With so many smart dog collars on the market as of 2023, you have more choices than ever before. I’ve spent countless hours reviewing and researching all of the top models so you don’t have to! Today, we’re comparing two of the most popular dog tracking devices, Tractive VS Halo, to see which one offers the most bang for your buck. We’ll do a side-by-side look at everything from design and durability to health monitoring and, of course, tracking features. That way, you can see at a glance which one best fits both your dog’s needs and your budget. You may also want to check out the individual (and in-depth) reviews for each option. Find them here:
Tractive Vs. Halo: Main Features
Let’s start with a side-by-side look at the main features of each collar. If you’re in a rush, this will give you the quickest overview.
- Live-tracking. Tractive is perfect for tracking your dogs in real-time.
- Location history. Tractive can follow the track of your dog anywhere they go tied with the history of where your dog has been. This can help you see their strolling pattern whenever they go out of your house to roam around the neighborhood.
- Virtual Fence. Customize Virtual Fence or what we call safe zones, and get instant alerts when they get past this mark.
- Interactive map. Tractive features an interactive map that shows all your dogs that have this device. This also lets you choose between street view or satellite view.
- Augmented reality. This is a great feature this Tractive has because this can give you an idea about their whereabouts.
- Smart virtual fence to keep your dogs contained within set boundaries.
- Training modes and a detailed training guide
- Create safe boundaries with built-in advanced GPS/GNSS
- Activity tracking with daily activity charts
- Uses sounds and vibrations in addition to (or instead of) static correction.
- GPS location tracking
Tractive
- Live-tracking. Tractive is perfect for tracking your dogs in real-time.
- Location history. Tractive can follow the track of your dog anywhere they go tied with the history of where your dog has been. This can help you see their strolling pattern whenever they go out of your house to roam around the neighborhood.
- Virtual Fence. Customize Virtual Fence or what we call safe zones, and get instant alerts when they get past this mark.
- Interactive map. Tractive features an interactive map that shows all your dogs that have this device. This also lets you choose between street view or satellite view.
- Augmented reality. This is a great feature this Tractive has because this can give you an idea about their whereabouts.
Halo
- Smart virtual fence to keep your dogs contained within set boundaries.
- Training modes and a detailed training guide
- Create safe boundaries with built-in advanced GPS/GNSS
- Activity tracking with daily activity charts
- Uses sounds and vibrations in addition to (or instead of) static correction.
- GPS location tracking
As you can see, both collars act as tracking devices,
invisible fence systems, and activity monitors. Tractive has a virtual fence where you can track your dog’s real-time location even when he roams far away. You can also see where he’s been in the past thanks to the detailed history.
If you’re worried that Fido isn’t getting enough activity, you can monitor his activity levels, and unlock achievements or badges depending on your setup. You can even watch out for your furry friend’s diet and see how many calories he burns throughout the day. Halo’s Smart Fences are fully automated by GPS. You don’t have to worry about losing WiFi or mobile data signals when setting up and tracing your fence boundaries.
If Fido approaches the boundaries that you set in the app, the collar lets him know through a series of warning sounds, vibrations, and static correction. However, you can turn off the shock features if you’re not comfortable with them. WINNER: I’d call this one a draw because the winner depends entirely on your needs. If you only need a GPS tracker and maybe an activity tracker, then Tractive takes first place. If you need something a bit more robust that doubles as a high-quality virtual fence, Halo wins.
Design
The Tractive GPS tracker is a rounded cuboid-shaped device that is very lightweight (weighs just around an ounce), making it perfect for small-breed dogs as well as cats. This device is quite small and only measures just about 2 by 1.6 by 0.6 inches (height x width x depth). It is very easy and convenient to use as it only needs collar clips, which are already provided along with this pet tracker, to attach to whichever type of collar you use for your pets. As of 2023, it comes in three colors: white, brown, and dark blue.
The Halo Collar wows with its sleek and minimalist design. However, it's significantly heavier than the Tractive, weighing in at about 2 lbs. With three strap sizes, it fits dogs with necks ranging from 11-30.5 inches. It's available in graphite or ivory colors.
Tractive
The Tractive GPS tracker is a rounded cuboid-shaped device that is very lightweight (weighs just around an ounce), making it perfect for small-breed dogs as well as cats. This device is quite small and only measures just about 2 by 1.6 by 0.6 inches (height x width x depth). It is very easy and convenient to use as it only needs collar clips, which are already provided along with this pet tracker, to attach to whichever type of collar you use for your pets. As of 2023, it comes in three colors: white, brown, and dark blue.
Halo
The Halo Collar wows with its sleek and minimalist design. However, it's significantly heavier than the Tractive, weighing in at about 2 lbs. With three strap sizes, it fits dogs with necks ranging from 11-30.5 inches. It's available in graphite or ivory colors.
Design-wise, Tractive is the most versatile since you can use it on any collar. The Halo collar is sleek and modern, yes, but it’s also a bit on the clunky side. It’s also significantly heavier than the Tractive. Tractive is also easier to fit on smaller dogs, like chihuahuas and Yorkies. Even in its smallest size, the Halo won’t fit most dogs under 20 lbs.
WINNER: Tractive comes out ahead in the design department for me mainly because you can use it on almost any existing collar. I also love that it’s so much lighter.
Durability
Tractive GPS pet tracker boasts their almost indestructible device which is also 100% waterproof, perfect for pets who love outdoor and water adventures. It can withstand 3-feet deep water immersion for 30 minutes. Its interchangeable battery can last up to 5 days and is easily attachable and detachable, and you can also use a spare battery while it is being charged.
The Halo Collar is made of flexible rubber and durable plastic, and has a water rating of IP67 which means that it is ready for any type of tough training, activities, and weather.
Tractive
Tractive GPS pet tracker boasts their almost indestructible device which is also 100% waterproof, perfect for pets who love outdoor and water adventures. It can withstand 3-feet deep water immersion for 30 minutes. Its interchangeable battery can last up to 5 days and is easily attachable and detachable, and you can also use a spare battery while it is being charged.
Halo
The Halo Collar is made of flexible rubber and durable plastic, and has a water rating of IP67 which means that it is ready for any type of tough training, activities, and weather.
WINNER: This one is a fairly even draw. Both Halo and Tractive have a great reputation for durability.
Warranty
The Tractive Collar comes with a 2-year warranty that covers manufacturer defects. Unfortunately, it doesn't cover the batteries, accessories, theft, or accidental damage. It's also important to note that you have to allow Tractive to try to resolve the issue remotely before you can claim the warranty.
The Halo collar only comes with a one-year Limited Warranty, with nearly the same basic stipulations as Tractive. It won't cover damage done by your dog, for example. Halo also has sole discretion when it comes to repairing vs replacing the collar.
The Tractive Collar comes with a 2-year warranty that covers manufacturer defects. Unfortunately, it doesn't cover the batteries, accessories, theft, or accidental damage. It's also important to note that you have to allow Tractive to try to resolve the issue remotely before you can claim the warranty.
The Halo collar only comes with a one-year Limited Warranty, with nearly the same basic stipulations as Tractive. It won't cover damage done by your dog, for example. Halo also has sole discretion when it comes to repairing vs replacing the collar.
When you’re dropping a good chunk of change on something, you want to make sure that it at least has a good warranty in case of damage, right? While both warranties have limitations that leave something to be desired, they’re actually pretty standard for the industry.
WINNER: In terms of length, Tractive wins. However, Halo gives you the option of receiving an advance shipment of your replacement unit, which means you don’t have to go without while you wait for your warranty to be approved. If Halo declines your claim you’ll need to send back the replacement within 30 days (which I think is pretty fair).
GPS Tracking Features
The Tractive GPS tracker features its live tracking mode that updates your pet’s location every 2 to 3 seconds. It has a fully interactive map that gives you the option to switch from a regular map to a hybrid one, to a satellite imaging view and an augmented reality map. With this tracker, you can use this to view not only the current location of your pet but also their previous location, thanks to its location history feature. This device also lets you see the speed and altitude of the unit; therefore, you can check how fast your pet moves and how high the device is above sea level. The virtual fence or geofencing feature allows you to create customized safe zones for your pets around your house or the neighborhood, and you can set the radius at 164 feet at a minimum. The Tractive GPS tracker also has a sharing feature that lets you share your pup’s or cat’s location to your family or friends so they can have the ability to help you in case they get lost, but we are all always hoping the opposite.
The Halo Collar uses GPS and GNSS systems plus either cellular or WiFi technology to locate your dog anywhere in the world in real-time. The great thing about this is that the GPS Halo Fences works even without cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Tractive
The Tractive GPS tracker features its live tracking mode that updates your pet’s location every 2 to 3 seconds. It has a fully interactive map that gives you the option to switch from a regular map to a hybrid one, to a satellite imaging view and an augmented reality map. With this tracker, you can use this to view not only the current location of your pet but also their previous location, thanks to its location history feature. This device also lets you see the speed and altitude of the unit; therefore, you can check how fast your pet moves and how high the device is above sea level. The virtual fence or geofencing feature allows you to create customized safe zones for your pets around your house or the neighborhood, and you can set the radius at 164 feet at a minimum. The Tractive GPS tracker also has a sharing feature that lets you share your pup’s or cat’s location to your family or friends so they can have the ability to help you in case they get lost, but we are all always hoping the opposite.
Halo
The Halo Collar uses GPS and GNSS systems plus either cellular or WiFi technology to locate your dog anywhere in the world in real-time. The great thing about this is that the GPS Halo Fences works even without cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Given that this is one of the main reasons you’d even consider buying a Tractive or Halo collar, it’s definitely an important thing to look at! WINNER: Again, I’d call this one a draw. I do like the augmented reality map feature of the Tractive collar, but Halo does just as impressive a job of helping you find your lost dog.
Activity and Fitness Tracker
Tractive GPS tracker’s activity monitoring feature lets you see how much time your pet spends sleeping and moving or playing around. You can set activity goals so you can make sure your pup or kitty can get the right amount of exercise and rest. This feature also lets you unlock achievements such as earning badges or breaking personal best records and lets you share and compare results and rankings among friends and other users. This feature also allows you to keep an eye on their diet and calories burned.
The Halo Collar can also track your dog’s daily activities same as how FitBits or AppleWatches work therefore this collar can record the number of steps your dogs have made, the number of hours they had their rest and training or other activities, etc. You can see all of this info in the Halo App’s dashboard.
Tractive
Tractive GPS tracker’s activity monitoring feature lets you see how much time your pet spends sleeping and moving or playing around. You can set activity goals so you can make sure your pup or kitty can get the right amount of exercise and rest. This feature also lets you unlock achievements such as earning badges or breaking personal best records and lets you share and compare results and rankings among friends and other users. This feature also allows you to keep an eye on their diet and calories burned.
Halo
The Halo Collar can also track your dog’s daily activities same as how FitBits or AppleWatches work therefore this collar can record the number of steps your dogs have made, the number of hours they had their rest and training or other activities, etc. You can see all of this info in the Halo App’s dashboard.
WINNER: I have to give this one to Halo since it acts very much like a
FitBit for dogs. That said, Tractive’s fitness and activity tracking capabilities are pretty awesome for such an affordable device.
Smartphone App
The Tractive GPS tracker smartphone app is free and is compatible with iOS 11 Android 7.0 and up, and also on computers and mobile browsers. The GPS can also be activated via the Alexa app. The app shows you detailed information about your pet’s activity status and lets you view and access your pet’s location via the interactive map, and the location history; turn on the live tracking mode and give you updates on current location; view the battery status; lets you share your pet’s location with different users.
The Halo’s smartphone app allows you to do a bunch of stuff that other GPS dog trackers do not have, and one of which is the creation and customization of smart virtual fences for your dogs to stay safe, and then alerts you whenever they run outside of your selected boundaries.
The app also of course shows you the location and status of your dog as it should be in real-time anytime you want and anywhere they may be.
It also gives you the overall data about your dogs and the collar such as their daily activities, location, maps, training, battery life, and more.
Tractive
The Tractive GPS tracker smartphone app is free and is compatible with iOS 11 Android 7.0 and up, and also on computers and mobile browsers. The GPS can also be activated via the Alexa app. The app shows you detailed information about your pet’s activity status and lets you view and access your pet’s location via the interactive map, and the location history; turn on the live tracking mode and give you updates on current location; view the battery status; lets you share your pet’s location with different users.
Halo
The Halo’s smartphone app allows you to do a bunch of stuff that other GPS dog trackers do not have, and one of which is the creation and customization of smart virtual fences for your dogs to stay safe, and then alerts you whenever they run outside of your selected boundaries.
The app also of course shows you the location and status of your dog as it should be in real-time anytime you want and anywhere they may be.
It also gives you the overall data about your dogs and the collar such as their daily activities, location, maps, training, battery life, and more.
WINNER: Another draw! The Tractive app does have a slightly higher rating in the App Store, though (4.5 stars vs Halo’s 4 stars). It also has more reviews overall, which either means that more people buy the Tractive collar OR that more people like the app enough to leave reviews.
Pricing and Subscription
For the Tractive GPS tracker, you are required to have a subscription plan but you can choose between basic and premium, starting at $8.99/month and $83.90/year, respectively. Findster Duo + on the other hand does not require monthly fees but offers Findster Care which you have the choice to opt in, and only costs $3.99 a month for a membership fee and gives you unlimited access to vet professionals who are available 24/7.
The Halo Collar is priced at $999 or $39 per month. It requires you to have a subscription to be able to use GPS location, data storage for the fences, activity tracking, and premium training option (depending on which plan you get) from none other than Cesar Millan.
Halo has three subscription options:
The basic plan costs $2.70 per month which includes storage for the fences, 24/7 GPS location tracking, smart roaming, intelligent GPS that can guide your dogs home, real-time status alerts, create and customize fences with LTE, daily activity monitoring, and personalized customer care.
The silver plan costs $9.99 per month which includes the same features as the basic plan plus reports on your dog’s weekly and monthly activity, and other premium features that they release.
The gold plan costs 29.99 per month which includes all of the features the basic and silver plans have, plus training support from experts such as Cesar Millan, behavior training, monthly training updates, and exclusive online closed-group sessions.
Tractive
For the Tractive GPS tracker, you are required to have a subscription plan but you can choose between basic and premium, starting at $8.99/month and $83.90/year, respectively. Findster Duo + on the other hand does not require monthly fees but offers Findster Care which you have the choice to opt in, and only costs $3.99 a month for a membership fee and gives you unlimited access to vet professionals who are available 24/7.
Halo
The Halo Collar is priced at $999 or $39 per month. It requires you to have a subscription to be able to use GPS location, data storage for the fences, activity tracking, and premium training option (depending on which plan you get) from none other than Cesar Millan.
Halo has three subscription options:
The basic plan costs $2.70 per month which includes storage for the fences, 24/7 GPS location tracking, smart roaming, intelligent GPS that can guide your dogs home, real-time status alerts, create and customize fences with LTE, daily activity monitoring, and personalized customer care.
The silver plan costs $9.99 per month which includes the same features as the basic plan plus reports on your dog’s weekly and monthly activity, and other premium features that they release.
The gold plan costs 29.99 per month which includes all of the features the basic and silver plans have, plus training support from experts such as Cesar Millan, behavior training, monthly training updates, and exclusive online closed-group sessions.
WINNER: If you’re on a tight budget, Tractive is definitely the best option here. That said, while Halo costs a lot more, it has extra features that make it worthwhile.
The Verdict
It’s a tie! When your four-legged friend is very active, a GPS dog and activity dog tracker like Tractive (check the best price here) is a better choice, especially with that 40% off coupon! If you wanted to keep your dog within your vicinity via a smart and virtual fence, though, the Halo dog collar is the best option.
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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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