GPS vs IP Location
GPS gives precise location (a few meters) using satellite signals and requires browser permission. IP location is approximate (city-level), doesn't need permission, but is far less accurate and can be wrong if you use a VPN.
GPS and IP-based location are both ways to estimate where you are, but they sit at opposite ends of the accuracy/permission tradeoff.
GPS: precise, but permission-gated
GPS-based location uses satellite signals (and Wi-Fi/cellular assist) to pinpoint your position to within a few meters. It requires explicit browser permission and only works when you grant it.
IP-based: approximate, but no permission
Your public IP address is sent with every web request automatically. Geolocation databases map IP ranges to approximate cities. This is usually accurate to the city level, but can be wrong if you use a VPN, a corporate network, or a mobile carrier with regional gateways.
When to use which
For navigation, mapping, and any precise use case, GPS is the right choice. For coarse personalization (showing local content, default currency, etc.), IP location is often enough — and respects privacy because it doesn't require a prompt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my location?
Can this website see my location automatically?
Is this free?
Do you store my coordinates?
Related tools
Understand how browser geolocation works: GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, cellular triangulation, and IP-based fallback explained.
Find your approximate location based on your IP address. Useful when GPS is unavailable or you prefer not to grant location permission.