"Tracker" is one of South Africa's longest-running vehicle tracking brands, built around VHF recovery technology and a nationwide monitoring network. Here's what its plans actually include, what they tend to cost, and how the brand stacks up against the rest of the market.
Tracker is one of South Africa's original vehicle tracking companies, having launched its recovery service in the mid-1990s. Its core pitch has stayed consistent for three decades: combine GPS location data with VHF (very-high-frequency) radio signals so a stolen vehicle can still be located even if a thief blocks or jams a standard GPS or cellular signal.
Rather than only selling a device, Tracker sells access to a 24/7 monitoring centre and a network of recovery vehicles fitted with direction-finding equipment. When a theft alert is confirmed, that network — not the vehicle owner — is what actually goes looking for the car.
Tracker structures its offering into four broad tiers, moving from basic post-theft recovery up to full driver and fleet-style monitoring. Use these as a general guide only — always confirm the current price and inclusions directly with the provider before signing anything.
| Tier | Indicative Monthly Price | Focus | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (recovery-focused) | From around R99/month | VHF-based recovery, 24/7 monitoring | Budget-conscious owners, older vehicles |
| Mid-tier (real-time tracking) | Around R179/month | Real-time-ish location, movement alerts | Everyday family vehicles |
| Advanced tier | Around R289/month | Driver behaviour monitoring, geofencing | Higher-value vehicles, business use |
| Top tier | Around R339/month | Full feature set, crash notification | High-value vehicles, small fleets |
All prices shown include VAT and are provided for transparent, convenient comparison. Once you select a package or submit an enquiry, the relevant product provider may contact you directly to assist with your selection, pricing, and activation.
Tracker's signature feature is combining GPS with VHF radio signals. VHF can penetrate buildings, shipping containers and other obstacles that block GPS or cellular signals, which the brand positions as an advantage against thieves using signal jammers or Faraday bags.
A confirmed theft alert is handed to a recovery team using direction-finding equipment to home in on the VHF signal, working alongside South African Police Service (SAPS) processes rather than in place of them.
Alerts are verified by a staffed monitoring centre before a recovery response is dispatched — reducing false alarms and confirming a theft has actually occurred before deploying resources.
Tracker is generally recognised by major South African short-term insurers, and an installed device can qualify a policy for a premium discount — though the exact percentage is set by the insurer, not by Tracker.
All prices shown include VAT and are provided for transparent, convenient comparison. Once you select a package or submit an enquiry, the relevant product provider may contact you directly to assist with your selection, pricing, and activation.
Common questions South African drivers ask about the Tracker brand specifically.
Tracker's main differentiator is its VHF radio technology layered on top of standard GPS, plus a long-established, dedicated recovery-vehicle network. Other providers, such as Netstar and Cartrack, generally rely more heavily on GPS and cellular data alone.
Tracker publishes case examples of cross-border recoveries in neighbouring countries, citing relationships with regional law-enforcement agencies. Cross-border recovery is inherently harder than a domestic one, so treat any specific figure as a provider claim rather than a guarantee.
Yes. Tracker devices are fitted by certified technicians rather than self-installed, since the unit connects into the vehicle's electrical system. Expect installation to take a few hours, with a cost that varies by vehicle and any current promotion — confirm it directly with the provider.
No. Tracker Prices SA is an independent comparison service that helps drivers compare Tracker's offering against Cartrack, Netstar, Matrix Vehicle Tracking and other providers. We are not affiliated with, and cannot speak on behalf of, the Tracker brand itself.
A direct head-to-head between South Africa's two longest-running tracking companies.
Read the comparison →The same style of pricing breakdown, for Tracker's closest long-standing rival.
Read more →How monthly, quarterly and annual billing actually works across providers, including Tracker.
Read more →Weighing the monthly cost of any tracker against recovery odds and insurance savings.
Read more →See how Tracker's plans stack up against the rest of the market before you commit to a contract.