Pet owners want to ensure that their furry companions are always safe, whether they’re running in the backyard or out on a walk. With the rise of GPS pet trackers, pet owners now have a reliable way to monitor their pet’s location and activities. Two of the most popular GPS pet trackers today are Tractive and Fi.Â
Both brands offer unique features and functionalities, but which one is the best fit for your pet? For guidance on choosing the right collar size for an Airedale puppy, check out this detailed guide.
In this article, we’ll compare the Tractive vs Fi GPS pet trackers, examining their key features, battery life, durability, pricing, and more. Whether you have a curious cat or a rambunctious dog, our in-depth review will help you make an informed decision.
My Personal Opinion
As a pet owner who has tried both Tractive and Fi, I can appreciate what each offers. Tractive is a great option for those who need a budget-friendly and lightweight GPS tracker that provides live tracking. It’s especially useful for pet owners who want to track their pets during outdoor adventures.
On the other hand, Fi stands out with its sleek design, long battery life, and advanced features such as activity tracking and integration with a dog’s overall wellness. The Fi tracker offers more comprehensive tracking and durability for active dogs that require robust monitoring.
However, it all depends on your pet’s needs. If you’re looking for a low-cost option for short-term monitoring, Tractive might be more suitable. But if you want long-term, durable tracking with advanced features, Fi may be the better choice.
What is a Tractive GPS Tracker?
Tractive is a GPS pet tracker designed to help pet owners keep track of their pets’ movements in real time. It works by using a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile data to monitor a pet’s location on a smartphone app.
The Tractive tracker is lightweight, easy to use, and provides live tracking, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who want to know where their pets are at all times. For insights on whether Airedales are good off-leash, explore this comprehensive article.
Key Features of Tractive GPS Tracker
- Live Tracking: The Tractive tracker provides real-time GPS tracking, allowing pet owners to locate their pets at any moment.
- Virtual Fencing: You can set up a “virtual fence” around a specified area, and you will receive notifications if your pet leaves that boundary.
- Activity Monitoring: Tractive tracks your pet’s daily activities, including their steps and distance traveled, which can be valuable for monitoring your pet’s health.
- Global Coverage: The Tractive tracker operates in over 150 countries, making it a viable option for international travel or long-distance adventures.
- Rechargeable Battery: The Tractive GPS tracker uses a rechargeable battery that typically lasts between 2 to 5 days, depending on usage and settings.
- Lightweight and Waterproof: The Tractive device is small, lightweight (weighing just about 35g), and waterproof with an IPX7 rating, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
- Subscription Service: Tractive requires a subscription for its cellular service to enable live tracking. Pricing for the subscription varies based on the country and plan, starting at around $5 per month.
What is Fi GPS Tracker?
The Fi GPS tracker is a high-tech, durable tracker that’s built to track your dog’s location, activity, and overall health. Unlike Tractive, Fi offers a more robust set of features designed specifically for active dogs and pet owners who require long-lasting performance. Discover the best collars for short-haired dogs with these 6 top recommendations.
Key Features of Fi GPS Tracker
- Real-Time GPS Tracking: Fi offers live tracking capabilities with GPS and LTE-M networks. You can view your dog’s location in real-time via the app, even in remote areas.
- Activity Tracking: Fi also tracks your dog’s activity, including steps, sleep patterns, and calories burned. This makes it a good choice for fitness-conscious dog owners.
- Long Battery Life: One of the standout features of Fi is its impressive battery life. The device can last up to 3 months on a single charge when in “sleep mode,” and up to 2 weeks when actively tracking.
- Built-In LED Light: Fi includes an LED light on the collar for visibility at night, which is a great safety feature.
- Durability and Waterproof: Fi is built for tough conditions. It is designed with durability in mind and has an IP68 waterproof rating, making it suitable for outdoor activities in various weather conditions.
- Subscription Service: Like Tractive, Fi also requires a subscription for cellular service. The subscription plan starts at about $9/month for basic features but can vary depending on your location.
- Sleek Design: Fi is designed to be lightweight and sleek, with the tracker seamlessly integrating into the collar. It weighs around 45g, making it comfortable for dogs of all sizes.
- Smart Collar Compatibility: Fi works with a variety of collars, which can be swapped out for different styles or sizes as needed.
Tractive vs Fi: Key Differences
Now, let’s dive deeper into the Tractive vs Fi comparison, focusing on the core differences between the two pet trackers.
1. Tracking Accuracy
Tractive: Real-Time GPS Tracking
Tractive provides live GPS tracking, giving you real-time information about your pet’s whereabouts. The GPS accuracy of Tractive can pinpoint your pet’s location within a 10-15 meter radius. It uses a combination of GPS and Wi-Fi to give you precise location data. Tractive offers a detailed map view, showing the exact path your pet has traveled.
Fi: Superior GPS and LTE-M Coverage
Fi, on the other hand, uses a combination of GPS and LTE-M (Low Power Wide Area Network), which allows for better coverage in rural or remote locations. The Fi tracker has a 3-5 meter accuracy, which is slightly more accurate than Tractive in most cases. It also performs well in areas with poor Wi-Fi, as the LTE-M network provides broader range coverage.
- Fi GPS Accuracy: 3-5 meters
- Tractive GPS Accuracy: 10-15 meters
2. Battery Life
Tractive: Shorter Battery Life
The Tractive GPS tracker has a battery that lasts between 2 to 5 days, depending on how frequently you are using the live tracking feature. This shorter battery life is partly due to the fact that Tractive uses a cellular connection for real-time tracking.
However, it is rechargeable and easy to power up between uses. Check out the best dog collars for Border Collie to find durable, stylish, and comfortable options for your active dog.
Fi: Long-Lasting Battery
Fi outshines Tractive when it comes to battery life. With Fi, the device can last up to 3 months in “sleep mode” and around 2 weeks with frequent tracking. This makes it perfect for pet owners who don’t want to constantly recharge their pet’s tracker.
- Fi Battery Life: Up to 3 months (sleep mode), 2 weeks (active tracking)
- Tractive Battery Life: 2-5 days
3. Durability and Build Quality
Tractive: Lightweight and Waterproof
The Tractive tracker is designed to be lightweight and is rated with an IPX7 waterproof certification, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. While it is durable for everyday use, it may not withstand extremely harsh conditions. For guidance on choosing the right collar size for an Airedale puppy, check out this detailed guide.
Fi: Built for Active Dogs
Fi is built to be more rugged. With an IP68 rating, Fi can withstand being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. The Fi tracker is designed to endure rough conditions, making it a perfect choice for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or are prone to getting dirty.
- Fi Waterproof Rating: IP68 (1.5 meters for 30 minutes)
- Tractive Waterproof Rating: IPX7 (1 meter for 30 minutes)
4. Subscription Plans and Pricing
Tractive: Affordable Options
Tractive offers various subscription plans starting at $5 per month, which includes the basic features like live tracking and virtual fencing. There are also annual and bi-annual plans that offer a slight discount. Tractive is considered a more budget-friendly option compared to Fi, making it ideal for pet owners looking for an affordable GPS tracking solution.
Fi: Higher Subscription Cost
The Fi subscription starts at around $9 per month, which is slightly more expensive than Tractive. However, the advanced features, longer battery life, and better GPS coverage justify the higher cost for many pet owners. Fi also offers discounts for yearly plans.
- Fi Subscription Cost: Starts at $9/month
- Tractive Subscription Cost: Starts at $5/month
5. Design and Comfort
Tractive: Compact and Lightweight
The Tractive tracker is compact and lightweight, weighing around 35g. It is designed to fit most pet collars comfortably and is suitable for pets of various sizes. The tracker is small enough that it won’t irritate your pet, and its minimalistic design makes it easy to use. Discover the benefits of using a harness by reading this guide on should a Collie wear a harness.
Fi: Sleek and Stylish
The Fi tracker weighs a little more, around 45g, but its design is sleek and modern. It integrates seamlessly with the collar, and the tracker is available in different colors to suit your pet’s personality. The Fi tracker is designed for medium to large dogs, though there are options for smaller pets as well.
- Fi Weight: 45g
- Tractive Weight: 35g
6. Additional Features
Tractive: Virtual Fencing and Activity Monitoring
Tractive excels in its virtual fencing feature, which allows you to set boundaries for your pet. If your pet crosses those boundaries, you’ll receive a notification. It also includes basic activity tracking, providing data on how much exercise your pet gets daily. This can be helpful for pet owners who want to keep track of their pet’s fitness.
Fi: Activity Tracking and Wellness Insights
Fi goes a step further with activity tracking and wellness insights. It provides detailed reports on your dog’s physical activity, including the number of steps taken and calories burned. Find out what color collar looks best on a Rottweiler to complement their bold appearance and highlight their unique features.
This feature is beneficial for fitness-conscious owners who want to monitor their pet’s health over time. Additionally, Fi has an integrated LED light, making it easier to spot your dog at night.
- Fi LED Light: Available for visibility at night
- Tractive Virtual Fence: Available with notifications if boundary is crossed
Conclusion: Tractive vs Fi – Which One Should You Choose?
When deciding between tractive vs fi, it’s important to consider your pet’s needs and your budget.
- If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, compact, and easy-to-use GPS tracker with solid basic features, Tractive is an excellent choice. Its affordable subscription plans and virtual fencing feature make it great for casual monitoring.
- On the other hand, if you need a more durable, long-lasting GPS tracker with advanced features like activity monitoring and better GPS coverage, Fi might be the better option. Its higher price is justified by its superior battery life and comprehensive tracking.
Ultimately, both trackers have their pros and cons, but both provide a sense of security and peace of mind for pet owners who want to ensure their pets are safe and healthy. Get insights into what is best for Dachshunds: a collar or harness for their safety, comfort, and health during walks.
