If you’re taking your pet on off-leash adventures, a GPS tracker can be a lifesaver, offering peace of mind when they’re out of sight.
Increasingly, pet parents are starting to see the value of having a GPS attached to their animals.
In fact, Dr. Neoh explains that many pet parents rely on posters and social media to find lost pets, but these methods can be slow and don’t guarantee results.
A smart tracking system, he suggests, “enables pet owners to track their pets’ current locations and narrow down search areas based on their activity patterns”.
But as the market fills with a variety of tracking devices for your dogs or cats, how do you know which one is right for you? To help you make an informed decision, we have broken the differences and similarities between two particularly popular options.
Read more: Petcube GPS Tracker vs. Tractive GPS
Key Features of Pet GPS Trackers
One point to note before we compare features is that the Cube Tracker is not specifically made for pets. Rather it is a general tracker that is advertised for tracking everything from your car to a dementia patient, and can also be attached to a dog collar (with special additional collar clips).
Conversely, the Petcube tracker is a device specifically made with pets in mind. That said, let’s compare the features of both:
| Feature | Petcube GPS Tracker | Cube GPS Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Real-Time Tracking | Yes, with live location updates via LTE/4G | Yes, offers real-time tracking |
| Escape Alerts | Alerts when pet leaves safe zones | Yes, with similar alerts |
| Activity Monitoring | Tracks activity levels and calories burned | Limited activity monitoring |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 days in power-saving mode | Generally shorter than Petcube |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | Waterproof |
| Light and Sound Alerts | LED light and buzzer for visibility | Typically includes sound alerts |
| Geofencing | Allows setting virtual safe zones | Supports geofencing |
| Compatibility | Works with iOS 14+ and Android 7.1.2+ | Varies depending on model, but works with the Cube Tracker app available on the App Store and Google Play store |
With features like escape alerts and activity tracking, Petcube’s GPS tracker lets you keep an eye on your pet’s location and their daily exercise. But the key value is if your pet has a tendency to wander or you’re curious about their activity.
One reviewer of the Petcube tracker shared, "The setup was effortless, it only took a few minutes. I purchased it for my German Shepherd, Eden, as we do a lot of off-leash hikes and training. This tracker gives me peace of mind when she is off-leash."
Read more: Petcube GPS Tracker vs. Fi Smart Dog Collar
Dimensions of GPS Trackers
| Dimension | Petcube GPS Tracker | Cube GPS Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 60 x 25 x 20 mm (2.36 x 0.98 x 0.79 inches) | 70 x 40 x 16 mm (2.75 x 1.57 x 0.64 inches) |
| Weight | 29 g (about 1 ounce) | 63 g (about 2.2 ounces) |
The Petcube GPS Tracker is more compact and lightweight than the Cube model, making it a better fit for smaller pets, including cats. On the other hand, Cube GPS Tracker offers a larger design and additional weight, which may suit larger pets but could be bulky for smaller ones.
Cost and Subscription Plans
| Aspect | Petcube GPS Tracker | Cube GPS Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $39.99 - $52.99 (depending on sales) | Generally starts around $50, depending on model |
| Monthly Subscription Plan | $12/month (7-day data history) | $19.95/month (First month free, then billed monthly) |
| Annual Subscription Plan | $96/year (unlimited data history, vet chat) | $16.50/month billed annually, $198/year (First month free) |
Most GPS trackers have monthly or yearly subscription options that cover live tracking and data history. Petcube’s premium plan for their tracker also includes unlimited data history and a vet chat feature, so you can reach out if you need advice, making it much better overall deal for tracking animals.
Conclusion
Both trackers cover the essentials, but Petcube’s GPS tracker has a few standout features, like long battery life and activity tracking. On the whole, it is cheaper, better suited for pets and more lightweight than the cube tracker, making a good choice for smaller animals as well.