Matrix
Beame
R99/month
Head-to-head comparison
Matrix vs Cartrack
Which is better for you, Matrix or Cartrack? We compare prices, installation, contracts, recovery and features side by side.
TrackerPrices SA is an independent comparison site. We are not Matrix or Cartrack 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
Matrix and Cartrack both offer live tracking in an app. Cartrack is usually the better value, with free installation and lower monthly prices for similar features. Matrix stands out with a panic button on Gold and the Beame wireless recovery unit.
Side by side
Matrix vs Cartrack at a glance
| Matrix | Cartrack | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans from | R99/month | R99/month |
| Top plan | R239/month | R199/month |
| Plans in our catalogue | 3 | 4 |
| Installation | Quoted | Free (on contract) / Quoted |
| Contract | 36 months | 36 months |
| Recovery approach | Hardwired GPS/GSM units plus Beame wireless recovery | GPS/GSM, 24/7 control room, strong app |
| Live GPS tracking | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Mobile app access | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Jamming detection | ✓ Yes | – Not listed |
| Tamper / battery-disconnect alerts | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Geofencing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Driver behaviour monitoring | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| Crash / impact detection | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Panic button | ✓ Yes | – Not listed |
| Wireless unit, no wiring into the vehicle | ✓ Yes | – Not listed |
| Multi-vehicle fleet dashboard | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
“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
Matrix and Cartrack both offer live tracking in an app. Cartrack is usually the better value, with free installation and lower monthly prices for similar features. Matrix stands out with a panic button on Gold and the Beame wireless recovery unit.
Choose Matrix if…
- you want a panic button for personal safety (Gold)
- you prefer a large, established telematics group
- you want a hardwired and a wireless option from one brand
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
How Matrix recovers vehicles
Matrix is the consumer tracking brand of MiX Telematics, now part of Powerfleet. Its hardwired Silver and Gold units report their position over GPS/GSM to a 24/7 control room, and Gold adds a panic button and crash detection. Beame, its wireless option, is a recovery unit that helps agents locate a stolen vehicle.
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.
Matrix plans
Cartrack plans
Cartrack
Quick
R99/month
Cartrack
Quick Plus
R149/month
Cartrack
Quick Exec
R199/month
Cartrack
Fleet
Quoted per vehicle
More on each brand: Matrix tracker prices · Cartrack 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, Matrix or Cartrack?+
Matrix and Cartrack both offer live tracking in an app. Cartrack is usually the better value, with free installation and lower monthly prices for similar features. Matrix stands out with a panic button on Gold and the Beame wireless recovery unit.
Which is cheaper, Matrix or Cartrack?+
Matrix and Cartrack start at the same price: Matrix Beame and Cartrack Quick 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 Matrix to Cartrack?+
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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