GPS Dog Trackers: Device Price vs Real Total Cost
GPS dog tracker pricing in Australia - comparing upfront device cost against ongoing subscription fees to find the real total cost over time.
In short
The cheapest device isn't necessarily the cheapest tracker over time. The Pawfit Lite ($80) and Tractive ($95.52) both require their own ongoing data subscription on top of the device price, while the Pitpat ($260) has no subscription at all - the math changes depending on how long you plan to use it.
The upfront numbers
- Pawfit Lite - $80 device - lowest device price in this comparison, but requires its own ongoing data plan; check current plan pricing separately from the device cost.
- Tractive - $95.52 device - similarly requires an ongoing subscription; the market-leading brand with the deepest review history of the three.
- Pitpat - $260 device - no ongoing subscription cost, per the current listing, but the highest device price upfront.
Working out your real cost
If you keep a subscription tracker for more than a year or two, the ongoing fee can add up to more than the difference in device price between a subscription and subscription-free option. Check the current subscription pricing for Pawfit or Tractive directly (it changes independently of the device price) before deciding which is actually cheaper for how long you expect to use it.
What matters beyond price
Pitpat's no-subscription design has a different tracking approach than true cellular GPS - see our dedicated comparison of GPS vs. Bluetooth-style tracking for what that means in practice, since it affects range and reliability, not just cost.
FAQ
Is the most expensive device automatically the cheapest over time?
Not automatically - it depends entirely on current subscription pricing for the alternatives and how many years you'd use the device. Check current plan costs before assuming either direction.
Do I need to buy a subscription separately from the device?
For Pawfit and Tractive, yes - the device price doesn't include the ongoing data plan required to use their GPS tracking, so factor that into your decision.
Which of these three has been on the market longest?
Tractive is described as the market leader with by far the largest review count of the three in this comparison, suggesting the longest track record.
Prices shown are snapshots from Amazon Australia at the time this guide was last updated - check current pricing (including any subscription plans) on the product page before buying.