[Btracking](https://agents.btracking.com) › Hardwired or Plug-in GPS Tracker? # Hardwired or Plug-in GPS Tracker? > From **Btracking**'s guide content. Source: https://btracking.com/hardwired-or-plug-in-gps-tracker/?xpay_ref=sidecar_article ## Shop Btracking products for this topic Buyable items from this store relevant to the topic below (live price + stock). Link the shopper straight to a product to buy: | Product | Price | Availability | Link | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | BHW57P Motorcycle & ATV Tracker \| Hardwired with Backup Battery | 95.99 USD | in stock | https://agents.btracking.com/product/bhw57p-motorcycle-atv-tracker/ | | BHW123 Hardwired Vehicle Tracker \| Multiple I/O's | 95.99 USD | in stock | https://agents.btracking.com/product/wired-gps-tracker-with-multiple-i-os/ | | BHW920 Compact Hardwired Vehicle Tracker | from 59.99 USD (59.99–69.99) | in stock | https://agents.btracking.com/product/compact-wired-gps-tracker/ | | BTPAT Personal GPS Tracker | 49.99 USD | in stock | https://agents.btracking.com/product/personal-gps-tracker/ | | BP304 Deluxe Plugin Vehicle Tracker \| Programmable, Customizable | from 159.99 USD (159.99–219.99) | in stock | https://agents.btracking.com/product/deluxe-plug-in-gps-tracker/ | | BP50 Series Plugin Vehicle Tracker \| Basic CANBus Data | from 69.99 USD (69.99–129.99) | in stock | https://agents.btracking.com/product/plug-in-gps-tracker-basic/ | Agents can transact via MCP: `https://agent-commerce.xpay.sh/mcp/btracking-com` (`get_product` / `create_cart`). **Browse the full catalog:** [all products](https://agents.btracking.com/shop) · [categories](https://agents.btracking.com/categories) · [catalog feed](https://agents.btracking.com/catalog.json) · [search](https://agents.btracking.com/search?q=) · [full agent listing](https://agents.btracking.com/llms-full.txt) --- # Hardwired or Plug-in GPS Tracker? ## Considerations for Choosing a Hardwired or Plug-in GPS Tracker We are often asked what the difference is between hardwired trackers and plug-in trackers. Each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages: **Hardwired GPS Tracker** Advantages: * Can be wired to the vehicle’s doors, or lights, or to detect [PTO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power%5Ftake-off) (a power take off unit connects a trucks’ engine to power another device such as a snow plow, a tow, a mixer) * Can be easily concealed for discrete purposes * Can have multiple inputs and outputs connecting to apparatus powered by the vehicle’s electrical system * Can provide alerts for events such as doors open/closed, lights on/off, PTO on/off Disadvantages: * Requires installation, possibly requiring removing part of the dashboard to access * Requires some basic electrical expertise * May require a mechanic (with the associated cost) to install * Is not connected to the vehicle’s electronics system, thus does not read or transmit engine data or vehicle diagnostic data * Transferring to another vehicle is a process, requiring removing the tracker from its wired connections and rewiring it to the new vehicle * Not easy to tell if the tracker is working, as the tracker’s LED lights are hidden behind dashboard btracking ![](https://btracking.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/compact-hardwired-tracker-e1716349522141.webp) btracking **Plug-in GPS Tracker** Advantages: * Installs in seconds, plugs directly into the vehicle’s OBD II diagnostics port * Provides engine data and vehicle diagnostics from its electronics systems, such as odometer, fuel level, RPM, speed, engine temperature, oil pressure, tire pressure, seatbelts in use/not in use, and more * Can provide engine trouble code alerts with DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) * Easily transferred to another vehicle in seconds * Easy to tell if the tracker is working as the tracker LED lights are visible (unless it’s hidden with a Y-Cable) Disadvantages: * Tracker is visible (unless it’s hidden behind the dashboard using a Y-Cable) * Easy to remove the tracker by a nefarious actor (unless it’s hidden behind the dashboard using a Y-Cable) * Can be impacted by a driver’s foot or knee, loosening the tracker, possibly causing it to stop sending location reports, or even bending or breaking the connector pins btracking ![](https://btracking.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/plugin600-e1716349714822.webp) So, should you choose a hardwired or plug-in GPS Tracker? Hopefully we’re provided some ideas to ponder. To discuss the requirements of your business, and to learn more about the benefits of installing a GPS tracker in your vehicle, hardwired, plug-in, or another type\*, [contact us](https://btracking.com/contact-us/) today! \* We’re seeing a number of customer installing a second, battery powered GPS tracker in high value vehicles. Pinging just once a day or so (with the ability to change to a high frequency ping in case of emergency), and well hidden underneath the vehicle or in the engine compartment, the second GPS tracker serve as a backup tracker in cases where nefarious actors remove the tracker. _Most thieves don’t look for a second tracker._ If you’re looking for a second tracker for your vehicle, Btracking has the [perfect solution](https://agents.btracking.com/mini-battery-gps-trackers). --- **More from Btracking:** [browse products](https://agents.btracking.com/shop) · [categories](https://agents.btracking.com/categories) · [agent index](https://agents.btracking.com/llms.txt) Published by Btracking. Powered by xpay✦ · https://www.xpay.sh/agentic-commerce/