When it comes to keeping tabs on your furry friend, having a reliable GPS tracking collar is a game-changer. Today, we’re diving into a detailed comparison of two top contenders in the pet tracking world: the PetSafe Guardian GPS + Tracking Collar and the SpotOn Collar.
Both of these collars promise to offer peace of mind by ensuring you always know your dog’s whereabouts, but how do they stack up against each other in terms of features, accuracy, and overall performance? Let’s take a closer look and find out which one might be the best fit for you and your canine companion.
PetSafe Guardian GPS + Tracking VS SpotOn Collar Features
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WINNER |
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Min/Max Fence Size: 3/4 acre, no max size |
Min/Max Fence Size: 1/2 acre minimum, no max size |
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GPS Coverage: AccuGuard™ tech with GPS data, real-time motion detection and AI |
GPS Coverage: True Location™ Technology, High-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/Beidou receiver |
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Flexible Fence Shapes: Yes |
Flexible Fence Shapes: Yes |
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Multiple Fences in One App: Yes |
Multiple Fences in One App: Yes |
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Number of Unique Fences: 20 |
Number of Unique Fences: 20 |
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Portable (Take Anywhere): Yes |
Portable (Take Anywhere): Yes |
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Subscription Optional: No |
Subscription Optional: Yes |
WINNER
Min/Max Fence Size:
3/4 acre, no max size
GPS Coverage:
AccuGuard™ tech with GPS data, real-time motion detection and AI
Flexible Fence Shapes:
Yes
Multiple Fences in One App:
Yes
Number of Unique Fences:
20
Portable (Take Anywhere):
Yes
Subscription Optional:
No
Min/Max Fence Size:
1/2 acre minimum, no max size
GPS Coverage:
True Location™ Technology, High-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/Beidou receiver
Flexible Fence Shapes:
Yes
Multiple Fences in One App:
Yes
Number of Unique Fences:
20
Portable (Take Anywhere):
Yes
Subscription Optional:
Yes
At first glance, it seems like SpotOn comes out slightly ahead of PetSafe Guardian. So, why did we declare the latter the winner? To answer that we need to dive a bit deeper.
Virtual Fence Features
WINNER
The Guardian GPS + Tracking Dog Fence Collar by PetSafe uses AccuGuard™ tech to blend GPS data, real-time motion detection and AI to ensure advanced protection. Create and store up to 20 custom wireless dog fences for any property larger than 3/4 acre.
The SpotOn GPS Fence with patented True Location™ technology is also highly customizable, allowing you to create unlimited GPS fences and save up to 20 at a time. You can also make overlapping fences.
As far as virtual fence features go, both collars use advanced technology to keep your pooch safely contained in your yard. However, PetSafe’s Guardian GPS + Tracking incorporates more recent technology, including advanced AI tech that predicts your dog’s movements.
In comparison, SpotOn really hasn’t updated much in the last couple of years. Of course, you could argue that their collar was already so advanced that they didn’t need to change much. Still, I do think they’re due for a bit of an update.
GPS Tracking
WINNER
The Guardian provides live tracking and precise GPS location let you see your dog’s real-time movement on the map. The AI technology adds an extra layer of precision by predicting where your dog is likely to move next, making it much easier to locate them quickly.
The SpotOn Virtual Fence Dog Collar also uses a patented GPS technology called True Location™. The technology is designed to work just about anywhere, including in forests, mountains, and other remote or rural locations.
Both collars do exceptionally good jobs at helping you pinpoint the location of your lost dog. However, I do think that PetSafe does a slightly better job of it, thanks to the addition of predictive AI.
SpotOn depends on GPS satellites and is accurate within 3 feet under a wide-open sky, but only within 10 feet under heavy trees or buildings. PetSafe, on the other hand, blends multiple different technologies and is accurate within 4 feet in nearly all conditions.
Correction Levels & Feedback
The Guardian GPS + Tracking Dog Fence Collar allows you to choose between sound, vibration, and 10 levels of static correction when your dog attempts to leave the set boundaries.
WINNER
SpotOn also allows you to choose between sound, vibration, and static feedback. However, it offers 30 different levels of static correction.
I have to give this one to SpotOn. Out of all of the invisible fence dog collars that we’ve tested, SpotOn has the most diverse range of feedback and correction levels. In addition to sound and vibrations, it gives you 30 different levels of static feedback.
PetSafe’s Guardian collar also allows you to choose between sound, vibration, and static. However, it only has 10 levels of static feedback.
Design & Durability
I’m going to be brutally honest here, I don’t think ANY of the virtual fence collars on the market today are what anyone would call “pretty.” They’re all kind of on the clunky side, which makes sense considering they have to pack a ton of tech into a relatively small space AND protect it from the elements.
Still, between the PetSafe Guardian and SpotOn, I do think PetSafe comes out ahead here. It’s not as clunky as SpotOn, and I think the colors are a bit nicer. It has a smaller “footprint” so it’s also more comfortable for your dog to wear.
If you don’t really care about design, though, in terms of durability both options are pretty evenly matched. They’re both waterproof and hold up well against everyday wear and tear.
Battery Life
WINNER
This one doesn’t really need a huge explanation. PetSafe gives you up to 48 hours on a single charge, whereas SpotOn only lasts up to 22 hours. Of course, both are dependent on how (and how often) you use them (hence the “up to”).
Connectivity
You need a cell signal is to receive live-tracking updates and push notifications. It is not necessary for your collar’s GPS fence to remain active. Wi-Fi is required for setup but not continued use.
You’ll need cell service (plus a subscription) to track your dog and either Wi-Fi or cellular to set up the initial boundaries. However, it the fences continue to work without Wi-FI. SpotOn works with any cell service, as of 2024.
Both Guardian and SpotOn are pretty evenly matched in terms of connectivity requirements. They both need a cell connection (with an active subscription) to track Fido when he’s on the move. However, neither requires a specific cell provider.
Both also require Wi-Fi for initial setup of fences but continue to work even when your internet goes down (or when you go off the grid).
Winner: Guardian GPS + Tracking Collar
As we’ve seen, while both collars have their “winning moments,” they’re actually pretty evenly matched in quite a few categories. So why did I declare the Guardian GPS + Tracking Collar the big winner?
Well, first, the categories where PetSafe won are more important to me overall. You have to decide for yourself if that’s the case for your dog’s needs.
Really though, it mostly comes down to cost. PetSafe’s collar comes in at half the price (almost down to the penny) of SpotOn. Yes, it requires a subscription to even activate it whereas you can use SpotOn without one for virtual fencing.
However, you’re saving a whopping $500 right off the bat with PetSafe. They also have deep discounts available for the first year of your subscription, plus other discounts for subsequent years if you pay upfront. So, would take roughly 5 years to “catch up” to what you’d pay for SpotOn. You’re paying less without sacrificing functionality, and that’s always a win in my book!
Guardian® GPS + Tracking Dog Fence Collar | PetSafe®
The Guardian GPS + Tracking Dog Fence Collar by PetSafe offers advanced real-time tracking and customizable virtual boundaries to keep your dog safe and secure. With features like AccuGuard™ technology and a user-friendly app, this collar is designed for ease of use and reliability for dogs over 30 pounds.
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