Geotab vs Samsara: how the two telematics and ELD platforms compare

Geotab vs Samsara comes down to how you want to buy and extend the platform. As of October 2026, both have electronic logging devices (ELDs) on FMCSA's registered list, AI dash cams, maintenance tools and an app marketplace. Geotab bundles hardware into its plans and works through authorized resellers. Neither publishes a price.

Everything below comes from each vendor's own pages and FMCSA's ELD list, all opened on October 20, 2026.

Geotab vs Samsara at a glance (as of October 2026)

Are Geotab and Samsara ELDs on FMCSA's registered list?

Yes. Both were on the list when we checked on October 20, 2026. That matters because a carrier that must use an ELD "must use only an ELD that is listed on" FMCSA's registered ELDs list (49 CFR 395.22(a)). The rule is final and in force as of October 2026.

What the registered list showed that day:

• Geotab Inc.: "Geotab Drive Cloud ELD", models including GO6, GO7, GO8, GO9, GO9B and GO10, software 11.119+, identifier GEOTAB. Separate Geotab Drive entries cover Ford, Freightliner, International, Mack and Volvo trucks (identifiers FORD01, DAIM01, NVSRN2, MACK01 and VOLVO1).
• Samsara Inc.: "Samsara ELD", model VG, software 2430.101+, identifier SAMELD. A second entry, "Samsara ELD for International Trucks", reads model N2, identifier SAMNI1.

Check any device yourself before you sign:

1. Open the Registered ELDs list and search for the device or company.
2. Match three fields to the quote: model number, software version and ELD identifier.
3. Open the Revoked ELDs list and confirm that model and identifier are not there.

Step 3 needs care. On October 20, neither the GEOTAB nor the SAMELD identifier was on the revoked list. The revoked list does carry devices from other companies that name Geotab hardware, such as a "Geotab Drive for Platform Science" entry listed under Platform Science. Match the identifier and the company, not just the brand name in the device title.

Registration is self-certification. FMCSA's list says the devices "are self-certified by the manufacturer" and that FMCSA "does not endorse any electronic logging devices." Samsara's ELD page calls its product "FMCSA-registered and third-party certified." Geotab's ELD page says it offers ELD solutions "with GO7, GO8, GO9, and GO9+ hardware." FMCSA's entry lists more models than that page, so confirm the exact device you will receive.

A listed device can also be removed. FMCSA sends the provider a notice, and the provider has 30 days to respond (Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 395, section 5.4). Re-check both lists at every renewal.

Geotab GO vs the Samsara gateway

The in-vehicle device is the first practical difference, because it decides who installs it and what it connects to.

Geotab GO. Geotab's Next Generation GO device has an updated form factor that installs with a cable assembly. Geotab says this keeps "your vehicle's diagnostic port accessible for mechanics during routine maintenance" (Geotab GO devices). The same page lists a 4G LTE CAT1 modem, native video support for GO Focus dash cams, IOX expansion ports and Bluetooth detection of assets traveling with the vehicle. Geotab's plans page says both plans "include Geotab hardware in the subscription price" and that "There is no upfront device cost or installation fee" (Geotab software packages).

Samsara Vehicle Gateway. Samsara says its gateway "plugs right into your vehicle's diagnostic port and takes only a few minutes to install, no expertise required" (Samsara ELD page). The gateway's built-in WiFi hotspot keeps driver devices connected where cellular service is limited. Samsara says its Driver App "is free and available on any supported iOS or Android device." For fleets that want help, Samsara's partner programs page describes installation partners "from regional specialists to national providers."

Open marketplace vs all-in-one: what each vendor says

A common way to frame this comparison is that Geotab is the open marketplace and Samsara is the all-in-one. The vendors' own pages show both run an app ecosystem and an open API, and each calls its ecosystem the largest.

• Geotab. Its plans page says the Marketplace offers "400+ solutions from 400+ partners across 16 categories" and calls it "the largest ecosystem in telematics." Other Geotab pages give different counts, from 250+ on the Marketplace page to 500+ on its comparison page, so ask for the current partner list for the job you need. Geotab's integration page describes the MyGeotab software development kit (SDK) as "Designed for resellers, customers and integrators."
• Samsara. Its App Marketplace page says you can "connect Samsara to over 350 different applications" and calls it "the largest open ecosystem of integrations." Its developer page offers REST APIs and Webhooks covering "telematics, safety, connected driver, and industrial management."

The real difference is what each vendor builds itself. Samsara sells its own cameras, its own maintenance system and its own driver training inside one platform. Geotab sells its own GO devices, GO Focus cameras and maintenance tools, and points to Marketplace partners for add-ons. Its comparison page names maintenance management systems, fuel cards and parts tools among them.

Geotab also publishes a Geotab vs Samsara page with a feature-by-feature grid. It is written by one of the two vendors, so treat its Samsara column as Geotab's claims. We found no matching page from Samsara.

Dash cams and safety

Both vendors sell their own AI dash cams alongside telematics.

Geotab's comparison page also says it offers predictive safety tools "for fleets that have not fully committed to dash cams." Ask either vendor which detections are included in the plan you are quoted, because the camera models differ in what they record.

Maintenance and DVIR

Both platforms take a driver's inspection report and turn it into a repair job, which is the workflow federal rules expect.

• Geotab. Drivers complete driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) in the Geotab Drive app, and Geotab can "Automatically notify the mechanic when a DVIR is complete and a repair is needed" (Geotab ELD page). Its maintenance page lists remote diagnostics, maintenance scheduling and reminders, and work order management. It says Geotab "supports over 15,000 vehicle makes and models."
• Samsara. Samsara describes its maintenance product as "A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) built for both in-house and vended maintenance operations" (Samsara maintenance). It creates work orders with data from DVIRs and lists parts inventory, warranty management and purchase orders. Its DVIR page says its AI checks that drivers are near the vehicle and that photos show actual vehicle components.

The rules these tools serve are the same for both. As of October 2026, a carrier must repair defects listed on a DVIR that affect safety and certify the repair before the vehicle runs again. It keeps the DVIR and certifications for three months (49 CFR 396.11). The report "may be created and maintained in electronic format," wording added by a final rule effective March 23, 2026 (91 FR 7893). Maintenance records under 49 CFR 396.3 are kept for 1 year, plus 6 months after a vehicle leaves your control. Our guide to the best fleet maintenance software turns those rules into a buyer checklist.

How Geotab and Samsara are sold

Neither vendor publishes a price, so any figure you see elsewhere is an estimate, not the vendor's number.

• Geotab. The software packages page names two plans, the GO Core Plan and the GO Plan, each with a "Get Pricing" button. Read the plan lists closely. "Full HOS/ELD compliance" appears under the GO Plan, not GO Core. GO Core lists maintenance scheduling by odometer and engine hours, asset inspections and work orders. For larger fleets the page says to contact sales and mentions volume discounts. Geotab's comparison page says "Every authorized reseller has direct access to Geotab's 24/7 live support and technical teams."
• Samsara. The pricing page shows no dollar amounts. It asks "How many vehicles or assets do you have?" with ranges from 1-5 to 5,000+. The plans page names Telematics Premier, Telematics Enterprise, Safety Premier and Safety Enterprise, each with a "Get pricing" button.
• Contracts. None of the pages we opened states a contract length, renewal term or cancellation term.

Which is cheaper, Geotab or Samsara?

Nobody can say from public facts. Neither vendor publishes a price, and Geotab's quote may come from a reseller rather than Geotab itself. Compare written quotes for the same thing: the same number of trucks, the same cameras, the same contract length, with hardware, installation, marketplace add-ons and renewal terms spelled out.

Is Geotab or Samsara better for your fleet?

Neither is better across the board. Based on what each vendor says it is built for:

• Geotab fits fleets that want hardware included in a subscription with no upfront device cost, a local authorized reseller for installation and support, and a partner marketplace on top of the telematics data. It also fits mixed fleets that want an ELD entry for their make of truck.
• Samsara fits fleets that want the vendor's own cameras, maintenance system and driver app in one platform, a gateway the fleet can plug in itself, and a WiFi hotspot for driver devices.
• Both fit fleets that want a registered ELD, an open API and AI dash cams, priced by quote.

If Motive is also on your shortlist, see Samsara vs Motive. For more options, see our list of Samsara alternatives. A small fleet that mainly needs logs may want a device with a published price from our list of the best ELD for small fleets.

Questions to ask Geotab and Samsara before you sign

Ask both vendors the same questions and get the answers in writing.

For a checklist that works with any vendor, see how to choose an ELD. The limits the HOS clocks count down are in our hours of service rules guide.

Next steps

Shortlist on the plan contents you need, confirm both devices on FMCSA's registered and revoked lists the week you sign, and compare written quotes line by line.

Off Duty Not Driving Rewards is a rewards program for trucking fleets. Contact our team to learn more.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements against the current regulation text and with your compliance counsel.