthcare management and strategic communication. Dan earned his Master’s in Health Communication from Johns Hopkins University in 2012. Dan has served as the Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Intramural Management (OIM), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for 8-years. At present, Dan is the Acting Chief Administrative Officer of the NIH Clinical Center.

In 2021, Dan earned the distinct credential of board certification in healthcare management as a Fellow of the ACHE (FACHE). Dan is also an Adjunct Faculty member of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS).

Dan is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He earned his Fellow of the ACHE credential in 2021. He has consulted for a variety of healthcare organizations in strategic communication and operational initiatives.