Matrix
Beame
R99/month
Head-to-head comparison
Beame vs Tracker
Which is better for you, Beame or Tracker? We compare prices, installation, contracts, recovery and features side by side.
TrackerPrices SA is an independent comparison site. We are not Beame or Tracker and are not affiliated with either. Brand names belong to their owners. Prices are monthly subscriptions as listed in our catalogue; confirm current pricing with your quote.
The short answer
Beame and Tracker Retrieve+ are both recovery-focused entry options at a similar monthly price. Tracker Retrieve+ adds VHF radio recovery and free installation; Beame avoids wiring altogether and has a three-year battery. Neither offers live tracking at that price.
Side by side
Beame vs Tracker at a glance
| Beame | Tracker | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans from | R99/month | R99/month |
| Top plan | R99/month | R289/month |
| Plans in our catalogue | 1 | 3 |
| Installation | Quoted | Free (on contract) |
| Contract | 36 months | 36 months |
| Recovery approach | Wireless battery unit, last known location, recovery agents | GPS + VHF radio network, 24/7 control room |
| Live GPS tracking | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| Mobile app access | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| VHF radio recovery (jammer-resistant) | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| Jamming detection | ✓ Yes | – Not listed |
| Geofencing | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| Driver behaviour monitoring | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| Wireless unit, no wiring into the vehicle | ✓ Yes | – Not listed |
“Yes” means at least one plan from that brand in our catalogue includes the feature. “Not listed” means our catalogue does not list it for that brand; the provider may still offer it, so confirm with your quote.
The verdict
Beame and Tracker Retrieve+ are both recovery-focused entry options at a similar monthly price. Tracker Retrieve+ adds VHF radio recovery and free installation; Beame avoids wiring altogether and has a three-year battery. Neither offers live tracking at that price.
Choose Beame if…
- you mainly want affordable, insurer-approved recovery
- you do not want wiring in a new or leased car
- you do not need live tracking
Choose Tracker if…
- recovery is your top priority and you want radio backup against jammers
- you drive a high-risk bakkie or SUV
- you want free installation
How Beame recovers vehicles
Beame is a wireless, battery-powered unit that a technician hides in the vehicle in minutes, with no wiring into the car’s electronics. It is not a live tracker: the app shows the unit’s last known location. When you report a theft, recovery agents use location data from the unit to find the vehicle. Beame detects jamming attempts, and its battery lasts up to three years, with a free replacement.
How Tracker recovers vehicles
Tracker combines GPS/GSM positioning with its own VHF radio network. When a vehicle is reported stolen, the control room activates the unit and recovery teams, often working with SAPS, home in on its radio signal. VHF keeps working when GPS and cellphone signals are jammed or blocked, for example in underground parking or inside a container.
Beame plans
Tracker plans
More on each brand: Beame price & review · Tracker plans & prices · All brands
Matrix Vision
Matrix Vision AI dashcam from R359/month
Road-facing and in-cab cameras with collision and distraction alerts. Vision R359 or Vision Pro R399 a month, VAT incl.
Matrix Beame
Insurer-approved recovery from R99/month
Wireless, no wiring into your car, battery up to three years. See Beame details. For higher-risk vehicles, Beame Plus is R149/month with two devices installed free, a recovery warranty of up to R100,000 and app access.
FAQ
Common Questions
Which is better, Beame or Tracker?+
Beame and Tracker Retrieve+ are both recovery-focused entry options at a similar monthly price. Tracker Retrieve+ adds VHF radio recovery and free installation; Beame avoids wiring altogether and has a three-year battery. Neither offers live tracking at that price.
Which is cheaper, Beame or Tracker?+
Beame and Tracker start at the same price: Matrix Beame and Tracker Retrieve+ are both R99 a month. Compare installation and what each entry plan includes before deciding; the cheapest plan is not always the best value.
Can I switch from Beame to Tracker?+
Yes, but check your current contract first. Most tracker contracts run for 36 months and may carry cancellation fees. See our guide to switching tracker providers.
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