The price of a pet tracking device can vary significantly, ranging from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. This variation is influenced by the type and brand of the pet tracker selected. Each type of pet tracker offers unique benefits and limitations, which are reflected in their pricing. On average, some of the top pet trackers in the market are priced around $100, though there are options that are considerably cheaper or more expensive.
This article aims to examine the expenses associated with the three most prevalent types of pet tracking devices, outlining their merits and drawbacks. This will assist you in identifying which device provides the most value for your investment.
Types of Pet Tracking Devices
Presently, the market offers three principal varieties of pet tracking devices: radio frequency trackers, Bluetooth trackers, and GPS trackers.
A pet wears a tracking unit for radio frequency trackers, while the pet’s owner utilizes a transceiver. These two components communicate using radio frequency signals.
A tracking unit that attaches to a pet’s collar describes Bluetooth trackers. These units interface with the owner’s smartphone through Bluetooth.
GPS trackers, on the other hand, include a unit that utilizes GPS technology to pinpoint a pet’s location. GPS trackers are categorized based on how they transmit location data to the owner’s smartphone: cellular GPS trackers, which depend on cellular networks for data transmission, and multi-tech or mixed GPS trackers, which use a combination of proprietary technologies and Bluetooth.
Cost of Radio Frequency Pet Trackers
Typically, radio frequency pet trackers are priced at $100 or higher, with certain models reaching several hundred dollars. These trackers do not incur any additional fees post-purchase.
Their long battery life and lack of dependence on cellular networks stand out as their primary advantages. Nevertheless, they tend to have a more limited communication range compared to GPS trackers, usually between 400 feet to 2 miles. Additionally, they are often bulkier and heavier, making them more suited for larger dog breeds and animals.
Cost of Bluetooth Pet Trackers
In terms of affordability, Bluetooth pet trackers outshine others, starting at prices below $10 without any ongoing costs. However, their affordability comes with significant disadvantages, such as a restricted communication range and coverage.
Due to their reliance on Bluetooth technology, their operational range is confined to 30 to 100 feet, making them ideal for tracking pets within a home or immediate property.
Cost of GPS Pet Trackers
The cost of GPS pet trackers can widely vary, typically ranging from $80 to $150. Cellular GPS trackers incur extra expenses due to their reliance on cellular networks, necessitating a service plan and monthly fees ranging from $2 to $10. Conversely, multi-tech GPS trackers do not have additional costs.
Cellular GPS trackers excel in communication range, limited only by cellular network coverage. They can function over any distance within cellular coverage areas and offer national or global coverage.
Multi-tech GPS trackers, while having a more restricted range of up to 5 miles, can operate globally, making them ideal for frequent travelers or those in areas with inconsistent cellular reception.
Compared to radio frequency and Bluetooth trackers, GPS trackers (both cellular and multi-tech) provide superior communication range and coverage. They are also durable, often being shockproof and waterproof, and are suitable for pets of various sizes.
Given their benefits and suitability for most pets and owners, GPS pet trackers are considered to offer significant value for the investment. For instance, the Findster Duo+, a leading multi-tech GPS tracker, is priced at $149 without any ongoing expenses, representing a cost-effective option for long-term use.
Conclusion
The pricing of pet trackers shows a broad spectrum, with some devices costing nearly 100 times more than others. Bluetooth trackers generally are the least expensive, radio frequency trackers are on the higher end, and GPS trackers, which enjoy widespread popularity among pet owners, are priced moderately.
It’s essential to carefully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each pet tracker type, ensuring that the decision is not based solely on cost. This is because lower-priced options often come with significant limitations.