If you’re looking for a tracker for dogs, you’ve probably stumbled across Tractive and FitBark.
Both of these brands offer collars that are designed to keep your pet safe by offering advanced GPS tracking.
So, which one is the best?
In this article, we’ll compare Tractive vs FitBark so you can decide once and for all which is best for your pet!
What Are Tractive and FitBark?
Tractive and FitBark are two companies that make GPS-tracking devices for pets.
Tractive makes a device that attaches to your pet’s collar, and FitBark makes a device that attaches to your pet’s collar or harness.
Both devices use GPS to track your pet’s location, and both have apps that let you see your pet’s location on a map.
Whether they’re running around in the backyard or out on a hike, both Tractive and FitBark GPS will let you know where they are and how they’re doing.
Plus, if they happen to wander off, you can use the Tractive app to track them down.
The FitBark GPS dog tracker is also an activity tracker for dogs.
It shows you how much exercise your pup is getting and lets you compare their activity level to other dogs.
With FitBark, you can make sure your dog is getting the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.
Both devices also allow you to share your dog’s activity with friends and family.
Read More: Weenect vs Tractive. See how Tractive compares to the Weenect dog tracker in this review and guide!
Products at a Glance
| Features | Tractive Dog Tracker | FitBark GPS Dog Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | After the initial $49.95 purchase, there is a $5 per-month subscription fee | $69.95 upfront + $9.95 per month |
| Device Size | Larger and has a built-in LED light | Compact |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days on one charge | Up to 3 to 5 weeks on one charge |
| Activity Tracking | Tracks steps, distance traveled, and calories burned | Tracks steps, calories burned, and sleep quality, provides a “bark score” for overall activity level, and you can set custom goals |
| Location Tracking | Relies on a direct connection to satellites and is more accurate | Uses crowdsourced data and is free to use but less accurate, relies on other local users |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof and can withstand being submerged in water | Waterproof and can withstand being submerged in water |
| Compatibility | Compatible with iOS and Android devices | Compatible with iOS and Android devices |
Tractive vs FitBark Comparison
Both devices offer several features, but there are some key differences between them.
Pricing
Tractive offers several pricing plans, while FitBark has a single price point for all users.
Tractive’s basic plan starts at $5 per month, while FitBark’s device costs $69.95 upfront plus a monthly fee.
FitBark is more expensive but that’s because FitBark’s GPS device, regardless of the subscription plan, tracks the location of your dog and provides in-depth activity reports.
On the other hand, you have to purchase a higher-priced $9 per month ($108 upfront) premium plan from Tractive to get additional features such as live tracking and activity monitoring.
Both companies offer a free trial period, but Tractive requires a credit card to sign up for the trial, while FitBark does not.
Tractive also offers a discount for multiple devices, while FitBark does not.
In general, both Tractive and FitBark have similar subscription plans, but if you want month-to-month with all the features, FitBark is the best bet.
For both devices, subscription plan pricing does go down if you pay for 1 or 2 years at the same time.
Read More: Tractive vs Tagg. We put Tractive head-to-head with Tagg to see which is the better tracker!
Device Size
Tractive devices are larger than FitBarks, making them more visible on your pet’s collar.
Tractive devices also come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that best suits your pet’s personality.
FitBark devices also come with a variety of different color covers that can be purchased separately.
In addition, Tractive devices have a built-in LED light, making them more visible in low-light conditions.
Battery Life
The FitBark GPS battery life is actually one of the longest on the market at 3 to 5 weeks on a single charge depending on the dog.
The Tractive GPS dog tracker, on the other hand, offers a battery life of up to 7 days.
This means that you won’t have to charge FitBark as often, making it more convenient for you and your dog.
Read More: Tractive VS Findster. See how these GPS dog trackers compare in this ultimate guide!
Activity Tracking
Both devices track your pet’s activity levels, but FitBark offers more detailed and customizable data tracking than Tractive.
FitBark
FitBark tracks not only steps and calories burned, but also sleep quality, duration, and efficiency.
It also offers more detailed activity data, including a “bark score” that measures your dog’s overall activity level.
In addition, FitBark allows you to set custom goals for your dog based on breed, age, weight, and activity level.
tractive
Tractive, on the other hand, offers a less customized approach to data tracking.
It tracks steps, distance traveled, and calories burned but does not provide any information on sleep quality or activity level.
Nor does it allow you to set custom goals for your pet.
FitBark is the clear choice for anyone who wants a more detailed and customizable approach to pet activity tracking.
Check out this video of a dog owner using the Tractive tracker:
Read More: Tractive vs Fi. Fi is quickly becoming the most popular dog tracker out there. Does Tractive compete?
Location Tracking
Both Tractive and FitBark rely on a direct connection to cell towers but only FitBark also connects to satellites.
With that being said, Tractive GPS works around the world and FitBark GPS only works in the US.
However, because Tractive relies only on cell towers, if you do not have cell reception, it will not work as well.
On the other hand, because FitBark connects to satellites as well, FitBark is more accurate in tracking your pet’s location in rural areas.
Water Resistance
Tractive devices are designed to withstand being submerged in water, making them ideal for activities like swimming or surfing.
FitBark, on the other hand, is waterproof but cannot be submerged for more than 30 minutes in 3 feet or less of water.
Read our related FitBark 2 Review to see how it compares to the original FitBark!
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a device to help you keep tabs on your pet, then Tractive is the way to go.
If you are more interested in tracking your activity levels as well as tracking their location, then FitBark is a great option.
Whichever one you choose, you can be sure that you will be getting a high-quality product that will help you stay active and healthy.
