By RAM Tracking on 2 Jun 2025
When researching how to track your company vehicles, you’ll likely come across two terms: vehicle trackers and vehicle GPS trackers. They sound similar, but they’re not exactly the same.
Choosing the right system can affect everything from operational costs to driver safety and customer service. This guide will help you understand the difference between these two types of tracking systems and which one is best for your business.
A vehicle tracker is a device that monitors the movement and status of a vehicle. Depending on the model, it might use mobile networks (GSM), Bluetooth or even basic Wi-Fi to collect and transmit data.
Vehicle trackers are often used to:
Log routes taken
Record driving times
Provide simple location updates at set intervals
Offer a basic level of oversight for company vehicles
However, not all vehicle trackers are built the same. Some entry-level options may only log data periodically and may not provide live insights or highly accurate locations. Others might rely solely on cellular signal strength, which can make coverage patchy in rural or underground areas.
A vehicle GPS tracker uses the Global Positioning System to identify a vehicle’s exact location in real time. These systems connect with satellites, rather than depending solely on mobile networks.
This gives several key advantages:
More accurate location tracking
Real-time updates regardless of mobile signal
Access to more features like geofencing, route history, and speed alerts
A vehicle GPS tracker can also integrate with wider fleet management tools, giving you access to:
Fuel usage and efficiency data
Driver behaviour reports
Maintenance alerts and engine diagnostics
Mobile apps and dashboards for live monitoring
This makes GPS-based vehicle tracking ideal for businesses that need precision, accountability and control over their operations.
Read our complete guide on finding the right van tracker for your business.
While both options provide some form of tracking, they differ in important ways:
1. Accuracy
GPS trackers offer pinpoint accuracy using satellite data. Standard vehicle trackers may only offer generalised location updates using mobile signal, which can be less reliable in remote areas.
2. Frequency of Updates
GPS-based systems can offer updates every 60 seconds or even faster. Cheaper vehicle trackers might only update every few minutes, which limits visibility in time-sensitive scenarios.
3. Features
With GPS trackers, you’ll typically gain access to features like:
Real-time geofencing and alerts
Full journey history and route replay
Driver scoring and behaviour monitoring
Fuel and CO₂ reports
Standard vehicle trackers usually offer fewer features, focusing on basic location logging.
4. Cost vs. Value
While GPS tracking systems may come at a higher upfront cost, they tend to pay for themselves through efficiency gains, reduced fuel waste and improved customer service. Basic vehicle trackers may seem cheaper, but often result in missed insights and slower decision-making.
Try our ‘Do the Maths’ calculator to see how much you could save with RAM’s vehicle tracking software.
RAM Tracking is a trusted name in fleet tracking, used by thousands of UK businesses across trades, delivery services, field engineers and sales teams.
Here’s why companies choose RAM’s GPS vehicle tracking systems:
Live visibility
Track every vehicle in real time with location updates every 60 seconds. Perfect for dispatching the nearest driver or checking progress during the day.
Improve driver safety
RAM’s system monitors speeding, harsh braking, idling and unauthorised usage. This helps reduce risk and promotes more responsible driving.
Reduce fuel costs
With fuel usage tracking and journey reports, RAM makes it easier to spot inefficiencies, shorten routes and reduce waste.
Easy to use
The dashboard is intuitive, with a mobile app for managers on the go. You don’t need to be a tech expert to run a more efficient fleet.
Fast installation
Installation is quick and non-disruptive, whether you choose a hardwired unit or plug-and-play device. Most customers are up and running within a day.
Trusted by businesses
RAM Tracking holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot with thousands of verified reviews. Businesses praise its reliability, customer support and easy setup.
UK-based support team
Help is always available when you need it. RAM’s support team is based in the UK and available to guide you through setup, training and day-to-day use.
Scalable and secure
From five vehicles to five hundred, RAM’s platform scales with your business. All data is securely stored and GDPR-compliant, with full control over user access and permissions.
You only need basic location logging
You’re working with a very limited budget
Real-time updates are not essential
Your fleet operates in areas with a reliable mobile signal
Choose a GPS tracker if:
You want real-time visibility of vehicle movements
You need to improve fuel efficiency
Driver behaviour and accountability matter
You need advanced features like alerts, reports and mobile access
Your vehicles work across a wide area or in remote regions
In short, GPS vehicle trackers provide greater control, more accurate data, and better long-term value. If your fleet impacts your customer service, costs or team performance, GPS is the smarter investment.
Are GPS vehicle trackers legal to use in the UK?
Yes, as long as they are used for business purposes and employees are informed, GPS tracking is fully legal and commonly used.
Can I install RAM Tracking devices myself?
Some plug-in options can be self-installed. RAM also offers professional installation for hardwired units with minimal downtime.
Will GPS vehicle tracking still work in poor signal areas?
Yes. Because GPS relies on satellites rather than mobile signal, it remains accurate even in rural or underground locations where other trackers may struggle.
Is there a minimum number of vehicles needed for vehicle trackers?
No. RAM Tracking works with businesses of all sizes, from single vehicles to nationwide fleets.
How quickly will I see results after installing GPS vehicle tracking?
Many businesses report improved efficiency, reduced fuel costs and fewer customer complaints within weeks of installing RAM’s tracking system.
While vehicle trackers and GPS vehicle trackers may sound similar, the difference comes down to accuracy, features and long-term value. Standard trackers offer basic location data, but GPS-based systems like those from RAM Tracking deliver the live insights and control modern fleets need.
If you want to reduce operational costs, improve driver performance and stay in control of your vehicles at all times, a GPS vehicle tracker is the better choice.
Get started with RAM Tracking today. Request a free demo or speak to a specialist for a tailored quote.
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