Tracker
Retrieve+
R99/month
Head-to-head comparison
Tracker vs Cartrack
Which is better for you, Tracker or Cartrack? We compare prices, installation, contracts, recovery and features side by side.
TrackerPrices SA is an independent comparison site. We are not Tracker 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
Tracker and Cartrack are two of the biggest names in South African vehicle tracking, and they are built differently. Tracker’s advantage is its VHF radio network, which keeps working when GPS and cellphone signals are jammed. Cartrack’s advantage is its app: live tracking on every private plan, with driver-behaviour and crash features on higher plans. Both offer free installation on a 36-month contract.
Side by side
Tracker vs Cartrack at a glance
| Tracker | Cartrack | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans from | R99/month | R99/month |
| Top plan | R289/month | R199/month |
| Plans in our catalogue | 3 | 4 |
| Installation | Free (on contract) | Free (on contract) / Quoted |
| Contract | 36 months | 36 months |
| Recovery approach | GPS + VHF radio network, 24/7 control room | GPS/GSM, 24/7 control room, strong app |
| Live GPS tracking | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Mobile app access | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| VHF radio recovery (jammer-resistant) | ✓ Yes | – Not listed |
| Tamper / battery-disconnect alerts | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| Geofencing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Driver behaviour monitoring | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Crash / impact detection | – Not listed | ✓ Yes |
| 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
Tracker and Cartrack are two of the biggest names in South African vehicle tracking, and they are built differently. Tracker’s advantage is its VHF radio network, which keeps working when GPS and cellphone signals are jammed. Cartrack’s advantage is its app: live tracking on every private plan, with driver-behaviour and crash features on higher plans. Both offer free installation on a 36-month contract.
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
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 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.
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.
Tracker 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: Tracker plans & 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, Tracker or Cartrack?+
Tracker and Cartrack are two of the biggest names in South African vehicle tracking, and they are built differently. Tracker’s advantage is its VHF radio network, which keeps working when GPS and cellphone signals are jammed. Cartrack’s advantage is its app: live tracking on every private plan, with driver-behaviour and crash features on higher plans. Both offer free installation on a 36-month contract.
Which is cheaper, Tracker or Cartrack?+
Tracker and Cartrack start at the same price: Tracker Retrieve+ 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 Tracker 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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