--- title: "GPS Speed Tracker - All Tracking Features in One App" description: "GPS Speed Tracker. Core speed and trip recording work offline with a usable GPS signal. Free download with an optional PRO subscription or one-time purchase." source: "https://speedometer.app/gps-speed-tracker/" image: "https://speedometer.app/images/features/gps-speed-tracker.jpg" --- # GPS Speed Tracker Recording, saving and basic viewing of trips are free. Detailed route playback and analysis require PRO. PRO unlocks route playback, speed and altitude charts, and detailed trip analysis. Trips saved while PRO stay unlocked if PRO later expires. [![Download on the App Store](/_image/?href=%2F_astro%2FDownload_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US-UK_RGB_blk_092917.CVyK0T4N.svg&w=192&h=64&f=svg)](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id901574501?pt=100782816&ct=web.speedometer.app.feature&mt=8) ![GPS Speedometer's main view with multi-metric live data — speed, max, average, distance, altitude, climb, time, heading — on an iPhone held in a car.](/images/photos/gps-tracker/01-passenger-multi-metric-view.webp) Every metric, every trip — speed, altitude, climb, distance, time, heading. Not just a speedometer. ## Every Metric, Tracked in Real-Time Core speed, units, basic trip statistics, trip saving and basic summaries are free. PRO adds detailed analysis, sharing and other optional features. ### Current Speed GPS speed does not use wheel rotation or a tire-size setting. It still depends on usable location data. ### Max Speed Peak speed recorded during the trip. Reset per session or kept across rides. ### Average Speed Running average across the trip — useful for pacing on long drives, rides, or runs. ### Trip Distance Total distance traveled, calculated from GPS samples. Shown in miles or kilometers. ### Altitude The app can use GPS and the barometer on supported devices for altitude tracking. Results depend on the hardware, signal and conditions. ### Climb / Elevation Gain Total elevation gained over the course of a trip. Useful for cycling, hiking, and trail running. ### Trip Duration Active time on the trip, with stopped time tracked separately. ### G-Force Live G-force uses the device’s motion sensors. Mounting, orientation and movement affect the reading. It is not a calibrated racing-telemetry instrument. Live display is free; detailed saved-trip analysis requires PRO. ## How GPS Speed Tracking Works 1 ### Acquire GPS Signal Allow time for a usable location reading and keep a clear view of the sky. Acquisition time varies with the device and surroundings; there is no fixed waiting time. 2 ### Real-Time Speed Calculation GPS speed does not use wheel rotation or a tire-size setting. It still depends on usable location data. 3 ### Continuous Trip Recording Recording, saving and basic viewing of trips are free. Detailed route playback and analysis require PRO. 4 ### Export & Review PRO unlocks route playback, speed and altitude charts, and detailed trip analysis. Trips saved while PRO stay unlocked if PRO later expires. ![iPhone showing a recorded GPS trip with route map and statistics on a desk next to a laptop displaying the same trip in Strava](/images/photos/gps-tracker/02-trip-review-desk.webp) GPX export. Open the same trip in Strava, RideWithGPS, or any analysis tool. ## Who Uses GPS Speed Tracking ### Drivers - Compare the GPS estimate and the vehicle display under steady, clear-sky conditions. A difference can come from either measurement; it does not by itself identify a fault or prove which instrument is correct. - Use the app as a supplementary speed display while arranging a repair. It does not replace required vehicle equipment; check the rules that apply to your vehicle. - Track road trips with full routes - Road-limit display and manual controls require PRO. Automatic road-data lookup requires internet; a manually selected threshold is a separate setting. Automatic road-limit fallback uses road type and location. Displayed limits can be incomplete or inaccurate; follow posted signs. Offline road-limit packs are not available. A temporary in-memory value is not an offline road database. ### [Cyclists](/cycling-speedometer/) - Road, MTB, gravel, and commuting - Climb and elevation per ride - PRO · GPX export and trip sharing - Works offline on remote trails ### [Motorcyclists](/motorcycle-gps-speedometer/) - Dirt bikes without speedometers - G-Force on track days - Adventure-touring routes & altitude - Vibration-resistant — phone in mount ### Runners & Hikers - Pace, distance, and elevation gain - Trail runs and long hikes - No watch / no Garmin needed - Works without cell service ### [Boaters & Sailors](/boat-speedometer-app/) - Speed in knots - Course over ground from GPS - Trip log with route trace - Works offline on the water ### Public Transit & Travel - Train and bus speed for rail fans - Verify aircraft cruise speed - Long-trip pace tracking - GPS can continue in the background while recording a trip or using Picture-in-Picture. Picture-in-Picture requires PRO. ## How Accurate Is GPS Speed? GPS provides an estimate of speed over ground, independent of wheel size. Signal quality, obstructions, low speed and processing can affect the reading. A fixed percentage error or greater accuracy than another instrument is not guaranteed. ### GPS speed tracking GPS speed does not use wheel rotation or a tire-size setting. It still depends on usable location data. ### What Affects GPS Accuracy GPS provides an estimate of speed over ground, independent of wheel size. Signal quality, obstructions, low speed and processing can affect the reading. A fixed percentage error or greater accuracy than another instrument is not guaranteed. ### GPS speed and its limits GPS provides an estimate of speed over ground, independent of wheel size. Signal quality, obstructions, low speed and processing can affect the reading. A fixed percentage error or greater accuracy than another instrument is not guaranteed. ## Export, Review & Share ### GPX File Export PRO · GPX export and trip sharing ### Trip History Recording, saving and basic viewing of trips are free. Detailed route playback and analysis require PRO. ### Share to Friends PRO · GPX export and trip sharing ### Re-Open in Maps Open the recorded route in Apple Maps or Google Maps for visual review. ## GPS Tracker vs Alternatives | Feature | iPhone GPS Tracker | OBD-II Adapter | Dedicated GPS Unit | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Cost | Free | $30-150 | $100-500+ | | Works on Bicycles & Motorbikes | | | | | Works Without a Vehicle | | | | | Speed Accuracy | Depends on signal and conditions | Vehicle-dependent | Depends on signal and conditions | | Altitude & Climb | | | | | G-Force | | | Sometimes | | Route Recording | Free features | | | | GPX Export | PRO | | Sometimes | | Setup Time | Seconds | Hardware install | Mount + power | **Our Recommendation:** For drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, runners, and hikers, an iPhone GPS tracker covers everything a dedicated unit does — plus altitude, G-Force, and zero setup. OBD-II is great for engine diagnostics but limited for speed tracking. ## GPS Speed Tracker FAQ Core GPS speed tracking and trip recording work without internet, with location permission and a usable GPS signal. Automatic road-speed-limit data and weather need internet. Maps and other connected features may be unavailable offline. Allow time for a usable location reading and keep a clear view of the sky. Acquisition time varies with the device and surroundings; there is no fixed waiting time. Compare the GPS estimate and the vehicle display under steady, clear-sky conditions. A difference can come from either measurement; it does not by itself identify a fault or prove which instrument is correct. Battery use varies with the device, battery health, screen brightness, signal and enabled features. No fixed hourly drain or runtime has been established for the app. For long trips, plan a suitable charger or power bank. GPS can continue in the background while recording a trip or using Picture-in-Picture. Picture-in-Picture requires PRO. Yes. Every recorded trip can be exported as a standard GPX file, which imports into Strava, RideWithGPS, Komoot, Garmin Connect, and most other GPS analysis tools. Live G-force uses the device’s motion sensors. Mounting, orientation and movement affect the reading. It is not a calibrated racing-telemetry instrument. Live display is free; detailed saved-trip analysis requires PRO. Core GPS speed tracking and trip recording work without internet, with location permission and a usable GPS signal. Automatic road-speed-limit data and weather need internet. Maps and other connected features may be unavailable offline. No — GPS requires a clear sky view and won't track indoor activities. For treadmill running, use a dedicated indoor app or your iPhone's built-in fitness tracking. ## Track Every Metric, Every Trip Free download with core GPS tracking. The optional PRO upgrade unlocks advanced tracking and customization. ![Speedometer App QR Code](/_image/?href=%2F_astro%2Fqr-code-acquisition.CL72vcG5.png&w=640&h=640&q=85&f=webp) [![Download on the App Store](/_image/?href=%2F_astro%2FDownload_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US-UK_RGB_blk_092917.CVyK0T4N.svg&w=192&h=64&f=svg)](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id901574501?pt=100782816&ct=web.speedometer.app.feature&mt=8) For drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, runners, hikers, and boaters