Best ELD Devices 2026

Every ELD on our list is FMCSA-registered and independently scored across six categories. From budget compliance to full fleet management, find the right device for your operation.

88Very Good

Samsara

Best Overall

Best for: Fleets of All Sizes

Samsara is the market leader in fleet management and ELD compliance, offering a comprehensive platform that goes far beyond basic HOS logging. Their hardware is reliable, the software is polished, and the AI-powered dashcam integration sets them apart. The main drawback is price — this is a premium solution with premium costs.

Pros

✓Best-in-class software platform with intuitive fleet dashboard
✓AI-powered dashcam with real-time driver coaching and incident detection
✓Excellent GPS tracking accuracy and real-time visibility

Cons

✗Most expensive option — pricing can be prohibitive for solo operators
✗Multi-year contracts are standard, making it hard to switch
✗Feature-rich platform has a learning curve for less tech-savvy drivers

Hardware: $0 upfront (included in subscription) or $100-300 for purchaseMonthly: $25-45 per vehicle depending on plan and featuresRead Full Review

85Very Good

Motive (KeepTruckin)

Best Value

Best for: Mid-Size Fleets

Motive, formerly KeepTruckin, is one of the most popular ELD providers in the market, known for balancing strong technology with reasonable pricing. Their platform has evolved from a simple ELD into a comprehensive fleet management suite. Good all-around option that works for both small fleets and larger operations.

Pros

✓Excellent balance of features and pricing — genuine value leader
✓Intuitive mobile app consistently rated highly by drivers
✓AI dashcam with forward and driver-facing cameras

Cons

✗Rebranding from KeepTruckin to Motive caused some customer confusion
✗Customer support response times have increased as they have scaled
✗Some features require higher-tier plans that increase cost

Hardware: $0 upfront with subscription or $150 for device purchaseMonthly: $20-40 per vehicle depending on planRead Full Review

82Very Good

Trimble

Best for Fleets

Best for: Large Fleets

Trimble is an enterprise-grade fleet management and ELD solution backed by decades of transportation technology experience. Their platform (formerly PeopleNet) is among the most capable in the industry, integrating ELD, fleet tracking, dispatch, routing, and compliance into a unified system. Pricing and complexity put it out of reach for most small operators.

Pros

✓Enterprise-class fleet management platform with deep capabilities
✓Excellent TMS and dispatch system integration
✓Highly reliable hardware proven across millions of miles

Cons

✗Premium pricing designed for medium to large fleets
✗Complex platform with steep learning curve
✗Implementation can take weeks for full fleet deployment

Hardware: $200-500 per vehicle (varies by configuration)Monthly: $30-60 per vehicle depending on modules selectedRead Full Review

80Very Good

Omnitracs (Solera)

Best for: Enterprise Fleets

Omnitracs, now part of Solera, is one of the original fleet telematics providers with over 35 years in the transportation technology space. Their platform serves some of the largest fleets in North America. Strong on capability and reliability, but the enterprise pricing and complexity are not suited for smaller operations.

Pros

✓One of the most established fleet technology providers (since 1988)
✓Proven at scale with major carrier deployments
✓Comprehensive platform covering ELD, routing, safety, and compliance

Cons

✗Enterprise pricing is prohibitive for small carriers
✗User interface feels dated compared to Samsara and Motive
✗Solera acquisition creates uncertainty about product roadmap

Hardware: $300-700 per vehicle (custom configuration)Monthly: $35-65 per vehicle depending on platform tierRead Full Review

78Good

Rand McNally

Best for: Navigation-Focused Drivers

Rand McNally brings their legendary mapping heritage to the ELD market with devices that double as truck-specific GPS navigation units. Their ELD 50 and TND series combine HOS compliance with commercial vehicle routing. A strong choice for drivers who want an all-in-one navigation and compliance solution.

Pros

✓Best-in-class truck-specific navigation and routing
✓Integrated ELD + GPS in a single device — no separate phone needed
✓Long history in trucking — understands driver needs

Cons

✗Higher hardware cost due to built-in display and navigation
✗Software updates can be slow compared to app-based competitors
✗Navigation maps need periodic paid updates

Hardware: $300-600 depending on model (includes GPS display)Monthly: $15-30 per vehicle for ELD serviceRead Full Review

74Good

Garmin eLog

Best for: Owner-Operators

Garmin eLog is a compact ELD device from the GPS giant that pairs with Garmin's truck navigation units or a smartphone. It offers clean ELD compliance in a simple package at a reasonable price. Good for owner-operators who already own a Garmin GPS and want a seamless add-on for HOS compliance.

Pros

✓Compact, well-built hardware from a trusted brand
✓Seamless integration with Garmin dezl truck GPS units
✓No monthly fees — one-time hardware purchase model available

Cons

✗Limited fleet management features — designed for individual use
✗No dashcam integration or driver coaching features
✗IFTA reporting is basic compared to dedicated fleet platforms

Hardware: $150-250 for the eLog deviceMonthly: $0 (no mandatory monthly fee) or optional fleet service plansRead Full Review

72Good

Matrack

Budget Pick

Best for: Budget-Conscious Carriers

Matrack offers one of the most affordable ELD solutions on the market, making compliance accessible for budget-conscious owner-operators and small carriers. The device is basic but functional, and the pricing is hard to beat. Do not expect premium features, but for straightforward ELD compliance, Matrack gets the job done.

Pros

✓Extremely affordable — among the cheapest ELD options available
✓Simple, plug-and-play installation
✓No long-term contract required

Cons

✗Basic feature set — lacks advanced fleet management capabilities
✗Mobile app is functional but dated compared to competitors
✗Customer support can be slow to respond

Hardware: $20-50 for the ELD deviceMonthly: $10-20 per vehicleRead Full Review

70Good

BigRoad

Best for: Free ELD Logging

BigRoad gained popularity as one of the first free ELD logging apps and continues to offer a no-cost basic tier. The free version works well for simple HOS compliance, while paid tiers add GPS tracking and fleet management. Good entry point for drivers new to electronic logging, but the free tier has clear limitations.

Pros

✓Free tier available for basic HOS logging — genuinely free, not a trial
✓Simple, driver-friendly app interface
✓Low barrier to entry for ELD compliance

Cons

✗Free tier lacks GPS tracking and fleet management
✗Hardware quality is basic compared to premium providers
✗Customer support is limited, especially for free tier users

Hardware: $0-150 depending on plan (BYOD option for free tier)Monthly: $0 for basic or $15-30 per vehicle for premium featuresRead Full Review

68Above Average

Stoneridge

Best for: Basic Fleet Compliance

Stoneridge is a legacy automotive electronics manufacturer that entered the ELD market with their EZ-ELD product. The device is straightforward, reliable hardware backed by decades of vehicle electronics experience. However, the software platform lags behind modern competitors and the overall user experience feels dated.

Pros

✓Reliable, industrial-grade hardware from an experienced electronics manufacturer
✓Straightforward compliance-focused design
✓Competitive hardware pricing

Cons

✗Software and app feel dated compared to Samsara, Motive, and others
✗Limited advanced features — primarily a compliance tool
✗Smaller user community means fewer resources and third-party integrations

Hardware: $100-200 for the ELD deviceMonthly: $15-25 per vehicleRead Full Review

65Above Average

ELD Mandate

Best for: Minimum Compliance

ELD Mandate is a bare-bones ELD device that does exactly what the name implies — helps you meet the ELD mandate at the lowest possible cost. The hardware and software are basic, customer support is minimal, but it is FMCSA-compliant and cheap. Best for carriers who view ELD as a regulatory checkbox, not a business tool.

Pros

✓Very affordable hardware and monthly costs
✓Simple, no-frills compliance solution
✓No long-term contracts

Cons

✗Basic hardware quality — durability concerns in harsh conditions
✗Mobile app is clunky and receives infrequent updates
✗Customer support is slow and limited

Hardware: $50-100 for the ELD deviceMonthly: $10-15 per vehicleRead Full Review

Our Scoring Methodology

Every ELD device is evaluated across six weighted categories. We test actual devices, review compliance records, and assess the full cost of ownership over a 3-year period.

Pricing (20%)

Hardware cost, monthly fees, contract terms, and total cost of ownership.

Service Quality (20%)

Reliability, uptime, and accuracy of HOS logging.

Technology (25%)

App quality, dashcam integration, GPS, fleet management features.

Transparency (15%)

Clear pricing, honest marketing, and no hidden charges.

Support (20%)

Customer service availability, response times, and issue resolution.

Not Sure Which ELD Is Right for You?

Use our side-by-side comparison tool to see exactly how these ELD devices differ on the features and pricing that matter to your operation.

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