Zonar vs Geotab: Which Fleet ELD Is Better In 2026?
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.
Zonar and Geotab often end up on the same shortlist, especially for fleets that run more than one kind of vehicle: trucks, buses, service vans and equipment. Both offer ELD compliance, GPS tracking and fleet data. But they come from different places. Zonar built its name on electronic inspections and has deep roots in school bus and municipal fleets. Geotab built an open telematics platform with a huge marketplace of add ons. Here's how they stack up.
At a Glance
| Zonar | Geotab | |
|---|---|---|
| Known for | EVIR electronic inspections, pupil transport and public fleets | Open platform, data depth and marketplace |
| Ownership | Sold by Continental to GPS Trackit in December 2024 | Independent company |
| How it's sold | Direct and through partners, quote based | Through authorized resellers |
| Published pricing | None found | Varies by reseller; one lists GO Plan at $28 a month |
| Entries on FMCSA ELD list | 6 | 80 |
The registry count is the number of entries each company has on the FMCSA registered ELD list as of our check. It reflects how many device and software combinations they've registered, not quality.
Pricing
Neither company posts a simple national price list. Zonar sells on quotes. Geotab sells through resellers who set their own prices. As a reference, one authorized Geotab reseller lists the GO device at $85, a harness at $15 to $29, GO Core at $17 a month and GO Plan at $28 a month, with no contract on individual items. You need GO Plan for ELD features.
For Zonar, ask for a quote that splits out hardware, software per vehicle, installation and term length. Then put it side by side with a Geotab reseller quote for the same features. That's the only way to get a fair comparison.
Inspections
This is where Zonar stands out. Its EVIR system (Electronic Verified Inspection Reporting) has drivers scan tags placed at inspection points on the vehicle during pre and post trip inspections. That creates a record showing the driver was physically at each spot, not just ticking boxes in an app. Results upload to a dashboard so maintenance teams can act on defects. Zonar also offers a tool to build custom inspection checklists for different vehicle types.
For fleets where inspection proof matters a lot, such as school buses or public agencies, that verified approach is a real advantage.
Geotab offers electronic DVIRs through its Geotab Drive app and partner apps in its marketplace. They cover the standard inspection requirements well, but they don't use the same tag scanning approach. Read our DVIR guide for what the rules require.
Telematics
Geotab is known for the depth of its data. Its GO devices collect detailed engine, location and driving behavior data, and MyGeotab turns that into reports on fuel use, idling, safety, maintenance and more. The open platform means you can add sensors, cameras and expansion modules, and build custom reports or connect to other systems through its software tools.
Zonar covers the core telematics features too: GPS tracking, engine diagnostics, fuel and idle reporting and driver tools. Its strengths lean toward operational workflows for mixed fleets, such as route verification for buses and service vehicles.
Integrations
Geotab's marketplace is one of the biggest in the industry, with partner apps for cameras, fuel cards, maintenance, payroll, dispatch and much more. If you need to connect your fleet data to lots of other tools, it's hard to beat.
Zonar offers integrations as well, and now has GPS Trackit tools under the same roof. But it's a more closed ecosystem than Geotab. Ask any vendor for a list of the integrations you actually need before you sign.
ELD and HOS
Both provide FMCSA registered ELDs with driver apps for hours of service, DVIRs and roadside log transfer. Both support US hours of service rules, and Geotab also supports Canadian rules. Drivers will mostly care about how easy the app is to use, so let a few drivers try each one before you decide. Check both on the FMCSA registered ELD list before you buy, since the specific device and software version matters.
Mixed Fleet Fit
Both platforms are popular with fleets that run more than heavy trucks. That matters because a city or utility might have buses, plows, pickups and trailers all in one account. A few things to check for mixed fleets:
- Vehicle coverage. Can one device type work across light, medium and heavy vehicles, or do you need several?
- Asset tracking. How are trailers and powered equipment tracked, and on what hardware?
- Different rules. Some vehicles need ELDs and others don't. The system should handle both without forcing logs on drivers who don't need them.
- Reports by group. Managers often want separate views for each department or vehicle type.
Support and Buying Experience
How you buy shapes how you're supported. With Geotab, your reseller is usually your first line of help. A good reseller can be a real asset, offering installation, training and custom reports. A weak one can leave you on your own. Ask for references from fleets like yours.
With Zonar, support comes from the company and its partners. Since Zonar changed hands in late 2024, ask about the product roadmap, how GPS Trackit tools fit in and whether anything changes for your contract or hardware.
Questions to Ask Both
- What's the total cost per vehicle per month, including hardware and install?
- What's the contract term, and how does renewal work?
- Which of my vehicles need different hardware?
- How do inspections work for each vehicle type?
- Can I export all my data if I leave?
Verdict
Choose Zonar if: you run school buses, municipal vehicles or a mixed fleet where verified inspections are a top priority, and you want a vendor with long experience in those markets.
Choose Geotab if: you want deep data, an open platform and lots of integrations, and you like buying through a reseller who can support you locally.
For more detail on each, read our Zonar review and our Geotab review. If you're also looking at other big platforms, our Samsara vs Geotab comparison is a good next read.
Checked October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zonar or Geotab better?
Zonar is strongest for verified inspections and bus or public fleets. Geotab is strongest for data depth and integrations. The right choice depends on your fleet.
Who owns Zonar?
Continental sold Zonar to GPS Trackit in December 2024.
How much does Geotab cost?
Prices are set by resellers. One authorized reseller lists GO Plan, which includes ELD features, at $28 a month plus an $85 device.
What is Zonar EVIR?
Electronic Verified Inspection Reporting. Drivers scan tags on the vehicle during inspections to create a record that each point was checked.
Sources
All prices, terms and registration details were checked October 2026 on the pages below. Providers change pricing often, so confirm before you buy.