Bluetooth vs GPS Tracking: Which is Better?

Bluetooth and GPS are the two current leading forms of technology for tracking and navigation. They're both being used in tracker devices to help people pinpoint the location of items like keys, phones, wallets, and more. But what's the difference between GPS and Bluetooth, and which type of tracker is best? This guide will cover all you need to know about the big three.

Bluetooth Tracking

What is Bluetooth and How Does it Work?

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology, used for sending signals and data between devices over short distances via radio waves. It's found in all sorts of devices, from headphones to smartphones, and there are different types of Bluetooth, like BLE, which stands for Bluetooth Low Energy and uses less energy but basically works the same way as regular Bluetooth.

The short-range nature of Bluetooth can be seen as a drawback, but Bluetooth trackers have many great advantages. They're highly effective for finding things nearby, giving you the location of items that need tracking, and they also have impressive battery life. Plus, Bluetooth trackers tend to be smaller and more versatile than GPS trackers, making them significantly more affordable so you can track multiple things. 

What Types of Things to Track with Bluetooth

Since Bluetooth is a short-range technology, it's best to use Bluetooth trackers to find things that are usually nearby, in the home or around the office. You can attach a Bluetooth tracker to your keys, for example, to find them in the morning when you can't remember where you left them, or slide a Tile Slim into a wallet to save time and track it down easily.

GPS Tracking

What GPS is and How it Works

Next, let's look at GPS technology. First, what does GPS mean? It stands for global positioning system, and GPS is generally used more for navigation purposes than tracking down individual items. You can use a GPS device on your phone or in your car to help you get around for example.

GPS technology involves the use of satellites that are orbiting the Earth around us right now, sending out signals to the ground below. GPS devices can collect those signals and make use of triangulation algorithms to pinpoint locations quite accurately. 

Thanks to the global nature of GPS satellites, you can use GPS devices anywhere around the world, as long as you have a signal. This means that there are no range limitations, and GPS trackers can track down items that are far away or even on the other side of the planet. They also offer real-time tracking and are well-suited to certain cases and situations.

What Types of Things to Track with GPS?

GPS trackers are a good option for tracking down things that are more likely to be located far from you. For example, they're commonly used as pet trackers. So, if a pet runs away with a GPS tracker on its collar, you can use it to find them, wherever they go. You can also use a GPS tracker for things like cars and bikes that could get stolen and taken to faraway locations.

Bluetooth Trackers Are Efficient and Affordable

Overall, the technologies all have their pros and cons. They each have best-use scenarios and can appeal to different people in a multitude of ways. It's important to think about what you want to track and how you'll be using your tracker in order to pick the right type of technology and tracker model for your uses.