If you have a dog, you have probably already been worried that it will run away at some point because it is frightened or in an accident.
There are so-called GPS trackers for exactly this purpose. The most popular model is certainly from Tractive, but there are also users who use an Apple AirTag as a “dog tracker”, for example.
The Tractive model is certainly the “better” choice, but it has one major disadvantage. Like most other GPS trackers, Tractive charges a comparatively high annual/monthly fee.
With Tractive, depending on the subscription, this can range from €13 per month to €84 per year, in addition to the purchase costs.
The Fressnapf Tracker is an extremely exciting alternative that also uses exciting technology!
The Fressnapf Tracker costs €75 including 2 years of free use. After these 2 years the fun only costs €9.99 per year. So it is significantly cheaper than all other GPS trackers on the market!
But what can the Fressnapf Tracker do? How does it work? Let’s find out in the test!
The Fressnapf GPS Tracker “V2” in the test
The Fressnapf GPS tracker is available in two versions. The original version and the “new” version.
Technically both versions appear to be +- identical. The new version only supports different mounts and brings minor improvements.
In principle, both versions rely on a gray housing, which can be attached to a collar or harness using two Velcro fasteners.
The tracker is charged via a magnetic charging pad, which is simply connected to a USB charger.
The Fressnapf app
Basically, the Fressnapf app is well structured. On the homepage you will first find a map view where you can see your current location as well as the location of your dog.
This location is updated at a certain interval. This interval is relatively small (every few minutes). However, there is a “Live Tracking” mode.
You can switch this on temporarily. In this mode, the tracker’s location is updated more often, at the expense of the battery. Of course, this makes sense if you are looking for your dog.
In addition to tracking your dog, you can also see activities. Under Activities you can see how much your dog has exercised and also see the routes!
You can use this to track your walk precisely in terms of route, time and distance.
There are also a few bonuses such as health functions, food recommendations, etc.
How accurate is the tracking?
The Fressnapf GPS tracker has good accuracy, but like most models, it is not accurate to the centimeter. You have +- 5-10 meters here.
Comparing it to the Tractive model, I would say that the Tractive is perhaps a touch more accurate and, above all, has a slightly better update speed.
However, if your dog has run really far away, the Fressnapf tracker’s values are easily enough to locate your dog.
Why do GPS trackers have subscription fees?
Of course there are trackers without subscription fees. See the Apple AirTag as a tracker, but these have one big disadvantage, the range.
Depending on the system, your dog may not be more than 10 to perhaps 100 meters away from you and your smartphone.
With GPS trackers from, for example, Tractive or Vodafone Curve GPS trackers and also the Fressnapf model, the distance does not matter. These do not transmit signals directly to your smartphone, but rather connect to the mobile network and then to your smartphone.
Accordingly, there must also be some kind of SIM card with a contract in the trackers. Or the providers handle this internally.
Therefore, manufacturers have constant running costs, which they pass on to customers.
This also applies to the Fressnapf Tracker, which “only” includes a 2-year subscription in the price.
Which smartphone network does the Fressnapf tracker use?
A GPS tracker is only as good as the reception it has. For example, Tractive uses O2 as a network provider, which does not provide the best coverage in remote areas.
Fressnapf, on the other hand, relies on Telekom as a provider. However, their system does not use the conventional standard such as 2G, 3G or 4G, but relies on NB-IoT. That could also be the reason for the low price.
What is NB-IoT?
NB-IoT is a special transmission standard for devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). The focus here is not on maximizing transmission speeds, but rather on achieving extensive signal coverage, low energy consumption and cost-effective solutions.
Compared to traditional 2G or 4G networks, NB-IoT offers a longer range. So if the signal is too weak on 2G or 4G, you may still be able to connect via NB-IoT.
All Telekom LTE masts support NB-IoT technology
You can find more information directly from Telekom, which is the driving force behind this standard:
How good is the reception of the Fressnapf Tracker?
Although the Fressnapf GPS tracker uses NB-IoT, which has very good reception, the motto still applies:
If you have cell phone reception on your walking routes, then chances are that the Fressnapf Tracker also has reception. But if you don’t have cell phone reception anywhere, then the tracker probably won’t have any reception either.
How much does the Fressnapf Tracker cost after 2 years
After 2 years, Fressnapf charges €9.99 per year for continued use. (as of early 2024)
Battery life, the big weakness of the Fressnapf GPS tracker
The big weakness of the Fressnapf GPS tracker is the battery life. If the tracker is not moved, it will go into a kind of standby mode after a while.
So +- 4 days are definitely possible if you only wear this for walks.
If your dog wears the tracker all day, you can expect it to last 1-2 days.
Conclusion
Is the Fressnapf GPS tracker the best dog tracker on the market? No! I think the Tractive model is a little more responsive, a touch more accurate and has better battery life.
But in the end the price is also an important point. Here are the costs for a Tractive Tracker for 2 years and the Fressnapf Tracker:
Fressnapf : 74,99€
Tractive : 39,99€ + 120€ = 159,99€
Tractive costs around twice as much! It becomes even more obvious from year 3 or if you don’t want to pay in advance for 2 years.
If you have a dog that doesn’t run away regularly and you can handle the 2 day battery life, then the Fressnapf GPS tracker is a great safety net that doesn’t have extreme running costs.
The tracker generally works very well and the Fressnapf app is also more than decent!
In short, the Fressnapf GPS tracker is absolutely recommended as a safety net!
Fressnapf GPS Tracker for Dogs | 2nd generation | Without SUBSCRIPTION | Tracking… SAFE TRACKING: Thanks to the very precise GPS tracking, you can see… NO SUBSCRIPTION: The Fressnapf GPS tracker for dogs is the only… HAPPY & HEALTHY: The tracker records the calorie and… MORE PRACTICAL SLEEP MODE: The tracker is charged inductively and…WITH FLASHLIGHT: Simply attach the tracker to the dog collar or…