We get this question a lot from people who've already ruled out a permanent hardwired install: "Should I get the portable one or the plug-in one?" Here's how to actually decide between the GL320MG and the GV500MA.
GL320MG - Portable, magnetic, go-anywhere
The GL320MG runs on its own rechargeable battery and attaches magnetically to a vehicle, a piece of equipment, or even inside a bag.
Best for:
- Checking on a family member's driving without installing anything permanent
- Vehicles you don't own or can't wire into (rentals, borrowed cars, a teen's car titled elsewhere)
- Non-vehicle uses - equipment, trailers, luggage, anything you want to locate without wiring
- Situations that might change soon, where you don't want to commit to a permanent install
Trade-off: battery life. Depending on how often it reports, expect to recharge every several days to a couple of weeks.
GV500MA - OBD2, plug-and-play
The GV500MA plugs directly into your vehicle's OBD-II port - the same port mechanics use for diagnostics.
Best for:
- Vehicles you own or lease and don't want to modify permanently
- Fast install without any wiring knowledge - plug in, done
- Moving a tracker between a small number of vehicles regularly
- Continuous power - no battery to manage, since it draws from the vehicle
Trade-off: it's visible to anyone who looks under the dash, and can be unplugged by someone who knows where to look - not ideal if theft-deterrence from a determined thief is the main goal.
Quick decision guide
| If you need... | Choose |
|---|---|
| To track something that isn't a vehicle (equipment, bags) | GL320MG (portable) |
| To move the tracker between vehicles you don't own | GL320MG (portable) |
| Zero battery management, plug-and-forget | GV500MA (OBD2) |
| The fastest possible install on your own vehicle | GV500MA (OBD2) |
| Maximum discretion / anti-theft | Neither - see our hardwired GV53MG instead |
Bottom line
Both are non-permanent, no-wiring options - the real decision point is battery vs. plug-in power, and whether what you're tracking is a vehicle you can plug into at all. If you're still weighing a fully hardwired install against either of these, our earlier hardwired vs. portable comparison covers that angle too.
Shop the GL320MG: https://spy-spot.com/products/gpstracker-gl320mg-realtime-gps-spyspotgps
Shop the GV500MA: https://spy-spot.com/products/new-4g-obd-gps-tracker-obd-ii-gps-vehicle-tracking-device
Also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/spyspot
