Fi and Whistle are devices that are very similar to each other but have certain differences that are not evident at first glance. Both were included the list of the best dog GPS trackers as well as dog activity monitors. This is why we decided to make this Fi vs Whistle collar comparison to show dog-lovers and pet owners in general what these pet tracker offers, such as their main features and their strengths and weaknesses, to help you find out which is much better than the other.
Fi Collar VS Whistle Collar
Main Features
- GPS tracking (LTE-M Network)
- Battery life of up to 3 months
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Lost Dog Mode
- Comes in 4 sizes
- Works All Over US
- Great distance coverage (AT&T)
- Create more than one customizable safe zones
- Affordable
- Small & lightweight, shockproof & waterproof
Fi
- GPS tracking (LTE-M Network)
- Battery life of up to 3 months
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Lost Dog Mode
- Comes in 4 sizes
- Works All Over US
Whistle
- Great distance coverage (AT&T)
- Create more than one customizable safe zones
- Affordable
- Small & lightweight, shockproof & waterproof
First off, the Fi smart pet tracker is its battery life that lasts up to three months and is priced at $149.00 that comes with a 1-year warranty. Fi collar is a very advanced device to determine your dog’s coordinates. This can make you feel relieved for its tracking ability in case your pet gets lost or if they ever escape your yard. This smart tracker can also monitor your pet’s daily activity levels and daily, weekly, or monthly step goals depending on your setup.
Now, the Whistle tracker is a quite popular GPS tracker for your dogs and even cats, which is only $99.95. This smart device tracker can also monitor the daily activity of your pets and also showcases a set of features such as its accuracy and the coverage of its communication range.
Fi collar is a smart pet tracking device that offers several advanced features any dog-lovers would hope for and truly love. This includes geofencing and GPS tracking, and Wi-fi and Bluetooth connection. This device also prides itself on its durability, chew-proof design, and has a waterproof rating of IP-68. One more great deal about this device is its use of the LTE-M network which provides users with world-wide coverage.
Whistle collar on the other hand is a small, lightweight GPS tracker that also works all over the US. This device offers impressive features such as its high accuracy for its tracking ability and it also has a long battery life, tracking for both the location and daily activity of your pets, and numerous customization options for your pet’s safe zone.
Design
Fi The Fi smart tracker is strategically designed for outdoor use. This device is reinforced with an aluminum faceplate and metal armor inside which makes it chew-proof and dirt-proof, one thing to note that you can rely on its durability. It comes with a GPS tracking unit that can be mounted on the part of your pet's neck collar facing up to be able to get the best signal coverage for optimum tracking. Thanks to its IP68 Waterproof Rating, you don’t have to worry when you want to take your dog to the beach and have a splash or swim in the saltwater.
Whistle The Whistle tracker is available in three colors: blue, gray, and green, and has a rounded cuboid body design, measuring 1.82” x 1.45” x 0.61 (length x width x depth). This device is also waterproof and can be attached to your dog’s collar so you also don’t have to worry if your dog wandered around in a pool full of water.
Fi
The Fi smart tracker is strategically designed for outdoor use. This device is reinforced with an aluminum faceplate and metal armor inside which makes it chew-proof and dirt-proof, one thing to note that you can rely on its durability. It comes with a GPS tracking unit that can be mounted on the part of your pet's neck collar facing up to be able to get the best signal coverage for optimum tracking. Thanks to its IP68 Waterproof Rating, you don’t have to worry when you want to take your dog to the beach and have a splash or swim in the saltwater.
Whistle
The Whistle tracker is available in three colors: blue, gray, and green, and has a rounded cuboid body design, measuring 1.82” x 1.45” x 0.61 (length x width x depth). This device is also waterproof and can be attached to your dog’s collar so you also don’t have to worry if your dog wandered around in a pool full of water.
Sizes
Fi The Fi tracker offers different sizes:
- Small with the neck being less than 13 inches;
- Medium being 13.5 to 16.5 inches; Large, around 16 to 22.5 inches;
- Extra Large, around 22 to 34.5 inches, which is very convenient if you have dogs of different sizes.
Whistle Whistle on the other hand does not offer different sizes although the device fits most collars that are up to an inch wide.
Fi
The Fi tracker offers different sizes:
- Small with the neck being less than 13 inches;
- Medium being 13.5 to 16.5 inches; Large, around 16 to 22.5 inches;
- Extra Large, around 22 to 34.5 inches, which is very convenient if you have dogs of different sizes.
Whistle
Whistle on the other hand does not offer different sizes although the device fits most collars that are up to an inch wide.
Durability
Fi The Fi tracker has an IP68 dirt-proof and waterproof rating which was proven and tested by completely immersing the device 1.5 meters (around 4 feet 11 inches) deep in water for 30 minutes, and also tested its resistance to saltwater. Its aluminum faceplate armor and internal metal armor reinforcement makes it more resistant to bites and unavoidable chewing.
Whistle The Whistle tracker has an IP67 dirt-proof and shock-proof, and waterproof rating. This has been proven and tested with the same process of immersing the device in 3 feet deep in water for 30 minutes. The attachment strap that comes with it is made of strong rubber which makes it durable and resistant to bites.
Fi
The Fi tracker has an IP68 dirt-proof and waterproof rating which was proven and tested by completely immersing the device 1.5 meters (around 4 feet 11 inches) deep in water for 30 minutes, and also tested its resistance to saltwater. Its aluminum faceplate armor and internal metal armor reinforcement makes it more resistant to bites and unavoidable chewing.
Whistle
The Whistle tracker has an IP67 dirt-proof and shock-proof, and waterproof rating. This has been proven and tested with the same process of immersing the device in 3 feet deep in water for 30 minutes. The attachment strap that comes with it is made of strong rubber which makes it durable and resistant to bites.
GPS Tracking Features
Fi - 24/7 GPS tracking with the use of the LTE-M network. Fi uses a group of three satellites which enhances its accuracy and tracking speed. So especially in the open sky, the GPS tracking can get as accurate as 7 feet radius. Fi is the first-ever tracking device to use LTE-M network which signal reaches around 30% farther than other networks such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE. This allows dog-owners to monitor the movement of their dogs even when you're not around, especially when they are out with dog walkers and pet-sitters.
- Geo-fencing gives you an option to create safe zones for your wandering pets. This feature sends instant notifications the moment they leave your predetermined perimeter. You have the option to create multiple safe zones which is great when traveling.
- Escape Detection. The Lost Dog Mode automatically switches the device to track and send updates of the real-time location of your dog and also activates the red LED flashing light that makes it easier to spot your dog in low light conditions.
Whistle - GPS tracking with AT&T LTE service. This feature enables you to receive real-time location updates every 60 seconds. This device also comes with a record of your pet’s 24-hour location history.
- Safe zones. This feature gives you an option to create multiple customizable safe zones in different shapes and sizes.
- When your pet exits the predetermined parameter you set, this device will send you email, text, and push notifications.
- The sharing feature provides you an option to give a friend or family member full access to its tracking features.
Fi
- 24/7 GPS tracking with the use of the LTE-M network. Fi uses a group of three satellites which enhances its accuracy and tracking speed. So especially in the open sky, the GPS tracking can get as accurate as 7 feet radius. Fi is the first-ever tracking device to use LTE-M network which signal reaches around 30% farther than other networks such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE. This allows dog-owners to monitor the movement of their dogs even when you're not around, especially when they are out with dog walkers and pet-sitters.
- Geo-fencing gives you an option to create safe zones for your wandering pets. This feature sends instant notifications the moment they leave your predetermined perimeter. You have the option to create multiple safe zones which is great when traveling.
- Escape Detection. The Lost Dog Mode automatically switches the device to track and send updates of the real-time location of your dog and also activates the red LED flashing light that makes it easier to spot your dog in low light conditions.
Whistle
- GPS tracking with AT&T LTE service. This feature enables you to receive real-time location updates every 60 seconds. This device also comes with a record of your pet’s 24-hour location history.
- Safe zones. This feature gives you an option to create multiple customizable safe zones in different shapes and sizes.
- When your pet exits the predetermined parameter you set, this device will send you email, text, and push notifications.
- The sharing feature provides you an option to give a friend or family member full access to its tracking features.
Activity and Fitness Tracker
Fi The Fi tracker device lets you monitor your dog’s step goals whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Fi also allows you to monitor the activity levels of your pet even if you are not with them. This device gives you an option to compare these results with other dogs, and also view records of past activities and daily, weekly, and monthly step count.
Whistle The Whistle tracker can show your pet’s record of 24-hour activity in a graph. This device gives you full insight into the distance traveled, active and inactive time, pet activity level, and the number of calories burned. With this device, you have an option to customize the activity goals based on your dog’s breed, age, and weight.
Fi
The Fi tracker device lets you monitor your dog’s step goals whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Fi also allows you to monitor the activity levels of your pet even if you are not with them. This device gives you an option to compare these results with other dogs, and also view records of past activities and daily, weekly, and monthly step count.
Whistle
The Whistle tracker can show your pet’s record of 24-hour activity in a graph. This device gives you full insight into the distance traveled, active and inactive time, pet activity level, and the number of calories burned. With this device, you have an option to customize the activity goals based on your dog’s breed, age, and weight.
Smartphone App
Fi The Fi tracker phone app, which is available for Android 6.0 and iOS 12.0 users and above, shows your dog’s location on the front page. You can scroll around the page to check other information like the map. Your pet’s photo shows you their coordinates while the first initial is your current coordinates, and if you are together, it will show the two icons beside each other. The app enables you to turn on the Lost Dog Mode and can give you access to its live chat support during their business hours.
Whistle The Whistle tracker phone app, which is available for Android 5.0 and iOS 10.0 users and above, gives you the option to see your pet’s locations using Google maps, which includes their 24-hour location history. You can also see the activity and inactivity data, safe zone, battery, and an option to adjust settings.
Fi
The Fi tracker phone app, which is available for Android 6.0 and iOS 12.0 users and above, shows your dog’s location on the front page. You can scroll around the page to check other information like the map. Your pet’s photo shows you their coordinates while the first initial is your current coordinates, and if you are together, it will show the two icons beside each other. The app enables you to turn on the Lost Dog Mode and can give you access to its live chat support during their business hours.
Whistle
The Whistle tracker phone app, which is available for Android 5.0 and iOS 10.0 users and above, gives you the option to see your pet’s locations using Google maps, which includes their 24-hour location history. You can also see the activity and inactivity data, safe zone, battery, and an option to adjust settings.
Pricing and Subscription
Fi Fi device costs $149 (
check the up-to-date price here) and you can choose among three subscription options:
- 1 year priced at $100;
- 2 years at $186;
- 3 years at $248
The good thing is this is not mandatory so you can opt-in or out if you wish. Fi also comes with a trial period of 30 days.
Whistle Whistle GO device costs $129 (
check the up-to-date price here) and comes with a mandatory service subscription plan priced at $9.95 for a monthly subscription; $7.95 for yearly; and $6.95 for 2 years which makes it expensive for us dog owners. This comes with a money-back guarantee within 90 days upon order.
Fi
Fi device costs $149 (
check the up-to-date price here) and you can choose among three subscription options:
- 1 year priced at $100;
- 2 years at $186;
- 3 years at $248
The good thing is this is not mandatory so you can opt-in or out if you wish. Fi also comes with a trial period of 30 days.
Whistle
Whistle GO device costs $129 (
check the up-to-date price here) and comes with a mandatory service subscription plan priced at $9.95 for a monthly subscription; $7.95 for yearly; and $6.95 for 2 years which makes it expensive for us dog owners. This comes with a money-back guarantee within 90 days upon order.
The Verdict
With all this information at hand, we highly recommend Fi tracker for its affordability and multitudes of advanced features. Fi highly overpowers Whistle most especially in the accuracy of Fi’s tracking ability. The Fi tracker is much more affordable with its subscription being not mandatory.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you found this comparison helpful and decided on buying Fi, I would highly appreciate if you use my referral link for purchasing. I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. It will keep me motivated to buy expensive dog gadgets, properly test them and provide unbiased reviews.
-
Mark is a Boston University graduate and former electrical engineer. In 2017, he decided to combine his tech knowledge with his love for dogs. He spent a year familiarizing himself with the latest GPS tracking collars, invisible fences, and other hot pet gadgets before he wrote his first product review. After selling Technobark, Mark remained a writer and consultant but spends more time on his other passion now: raising and training his growing family of dogs.
View all posts
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. 2024-04-22
Fi does not seem like a good idea if you have a growing puppy. The collar you buy is likely to be outgrown. There is only a $20 difference for the two year subscriptions.
i have subpar cell service in my neighborhood. ive been using the Fi and when i take my dog for a walk, a notification wont go out that we have left for 10+ minutes. Their email support is not great and they refuse to provide phone support. have not been able to link it to my wife’s phone. i do not like customer service that points me to articles to read, take the time to walk me through it. not sure the value of it if it doesn’t work.
I’m a bit confused. Why is it a better price when you don’t get most of those features if you opt out of the monthly plan?
We have a FI collar. The email support is kind of flaky. Our dog is afraid of many sounds, fireworks, gun shots, etc. and will try to get away which is why we got the collar and it has led us to him when he escaped. The design is really bad in that you have to buy their collars which are way too expensive. But overall we are happy with it and feel safer with it.
I have both types of collars and have some problems and compliments of both. First, the claim of a 3 month battery life for the Fi Collar is not accurate. The newer version has a few weeks of battery life if you don’t go outside your wifi range too much. The Fi Collar burns through battery quickly if it is not close enough to the base/charging station that comes with it. I tested it out when I checked them into a kennel for a week; the Fi collars for 2 dogs both ran out of battery on the second day of the kennel stay so they were then untrackable. The Fi network also takes 10 minutes or more to message you if the dog goes outside the geolocation area that you determine. My 2 dogs snuck out of the house and were roaming around the neighbor’s properties 🙁 until I realized they were gone after about 15 minutes. The Fi Collar was a savior at the end of the day as it helped me track one very accurately and I was able to find him and my other dog was with him. Fi has some great other features, steps tracking, walk tracking on maps, ranking of your dogs activity with breed, within your state and among all Fi Collar dogs.
In regard to the Whistle, my major issue is the durability and form factor of their products (maybe the new Whistle Switch addresses this). The major problem is the cheap plastic casings of the trackers and plastic mounting options can all get damaged by dogs that are rough and active. I lost two Whistel traackers because the tracker case or the connector became worn, and they fell off during activity somewhere in their gelocation zone. The tracking didn’t help me find mine as it is not that accurate within say a few 1000 sq ft and the battery runs out when you don’t find it in time. The great feature of the Whistle is its ability to track activity like steps and distance, licking, scratching, drinking and sleeping; these are what IoT wearable tech is all about – health management. Of course, you don’t know how accurate they are but it definitely confirms habits that you want to mitigate or keep an eye on.