Matrix
Beame
R99/month
Head-to-head comparison
Matrix vs Tracker
Which is better for you, Matrix or Tracker? We compare prices, installation, contracts, recovery and features side by side.
TrackerPrices SA is an independent comparison site. We are not Matrix or Tracker 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 Tracker both have long histories in South Africa. Tracker wins on recovery reliability, with VHF radio backup and free installation. Matrix offers a panic button and crash detection on Gold, and a wireless option in Beame, but its hardwired plans cost more and installation is quoted.
Side by side
Matrix vs Tracker at a glance
| Matrix | Tracker | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans from | R99/month | R99/month |
| Top plan | R239/month | R289/month |
| Plans in our catalogue | 3 | 3 |
| Installation | Quoted | Free (on contract) |
| Contract | 36 months | 36 months |
| Recovery approach | Hardwired GPS/GSM units plus Beame wireless recovery | GPS + VHF radio network, 24/7 control room |
| Live GPS tracking | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Mobile app access | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| VHF radio recovery (jammer-resistant) | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| Jamming detection | ✓ Yes | – Not listed |
| Tamper / battery-disconnect alerts | ✓ Yes | – Not listed |
| Geofencing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Driver behaviour monitoring | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| Crash / impact detection | ✓ Yes | – Not listed |
| Panic button | ✓ Yes | – Not listed |
| Wireless unit, no wiring into the vehicle | ✓ 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
Matrix and Tracker both have long histories in South Africa. Tracker wins on recovery reliability, with VHF radio backup and free installation. Matrix offers a panic button and crash detection on Gold, and a wireless option in Beame, but its hardwired plans cost more and installation is quoted.
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 Tracker if…
- recovery is your top priority and you want radio backup against jammers
- you drive a high-risk bakkie or SUV
- you want free installation
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 Tracker recovers vehicles
Tracker combines GPS/GSM positioning with its own VHF radio network. When a vehicle is reported stolen, the control room activates the unit and recovery teams, often working with SAPS, home in on its radio signal. VHF keeps working when GPS and cellphone signals are jammed or blocked, for example in underground parking or inside a container.
Matrix plans
Tracker plans
More on each brand: Matrix tracker prices · Tracker plans & prices · 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 Tracker?+
Matrix and Tracker both have long histories in South Africa. Tracker wins on recovery reliability, with VHF radio backup and free installation. Matrix offers a panic button and crash detection on Gold, and a wireless option in Beame, but its hardwired plans cost more and installation is quoted.
Which is cheaper, Matrix or Tracker?+
Matrix and Tracker start at the same price: Matrix Beame and Tracker Retrieve+ 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 Tracker?+
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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