Finding a GPS tracker for your pet isn’t just about peace of mind as it can be a literal lifesaver if your pet goes missing or gets lost. So, to help you decide between two popular options, we’re taking a closer look at the Petcube GPS Tracker and the Petfon GPS Tracker.
Features of GPS Trackers
Choosing the right GPS tracker means balancing location accuracy, budget, battery life, and smart features like geofencing and activity monitoring.
Dr. Elizabeth Bruno, a veterinarian specializing in canine performance tracking, notes:
"GPS-derived measures of physical performance in dogs are objective, easy to quantify, and can be used to gauge the effects of disease and success of clinical treatments."
This means a good tracker doesn't just find your pet, it can also help pet owners keep track of their health over time, especially for conditions like arthritis or heart disease. In these cases, it’s important to know how much they are moving, as less movement can mean it’s time to see your vet.
Read more: Petcube GPS Tracker vs. Trackipet GPS Tracker
However, activity monitoring is also just a great way to make sure you healthy pet is getting their steps in, just like for a human. So, let’s dive into what Petcube and Petfon each offer in terms of features.
| Feature | Petcube GPS Tracker | Petfon GPS Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Real-Time Location Tracking | Yes, via LTE/4G updates | Yes, using GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Glonass, and Radar |
| Escape Alerts | Yes, alerts when pet leaves safe zones | Yes, with Geo-fencing and instant alerts |
| Activity Monitoring | Tracks calories burned and distance traveled | Tracks steps, distance, and time active |
| LED Light and Sound Alerts | LED light and buzzer for visibility | Bright multicolor LED light for nighttime visibility |
| Geofencing | Yes, create virtual safe zones | Yes, create multiple safe zones |
| Radar Mode | No | Yes, to locate pets even without GPS |
| Voice Command Feature | No | Yes, record and send voice commands remotely |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 days (power-saving mode) | 8–16 hours (rechargeable) |
| Cellular Service Needed | Yes (uses LTE/4G) | No (independent tracking, no SIM needed) |
| Subscription Required | Yes ($12/month or $96/year for full features) | No subscription required |
| Vet Support via App | Yes, included with premium plans | No vet support feature |
| Best For | Cats, small dogs, and large dogs | Active dogs, outdoor adventures |
One Reddit user shared their experience:
"Petfon can be accurate once it updates ... However before it does so, it'll sometimes show my dog as wildly far away. It's always the same far location so I'm guessing there's some tower or something that it's pinging. When map location updates, the pet icon jumps to its new location on the map, so you have to zoom out to find it. Slightly annoying."
So, while the Petfon 2 improves on durability and waterproofing over the earlier model, it has a shorter battery life (8–16 hours) compared to Petcube and may require more manual refreshing during tracking.
Read more: Petcube GPS Tracker vs. Garmin GPS Tracker
Dimensions of GPS Trackers
Choosing a tracker that fits your pet comfortably is important , especially for smaller breeds of dogs or cats who don’t need a clunky gadget dragging on their collar.
| Dimension | Petcube GPS Tracker | Petfon GPS Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 60 x 25 x 20 mm (2.36 x 0.98 x 0.79 inches) | 42 x 42 x 18 mm (1.65 x 1.65 x 0.71 inches) |
| Weight | 29 g (about 1 ounce) | 27.6 g (about 0.97 ounces) |
The Petfon device is a bit more square-shaped and slightly thicker than the longer, slimmer Petcube design. However, Petfon is also just a touch lighter (by about 1–2 grams), so they're nearly identical in weight.
Read more: Petcube GPS Tracker vs. Tractive GPS
Cost and Subscription Plans
Here’s how the two options compare in terms of costs:
| Aspect | Petcube GPS Tracker | Petfon GPS Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $39.99–$52.99 (depending on promotions) | $239.99 (for one pet module + one guardian module) |
| Monthly Subscription | $12/month (7-day data history) | No subscription required |
| Annual Subscription | $96/year (unlimited data + vet chat) | No subscription required |
This means that Petcube has a lower entry cost but does require a monthly or yearly plan, while Petfon is more expensive upfront but has no ongoing fees.
Read more: Petcube GPS Tracker vs. FitBark GPS Tracker
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict? Both trackers are strong choices depending on what you need for your individual lifestyle. Choose Petcube if you want an affordable, lightweight tracker with great activity monitoring, real-time, accurate GPS updates, and 24/7 vet support through the app. Choose Petfon if you prefer no subscription fees, durable hardware, and can handle slightly more frequent recharging, especially if you are more off-grid.