Matrix
Beame
R99/month
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.
TrackerPrices 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
| Matrix | Netstar | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans from | R99/month | R89/month |
| Top plan | R239/month | R249/month |
| Plans in our catalogue | 3 | 3 |
| Installation | Quoted | None needed / Quoted |
| Contract | 36 months | 36 months |
| Recovery approach | Hardwired GPS/GSM units plus Beame wireless recovery | GPS/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 | ✓ 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 | ✓ 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
More on each brand: Matrix tracker prices · 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, 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?+
Netstar is cheaper to start: Netstar STARtag is R89 a month, against R99 for Matrix Beame, 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 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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