Your Ultimate Garmin GPS Dog Tracker Comparison Table

Your Ultimate Garmin GPS Dog Tracker Comparison Table

Elevate your hunting and training game with Garmin GPS dog tracking systems. The Secret weapon of hunters and trainers for precise tracking, top-notch training, and stellar visibility. Our guide will lead you to the ideal Garmin tracker, customized for your next thrilling adventure with your four legged companion!

GARMIN PRODUCTS

ALPHA 10

ALPHA 100

ALPHA 200

ALPHA 200i

ALPHA 300

ALPHA 300i

ASTRO 430

PRO 550 PLUS

FEATURES
$399.99 USD$599.99 USD (Discontinued)$699.99 USD$749.99 USD$799.99 USD$849.99 USD$449.99 USD (Discontinued)$399.99 USD
Dimension & Weight2.3 x 4.8 x 1.1” (5.8 x 12.1 x 2.9 cm); dimensions do not include antenna160g with standard antenna and spine mount attached2.5 x 6.5 x 1.5” (6.4 x 16.5 x 3.8 cm) 250 g with standard antenna and battery2.7 x 6.4 x 1.3” (6.8 x 16.2 x 3.4 cm) *dimensions do not include antenna280 g with standard antenna and battery62.7 x 6.4 x 1.3” (6.8 x 16.2 x 3.4 cm) *dimensions do not include antenna280 g with standard antenna and battery2.4″ x 6.3″ x 1.4″ (6.1 x 16.0 x 3.6 cm) 260.1 g w/ batteries1.8″ x 11.4″ x 2.1″ (4.5 x 20.8 x 5.4 cm)

253 g

Display Resolution

128 x 128 pixels240 x 400 pixels282 x 470 pixels282 x 470 pixels160 x 240 pixelsDisplay resolution: 128 x 128 pixels

Display Type

sunlight-readable, monochrome, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)transflective, 65-K color TFT touchscreentransflective, color TFT touchscreentransflective, color TFT touchscreentransflective, 65-K color TFT

Transflective, monochrome LCD

Display Size1.8 in (45 mm) diagonal1.53″W x 2.55″H (3.8 x 6.3 cm); 3″ diagonal (7.6 cm)1.8″ W x 3.0″ H (4.7 x 7.7 cm); 3.5″ diagonal (88.9 mm)(WxH) 4.7 cm x 7.7 cm, 3.5″ diagonal (88.9 mm)1.43″ x 2.15″ (3.6 x 5.5 cm); 2.6″  (6.6 cm) diagonal

0.91″ x 0.91″ (2.3 x 2.3 cm); 1.28″ (3.26 cm) diagonal

Battery type: Rechargeable

Lithium-Ion

YES (Non- Rechargeable)

YYYYYOptional NiMH pack or 2 standard AA (not included)

Y

Battery Life

up to 1 week (40 hours of use)up to 20 hoursup to 20 hoursup to 20 hours; up to 15 hours with InReach technology enabledup to 55 hoursup to 55 hours; up to 50 hours with InReach technology enabledup to 20 hours

24 hours

Memory

N/A

4.0 GB16 GB16 GB4 GB

n/a

Water Rating (7PX)

YYYYYYY

Y

Touchscreen

NYYYYYN

N

SENSORS

Compass: (Tilt-Compensated 3-axis)

YYYYYYY

N

High-sensitivity receiver

(GPS and Galileo)Only barometric altimeterGPS , Galileo, & Barometric altimeterGPS , Galileo, & Barometric altimeterOnly barometric altimeter

Do not have Sensor such as GPS , Galileo, & Barometric altimeter

MAPS & MEMORY

Preloaded Maps

N

TopographicTopaActiveTopaActiveTopaActiveTopaActiveTopo

N

Ability to add maps

N

YYYY (see Additional)Y (see Additional)Y

N

Base map

N

YYYNNY

N

Automatic Routing

NYes (with optional detailed road mapping)Yes (with optional detailed road mapping)Yes (with optional detailed road mapping)Yes (with optional detailed road mapping)Yes (with optional detailed road mapping)Yes (with optional detailed road mapping)

N

External memory storage

N

microSD™ card (not included)microSD™ card (not included)microSD™ card (not included)microSD™ card (not included)microSD™ card (not included)MicroSD™ card (not included)

N/A

Navigation Routes

N200250250250

N/A

Waypoints/Favorites/Locations:

N

4,00010,0002000

N/A

Tracks

N/ATracks up to 20 dogs (TT 10/15/15 mini and T5/5 mini) and buddies (Alpha 100) simultaneouslyUp to 20 assets (any combination of compatible dog devices and handhelds)Tracks: Up to 20 dogs simultaneously

NOT SPECIFIED

Navigation Track Log:

N10,000 points, 200 saved tracks20,000 points, 200 saved GPS tracks, 300 saved fit activities20,000 points, 250 saved GPS tracks, 300 saved fit activities20,000 points, 250 saved GPS tracks, 300 saved fit activities20,000 points, 250 saved GPS tracks, 300 saved fit activities20,000 points, 250 saved GPS tracks, 300 saved fit activities

N/A

Satellite Imagery

NNSatellite Imagery: Yes (direct to device; no annual subscription required)

N/A

Stored contacts

N

N250 dogs250 dogs250 dogs250 dogs250 dogs

N/A

Outdoor Recreation

NOT SPECIFIEDSun and moon information Custom maps compatible Area calculation Fish forecastPoint to point navigation Sun and moon information Custom maps compatible Area calculation Fish forecastPoint to point navigation Sun and moon information Custom maps compatible Area calculation Fish ForecastSun and moon information & Custom maps compatiblePoint to point navigation Sun and moon information Custom maps compatible Area calculation Fish ForecastGeocaching-friendly y(Paperless) Sun and moon information Custom maps compatible fish forecast

N/A

RADIO FEATURES

Frequency

MURS

MURSMURSMURSMURSMURSN/A

N/A

Range

TT and T Series, 9 miles; TT mini and T mini Series, 4 miles

TT 15, 9 miles; Mini, 4 miles9 miles with compatible dog devices9 miles with compatible dog devices9 miles with compatible dog devices9 miles with compatible dog devices(line of sight): T Series: 9 miles; T mini Series: 4 miles

N/A

Channels

NOT SPECIFIED

NOT SPECIFIED5555NOT SPECIFIED

NOT SPECIFIED

Location reporting,(send and receive GPS positions) Vibration alert Contacts

N/A

N/AYYYYN/A

Vibration Alerts

Compatible with Smart Messenger App

N

NYYYYN

N

Live Track

N

NYYYNN

N

XERO™ Locations

N

NYYNNN

N

Connection

(BLUETOOTH® Low Energy and ANT+®)Not SpecifiedWi-Fi®, BLUETOOTH® and ANT+®Wi-Fi®, BLUETOOTH® and ANT+®Wi-Fi®, BLUETOOTH® and ANT+®Wi-Fi®, BLUETOOTH® and ANT+®NOT SPECIFIED

NOT SPECIFIED

Outdoor Applications

Garmin Explorer app,

Garmin Website, and

Dog Tracking

Not Specified

YYYYYNot Specified

Garmin explorer App

INREACH® FEATURES

Interactive SOS

N/A

N/AN/AYN/AYN/A

N/A

Send and receive text messages to SMS and email

N/A

N/AN/AYN/AYN/A

N/A

Send and receive text messages to other InReach device

N/A

N/AN/AYN/AYN/A

N/A

Exchange locations with other InReach device

N/A

N/AN/AYN/AYN/A

N/A

Virtual keyboard for custom messaging

N/A

N/AN/AYN/AYN/A

N/A

Send waypoints to MapShare during trip

N/A

N/AN/AYN/AYN/A

N/A

Send route selection to MapShare during trip

N/A

N/AN/AYN/AYN/A

N/A

PROS

Lightweight and budget-friendly GPS tracker Tracks up to 20 dogs from 9 miles away, updating every 2.5 seconds.

Water-resistant and easy to use in any weather condition

Offers basic training features and needs a smartphone app for mapping.

All-in-One: Combines GPS tracking and e-collar training.

Precise Tracking: Real-time updates and point alerts.

Durable: Rugged, waterproof, and shockproof.

Customizable Training: Extensive settings for training.

Advanced Features: Detailed mapping and smartwatch compatibility

Tracks dogs: Up to 9 miles, 2.5-second updates.

Dog Management: Easy group and inactive dog handling.

Public Land Boundaries: View on maps.

Performance Metrics: Track dogs’ speed and distance

18 Stimulation Levels: Customizable training.

Tone/Vibration: Quick commands.

Garmin Explore App: Real-time tracking and replay.

Pro View Compass: Easy dog location tracking.

Multi-GNSS: Accurate with GPS and Galileo.

TopoActive Maps: Detailed terrain views.

BirdsEye Direct: Satellite imagery via Wi-Fi.

Navigation Sensors: Altimeter and compass.

20-Hour Battery: Long-lasting.

In-Vehicle Tracking: Compatible with Tread® and DriveTrack™.

Text & Social Media: Message and post updates anywhere (satellite subscription needed).

SOS Alerts: Send emergency SOS to Garmin’s 24/7 center (subscription required).

Location Sharing: Share GPS location or track progress (subscription needed).

Global Coverage: Reliable messaging and tracking via Iridium satellite (subscription required).io

Long Battery Life: Up to 55 hours.

Clear Touchscreen: 3.5-inch display works with gloves.

Advanced Mapping: Includes TopoActive and Garmin Outdoor Maps+.

Channel View: Avoids collar interference.

Global messaging, navigation, and SOS.

Collar Compatibility: Works with new and older collars.

Bright Display: Features a vivid 3.5” touchscreen with a 2.5-second update rate.

InReach Satellite Technology: Offers global SOS alerts, two-way messaging, and location tracking.

Extended Battery Life: Up to 55 hours, or 50 hours with InReach functionality.

Comprehensive Tracking: Tracks up to 20 dogs from distances of up to 9 miles.

Enhanced Training Options: Includes 18 levels of stimulation, and commands for tone and vibration.

Satellite Imagery: Allows you to download detailed terrain views via Wi-Fi.

Efficient Group Management: Supports up to 250 dogs for easier hunting setup.

Garmin Explore App Integration: Provides detailed reviews and navigation options.

Quick Updates: 2.5-second location updates for precise tracking

Dual Satellite Systems: GPS and GLONASS enhance tracking accuracy.

Comprehensive Mapping: Preloaded TOPO U.S. 100K maps and microSD™ slot for additional maps

Detailed Hunt Metrics: Tracks and analyzes hunting performance and behavior.

Covey Counter™: Records specific hunting details, including prey locations and counts.

Wireless Sharing: Supports data transfer with various Garmin devices and watches.

Durable Design: Water-resistant to IPX7 and rugged enough for field conditions.

Versatile Training Options: 18 stimulation levels with tone and vibration for effective dog training.

Rapid Tracking Updates: 2.5-second location updates ensure accurate tracking of fast-moving dogs.

Extended Battery Life: 24-hour battery capacity supports long hunts and training sessions.

Built to Last: Durable and water-resistant design handles rugged conditions.

Enhanced Tracking: Compatible with various Garmin devices for extended tracking capabilities.

App Integration: Garmin Explore™ app compatibility allows for detailed tracking and data storage on mobile devices.

CONS

Basic Training Features: Limited stimulation and controls.

No Built-In Mapping: Requires app or other devices for maps.

No Touchscreen: Lacks touchscreen functionality.

Fewer Advanced Features: Less versatile compared to higher-end models.

Complex Interface: Slow adjustments and navigation via touchscreen.

Limited Buttons: Only three training buttons.

No Beeper: Lacks beeper compatibility for dense cover.

High Cost: $599.99 may be pricey for some users.

Battery Life: Shorter compared to some devices, which may require more frequent recharging.

Cost: Priced at $699.99, which might be high for some users.

No Collars Included: Collars must be purchased separately.

Complexity: Advanced features might be overwhelming for some users.

Additional Costs: Some map features and accessories are sold separately.

Has a higher Price: If you’re buying Alpha 200i handheld with dog device, the price is $1,099.99 for the TT 15x and $1,049.99 for the T 5x

Shorter Battery life when using in reach

Requires compatible Garmin products for full functionality.

Cost: High price may be a barrier for some users.

Complexity: Advanced features might be overwhelming for beginners.

Size/Weight: Slightly bulky, which could affect portability.

Ongoing Costs: Premium map features require a subscription.

Battery Replacement: In-field battery replacement can be inconvenient

Interference: Potential signal issues in densely packed areas.

High Cost: At $849.99, it’s on the pricier side.

Feature Complexity: Advanced functions might be overwhelming for new users

Separate Purchase Required: Collars are sold separately.

Additional InReach Costs: May require a subscription for full satellite features.

In-Field Battery Replacement: May be inconvenient during hunts.

High Cost: Advanced features and compatibility might come at a premium price.

Collars Sold Separately: Requires additional purchase of compatible collars.

Limited International Availability: Approved for use only in the U.S., with restrictions in Canada.

Complex Features: Might be overwhelming for users unfamiliar with advanced tracking systems.

Battery Options: Requires standard AA batteries or optional rechargeable NiMH pack; in-field battery management can be a hassle.

Additional Purchases Required: Compatible dog collars are sold separately.

Price Point: $399.99 may be high for casual users.

Limited Dog Capacity: Tracks up to 3 dogs; not ideal for larger packs.

Complexity for Beginners: Advanced features may require a learning curve for new users.

Additional

Track storage: up to 10 days

Frequency band: MURS (The T 5, T 5 mini, TT™ 15 and TT 15 mini are only compatible with the Astro® 320 and the Alpha™ 100. The T 5, T 5 mini, TT 15 and TT 15 mini can be configured for operation with either handheld but cannot be tracked simultaneously by both the Astro 320 and the Alpha 100.) Tracks up to 20 dogs (TT 10/15/15 mini and T5/5 mini) and buddies (Alpha 100) simultaneously

*Garmin discontinued the Alpha 100 to focus on newer technology and market trends. The Alpha 200 and 300 models offer enhanced features and performance, meeting evolving consumer needs. By phasing out the Alpha 100, Garmin can streamline production, cut support costs, and stay competitive with advanced products. This approach ensures Garmin remains innovative and resource-efficient. Despite its discontinuation, the Alpha 100 is still available through businesses on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and local stores.

Ability to add maps: yes (Outdoor Maps+Ability to add maps: yes (Outdoor Maps+Range (line of sight): T Series: 9 miles; T mini Series: 4 miles Frequency band: The T Series and the TT Series dog collars cannot be tracked simultaneously by both the Astro 320 and Astro 430. Handhelds vibration mode: yes Tracks up to 20 dogs simultaneously ​

*Garmin discontinued the Astro 430 to focus on newer, better technology. As Garmin developed more advanced models, the Astro 430 became outdated. Newer models offer improved GPS accuracy, better maps, and longer battery life.

Keeping older models like the Astro 430 can be expensive for Garmin, so it makes sense for them to invest in new technology. This move helps Garmin stay competitive and meet the latest demands of their customers, ensuring they continue to provide top-notch, up-to-date products.

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