9 Best Fi Dog Collar Alternatives in 2024: Key Differences
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Fi dog smart collars are quite advanced, with various features and connectivity options. However, they are also incredibly expensive, so it only makes sense to look for an alternative. Fortunately, there are several options that you can consider.
While Fi collars are considered to be the best electronic dog collars on the market, quite a few options get close to their quality. These are especially ideal for those who just need GPS tracking and not all the other features that a Fi collar comes with.
Read on for reviews of alternative collars that are similar to the Fi dog collar.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
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SportDOG TEK 1.5 Tracking System |
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Jiobit GPS Location Monitor |
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The 9 Best Fi Dog Collar Alternatives
1. SportDOG TEK 1.5 GPS Dog Tracking System vs Fi Dog Collar
The first alternative we looked at was the SportDOG tracking system. With the SportDOG dog collar, you can track up to 12 dogs within a seven-mile range. The SportDOG TEK Series 1.5 GPS Dog Tracking System displays these locations on an LCD device similar to a GPS system. It also has a compass to help you figure out which direction your dog is actually in based on the map. Plus, this compass also takes tilting into account to prevent mistakes.
The LCD screen is backlit, so you can even use it at night. The Fi collar also has an LED light, and you get to pick the color.
The collar lasts for about 24 hours per charge, while the deceive lasts for 20 hours. Both use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and recharge quickly. The Fi, on the other hand, can last up to 3 months on a single charge, which is convenient for busy dog owners who don’t want to have to remember to charge another device.
Thanks to the DryTek technology included, this collar is waterproof and submersible up to 25 feet. The device itself can be submerged up to 5 feet, as it likely isn’t going to get put through the wringer as much as the collar. In comparison, the Fi collar is submersible up to 5 feet.
If you just want to accurately track your dogs, this collar is a great alternative to the Fi dog collar. We think the accuracy, ability to track multiple dogs, and impressive waterproof range make the SportDOG TEK a good option.
2. Cube Real-Time GPS Dog Tracker vs Fi Dog Collar
If you need a cheaper alternative to the Fi collar, the Cube Real-Time GPS Dog Tracker is worth considering. Instead of being a collar itself, this device is designed to be put onto your dog’s existing collar to keep track of them in real-time. It is designed to fit collars at about 1-inch, so be sure it can fit your dog’s collar before you purchase it. Like Fi, it uses a smartphone app to tell you where your dog is.
After you connect the device to your phone, it allows you to set up geofences and receive notifications. You’ll receive notifications like low-battery and similar alerts. The rechargeable battery lasts anywhere from 10 to 60 days, depending on its usage. In comparison, the Fi Dog Collar’s battery can last up to 3 months on one charge.
A subscription is required for this device to work. Therefore, while it is cheaper, you’ll have to spend quite a bit over time for it to work correctly. It connects to cellular networks and requires a subscription to do so.
Overall, the Cube Real-Time GPS Dog Tracker offers a limited range of features in exchange for a lower price. You’ll need to provide your own collar, and you won’t find extras like LED lights or waterproof capabilities.
3. Jiobit GPS Dog Location Monitor vs Fi Dog Collar
The Jiobit GPS Dog Location Monitor is a great option for those that need very accurate tracking. It uses various different technologies for reliability and accuracy, including cellular, GPS, and Bluetooth. If one of them goes out, the device can still access other signals to provide an accurate location. The Fi Collar also uses cellular and GPS technology, though you may find more accuracy with the Jiobit.
The monitor itself attaches to your pet’s collar, so be sure that it fits properly before purchasing it. It does provide unlimited range thanks to all the different signals it connects to. Therefore, you can find your dog just about anywhere as long as there is at least one of these signals.
You can connect to the monitor using your smartphone through their mobile app. You can easily keep tabs on your dog’s location, set geofenced alerts, and live tracking using this app. You can also view a timeline of where your dog has been over the last week.
This tiny monitor is lightweight and water-resistant. Therefore, it is a great option for dogs that are often on the go. Most dogs should be able to wear it.
In comparison with the Fi Dog Collar, the Jiobit is fairly pricey but does offer a lot of value. Like the Fi, it’s water-resistant and easy to use, with excellent tracking features and a good app. If you have the budget, we think you’ll appreciate the extra features of the Jiobit GPS Dog Location Monitor.
4. FitBark 2 Dog Activity & Sleep Monitor vs Fi Dog Collar
Unlike the Fi Dog Collar, the FitBark 2 Dog Activity & Sleep Monitor does not track your dog’s location. Instead, it tracks their activity level and sleep, which can let you know a lot about their health. If you’re looking for an activity tracker instead of a location tracker, this is probably one of your best options.
Using various apps, you can even set movement goals for your dog to hit and track trends. You can also compare his movements to other dogs’ activity levels, which allows you to see how he ranks compared to similar canines. Your dog will even get a score to measure their progress, which can be encouraging if you’re trying to help your dog lose weight.
This monitor is much different than the Fi because it doesn’t track location. If your dog escapes, the FitBark won’t be able to help. Of course, if you just want to track your dog’s activity level and sleep, this is a good option.
5. Tractive Dog GPS Tracker vs Fi Dog Collar
The Tractive Dog GPS Tracker is another alternative to the Fi Dog Collar. This small device allows you to track your dog’s movement and location, just like the Fi. You can easily see their activity throughout the day, set virtual fences, and access their location with LTE coverage.
Unfortunately, all of the costs are covered with a monthly subscription, so you will have to pay more than the actual purchase price of the product. You have to pay a subscription for the LTE service, which allows the device to connect to your phone wherever it is. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about your dog going out of range. The subscription is only $5, so it is much cheaper than other options.
Like the Fi, this collar is waterproof, allowing it to work even if your dog goes for a swim. It is lightweight, so most dogs can carry it around without a problem. Plus, it is shock-resistant, so it should withstand any bumps. The battery lasts for up to 5 days, and you can completely recharge it in only two hours. We like the Fi Dog Collar’s battery better, since it can last up to 3 months, but the fast recharging is a bonus.
Both the Fi and the Tractive connect to your smartphone through a free app. Plus, you can also log into the sites on your computer.
Overall, the Tractive is a simple device that will allow you to keep track of your dog’s movements. We like the unlimited range and virtual fence options. But the Fi’s better battery and extra features make it a good choice, too.
6. Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracker vs Fi Dog Collar
Like the Fi Dog Collar, the Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracker is designed to track your dog’s activity, nutrition, and location. It is everything you need to keep track of your dog’s health, as well as their location. This device tracks your companion’s location in real-time so that you can find them if they ever go missing. Plus, it also keeps track of various behaviors, such as scratching and licking.
These behaviors are often a tell on your dog’s health. They can indicate allergies, for instance, so they can be important for your dog’s health. You can send the behavior tracking to your vet, which can also help them make a diagnosis.
Many of these features are not available with the Fi Dog Collar. For example, you can’t keep tracking of scratching or licking behaviors, since the Fi is more focused on location and activity level.
Both the Whistle Go and the Fi are waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about a few dips wearing it out. The Whistle Go can be submerged under 6 feet of water, while the Fi can handle 5 feet. It also has a battery life of up to 20 days, compared to the Fi’s 3 months.
With that said, the Whistle Go has a time delay of 3-6 minutes. Therefore, the location is a little off. It is better than nothing. However, it isn’t as accurate as the Fi Dog Collar.
7. Link GPS Tracking Dog Collar vs Fi Dog Collar
The Link GPS Tracking Dog Collar is fairly similar to other options on this list, though it has a few main differences from the Fi Dog Collar. The Link GPS provides tracking for various health functions, including activity monitoring, and it even has training tools, which the Fi doesn’t offer. Like the Fi, the Link also keeps track of your pet’s location, allowing you to locate them if they ever get lost.
This small device has 14-day battery life, which is quite a bit shorter than the Fi’s 3 months. It does recharge extremely fast.
You will need a subscription to access GPS location services in the United States. This subscription is more expensive than other options at $10 a month. That’s on top of the already-expensive cost of the device itself, so you will end up spending quite a bit more than with the Fi. With the Link GPS subscription, you can see your dog’s location and set alert boundaries.
One thing we liked about the Link GPS Tracking Dog Collar was the special link concierge that helps you track lost pets. Simply give them a call and they can provide assistance.
At the end of the day, we think the Fi Dog Collar is a better option, given its clear pricing and better battery. But you may want to try the Link GPS if you’re interested in concierge lost dog service or health metrics.
8. Petfon Smart Pet GPS Tracker vs Fi Dog Collar
As you might expect, the Petfon Smart Pet GPS Tracker keeps up with your dog’s location in real-time. If your dog runs off, you can access their location using this device, just like you can with the Fi. Like the Fi, the Petfon also keeps up with your dog’s activity, which can be helpful for your dog’s overall health.
This GPS tracker is also rain-proof and dirt-resistant, so it won’t get harmed while your pet is out and about. It also features an anti-lost radar searching function, which can help you find your dog when lost. The range isn’t very long, but it will continuously look for the signal when this mode is activated.
One nice feature is that there is no monthly fee for this device or a SIM card. It also doesn’t use cellular services, so it is much cheaper than other options like the Fi.
When charged, this device can last for about 16 hours. This is much shorter than the Fi’s battery range, which can last up to 3 months. The Petfon comes with a charging station for quick recharges. However, this isn’t much longevity when you’re searching for your pet. It means that you will have to recharge it daily, which can be frustrating.
All in all, we like the Fi because it has a bigger range and longer battery life. Not using cellular service makes the Petfon cheaper but less accurate, and no one wants that if their dog has run away.
9. SportDOG TEK 2.0 E-Collar System vs Fi Dog Collar
Out of all the alternatives on this list, the SportDOG TEK 2.0 E-Collar System is the most expensive. It provides GPS tracking and e-collar training. In all, it has 99 different tones and stimulations. Therefore, you can train your dog to do quite a few tricks using only the e-collar.
The tracking is absolutely one of the best on the market. It includes a topography map that is completely full-color, providing you a complete map of exactly where your canine is. You can add 21 different dogs to the tracking system and see where all of them are at once. It includes an unlimited map to help you stay up to date while tracking.
It features a rechargeable battery and is waterproof up to 25 feet, which is quite a bit more than the Fi’s 5 feet.
There is no monthly fee required for this product. However, the range is not as far as other options. It does not use cellular, so it only works if you are close enough, which can be frustrating. You can also add a Bluetooth earpiece to hear what is going on wherever your dog is, though this is not included.
All of these features are pretty exciting, and you won’t find this level of options in the Fi. But if you don’t plan to train your dog using the collar, you probably don’t need to invest in the SportDOG TEK 2.0 E-Collar System.
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Smart Dog Collar
The Fi dog collar revolutionized the industry with its long range and connectivity. However, there are several alternatives. However, not all of these are the same, and which one you need depends on your needs.
We’ll take a look at some of the more essential features to keep in mind when choosing a tracking collar for your dog.
Health Tracking vs. Location Tracking
A tracker for a dog’s collar can keep up with many different metrics. Therefore, what exactly a “tracker” is varies. For instance, some of them are designed to mostly track health metrics, like your dog’s activity. Some even track behaviors and sleep. They may track location too, but this is a secondary concern.
Others are made to just track location. They may not track activity level at all, and they surely won’t track behaviors and similar points of interest.
Therefore, what you’re looking for in a tracker matters. If you’re looking for a health tracker, you’ll need to ensure that the one you get tracks these points. If you’re looking to keep up with your dog’s location, you’ll need a completely different tracker.
Tracking Method
Many trackers use cellular signals to track since it allows for unlimited range. Cell signals are practically everywhere, so it makes tracking far easier. However, you’ll have to pay a subscription for the collar to connect to cell service. This may be an extra cost that you can’t afford.
Some other trackers only use Bluetooth or WiFi. While this can work sometimes, the range is very small. Your dog either has to be at home or close enough to connect to Bluetooth. These trackers aren’t practical for finding a lost dog, so they usually only track health services.
Others use radio waves. However, because your phone can not pick up radio waves, you’ll need to use a special handheld device for this. The biggest benefit of this method is that you can pick up the waves anywhere as long as you’re within range. They work best for hunters and those who don’t mind carrying the handheld device around.
Subscriptions
As we’ve stated, some devices require you to subscribe to a service to access cellular signals, which they then use to track your dog’s location. However, there are other reasons that you may need a membership as well. Even if your device uses a different tracking method, you may have to use a membership to access certain features.
Sometimes, this membership only costs a few extra dollars, which is likely not a big deal for most people. Other times, they may cost as much as $15.
Companies are not very good at advertising their fees upfront on the product description. So always check. If it doesn’t list that you don’t need a subscription, don’t assume that this is the case!
Always check, or you’ll find yourself stuck with a collar that requires a $15 subscription to work properly.
Battery Life
All collars require batteries to work. However, different collars have different battery lives. Therefore, you’ll have to consider which options stay charged long enough for your purposes. If you plan on leaving it on your dog constantly just in case they run off, it needs to stay charged for a long time. If you only need to use the tracker while hunting, it probably doesn’t need to stay charged as long.
Some only stay charged for a few hours but have very little range, which makes them nearly impossible to use for hunting purposes. Therefore, they may only be useful if you’re worried about your dog escaping during a walk.
Either way, be sure that you check the battery life before settling on an option.
Conclusion
Fi dog collars may be some of the best on the market, but there are some alternatives out there. If you’re looking for a different option, hopefully, you found it on our list above. We’ve compared 10 alternative models to the Fi, ranging from short-range health trackers to trackers for hunters.
We highly recommend the SportDOG TEK Series 1.5 GPS Dog Tracking System as the option that is closest to the Fi dog collar system. It does have a similarly high price, though. Our other favorite is the Jiobit GPS Dog Location Monitor, which offers incredible accuracy, unlimited range, and a good app.
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