Which tracker do I need? A straight answer to S5 vs S7 & Sentinel vs iTrack

With several tracker ranges to choose from, it's easy to end up more confused after researching than before. This guide cuts straight to the answer, based on what your insurer requires and what you actually need the tracker to do.

Start here: What does your insurer actually require? 

Choosing the right Thatcham‑approved tracker is critical. Category S7 offers strong baseline security, while Category S5 adds Automatic Driver Recognition and is insurer-preferred. If you want to upgrade your S5 device to include immobilisation and anti‑relay and key‑cloning defences, you can. Below, we compare all of your S5 and S7 options to help you decide what vehicle security is right for you.

If your renewal letter or insurer has specified a category (S5, S7, Category 1, or Category 2), that's your starting point: it narrows the choice immediately. Look for wording like "Thatcham Category S5 tracking device required" and match it against the table below. If you haven't been given a specific requirement, skip to the next section.

S5 vs S7: What's the real difference?

Think of S5 as the higher security tier and S7 as the standard tier:

• S5 Tracker: Devices are typically specified for higher-value vehicles, or where an insurer wants an added layer of verification alongside tracking.
  
• S7 Tracker: Devices cover standard tracking requirements for the vast majority of everyday cars, vans, motorhomes and caravans.
  
• S5 Plus (Ultimate): Everything the S5 has to offer plus remote immobilisation so no unauthorised individual can drive away in your prized possession.

In practical, day-to-day use, both give you live location tracking, theft alerts, and 24/7 monitoring: the difference is mainly about which one your insurer will formally recognise for your specific vehicle and policy.

iTrack vs Sentinel: tracker-only vs tracker-plus-alarm

This is the distinction that trips up most people, because it's rarely explained clearly:

iTrack is our tracking-focused range. It tells you and our monitoring centre exactly where your vehicle is, and alerts you to unauthorised movement.

Sentinel builds on that with an integrated Category 1 alarm system, meaning it doesn't just track the vehicle after it moves, it actively tries to prevent unauthorised entry in the first place.

If your insurer requires Category 1 (tracker + alarm), you need a Sentinel product, not an iTrack one. If they only require tracking, iTrack will meet that requirement at a lower cost.

Full comparison

Three common situations, and what we'd recommend

"My insurer wants Category 1 for my £40,000 motorhome."
You need a Sentinel product (tracker + alarm). Sentinel S5 or Sentinel Ultimate, depending on whether remote immobilisation is also specified.

"I just want tracking - no alarm, no fuss."
iTrack S7 covers standard tracking requirements without the added alarm system, at a lower cost than the Sentinel range.

"I don't want an ongoing subscription."
Mi01 Sentry or Mi01 All-Inclusive are built for exactly this: one upfront cost (or fixed 3-year plan), no recurring monitoring fee.

Standard Security with S7

The S7 tracker provides all core theft‑recovery tools: real‑time GPS, motion/tow alerts, tamper detection, and 24/7 Control Room monitoring. Making it suitable for most cars and leisure vehicles.

Enhanced Protection with S5

Automatic Driver Recognition pairs your vehicle’s ignition system with a personal fob. If the vehicle is started without the fob present, our team are alerted so we can call you as soon as possible so you can alert the police.

Ultimate Defence with S5 Plus

The S5 Ultimate adds remote immobilisation so thieves can’t start your vehicle's ignition, stopping them in their tracks. Similarly to the S5, you're alerted by our team and prompted to call the police.

Cost vs. Coverage

• S7: most cost‑effective for standard vehicles.
• S5: mid‑tier price for premium vehicles and relay‑crime protection.
• Ultimate: top‑tier investment where the highest‑level security is non‑negotiable.

Conclusion – Match Tracker to Risk Profile

• Budget‑conscious: iTrack S7 hits insurer requirements at the lowest cost.
• High‑value vehicles: iTrack S5 is insurer preferred because it offers proven recovery rates and ADR.
• Critical assets: iTrack Ultimate delivers maximum theft deterrence with immobilisation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an alarm as well as a tracker?
Only if your insurer specifically requires Category 1 cover, or if you simply want the added protection of an alarm actively deterring entry, not just tracking movement after the fact.

Can I upgrade from iTrack to Sentinel later?
In most cases, yes: speak to our team about adding alarm functionality to an existing iTrack installation rather than starting from scratch.

Is the S5 Ultimate the same as Sentinel Ultimate?
No. iTrack S5 Ultimate is a tracking-and-immobilisation device without an alarm. Sentinel Ultimate includes all of that plus a Category 1 alarm system.

What's the difference between Mi01 and the S5/S7 range?
Mi01 products are designed for owners who want tracking without an ongoing monthly subscription. The S5/S7 range (iTrack and Sentinel) includes 24/7 monitoring as part of an active subscription.

Ready to choose?

🔗 Explore our full tracker range or call our team on 0161 757 0550 and we can usually confirm the right tracker for your policy in one call.