Short answer. For a vehicle tracker on a normal 4G network, start with an LTE Cat 1 bis module (EC200U or EG915U). Look at the BG95 when battery life matters more than data speed and your operator supports LTE-M or NB-IoT. Then check bands, GNSS and certification for the exact ordering code. Do not pick a module from a family name alone.
What a GPS tracker needs from its cellular module
A tracker works out its position from satellites and sends small messages to a server. It does not need high speed. It needs a network it can attach to on your routes, low power use, a stable connection, and a position fix that does not take long. Those needs, not peak speed, should drive the choice of module.
The three module families compared
| Question | Quectel EC200U | Quectel EG915U | Quectel BG95 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network type | LTE Cat 1 bis | LTE Cat 1 bis, with GSM/GPRS fallback | LTE Cat M1, LTE Cat NB2 and EGPRS |
| LTE speed | Check the datasheet for your variant | LTE-FDD up to 10 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up; GSM up to 85.6 kbps | Low-power, low-rate design: check the datasheet |
| Size and package | Check the datasheet for your variant | 23.6 × 19.9 × 2.4 mm, LGA | Check the datasheet for your variant |
| GNSS | Depends on the variant | Not listed as a feature on Quectel's page; a separate GNSS receiver is needed if you want satellite positioning | Quectel lists GNSS for the BG95 series |
| Typical fit | Mains or vehicle-powered 4G trackers | Vehicle trackers that want 2G fallback where 4G is weak | Battery-powered asset trackers on LTE-M or NB-IoT networks |
Only the EG915U figures above were checked against Quectel's product page for this article. For the EC200U and BG95, read the current datasheet for the exact variant you plan to order, because speeds, bands and GNSS differ between variants.
LTE Cat 1 bis or Cat M1: the main decision
Cat 1 bis modules (EC200U, EG915U) use the ordinary 4G network that mobile phones use, so any operator with 4G coverage works. Cat M1 and NB-IoT (BG95) use separate low-power networks. They can save battery, but they only work where the operator has switched on LTE-M or NB-IoT. For a vehicle tracker that has power from the vehicle, a Cat 1 bis module is the simpler path in most cases. For a sealed tracker running on a battery for months, a Cat M1 or NB-IoT module is worth checking, after you confirm operator support on your routes.
Bands and certification for India
Quectel lists the EG915U-CN variant for China and India, with LTE-FDD bands B1/3/5/8, LTE-TDD bands B34/38/39/40/41 and GSM bands B3/8. Quectel notes that band and certification details should be confirmed for the exact ordering code before deployment. The same applies to every module here: confirm that the variant covers the bands your operators use in India, and check what approvals the product needs before you sell it.
GNSS: built in or separate
Some modules include a satellite receiver and some do not. Quectel's EG915U page does not list GNSS as a feature and says a separate GNSS receiver is needed when satellite positioning is required. Plan for a separate receiver and antenna in that case, or choose a variant that includes GNSS. This changes board space, cost and antenna layout, so decide it early.
What to check before you choose
- Bands for your country. Match the module variant to the operators and frequencies where the tracker will run.
- GNSS. Built in, or a separate receiver and antenna.
- 2G fallback. Useful where 4G is weak, but 2G networks are being switched off in many countries. See our 4G vs 2G GPS tracker guide.
- Power use. Sleep current and wake time matter more than peak current for a tracker that reports every few minutes.
- Size and package. LGA and LCC packages need different board layouts.
- Supply and lifetime. Check availability for your volume and how long the part will be sold.
- Firmware support. Confirm which AT commands, SDK and over-the-air update options the module offers.
How Inurum can help
Inurum designs the PCB and firmware for connected products, including cellular trackers. If you are choosing a module for a new product, see our embedded firmware development and PCB design services, or read our article on the Quectel BG95 for IoT applications.
Frequently asked questions
Which Quectel module is best for a 4G GPS tracker?
There is no single best module. For a vehicle tracker that sends small position messages on a 4G network, LTE Cat 1 bis modules such as the Quectel EC200U and EG915U are a common starting point, because they offer LTE speeds of up to 10 Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink and the EG915U adds GSM/GPRS fallback. The right choice depends on the bands for your country, whether the module includes GNSS, size, power budget and price.
Is the Quectel BG95 good for a vehicle GPS tracker?
The BG95 is built for low-power networks (LTE Cat M1, NB-IoT and EGPRS) and is often used for battery-powered asset trackers. Whether it suits a vehicle tracker in India depends on whether your operators support LTE-M or NB-IoT where you operate. Check this with the operator before you design around it.
Does the Quectel EG915U support GNSS?
Quectel's EG915U page does not list GNSS as a feature and says a separate GNSS receiver is needed when satellite positioning is required. Always confirm this for the exact ordering code in the module's datasheet.
Which EG915U variant is meant for India?
Quectel lists the EG915U-CN for China and India, with LTE-FDD bands B1/3/5/8, LTE-TDD bands B34/38/39/40/41 and GSM bands B3/8. Confirm the bands and certification for your exact ordering code before you commit to a design.
Sources
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