Keeping pets safe is every owner’s top priority. When cats slip out of the house or dogs manage to escape a garden, every second counts. That’s why GPS pet trackers are becoming essential tools for modern pet owners.
Two of the strongest players in this space are Tractive and Pawfit. Both offer GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and peace of mind — but which one really helps you find your pet faster?
This detailed guide compares Tractive vs Pawfit, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and which is best for different types of pets and owners.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Tractive GPS | Pawfit GPS |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking Accuracy | Real-time, 2–3 sec updates | Real-time, 5–10 sec updates |
| Comfort & Size | Lightweight, 35g, fits cats too | Slightly larger, best for dogs |
| Battery Life | 2–7 days | 4–10 days |
| Subscription | From ~$5/month | From ~£3.59/month |
| App Features | Live tracking, history, safe zones | Live tracking, voice recall, activity |
| Coverage | Global (175+ countries) | UK, EU, North America |
| Price | ~£40–£50 / $50–$60 | ~£59.99 / $70 |
Check Tractive GPS Tracker on Amazon
Shop Pawfit (10% off with code XJAWK6)
1. Accuracy
- Tractive: Updates every 2–3 seconds in live mode. Perfect if your pet is moving fast.
- Pawfit: Updates in near-real-time (every 5–10 seconds). More than good enough for most situations.
Winner: Tractive, for split-second accuracy.
2. Comfort & Size
- Tractive: Compact and lightweight, works well for cats and small dogs.
- Pawfit: Slightly bulkier, designed mainly for dogs.
Winner: Tractive for cats/smaller pets, Pawfit for sturdier builds.
3. Battery Life
- Tractive: Lasts 2–7 days depending on mode.
- Pawfit: Lasts 4–10 days, better for long outdoor adventures.
Winner: Pawfit for battery life.
4. Subscription Costs
- Tractive: Starts at around $5/month.
- Pawfit: Starts at ~£3.59/month (when paid annually).
Winner: Pawfit for affordability.
5. App Features
- Tractive: Live tracking, virtual fences, location history, activity monitoring.
- Pawfit: Live tracking + unique extras like voice recall (you can send voice commands to your pet’s collar) and more detailed activity data.
Winner: Pawfit if you value unique features, Tractive for simplicity.
6. Coverage Area
- Tractive: Works in 175+ countries with LTE. A clear global leader.
- Pawfit: Available in UK, Europe, and North America.
Winner: Tractive if you travel or live outside Europe/North America.
7. Price & Value
- Tractive: Affordable entry price (~£40–£50).
- Pawfit: Higher upfront cost (~£59.99), but cheaper long-term subscription.
Winner: Tie — Tractive cheaper upfront, Pawfit cheaper ongoing.
Pros & Cons
Tractive
✅ Real-time 2–3 sec tracking
✅ Lightweight (works for cats + dogs)
✅ Affordable entry cost
✅ Global coverage
❌ Shorter battery life
❌ App less feature-rich than Pawfit
Pawfit
✅ 4–10 day battery life
✅ Voice recall feature
✅ Affordable subscription
✅ Good activity tracking
❌ Slightly bulkier, better for dogs than cats
❌ Limited to UK, EU & North America
Who Each Is Best For
- Tractive → Ideal for owners who want fast, global tracking and a lightweight design. Perfect for cats, small pets, and frequent travellers.
Get Tractive here - Pawfit → Best for dog owners who want long battery life and extra features like voice recall, plus lower subscription costs.
Shop Pawfit (10% off with code XJAWK6)
Verdict: Which Finds Pets Faster?
For finding lost pets quickly, Tractive edges out Pawfit with its ultra-fast updates and global reach.
But Pawfit shouldn’t be overlooked — its stronger battery life, innovative voice features, and affordable subscription make it a strong competitor, especially for dog owners.
⚡ Bottom line:
- Pick Tractive for real-time accuracy and worldwide coverage.
- Pick Pawfit for longer battery life and lower monthly costs.
Either way, both beat going without a tracker — and both give you the peace of mind every pet parent deserves.
FAQs
Q: Can cats use Pawfit?
It’s possible, but the device is better sized for dogs. For cats, Tractive is more comfortable.
Q: Do I need Wi-Fi?
No. Both use cellular data for GPS tracking.
Q: Which is easier to set up?
Tractive has a slightly simpler onboarding process. Pawfit adds more settings for customisation.