Quick Comparison Table
| ELD Device | Best For | Monthly Cost | Hardware Cost | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motive (KeepTruckin) | All-around value | $35-40 | $149-249 | Excellent app interface |
| Samsara | Large fleets | $30-50 | $300-400 | Advanced analytics |
| Garmin eLog | Owner-operators | $0-15 | $249-299 | No monthly fees option |
| Omnitracs | Enterprise fleets | $45-60 | Custom | Full fleet management |
| BigRoad (Fleet Complete) | Budget-conscious | $20-30 | $199 | Good free tier |
Evaluation Criteria
We evaluated these ELD devices based on:
- FMCSA Compliance: All devices are registered and self-certified
- Real Pricing: Actual quotes from January 2025
- Ease of Use: Based on driver feedback and testing
- Customer Support: Response times and availability
- Hardware Reliability: Failure rates and durability
- Hidden Costs: Installation, training, contract terms
Top 10 ELD Devices for Trucks
1. Motive (formerly KeepTruckin)
Best Overall ELD for Most Fleets
Pricing:
- Hardware: $149 (basic) to $249 (asset gateway)
- Monthly: $35 per vehicle (annual contract)
- No activation fees
Pros:
- Intuitive mobile app that drivers actually like
- 24/7 phone support with average 2-minute wait times
- Automatic IFTA reporting included
- Works with most smartphones and tablets
- Strong vehicle diagnostics features
Cons:
- Annual contracts required for best pricing
- Month-to-month costs $10 more per vehicle
- Some advanced features require higher tiers
Best For: Small to mid-size fleets wanting reliable, user-friendly solution without breaking the bank.
Real User Insight: Support quality has remained consistent even after rebranding from KeepTruckin. The app rarely crashes and updates don't typically break functionality.
2. Samsara
Best for Data-Driven Fleets
Pricing:
- Hardware: $300-400 depending on configuration
- Monthly: $30-50 per vehicle (custom quotes)
- Professional installation available
Pros:
- Industry-leading dash cam integration
- AI-powered safety coaching
- Excellent fuel efficiency tracking
- Real-time GPS tracking with geofencing
- Comprehensive API for integrations
Cons:
- Higher upfront costs
- Complexity can overwhelm single drivers
- Requires training to use all features
- Contract minimums for small fleets
Best For: Fleets prioritizing safety scores and fuel efficiency, with budget for premium features.
Installation Note: While marketed as plug-and-play, optimal setup often requires professional installation for camera systems.
3. Garmin eLog
Best No-Monthly-Fee Option
Pricing:
- Hardware: $249-299
- Monthly: $0 (basic) or $15 (with tracking)
- One-time purchase option available
Pros:
- No monthly fees for basic compliance
- Familiar Garmin interface
- Portable between vehicles
- Works offline, syncs when connected
- Good for intermittent use
Cons:
- Limited fleet management features
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Manual IFTA calculations
- Dated interface design
- Support via email only on basic plan
Best For: Owner-operators and small fleets wanting to minimize recurring costs.
Money-Saving Tip: The basic no-fee version handles compliance, but you'll need the premium version for features like real-time tracking.
4. Omnitracs
Best Enterprise Solution
Pricing:
- Hardware: Custom quotes (typically $400-600)
- Monthly: $45-60 per vehicle
- Implementation fees apply
Pros:
- Comprehensive fleet management suite
- Industry-leading uptime (99.9%)
- Advanced route optimization
- Integration with major TMS platforms
- Dedicated account management
Cons:
- Expensive for small operations
- Complex implementation process
- Requires IT resources
- Long-term contracts standard
Best For: Large fleets needing enterprise-grade reliability and features.
Reality Check: Implementation typically takes 60-90 days for full deployment across a fleet.
5. BigRoad (Fleet Complete)
Best Budget Option
Pricing:
- Hardware: $199
- Monthly: $20-30 per vehicle
- Free tier available (limited features)
Pros:
- Affordable entry point
- No contracts on basic plans
- Good mobile app
- Canadian company (understands cross-border)
- Free version for testing
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Customer support inconsistent
- Hardware less durable than competitors
- Free tier very restricted
Best For: Cost-conscious operators needing basic compliance.
Hidden Limitation: Free tier only includes 5 daily logs per month - essentially useless for commercial driving.
6. Geotab Drive
Best for Mixed Fleets
Pricing:
- Hardware: $150-250
- Monthly: $35-50 per vehicle
- Volume discounts available
Pros:
- Excellent for mixed vehicle types
- Strong third-party app marketplace
- Good international support
- Comprehensive vehicle diagnostics
- Open platform architecture
Cons:
- Interface less intuitive
- Requires more training
- Better suited for fleets than individuals
Best For: Fleets with diverse vehicle types needing flexibility.
7. J.J. Keller Encompass
Best for Compliance-Focused Fleets
Pricing:
- Hardware: $275-350
- Monthly: $30-45 per vehicle
- Compliance services additional
Pros:
- From compliance experts
- Excellent regulatory updates
- Good training materials
- Strong audit support
- Integration with J.J. Keller services
Cons:
- More expensive than pure-tech competitors
- Less innovative features
- Slower feature rollout
Best For: Fleets prioritizing compliance over technology features.
8. Rand McNally ELD
Best for Integrated Navigation
Pricing:
- Hardware: $299-399 (includes tablet)
- Monthly: $35-45 per vehicle
- Bundle deals with navigation
Pros:
- Integrated truck-specific navigation
- Tablet included in price
- Good for drivers unfamiliar with smartphones
- Established trucking brand
Cons:
- Proprietary hardware limits flexibility
- Higher replacement costs
- Slower support response times
Best For: Drivers wanting all-in-one device with navigation.
9. Verizon Connect
Best for Verizon Customers
Pricing:
- Hardware: $200-300
- Monthly: $35-55 per vehicle
- Bundle discounts with Verizon services
Pros:
- Reliable network coverage
- Integration with Verizon services
- Good for existing Verizon business customers
- Strong uptime guarantees
Cons:
- More expensive without bundles
- Less specialized than trucking-focused competitors
- Contract requirements
Best For: Fleets already using Verizon for connectivity.
10. Azuga
Best for Safety Incentive Programs
Pricing:
- Hardware: $150-250
- Monthly: $25-40 per vehicle
- Safety program features additional
Pros:
- Gamification for driver safety
- Reward program integration
- Good driver scoring system
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Less known brand
- Smaller support team
- Limited advanced features
Best For: Fleets wanting to incentivize safe driving behavior.
Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Installation Reality
DIY Installation: Advertised as 15-30 minutes, reality is 1-2 hours first time Professional Installation: $75-150 per vehicle at truck stops Fleet Installation: Volume discounts available, typically $50-75 per vehicle
Training Expenses
- Driver training time: 2-4 hours per driver
- Administrative training: 8-16 hours
- Lost productivity during transition: 5-10%
- Ongoing support needs: 1-2 hours monthly
Contract Gotchas
Early termination fees: Often 50% of remaining contract Auto-renewal clauses: 30-60 day notice required Price increases: Many contracts allow annual 3-5% increases Equipment return: Must be in working condition or face fees
Making the Right Choice
For Owner-Operators
Prioritize:
- Low monthly costs
- No long-term contracts
- Portability between vehicles
- Simple compliance features
Recommendation: Garmin eLog or BigRoad
For Small Fleets (2-10 trucks)
Prioritize:
- Balance of features and cost
- Good customer support
- IFTA reporting
- Mobile-friendly solutions
Recommendation: Motive or Geotab
For Large Fleets (50+ trucks)
Prioritize:
- Enterprise features
- API integrations
- Dedicated support
- Advanced analytics
Recommendation: Samsara or Omnitracs
Questions to Ask Before Buying
About Pricing
- What's the total 3-year cost including hardware?
- Are there fees for adding/removing vehicles?
- What happens to pricing after the initial contract?
- Are software updates included?
About Support
- What are actual phone support hours?
- Is support outsourced?
- Average response time for critical issues?
- Cost for on-site support?
About Features
- Which features require higher tiers?
- Are IFTA reports actually automated?
- Can drivers edit logs if needed?
- How does the system handle team driving?
About Contracts
- Early termination penalties?
- Equipment ownership after contract?
- Data portability if switching providers?
- Service level guarantees?
Red Flags to Avoid
- "Free" ELD offers: Usually severely limited or bait-and-switch
- No phone support: Critical when facing inspection
- Proprietary cables: Expensive replacements
- Foreign support only: Communication barriers during critical times
- No FMCSA registration number: Verify at FMCSA's registered ELD list
The Bottom Line
The "best" ELD depends on your specific needs:
Best Overall: Motive (KeepTruckin) - balances features, price, and usability Best Premium: Samsara - if budget allows, offers most comprehensive solution Best Budget: BigRoad - gets the job done affordably Best No-Monthly: Garmin eLog - minimize recurring costs
Remember: The cheapest ELD isn't always most economical long-term. Factor in support quality, reliability, and features that save time. A slightly more expensive ELD that prevents one violation pays for itself.
Ready to compare specific features? Use our ELD comparison tool to evaluate devices side-by-side, or browse all FMCSA-registered devices to ensure compliance.