Head-to-head comparison

Matrix vs Netstar

Which is better for you, Matrix or Netstar? We compare prices, installation, contracts, recovery and features side by side.

Tracker Prices SA is an independent comparison site. We are not Matrix 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

Matrix and Netstar both offer a cheap wireless option (Beame and STARtag) and hardwired live-tracking plans. Netstar adds jamming detection on its mid and premium plans; Matrix Gold adds a panic button. Compare the specific plans side by side below.

Side by side

Matrix vs Netstar at a glance

MatrixNetstar
Plans fromR99/monthR89/month
Top planR299/monthR249/month
Plans in our catalogue33
InstallationQuotedNone needed / Quoted
Contract36 months36 months
Recovery approachHardwired GPS/GSM units plus Beame wireless recoveryGPS/GSM with jamming detection, 24/7 monitoring
Live GPS tracking✓ Yes✓ Yes
Mobile app access✓ Yes✓ Yes
Jamming detection✓ Yes✓ Yes
Tamper / battery-disconnect alerts– Not listed✓ Yes
Geofencing– Not listed✓ Yes
Driver behaviour monitoring✓ Yes✓ Yes
Crash / impact detection✓ Yes✓ Yes
Panic button✓ Yes– Not listed
Wireless unit, no wiring into the vehicle✓ Yes✓ 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 Netstar both offer a cheap wireless option (Beame and STARtag) and hardwired live-tracking plans. Netstar adds jamming detection on its mid and premium plans; Matrix Gold adds a panic button. Compare the specific plans side by side below.

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 Netstar if…

  • you worry about jammers used by hijacking syndicates
  • you want the lowest monthly price (STARtag)
  • you want crash detection

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 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.

Matrix plans

Netstar plans

NetstarBasic

STARtag

R89/month
No installation needed · 36-month contract
  • Stolen vehicle recovery
  • 24/7 monitoring centre
  • Wireless unit, no wiring into the vehicle
NetstarMid-range

Plus

R169/month
Installation quoted by provider · 36-month contract
  • Stolen vehicle recovery
  • 24/7 monitoring centre
  • Live GPS tracking
  • Mobile app access
  • + 3 more features
NetstarPremium

Platinum

R249/month
Installation quoted by provider · 36-month contract
  • Stolen vehicle recovery
  • 24/7 monitoring centre
  • Live GPS tracking
  • Mobile app access
  • + 5 more features

More on each brand: Matrix tracker prices · Netstar prices 2026 · All brands

New · Matrix Vision dashcams

Every trip on camera. Every driver protected.

Road-facing ADAS and in-cab AI cameras in one 4G-connected unit, data bundle included. Collision, tailgating and rollover warnings, phone-use and drowsiness alerts, live streaming with push-to-talk, and privacy blurring, all from one platform.

Prices incl. VAT. Data bundle limits apply. Not ideal for long-haul night-time operation.

Matrix Vision dual dashcam
Top pick · Matrix Beame

Insurer-approved theft recovery from R99/month

A small wireless unit hidden in your car in minutes, with no wiring into its electronics and a battery that lasts up to three years. Approved by major insurers, with jamming detection and 24/7 recovery.

  • R99per month, VAT incl.
  • 3 yrsbattery life
  • 0wires into your car
FAQ

Common Questions

Which is better, Matrix or Netstar?+

Matrix and Netstar both offer a cheap wireless option (Beame and STARtag) and hardwired live-tracking plans. Netstar adds jamming detection on its mid and premium plans; Matrix Gold adds a panic button. Compare the specific plans side by side below.

Which is cheaper, Matrix or Netstar?+

See the side-by-side table on this page for the starting price of each brand in our catalogue. Compare the full contract cost, including installation, before deciding.

Can I switch from Matrix 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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