UK tracker brands compared: choosing the tracker layer

The short answer: every mainstream UK tracker brand now offers Thatcham S5 and S7 models, so the real differences are how each recognises the driver, whether immobilisation is built in, who monitors it and what the subscription costs. This comparison sets out what each manufacturer states, so you can pick a tracker layer that fits your immobiliser layer.

What sets each brand apart

ScorpionTrack is designed and built in the UK, according to Scorpion Automotive, and publishes clear prices: plans of £139, £155 and £189 a year for S7, S5 and S5+.

Meta Trak comes from the Metasystem group and covers cars, caravans and motorcycles, including a Category S7 motorcycle tracker with a Category 2-1 alarm.

Vodafone Automotive uses a driver card rather than a key-ring tag, with an internal backup battery and roaming across over 360 GSM networks.

Trackstar is part of Teletrac Navman and states it is the only stolen vehicle tracker approved by BMW, Jaguar, Range Rover and Land Rover. That is the maker's claim.

SmarTrack and Global Telemetrics are one group based in Coalville, Leicestershire, offering a rechargeable Bluetooth tag, a credit-card detector or phone-based recognition.

Tracker adds VHF and mesh location alongside GPS and GSM, and says its VHF tracking is not affected by criminals' GPS and GSM jammers.

Brands that are not Thatcham trackers

Pandora systems are app-controlled alarm and immobiliser units with their own GPS, but we found no Thatcham certification or monitoring centre, so they are not a substitute for an S5 or S7 tracker. Read more in our app immobiliser guide.

Fleet trackers are a separate job

Fleet telematics, such as Teletrac Navman's business platform or Vodafone's NavTrak unit, focuses on routes, driver behaviour and running costs. Those features rarely carry a Thatcham theft category. For vans that need recovery support, many operators fit a Thatcham S7 tracker alongside or instead. Our fleet van tracking service covers both needs.

Choosing the tracker for your dual layer set-up

• If you will fit a Ghost, a plain S5 or S7 tracker avoids paying twice for immobilisation.
• If you want one box, an S5 with built-in immobilisation (ScorpionTrack S5+, Meta Trak Deadlock, SmarTrack S5+ iMOB) is simpler.
• If you travel in Europe, check the coverage list; Vodafone Automotive names 45 countries.
• Whatever you choose, confirm your insurer accepts that exact product.

Common questions