Samsara vs Geotab 2026: Which Fleet ELD Is Better?

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Rules, prices and device details on this page were checked October 2026 against the official sources listed at the bottom. Where a provider doesn't publish a number, we say so instead of guessing.

Samsara and Geotab are two of the biggest names in fleet telematics, and both offer FMCSA ELDs. But they're built on different ideas. Samsara is one company selling one tightly integrated platform. Geotab builds the platform and sells it mostly through a network of partners, with an open system that other companies plug into. Which one fits depends on how your fleet likes to buy and how much you want to customize. Everything below was checked on official Samsara and Geotab pages in October 2026.

Quick Verdict

	Samsara	Geotab
How you buy	Direct from Samsara	Mostly through authorized resellers
Published pricing	No, quote only	No, plan names published; pricing through sales and resellers
ELD app	Samsara Driver app	Geotab Drive
Vehicle hardware	Samsara vehicle gateway	Geotab GO device
Cameras	Samsara AI dash cams (CM33, CM34)	GO Focus cameras and partner cameras such as Surfsight
ELD plan	Quote	HOS and ELD are in the GO Plan, not GO Core
Small fleet terms	Under 11 vehicles: 3 years paid up front	Depends on the reseller
Best for	Fleets that want one vendor and one polished app	Fleets that want flexibility, data access and lots of add-ons

Short version: pick Samsara if you want a single, polished system from one company and you're happy with a multi year deal. Pick Geotab if you want an open platform, a choice of resellers, and the ability to bolt on specialized tools.

Hardware and Install

Samsara

Samsara's core device is its vehicle gateway, which plugs into the truck's diagnostic port and handles GPS, engine data and the ELD connection. Cameras like the CM33 (road facing) and CM34 (dual facing) connect to the same system. Samsara's help center says both cameras record 1080p by default, with higher resolution available through a Dash Cam Plus license. Most fleets self install, and Samsara's small business FAQ mentions a 30 day return window.

Geotab

Geotab's vehicle device is the GO, and the GO10 is the current model. It plugs into the diagnostic port and sends data to MyGeotab, Geotab's fleet software. It also supports IOX add-ons for things like extra sensors. Drivers use Geotab Drive on a phone or tablet. Geotab's ELD is called the Cloud ELD because the GO device records continuously and sends data to the cloud, where the Drive app picks it up. Geotab first registered it with FMCSA in October 2017.

Geotab says hardware is included in its GO Core and GO Plan subscriptions, with no upfront device cost or install fee. Your reseller handles shipping and install support.

Which is easier?

Both are plug in installs for most trucks. The difference is support. With Samsara you deal with Samsara. With Geotab, your reseller is your main contact, so the quality of your experience depends a lot on which reseller you choose. Ask any Geotab reseller for references from fleets your size.

Pricing Models

Samsara

Samsara doesn't publish prices. You get a quote based on fleet size and products. The terms matter more than the monthly number. According to Samsara's small business FAQ, fleets with fewer than 11 vehicles pay for 3 years up front. Larger fleets typically sign multi year contracts too. Ask for the full term total in writing.

Geotab

Geotab publishes its plan structure but not prices. There are two current plans:

GO Core: GPS tracking, trip history, alerts, basic routing, maintenance scheduling, inspections and work orders, basic IFTA reporting and access to the Marketplace.
GO Plan: everything in GO Core plus full HOS and ELD compliance, advanced safety scoring, predictive maintenance, full fuel monitoring, EV tools and video telematics integration.

This is the key point for an ELD buyer: you need the GO Plan for HOS and ELD. Geotab says pricing for larger fleets goes through its sales team, with volume discounts available. Because resellers set their own terms, contract length and price can differ from one reseller to another, so get more than one quote.

Comparing quotes

To compare fairly, get both quotes for the same number of trucks, the same features and the same term. Then work out the cost per truck per month over the full term. Our ELD cost calculator does the math.

Reporting and Data

Samsara

Samsara puts everything in one dashboard: HOS, location, safety events, video, maintenance and fuel. Its strength is how well it's put together. You can see a camera event, the driver's logs and the truck's location in one place without hunting around.

Geotab

Geotab's strength is data. MyGeotab has a big library of reports, and Geotab offers a free SDK and API, plus a Data Connector that brings curated data into business intelligence tools. If you have an analyst or IT person who likes building their own reports, Geotab gives them a lot to work with.

ELD features compared

Both systems cover the ELD basics: automatic driving status, HOS clocks, violation alerts, inspections and roadside data transfer. Geotab's driver guide for the Drive app lists support for exemptions like short haul, non CDL short haul, the 16 hour exception, adverse driving conditions, personal conveyance and yard moves, and up to three co-drivers on one device. Samsara's ELD supports the common exemptions and special statuses too. The real difference is how the app feels to your drivers, so ask both for a demo login.

Marketplace and Integrations

This is where the two really split.

Geotab was built to be extended. The Geotab Marketplace lists more than 400 solutions from partners, covering cameras, trailer tracking, fuel cards, maintenance software, insurance and more. If a specialized tool exists for your industry, there's a decent chance it plugs into Geotab.

Samsara also has an app marketplace and open APIs, and connects with common TMS, maintenance and payroll systems. But its approach is to build more of the features itself, so you rely less on third parties.

A good test: list the three or four other systems you can't live without, such as your TMS, maintenance software and fuel card. Ask each vendor exactly how they integrate and who supports the integration if it breaks.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

With two quote based vendors, the details live in the contract, not on the website. These are the questions worth asking both sides, and getting answers to in writing.

What's the full term and total cost? Ask for the total over the whole contract, including hardware, cameras, licenses and taxes.
What happens at renewal? Find out whether the contract renews automatically, how much notice you need to give, and whether the price can go up.
Can I add and remove trucks? Fleets grow and shrink. Ask whether you can drop units mid term and what that costs.
Who owns the hardware? Ask whether you return devices at the end and what you pay for lost or damaged units.
How do I export my data? You have to keep HOS records for 6 months, and you'll want history if you ever switch. Ask how you get logs, inspection reports and video out.
Who supports me? For Samsara, ask about support hours and channels. For Geotab, ask the reseller the same question, since they're your first line.
Can my drivers try it? Ask for a pilot on a few trucks before you sign for the whole fleet.

Watch the add-ons

The base price often doesn't include everything in the demo. Cameras, advanced safety features, IFTA, extra integrations and video storage can each be separate line items. With Geotab, remember the ELD itself needs the GO Plan. With Samsara, ask exactly which licenses your quote includes. Line up the two quotes feature by feature before you compare the bottom line.

It also helps to ask each vendor for two or three fleet references in your segment. A ten minute call with a fleet your size tells you more about support than any sales deck.

Which to Pick

Choose Samsara if...

You want one company responsible for hardware, software and support.
Your drivers need a simple, consistent app.
You want cameras, ELD and tracking working together out of the box.
You're comfortable with a multi year contract.

Choose Geotab if...

You want to choose your reseller and compare terms.
You need specialized add-ons from the Marketplace.
You have people who want raw data, APIs and custom reports.
You run a mixed fleet with trucks, vans and equipment.

Consider something else if...

You're a small fleet or owner operator who mainly needs compliance at a low monthly price. Both platforms can be more than you need. Our list of the best ELD devices includes simpler options with published prices. You can also read our full Samsara review and Geotab review.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Samsara or Geotab cheaper?

Neither publishes prices, so it depends on your quote. Samsara sells direct, while Geotab is sold through resellers who set terms. Compare total cost per truck per month over the full contract.

Does Geotab include the ELD in every plan?

No. Geotab says full HOS and ELD compliance is part of the GO Plan. GO Core covers tracking, basic routing, maintenance and basic IFTA.

Do I have to sign a long contract with Samsara?

Samsara's small business FAQ says fleets with fewer than 11 vehicles pay for 3 years up front. Larger fleets get quoted terms, usually multi year.

Can I use my own phone with Geotab or Samsara?

Yes. Geotab Drive supports off the shelf Android and iOS devices with a data plan, and Samsara's driver app also runs on phones and tablets. The device must be mounted while driving.

Sources

All prices, terms and registration details were checked October 2026 on the pages below. Providers change pricing often, so confirm before you buy.