Garmin Alpha 100 and Garmin Astro 430 are just two of the well-known collars of Garmin. These devices are both trackers that are quite similar which are therefore almost always compared between each other. We love doing the job of breaking down the similarities and differences between “the same” products to get you out of the confusion, therefore, we made this Garmin Alpha 100 vs Astro 430 comparison for you.
Garmin Alpha 100 is a GPS device that can track multitudes of dogs at once and is also a remote training device at the same time. The Garmin Astro 430 is one of the newly improved additions to the many dog GPS tracking systems of the Garmin brand but this is specifically designed for sporting dogs.
Main Purpose
Combination of tracking plus remote training features
Range
Ranges up to 4 miles with TT15 mini but ranges up to 9 miles with TT15 collar
Ranges up to 4 miles with T5 mini but ranges up to 9 miles with T5 collar
No. of dogs tracked
Ability to track 20 dogs and up
Same as Alpha 100, the Garmin Astro 430 can track 20 dogs and up
Compatibility
Works perfectly with BaseCamp software as well as Highly compatible with Garmin DriveTrack 70 LMT
Works perfectly with BaseCamp software
Maps
Maps available includes preloaded TOPO US 100k maps
Maps available includes preloaded TOPO US 100k maps
Additional Features
Training collar and different training modes
Bark Detector - sends alert that your dog is barking even if they are outside your hearing range
Garmin Alpha 100 Main Purpose
Combination of tracking plus remote training features
Range
Ranges up to 4 miles with TT15 mini but ranges up to 9 miles with TT15 collar
No. of dogs tracked
Ability to track 20 dogs and up
Compatibility
Works perfectly with BaseCamp software as well as Highly compatible with Garmin DriveTrack 70 LMT
Maps
Maps available includes preloaded TOPO US 100k maps
Additional Features
Training collar and different training modes
Garmin Astro 430 Range
Ranges up to 4 miles with T5 mini but ranges up to 9 miles with T5 collar
No. of dogs tracked
Same as Alpha 100, the Garmin Astro 430 can track 20 dogs and up
Compatibility
Works perfectly with BaseCamp software
Maps
Maps available includes preloaded TOPO US 100k maps
Additional Features
Bark Detector - sends alert that your dog is barking even if they are outside your hearing range
Garmin Alpha 100 VS Garmin Astro 430
Design
Garmin Alpha 100 Garmin Alpha 100 has a black finish with a 3-inch colored touchscreen display, with a dimension of 1.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches (LxWxH).
Garmin Astro 430 Garmin Astro 430 has a slick design with an orange finish, showcases a 2.6-inch vibrant display, with a dimension of 6.4 x 1.4 x 2.4 inches (LxWxH). Even though Astro 430 is the latest version of this brand, it went back to the manual mode of button controls, which you may or may not find convenient.
Garmin Alpha 100
Garmin Alpha 100 has a black finish with a 3-inch colored touchscreen display, with a dimension of 1.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches (LxWxH).
Garmin Astro 430
Garmin Astro 430 has a slick design with an orange finish, showcases a 2.6-inch vibrant display, with a dimension of 6.4 x 1.4 x 2.4 inches (LxWxH). Even though Astro 430 is the latest version of this brand, it went back to the manual mode of button controls, which you may or may not find convenient.
GPS Features and Real-time Location
Garmin Alpha 100 Garmin Alpha 100 is integrated with GLONASS positioning system which improves the performance of its GPS tracking system on whichever type of terrain you are located in. With this technology, you can see the real-time GPS data even if you are in a place where there are no cell phone service and internet connection.
Garmin Astro 430 Like the Alpha 100, the Garmin Astro 430 handheld device also features the GPS/GLONASS unit which is capable of sending location updates at a rate of 2.5 seconds and track dogs even if they are in much more complicated and difficult terrains, thanks to this high-sensitivity satellite reception feature of both of these devices.
Garmin Alpha 100
Garmin Alpha 100 is integrated with GLONASS positioning system which improves the performance of its GPS tracking system on whichever type of terrain you are located in. With this technology, you can see the real-time GPS data even if you are in a place where there are no cell phone service and internet connection.
Garmin Astro 430
Like the Alpha 100, the Garmin Astro 430 handheld device also features the GPS/GLONASS unit which is capable of sending location updates at a rate of 2.5 seconds and track dogs even if they are in much more complicated and difficult terrains, thanks to this high-sensitivity satellite reception feature of both of these devices.
Dog Training and Control Features
Garmin Alpha 100 Garmin Alpha 100, as mentioned earlier, is not only a tracking device but also a perfect gadget for training your sporting or hunting dogs. It is because this device is combined with Tri-Tronics® electronic training technology for dogs which uses different training features such as momentary and continuous stimulations while having a wide range of intensity at the same time. This device also gives off vibration and tone alerts. There are also two options of stimulation modes to choose from, which can make your training journey even more easily customizable. While you can progressively increase more stimulation from levels 1 to 18 in the linear stimulation, the traditional one lets you make quick changes, whether low, medium, or high, given a predetermined level of stimulation.
Garmin Astro 430 Unfortunately, Garmin Astro 430 does not provide training features.
Garmin Alpha 100
Garmin Alpha 100, as mentioned earlier, is not only a tracking device but also a perfect gadget for training your sporting or hunting dogs. It is because this device is combined with Tri-Tronics® electronic training technology for dogs which uses different training features such as momentary and continuous stimulations while having a wide range of intensity at the same time. This device also gives off vibration and tone alerts. There are also two options of stimulation modes to choose from, which can make your training journey even more easily customizable. While you can progressively increase more stimulation from levels 1 to 18 in the linear stimulation, the traditional one lets you make quick changes, whether low, medium, or high, given a predetermined level of stimulation.
Garmin Astro 430
Unfortunately, Garmin Astro 430 does not provide training features.
Activity / Fitness Tracker Features
Garmin Alpha 100 While Garmin Alpha 100 combines the tracking feature and dog training technology, Garmin Astro 430, on the other hand, only has an only-tracking system as its main feature. But this is not all bad news because it still has almost all the features the Garmin Alpha 100 has. With the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery of both of these handheld devices, you will be able to see not only highly-detailed maps of roads and terrains, parking spaces, and buildings, but also lakes, rivers, and streams, and also tree lines. This device also gives you all the data you need about the state of your dog, their distance from you, and it also measures your dogs’ speed and distance traveled.
Garmin Astro 430 Like the Alpha 100, Astro 430 can also impressively track up to 20 dogs with the range reaching up to 9 km. You just have to take note that this still varies on the terrain, line of sight, and the tree cover of the places you’re training or hunting in. Astro 430 device also features Hunt Metrics dog performance data which can help you in analyzing the behavior and tracking pattern of your dog. These data can help dog owners and dog trainers in finding a much more effective training regimen for their pups.
Garmin Alpha 100
While Garmin Alpha 100 combines the tracking feature and dog training technology, Garmin Astro 430, on the other hand, only has an only-tracking system as its main feature. But this is not all bad news because it still has almost all the features the Garmin Alpha 100 has. With the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery of both of these handheld devices, you will be able to see not only highly-detailed maps of roads and terrains, parking spaces, and buildings, but also lakes, rivers, and streams, and also tree lines. This device also gives you all the data you need about the state of your dog, their distance from you, and it also measures your dogs’ speed and distance traveled.
Garmin Astro 430
Like the Alpha 100, Astro 430 can also impressively track up to 20 dogs with the range reaching up to 9 km. You just have to take note that this still varies on the terrain, line of sight, and the tree cover of the places you’re training or hunting in. Astro 430 device also features Hunt Metrics dog performance data which can help you in analyzing the behavior and tracking pattern of your dog. These data can help dog owners and dog trainers in finding a much more effective training regimen for their pups.
Other Technologies Used
Garmin Alpha 100 Alpha 100 is preloaded with TOPO US 100K maps. It also has a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass, and a hunter-to-hunter position reporting with added messaging capability. You also have an option to set up virtual parameters on the map so that the device can send you alerts whenever your pup leaves your predetermined geofence. With the Bluetooth connectivity, Alpha 100 can be connected with your DriveTrack70. Just take note that to be able to see your dog listed on the screen, you have to make sure that your collars are turned on and triple blinking.
Garmin Astro 430 Astro 430 is also preloaded with TOPO US 100K maps (though it requires a subscription). It also has a 3-axis electronic compass as well as a barometric altimeter just like the Alpha 100. And with the Bluetooth connectivity this Astro 430 has, you will now be able to connect your handheld device with your Garmin Instinct or Garmin Fenix watch, if you have one, and receive alerts and status updates about your dogs whenever you’re out in the training field. This wireless built-in share feature also allows you to connect this device to the DriveTrack 71 GPS navigator, also a product of Garmin, and then track your dog using a 7-inch screen in your car.
Garmin Alpha 100
Alpha 100 is preloaded with TOPO US 100K maps. It also has a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass, and a hunter-to-hunter position reporting with added messaging capability. You also have an option to set up virtual parameters on the map so that the device can send you alerts whenever your pup leaves your predetermined geofence. With the Bluetooth connectivity, Alpha 100 can be connected with your DriveTrack70. Just take note that to be able to see your dog listed on the screen, you have to make sure that your collars are turned on and triple blinking.
Garmin Astro 430
Astro 430 is also preloaded with TOPO US 100K maps (though it requires a subscription). It also has a 3-axis electronic compass as well as a barometric altimeter just like the Alpha 100. And with the Bluetooth connectivity this Astro 430 has, you will now be able to connect your handheld device with your Garmin Instinct or Garmin Fenix watch, if you have one, and receive alerts and status updates about your dogs whenever you’re out in the training field. This wireless built-in share feature also allows you to connect this device to the DriveTrack 71 GPS navigator, also a product of Garmin, and then track your dog using a 7-inch screen in your car.
Battery Life
Garmin Alpha 100 Garmin Alpha 100 uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and lasts around 10 to 20 hours with normal use, and can sometimes last up to 24 hours depending on your settings. This device showcases a Rescue Mode that allows you to extend its battery life which slows down the update rate of its ping from every 2.5 seconds down to every 2 minutes, while Astro 430 also features the same.
Garmin Astro 430 With the Garmin Astro 430, you have the choice to either use an optional rechargeable NIMH battery in-unit pack or use just a standard AA battery. This rechargeable battery pack can last up to 15-20 hours, again, depending on your settings.
Garmin Alpha 100
Garmin Alpha 100 uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and lasts around 10 to 20 hours with normal use, and can sometimes last up to 24 hours depending on your settings. This device showcases a Rescue Mode that allows you to extend its battery life which slows down the update rate of its ping from every 2.5 seconds down to every 2 minutes, while Astro 430 also features the same.
Garmin Astro 430
With the Garmin Astro 430, you have the choice to either use an optional rechargeable NIMH battery in-unit pack or use just a standard AA battery. This rechargeable battery pack can last up to 15-20 hours, again, depending on your settings.
The Winner: Garmin Alpha 100
Although the Astro 430 has a longer range than the Alpha 100 because it does not have the training system anymore that is used to communicate with the collar, the Alpha 100 would be a much better choice for all the dog trainers out there, as the Garmin Astro 430 is a tracking-system-only handheld device but the Garmin Alpha 100 is a track-and-train-system device.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you found this comparison helpful and decided on buying Garmin Alpha 100, 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.
There are more models in Garmins selection, e.g. recently announced 200i model so make sure to check our long read about all dog Garmin tracking systems.
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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.
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