In a world where dogs chase squirrels and cats love late-night adventures, GPS collars are a game-changer.
With real-time tracking, health alerts, and location sharing, today’s smart pet devices do far more than beep. But with so many options in the market, how do you choose the right one?
We dug into the best pet GPS trackers of the year and compared their features side by side.
Pet GPS Tracker Comparison: At a Glance
Whether you’re focused on battery life, health features, or budget, this table breaks down what each device offers. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the best pet GPS trackers of the year:
| Tracker | Best For | Key Features | Battery Life | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whistle Go Explore 2.0 | All-in-one tracking & health | GPS, health monitoring, built-in light | 10–15 days | ~$129 + $99/yr |
| Fi Series 3 | Battery life & fast alerts | GPS tracking, long battery, sleek collar design | Up to 3 months | ~$149 + $99/yr |
| Tractive GPS | Budget-friendly option | Live tracking, lightweight, global support | 2–5 days | ~$50–70 + $60/yr |
| Whistle Health 2.0 | Health & habit monitoring only | No GPS, tracks sleep, activity, licking, etc. | Up to 60 days | ~$69 + $40/yr |
Whistle Go Explore 2.0: All-in-One Pet Health + GPS
Whistle Go Explore 2.0 continues to be a top pick for pet parents looking for both tracking and wellness insights. It offers real-time GPS updates, escape alerts, and detailed health tracking (think licking, scratching, and even sleep quality).
The battery life averages around 10 to 15 days, and it uses the AT&T 4G network for coverage.
Pros:
- Accurate location tracking
- Built-in light and activity monitoring
- User-friendly app interface
Cons:
- Alert speed slightly slower than Fi
- Requires AT&T coverage
Fi Series 3: The Battery Life King
If battery life is your top concern, the Fi Series 3 wins by a mile. With up to 3 months on a single charge and ultra-fast location alerts, Fi is ideal for active dogs or off-leash explorers. It doesn’t offer wellness monitoring like Whistle, but the GPS reliability is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Longest battery in its class
- Durable, sleek design
- Fast geofence alerts
Cons:
- No health tracking
- Higher upfront cost
Tractive GPS: Budget-Friendly and Effective
Tractive GPS remains a fan-favorite for affordability without sacrificing essential features.
With live tracking, virtual fences, and a lightweight design, it’s a solid option for both dogs and cats. The app is intuitive, and subscription plans are among the cheapest on the market.
Pros:
- Great value
- Lightweight for small pets
- Global tracking support
Cons:
- Shorter battery life (2–5 days)
- Fewer health and fitness metrics
Bonus: Whistle Health 2.0 for Wellness Watchers
Not looking for GPS but still want to monitor your pet’s health?
Whistle Health 2.0 skips the tracking and focuses entirely on habits, sleep, and behaviors. It’s great for senior pets or dogs with chronic conditions, and the battery can last up to 60 days.
Which Pet Tracker Wins?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
The Whistle Go Explore 2.0 is ideal for all-in-one tracking and health. Fi Series 3 is your go-to for range and battery. Tractive is perfect for budget-conscious pet parents, while Whistle Health 2.0 is all about wellness.
Looking for more smart gadgets for your pets? Check out our recommendations of smart home gadgets you should look into.
