Keep Your Dog Safe and Secure, No Matter Where They Roam
Best Dog GPS Collars and Fences of 2025
Keep your dog safe while they explore with top GPS collars and virtual fences. From advanced tracking to adaptable boundaries, find the perfect solution here!
9.5
Score calculated based on:
- Editor’s Choice
9.7
Score calculated based on:
9.3
Score calculated based on:
9.7
Score calculated based on:
Exceptional
Predicts Your Dog’s Movements
- AccuGuard™ + AI Technology
- Customizable boundaries
- Up to 20 Unique Fences
- Best for over 3/4 acres
Close Details
What We Like
- PetSafe's GPS collar uses advanced AI to predict your dog's movements. While it only allows you to create up to 20 custom fences, they can overlap, which is handy if you need to set "day" and "night" boundaries.
What To Consider
- Subscription required, but you can save 25% off if you sign up for an annual plan. This collar unfortunately doesn't fit small dogs.
Suitable For
- Easy to Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Best for Big Dogs
- Subscription Required
- Best for Large Properties
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Smartphone App Enabled
9.5
Score calculated based on:
Exceptional
Most Accurate GPS Fence Ever
- Dual-Frequency GPS
- Unlimited Fences
- Now Fits Most Dogs
- 30-Hour Battery Life
More Details
What We Like
- The Halo Collar 4 is actually 4 collars in one. Along with GPS tracking and virtual fencing, it also works as a training collar AND an activity monitor. Plus, you get all of this for roughly the same price as competitors with half as many features.
What To Consider
- You'll need a subscription to activate and use the collar. Also, while you can create unlimited fences, none of them can overlap.
Suitable For
- Works for Small Dogs
- Training Assistance
- Long Battery Life
- Subscription Required
- Best for Large Properties
- GPS Tracking Features
- Smartphone App Enabled
- Durable
9.3
Score calculated based on:
Exceptional
Subscription-Free Virtual Fences
- Patented True Location™
- Sets up in minutes
- Create overlapping fences
- 0% financing available
More Details
What We Like
- SpotOn is one of the only brands that doesn't require a subscription for their virtual fencing features. In addition to creating overlapping fences, you can create "fence within a fence" to set off-limit areas.
What To Consider
- If you want to take advantage of the GPS tracking features you will need to add a subscription to your account. SpotOn is also pricier than its competitors.
Suitable For
- Best for Big Dogs
- Easy to Set Up
- Best for Large Properties
- GPS Tracking
- Weather-Resistant
- Durable
- Smartphone App Enabled
9.2
Score calculated based on:
Exceptional
Works With Any Collar
- Live Tracking & Escape Alerts
- Health alerts
- Activity monitoring
- Fits most dogs
More Details
What We Like
- Tractive works with any existing collar and fits the widest range of dog sizes. While it's subscription-based, the initial cost is significantly lower than its competitors.
What To Consider
- The low price comes with a major trade-off. Tractive is primarily a GPS tracker. You can use it to set boundaries and receive alerts if Fido crosses them, but it's not a true virtual fence collar.
Suitable For
- Works for Small Dogs
- Long Battery Life
- Subscription Required
- Works for Small Properties
- GPS Tracking
- Smartphone App Enabled
- Durable
9.1
Score calculated based on:
Exceptional
Boundaries That Move With You
- No subscription costs
- Made for Off-Leash Fun
- No cellular or GPS required
- Works with up to 3 dogs
More Details
What We Like
- Heel is not a true virtual fence, but rather a unique collar that allows you to create a boundary around yourself. There are NO subscriptions necessary.
What To Consider
- The Heel Roam 350 does include GPS tracking. It's designed primarily for on-the-go dog owners who want to keep Fido close while giving them freedom to roam off-leash.
Suitable For
- Best for Big Dogs
- Easy to Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Weather-resistant
- Durable
Tip
The most comprehensive GPS collar can track your dogs anytime, anywhere AND prevent them from escaping their boundaries in the first place.
How We Score
Brand Reliability
We look at how long the brand has been around, how they continue to innovate and update their technology, and their overall reputation and trust factor among customers.
Real-World Testing
We use these products to test out functionality, durability, and user-friendliness in real-world situations to ensure that they perform exactly as promised. Our tester pets range from small couch potato dogs to highly active hunting breeds.
Product Diversity
We look at how diverse the product is in terms of how many pets it will work with. Does it fit dogs of all sizes? Will it work on a large property as well as a small one? Does it come in more than one color? All of these questions and more play a role in determining our top picks.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Now that you’ve seen our top picks, let’s quickly go over some of the most common questions about GPS collars and invisible fences.
How do GPS collars and virtual fences work?
GPS collars track your pet’s location using satellite technology, often in real-time, while virtual fences use GPS to create an invisible boundary. If your pet crosses this boundary, the collar sends a notification to your phone or emits a signal, like a vibration or sound, to encourage your pet to return to the safe zone.
Are GPS collars safe for dogs?
Yes, GPS collars are safe when used correctly. Most collars are lightweight and designed to be comfortable for long-term wear. However, you should ensure the collar fits properly—not too tight or loose—and regularly check the battery life to keep the tracking functional.
Do GPS collars require a subscription?
Many GPS collars require a monthly subscription for cellular service, which enables real-time location tracking and alerts. Subscriptions vary in cost but usually include access to an app with features like live tracking, activity monitoring, and health insights for your pet.
How accurate are GPS collars and virtual fences?
GPS collars can be accurate within a range of 10 to 15 feet, depending on the model and environmental conditions like weather and terrain. Virtual fences rely on GPS signals, so their accuracy can also vary slightly; for best results, use them in open areas where the signal is strong.
How long does the battery last on a GPS collar?
Battery life varies by model and usage, with some GPS collars lasting a few days on a single charge and others lasting up to two weeks in standby mode. Factors like real-time tracking, activity monitoring, and frequent notifications drain the battery faster, so it’s essential to check and recharge regularly to ensure your pet is always protected.
