There are a few different technologies to consider when looking at smart gps luggage trackers and they are:

GPS

Mobile networks (GSM)

Most gps luggage trackers use one or two of these technologies and they each have their pros and cons.

Let’s take a look at each one so you know what to be on the lookout for.

GPS Luggage Trackers

GPS luggage trackers might seem one of the best options because they include a GPS chip and can be tracked anywhere in the world.

GPS works almost anywhere and is incredibly accurate, but it does have a downside – it can be blocked quite easily by natural objects (trees, mountains etc) and also by buildings.

And this is where the major disadvantage of gps luggage trackers comes in…

When you need your tracker to work you are probably standing in the airport terminal wondering where your luggage is.

So, you are in a building. And, unfortunately, you might not be able to track your luggage because of poor GPS coverage!

The upside is that GPS is not dependent on any local technology (ie. whether your tracker works in the country you are in) or on proximity (like with Bluetooth – more on that below).

Mobile/GSM Luggage Trackers

Mobile or GSM luggage trackers get around the GPS coverage problem by using the local mobile network to help track your luggage.

The same way the FBI can pinpoint a criminal via cell towers (triangulation), these devices can be found when they are in the range of mobile towers.

And, it will work inside the airport terminal – just like your phone does!

The downside is that the country you are in has to support the SIM chip in the device (usually a GSM-based chip).