Cartrack
Quick
R99/month
Head-to-head comparison
Cartrack vs Netstar
Which is better for you, Cartrack or Netstar? We compare prices, installation, contracts, recovery and features side by side.
TrackerPrices SA is an independent comparison site. We are not Cartrack or Netstar 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
Cartrack and Netstar are both GPS/GSM trackers with strong apps. Cartrack gives you live tracking on every private plan with free installation, which makes it hard to beat on value. Netstar’s edge is jamming detection on its Plus and Platinum plans, plus the cheap STARtag wireless tag for basic recovery.
Side by side
Cartrack vs Netstar at a glance
| Cartrack | Netstar | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans from | R99/month | R89/month |
| Top plan | R199/month | R249/month |
| Plans in our catalogue | 4 | 3 |
| Installation | Free (on contract) / Quoted | None needed / Quoted |
| Contract | 36 months | 36 months |
| Recovery approach | GPS/GSM, 24/7 control room, strong app | GPS/GSM with jamming detection, 24/7 monitoring |
| Live GPS tracking | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Mobile app access | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Jamming detection | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| Tamper / battery-disconnect alerts | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Geofencing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Driver behaviour monitoring | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Crash / impact detection | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Wireless unit, no wiring into the vehicle | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| Multi-vehicle fleet dashboard | ✓ 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
Cartrack and Netstar are both GPS/GSM trackers with strong apps. Cartrack gives you live tracking on every private plan with free installation, which makes it hard to beat on value. Netstar’s edge is jamming detection on its Plus and Platinum plans, plus the cheap STARtag wireless tag for basic recovery.
Choose Cartrack if…
- you want live tracking in a polished app on a budget
- you want driver-behaviour reports, for example for young drivers
- you run a small business fleet
Choose Netstar if…
- you worry about jammers used by hijacking syndicates
- you want the lowest monthly price (STARtag)
- you want crash detection
How Cartrack recovers vehicles
Cartrack units report their position over GPS and the cellular network. The 24/7 control room watches for alerts such as tampering, and recovery teams are sent out when a vehicle is reported stolen. Because Cartrack relies mainly on GPS/GSM, ask what backup is in place if a jammer is used.
How Netstar recovers vehicles
Netstar’s hardwired units use GPS/GSM, and the Plus and Platinum plans add jamming detection, so the control room is alerted if someone tries to block the signal. The budget STARtag is a small wireless tag hidden in the vehicle that supports recovery without live tracking.
Cartrack plans
Netstar plans
More on each brand: Cartrack prices 2026 · Netstar prices 2026 · 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, Cartrack or Netstar?+
Cartrack and Netstar are both GPS/GSM trackers with strong apps. Cartrack gives you live tracking on every private plan with free installation, which makes it hard to beat on value. Netstar’s edge is jamming detection on its Plus and Platinum plans, plus the cheap STARtag wireless tag for basic recovery.
Which is cheaper, Cartrack or Netstar?+
Netstar is cheaper to start: Netstar STARtag is R89 a month, against R99 for Cartrack Quick, a difference of R360 over 36 months. Compare installation and what each entry plan includes before deciding; the cheapest plan is not always the best value.
Can I switch from Cartrack to Netstar?+
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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