South Africa's two longest-running tracking companies, put head to head. Here's how Tracker and Netstar actually differ on recovery focus, technology, pricing and installation, so you can request quotes from the one that fits your vehicle.
Ask most South Africans to name a vehicle tracking company and you'll usually hear one of these two. Both have been around long enough to earn that reputation, but they got there in different ways.
All prices shown include VAT and are provided for transparent, convenient comparison. Once you select a package or submit an enquiry, the relevant product provider may contact you directly to assist with your selection, pricing, and activation.
Both cover the fundamentals you'd expect from a serious vehicle tracker. Where they split is emphasis — one leans toward recovery, the other toward the technology around it.
| Feature | Tracker | Netstar |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time tracking | Available on premium plans | Available on all plans |
| Stolen vehicle recovery | Dedicated recovery teams, recovery-focused | Standard recovery services |
| 24/7 control room | Dedicated recovery teams | Integrated monitoring centre |
| Mobile app | Basic functionality | Advanced app, more features |
| Driver behaviour monitoring | Limited to premium plans | Comprehensive on most plans |
| Geo-fencing | Available | Advanced zone management |
| Jamming detection | Standard on most units | Advanced detection technology |
| Battery backup | Standard | Extended battery options |
| Insurance integration | Direct partnerships | Comprehensive API integration |
Both send certified installers to you nationwide, and support runs around the clock on either side — but how each goes about it differs slightly.
Standard fitment takes about 1–2 hours, with an emphasis on concealed placement for security and a few device-placement options to choose from. Installation typically runs R1,500–R2,000, often waived on a longer contract. Support is built around recovery-focused teams, with app support response generally within 2 hours and dedicated claims assistance.
Fitment is also typically 1–2 hours, with more emphasis on accessibility for future maintenance and an advanced diagnostic check during the install. Installation typically runs R1,200–R2,000, sometimes discounted. Support includes faster general technical response times, an online customer portal, and a comprehensive knowledge base alongside the standard app support.
See our installation guide for what to expect on the day, whichever provider you choose.
Lining up each provider's entry, mid and premium tiers so you can see roughly what each level of feature buys you.
| Tier | Tracker Plan | Netstar Plan | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Retrieve+ — R99/month | STARTag — R89/month | Basic stolen vehicle recovery, 24/7 monitoring, no/limited app access |
| Mid | Protect — R179/month | Plus — R149/month | Real-time tracking, movement notifications, mobile app, geofencing |
| Premium | Skytrax — R289/month | Platinum — R249/month | Driver behaviour monitoring, crash/tow alerts, advanced history, priority response |
All prices shown include VAT and are provided for transparent, convenient comparison. Once you select a package or submit an enquiry, the relevant product provider may contact you directly to assist with your selection, pricing, and activation.
Both do the job well. Which one fits comes down to what you're optimising for.
Getting your car back after theft is the whole point, and you'd rather have a proven, recovery-focused team than a feature-heavy app. Individual owners who mainly want theft protection, with insurance in mind, tend to land here. See our stolen vehicle recovery page for more on what recovery-first cover involves.
You want the technology on top of the security basics — a fuller app, driver behaviour monitoring, and reporting that's useful beyond just recovery. Businesses running more than one vehicle, or anyone who wants to dig into the data, usually get more out of this side. See our fleet tracking page if that's your use case.
There's no single "winner" here, just different priorities — both have operated in South Africa long enough to have earned their reputations. If you're insurance-driven, our insurance-approved tracker guide is worth a look too.
Quick answers to what people usually ask before choosing between these two.
Both run dedicated 24/7 recovery operations with decades of track record in South Africa. Tracker has built its whole reputation around recovery specifically, while Netstar pairs recovery with a broader telematics platform. Confirm current recovery statistics and coverage directly with each provider, as they are updated regularly.
Entry-level plans from both sit close together, generally in the R89–R99/month range, with mid-tier and premium plans climbing from there depending on features like real-time tracking, driver behaviour monitoring, and fleet tools. Installation fees are typically similar too. Get a like-for-like quote from both before deciding on price alone.
Both are widely recognised by South African insurers and commonly appear on approved-device lists, which can qualify you for a premium discount. Always confirm the specific device and installation type with your insurer before signing up.
Yes, though you'll typically need to work through your existing contract term first and arrange a new installation with the new provider. See our switching providers guide for what that process usually involves.
See how Tracker and Netstar stack up against other major South African providers.
Bring a third major provider into the comparison to see how Cartrack's pricing and features measure up against these two.
Compare all threeA wider four-way comparison that adds Matrix's wireless Beame recovery device into the mix.
See the four-way comparisonIf stolen vehicle recovery is your main priority, this looks specifically at how recovery-focused features compare across providers.
Compare recovery ratesWhether Tracker's recovery focus or Netstar's fuller tech platform sounds like the better fit, get a real quote and compare it against the rest of the market before deciding.