GNSS Modules for Tracking Devices

GNSS Modules for Tracking Devices Introduction

GNSS modules has changed the way we connect to technology, these compact devices receive signal from satellites and calculate the time, position and velocity in order to provide geolocation.    When we combine their capabilities to IoT devices they offer numerous applications for wearable devices, drone operations, fleet management, industrial automation and what not, tracking devices is also one of its important aspect.

IoT tracking devices is the booming market and GNSS modules offers accurate location data eliminating the need for cellular networks. In 2025, the demand for low-power, compact, and high-accuracy GNSS modules for IoT tracking is skyrocketing.

But with so many options in the market, which GNSS module should you choose? This guide compares the best IoT GNSS modules for tracking devices in 2025, so you can make an informed decision.

What to Look for in a GNSS Module

– Power Consumption: Essential for battery-powered devices.
Size & Integration: Compact modules are ideal for wearables and asset trackers.
– Accuracy: Multi-constellation (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou) improves positioning.
– Cost: Balance between performance and budget.
– Use Case: Fleet tracking, drones, agriculture, or consumer IoT.

Top 5 IoT GNSS Modules for Tracking Devices in 2025

u-blox NEO-M9N

Features: Multi-band GNSS, 1.5m accuracy, ultra-low power mode.

About u-blox – u-blox is a semiconductor and wireless communications company based in Switzerland. u-blox makes some of the best GNSS modules for the drone and automotive industries.

u-blox’s NEO-M9N is a great choice for drones, automotive navigation, and industrial IoT. It’s compact and performs very well.

Website: https://www.u-blox.com/

Best for: Professional tracking, drones, automotive IoT

Quectel L86

Features: Embedded patch antenna, multi-GNSS, fast time-to-first-fix.

Best for: Wearables, portable IoT devices

About Quectel – Quectel is a China based company. This company is rapidly developing in the field of wireless and IoT modules. Quectel focuses on IoT solutions and low power GNSS modules. For more information visit qucctel official website: https://www.quectel.com/

Telit SE868K5-I

Features: Supports GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS; compact footprint.

Best for: Smart agriculture, telematics

About Telit – Telit Communications has its office in London which is spread on a large scale. Telit Communications makes small chips and modules which are used in mobile and GPS. The modules of Telit Communications are robust, small and inexpensive which keep working for a long time. For more information visit Telit Communication official website: https://www.telit.com/

MediaTek MT3339

Features: Low cost, high sensitivity, single-chip GNSS solution.

Best for: Budget IoT trackers and startups

About Media Tek – MediaTek is a well-known semiconductor company of Taiwan. MediaTek makes chips used in mobile phones and also makes GPS and GNSS models. MediaTek makes such GNSS modules that can give people better performance in a low budget. For more information visit MediaTek official website: https://www.mediatek.com/

STMicroelectronics Teseo-LIV3F

Features: Multi-constellation, low power, integrated RF & baseband.

Best for: Industrial IoT, smart city devices

About STMicroelectronics – STMicroelectronics is a big European company with offices in Italy and Switzerland. STMicroelectronics manufactures various types of electric chips. For more information visit STMicroelectronics official website: https://www.st.com/  

Comparison Table

ModuleAccuracyPower EfficiencySizeBest For
u-blox NEO-M9N~1.5mExcellentSmallDrones, automotive
Quectel L86~2.0mGoodMediumWearables, IoT devices
Telit SE868K5-I~2.0mExcellentSmallAgriculture, telematics
MediaTek MT3339~2.5mGoodSmallBudget IoT, startups
ST Teseo-LIV3F~1.8mVery GoodCompactIndustrial IoT, smart city

Use Cases of IoT GNSS Modules

– Fleet Tracking: Real-time logistics and delivery monitoring.
Smart Agriculture: Precision farming and asset tracking.
– Drones & Robotics: High-accuracy positioning for autonomous systems.
– Wearables: Fitness trackers, smartwatches, health monitoring.
– Smart Cities: Connected vehicles, asset monitoring, public safety.

FAQ – GNSS Modules for Tracking Devices

Which GNSS module is best for IoT in 2025?

u-blox NEO-M9N is the most balanced option for accuracy and low power.

What is the cheapest GNSS module for IoT devices?

MediaTek MT3339 offers affordable GNSS for startups and hobbyists.

Which GNSS module is best for drones?

u-blox NEO-M9N due to its multi-band, multi-constellation accuracy.

Do all GNSS modules support GPS + Galileo + BeiDou?

Not all. High-end modules (u-blox, Telit, STMicro) support multi-constellation; budget ones may not.

Conclusion

Among all above options, the best way to choose your IoT GNSS module completely depends on its application. For illustration you can select MediaTek MT3339 for budget sensitive IoT devices,  Quectel L86 for wearables, ST Teseo-LIV3F is best fit for industrial IoT and u-blox NEO-M9N proves itself on the ground of accuracy & reliability. By aligning the right module with your use case, you can build next-gen IoT tracking devices easily.