Mileage Ace Mileage Tracker Review & Alternative: Best GPS Logger?

Tracking your business miles might sound boring, but it's one of the easiest ways to slash your tax bill. At 70 cents per mile, someone in the 37% tax bracket who drives 10,000 business miles annually could save over $2,500 on their taxes. That's real money staying in your pocket instead of going to the IRS.

We tested the Mileage Ace mileage tracker to see if this automatic device lives up to its promises. As a company that's helped small businesses stay audit-compliant for nearly 20 years, Shoeboxed know what works and what doesn't when it comes to mileage tracking.

Our verdict? This device does what it claims but comes with monthly fees that add up fast. We'll break down the good, the bad, and share a free alternative that might work better for your business.

The tracker plugs into your car and automatically records every trip with GPS accuracy. It uploads data through WiFi when you park at home or the office. No apps to remember, no manual entry required.

Bottom Line

The Mileage Ace delivers accurate mileage logs without the hassle, but the ongoing subscription costs make it expensive over time.

For businesses that need completely hands-off tracking and don't mind paying monthly fees, it's a solid choice.

Ready to automate your mileage tracking? Click here to see the latest price on the Mileage Ace.

Tracking Mileage Can Save You Thousands On Your Tax Bill

Most small business owners miss out on thousands in tax savings every year simply because they don't track their business miles. With the 2025 IRS mileage rate at 70 cents per mile, those quick trips to clients and suppliers add up fast.

The Mileage Ace makes capturing every deductible mile simple. We tested it for several weeks and found it automatically logs every trip with accurate locations and distances. The device turns on when you start your car and uploads data when you park at home or the office.

The GPS tracking creates audit-compliant logs that include trip paths, dates, and times. This level of detail protects you if the IRS ever questions your deductions.

The monthly fee might seem annoying at first, but consider this: if you drive a few hundred business miles per month, your tax deduction covers the subscription cost and puts money back in your pocket.

Overview: Mileage Ace - A GPS Mileage Tracker You Can Trust

After years of fumbling with phone apps that forget to start or drain batteries, we finally tested a device that just works.

The Mileage Ace sits in your car and tracks every mile without any input from you. It turns on when you start the engine and uploads trip data automatically when you park near your WiFi network. We found the GPS accuracy impressive - it matched our odometer within a few tenths of a mile on most trips.

What Works Well:

• Set-and-forget operation
• Detailed trip reports with addresses and routes
• Works even when your phone dies or you forget it

The Reality Check: The monthly fee adds up fast at ~$14 per month when paid annually. That's nearly $170 per year for mileage tracking. Some users report missing trips, which defeats the purpose of automation.

We like that it removes human error from mileage logging. But the ongoing cost makes sense mainly for heavy business drivers who need rock-solid audit protection.

Great GPS Accuracy

Nothing ruins a tax deduction like sketchy location data that makes your business trip look like you drove through someone's backyard.

We tested the Mileage Ace's GPS tracking over several weeks of real business driving. The device consistently captured our actual routes with solid precision. It recorded accurate start and end points for trips, which matters when the IRS wants to see where you actually went. The GPS paths showed up correctly on maps without the weird zigzag patterns we've seen with cheaper phone apps.

One user mentioned the device has been reliable for years, while another noted it doesn't always catch every single trip. We found the GPS itself works well, but occasional missed trips seem more related to the device not always powering on rather than GPS problems.

The verdict: The GPS accuracy is dependable enough for tax compliance. You'll get clean, audit-ready location data that won't raise eyebrows. Just double-check your logs monthly since no automatic tracker is perfect.

Easy WiFi Uploading

Gone are the days of scrambling to sync your tracker data before tax season hits. The WiFi M2 handles uploads automatically from your car without any button pushing or app opening required.

We tested this feature during our daily commute routine. The tracker connects to available WiFi networks and pushes trip data to the cloud in real-time. This means your mileage logs update continuously rather than sitting trapped on the device until you remember to sync manually.

For small business owners juggling multiple priorities, this hands-off approach eliminates a common compliance gap. We've seen too many cases where business owners lose deduction dollars because their tracking data stayed stuck on a device that got lost or damaged. The automatic uploading creates an ongoing backup system.

The WiFi connection worked reliably in our testing, though it does require being near networks regularly. If you spend most driving time in rural areas with limited WiFi coverage, uploads might lag behind your actual trips.

Bottom line: This feature transforms mileage tracking from a task you have to remember into something that just happens. For busy business owners, that peace of mind is worth the investment.

Automatic Audit-Compliant Logs

Nothing strikes fear into a small business owner's heart quite like the phrase "mileage audit." We've seen too many folks scramble through glove compartments looking for gas receipts that prove nothing about actual business miles driven.

The Mileage Ace creates what it calls "tamper-proof" logs that include GPS tracking paths for every single trip. After testing this device, we found it does capture detailed route information automatically - no manual entry required. The logs include timestamps, exact distances, and map data that auditors typically want to see. Everything gets backed up online for years, which beats the paper logbook approach where one spilled coffee ruins your entire deduction.

What impressed us: The device runs completely hands-off once installed. No forgetting to start tracking or arguing with your phone about whether you're actually driving.

The reality check: While the logs are thorough, they still require you to categorize trips as business or personal. The optional business button helps, but you'll still need to review and edit your data regularly.

For businesses with significant vehicle deductions, having this level of documentation gives real peace of mind during tax season.

User-Friendly Installation and Setup

Making the Mileage Ace Wi-Fi Model 2 work is embarrassingly simple. You plug it into your car’s USB power port, head to the setup page on your computer, tell it which Wi-Fi network to use, and you’re good to go. After that, it quietly uploads your trips every time you park near home or the office. No tools, no complicated apps, zero tech-nerd help required.

The WiFi setup happens through their web portal, not a finicky mobile app that crashes when you need it most. You connect the device to your car's WiFi hotspot or your phone's connection, enter your network details, and you're tracking trips automatically.

What works well:

• Clear step-by-step instructions included
• Device stays put once plugged in
• WiFi connection holds steady in our testing

The catch: If your car doesn't have built-in WiFi and you don't want to use your phone's hotspot constantly, you'll need to figure out a data solution. Not a dealbreaker, but worth considering before you buy.

For small business owners who want to set it and forget it, this beats manually logging every trip to Home Depot.

Lifetime Warranty and USA Manufacturing

Most GPS trackers come with warranties that make you squint at the fine print and wonder if they were written by lawyers who hate customers.

The Mileage Ace takes a different approach with its lifetime warranty coverage. We tested this device knowing that if something went wrong, Mileage Ace would replace it as long as we kept using their service. For small business owners who rely on accurate mileage logs for tax compliance, this kind of backing matters. A dead tracker during tax season can mean scrambling to recreate months of driving records.

The USA manufacturing adds another layer of confidence. We found their customer support team based domestically, which meant faster responses when we had setup questions. Supporting American manufacturing also aligns with many small business values.

Our verdict: The lifetime warranty removes the typical tech device anxiety, though it's tied to continued service use. The domestic manufacturing delivers better support than overseas alternatives we've tested.

Online Software and Cloud Storage

Gone are the days of frantically searching your laptop for last year's mileage spreadsheet when the IRS comes knocking. The WiFi M2 stores everything in the cloud automatically.

We tested the online system for several months and found it refreshingly straightforward. Every trip syncs to secure cloud servers without any action on your part. The web-based dashboard works from any device with internet access - whether you're at home, in your office, or at your accountant's desk during tax season. We particularly appreciated that there's no clunky desktop software to install or update.

The system generates audit-compliant reports instantly. Click a button and get detailed mileage logs with GPS tracking paths, exact addresses, and timestamps. The cloud backup means your records survive computer crashes and hard drive failures - something we've seen destroy too many small business tax deductions over the years.

Our verdict: The cloud storage delivers solid peace of mind. The ~$14 monthly fee covers unlimited data storage and report generation. For businesses tracking significant mileage, that's reasonable insurance against audit headaches. Just remember you're paying that subscription whether you drive 100 miles or 10,000 miles per year.

Flexible Subscription and Affordability

Most mileage trackers hit you with sticker shock faster than your accountant during tax season.

We found the M2's pricing refreshingly straightforward. At ~$14 per month when paid annually, it costs roughly half what many real-time GPS trackers charge. The 14-day free trial gives you enough time to test the WiFi uploading and see if the automatic logging actually works with your driving patterns. No surprises or hidden fees.

Pricing Breakdown:

• Free trial: 14 days
• Annual plan: $13.99/month
• Other payment options: Available but not specified

The subscription model makes sense for ongoing cloud storage and IRS-compliant backup services. However, there's no mention of monthly payment options or what happens if you need to pause service during slow business periods.

Our take: The pricing hits the sweet spot for small businesses that need reliable mileage tracking without breaking the budget. Just factor in that annual commitment when planning your business expenses.

Pros and Cons

After testing this device for several months, we found some clear patterns in how it performs for small business owners who need reliable mileage tracking.

Advantages

The WiFi M2 delivers on its main promise - it actually tracks your trips without you having to remember anything. We plugged it in and forgot about it, which is exactly what busy business owners need.

Accuracy stands out as the biggest win. The GPS tracking captures precise routes and mileage calculations that match our odometer readings. This matters when the IRS comes knocking.

The tamper-proof online logs give us confidence during tax season. Everything gets backed up automatically, so there's no risk of losing months of data if your phone crashes or gets stolen.

Setup was surprisingly simple. We had it running in about 10 minutes, compared to the headaches we've had with app-based trackers that need constant tweaking.

The business button feature lets you mark trips as business-related while you're driving. This saves hours of guesswork later when you're trying to remember if that Tuesday trip was for the client meeting or grocery shopping.

Drawbacks

The monthly fee hits hard at $13.99 when paid annually. For a small business tracking 500 miles per month, that's about 34 cents per tracked mile in subscription costs alone.

We noticed some trips got missed entirely, especially short ones under a mile. This means manual checking and editing, which defeats the "set it and forget it" promise.

The interface feels dated and clunky. While it works, generating reports takes more clicks than it should. The whole system could use a modern refresh.

Battery drain on the car became noticeable after a few months of use. Not a deal-breaker, but something to watch if you don't drive daily.

The device occasionally had trouble connecting to certain WiFi networks, delaying uploads until we got back to the office.

Real Customer Reviews

After digging through months of user feedback, the WiFi M2 paints a mixed picture of what happens when automation meets reality.

The good news hits hard. Several business owners report years of reliable tracking with zero daily effort. One user mentioned three years of seamless operation, while another called it "amazing" after testing a dozen other trackers. The automatic logging clearly works for people who forget to start phone apps or share vehicles with family members.

The pain points are real though. Setup frustration came up repeatedly. Some users found the interface limited and called the overall experience "underwhelming." Missing trips is a bigger problem - one reviewer noted incomplete recording that required manual editing.

Cost complaints surface often. Multiple people mentioned the subscription fee being too steep for long-term use, especially when free alternatives exist.

Bottom line: The hardware works reliably when it works, but expect some technical hiccups and ongoing costs that might not fit every small business budget.

Conclusion

After putting the WiFi M2 through its paces, we found ourselves with mixed feelings about this little device.

The good news? When it works, it really works. We loved not having to remember to start an app or fidget with our phones. The automatic tracking felt seamless, and the tax reports came out clean and professional. Several users mentioned sticking with it for years, which says something about reliability.

But here's the rub. The setup process frustrated us more than it should have. The interface feels dated, and that subscription cost adds up fast. We also noticed some users complained about missed trips, which is exactly what you don't want from an automatic tracker.

The bottom line: This device works well for busy business owners who want true hands-off tracking. But the price point might make you think twice, especially when you consider simpler alternatives.

Alternative option: Try Shoeboxed's free mileage tracking feature in our app. It's straightforward, IRS-compliant, and won't hit your wallet with ongoing subscription fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

People ask us the same questions about mileage tracking every tax season. Usually right after they've spent hours trying to recreate their driving history from old receipts and fuzzy memories.

What features should a reliable mileage tracker offer for efficient tracking?

The WiFi M2 covers the basics pretty well. It automatically starts and stops with your car, which beats remembering to tap an app button every time. The GPS accuracy hits over 99% compared to your odometer, and it captures exact addresses for each trip.

We've seen too many small business owners lose deductions because their tracking was spotty. A solid tracker needs automatic operation, accurate distance measurement, and detailed trip records. The M2 delivers on these fronts, though the monthly fee adds up over time.

The device stores years of data internally, so you won't lose trips if your internet goes down. That's actually pretty smart design.

How does the Mileage Ace Mileage Tracker compare in accuracy to other GPS mileage trackers?

The M2 uses what they call "rapid-capture GPS" instead of real-time tracking. From our testing, this approach does seem more accurate than apps that ping your location every few seconds.

Most GPS trackers struggle with accuracy in parking garages or dense urban areas. The M2's method of capturing more data points during the trip, then processing them after, gives cleaner results. We've compared it against odometer readings and found it consistently close.

Phone apps often miss the start or end of trips, especially short ones. The M2's car-power connection means it catches every drive, even quick hops to the bank.

What are the pros and cons of using a dedicated device like Mileage Ace versus a mobile app for tracking car mileage?

Dedicated devices win on reliability. You can't forget to turn them on or worry about phone battery drain. The M2 just works once installed.

The downside is cost. At $13.99 monthly (annual plan), you're paying $168 yearly. Many apps cost less or are free. Plus, you need the device installed in each vehicle you track.

Mobile apps are convenient and cheap, but they fail when your phone dies or you forget to start tracking. For serious business use where every mile matters for taxes, the reliability of a dedicated device often justifies the extra cost.

Are there any mileage tracking apps available that offer automatic tracking without a subscription fee?

Yes, several exist, though they come with trade-offs. Some free apps use basic GPS tracking that's less accurate than the M2's system. Others limit the number of trips you can log monthly.

The M2 charges monthly because it provides cloud storage, automatic WiFi uploads, and detailed reporting. Free apps typically don't offer these features or have ads and limitations.

For light business use, free apps might work fine. Heavy business drivers usually find the limitations frustrating during tax season.

Can you recommend a user-friendly mileage tracker that integrates well with tax preparation software?

The M2's web interface generates detailed reports that export to spreadsheets easily. Most tax software accepts CSV files, so integration isn't usually a problem.

The online system stores everything in the cloud, which helps during audits. We've seen clients appreciate having GPS-tracked paths for each trip as backup documentation.

Setup takes some patience initially, but daily use requires zero interaction. The WiFi uploading means your data syncs automatically when you park at home or the office.

What is the most cost-effective mileage tracking solution for freelancers who need to document travel expenses?

For freelancers driving occasionally, the M2's monthly fee might be overkill. The break-even point depends on how much you drive and your tax bracket.

If you drive daily for business, the accuracy and automation can save significant time and maximize deductions. One missed business trip on your taxes could cost more than months of subscription fees.

Light users might start with free apps and upgrade if they prove unreliable. Heavy drivers often find dedicated devices worth the cost for peace of mind.

Alternative Option: Our Shoeboxed app includes free mileage tracking with automatic GPS logging. It's designed for small business owners who want reliable tracking without monthly fees. The app integrates with our receipt management system, so you can handle all your expense tracking in one place.