Samsara vs Motive: how the two ELD and dash cam platforms compare

Samsara vs Motive is a close match on paper. As of October 2026, both sell an electronic logging device (ELD) that is on FMCSA's registered list. Each is built on a vehicle gateway that plugs into the truck's diagnostic port, with a driver app, AI dash cams and a fleet dashboard. Neither publishes a price. The differences are in packaging and stated features.

The comparison below uses only each vendor's own pages and FMCSA's ELD list, all opened on October 20, 2026.

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

Are Samsara and Motive ELDs registered with FMCSA?

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.

You can check any device yourself in a few minutes:

1. Open FMCSA's ELD list and stay on the Registered ELDs tab.
2. Search for the device name or the company.
3. Match three fields to what the vendor will install: model number, software version and ELD identifier. On October 20, 2026, Samsara's entry read model VG, software 2430.101+, identifier SAMELD. A second entry, "Samsara ELD for International Trucks", read model N2, identifier SAMNI1. Motive's entry read model "LBB-1 and higher", software "41.0 and higher", identifier MOTIVE.
4. Open the Revoked ELDs tab and confirm the device and version are not there. Neither company appeared on it that day. (One self-revoked entry named "Keep Truckin" was listed under a different company, not Motive Technologies.)

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" and says it "has been FMCSA-registered since 2017." Motive's ELD page also calls its ELD "FMCSA-registered." Those are the vendors' own statements.

Registration can be lost. FMCSA can remove a device that fails the technical specifications, after a notice and a 30-day response window (Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 395, section 5.4). In its August 2026 revocations, FMCSA gave carriers up to 60 days to replace the removed devices, as FleetOwner reported on August 7, 2026. Re-check the list before you renew any ELD contract.

Is KeepTruckin the same as Motive?

Yes. KeepTruckin "announced Tuesday it is relaunching as Motive," FreightWaves reported on April 12, 2022. Motive's ELD page says the Motive and KeepTruckin ELD products are the same product under new branding. A search for "Samsara vs KeepTruckin" is the same comparison as this one. FMCSA's list now names the device "Motive ELD" from Motive Technologies, Inc.

ELD and hours of service features compared

Both products have to meet the same federal technical specification, so the legal core is identical. What differs is the software around it. This table lists only features each vendor names on its own ELD page, as of October 2026.

Two features on that list are set by the carrier under the rule, not by the vendor. A carrier "may configure an ELD" to let drivers select authorized personal use and yard moves (49 CFR 395.28(a)). The policy behind personal conveyance is in our personal conveyance guide, and the limits the clocks count down are in our hours of service rules guide.

Hardware and the driver app

The hardware story is similar, with a few stated differences.

Samsara. The Vehicle Gateway plugs into the diagnostic port, and Samsara says installation takes "only a few minutes." The gateway has a built-in WiFi hotspot that keeps driver devices connected where cellular coverage drops. The Samsara Driver App runs on supported iOS and Android devices, and Samsara's FAQ says the app is free.

Motive. The Vehicle Gateway connects to standard 9-pin, 6-pin and OBDII ports. Motive offers a special cable for model year 2013 and newer Mack or Volvo trucks. Motive says the gateway and Driver App can be used offline and sync when they reconnect. It also says drivers who use the gateway to meet the U.S. ELD rule "must always ensure that they have an active internet connection," and it recommends a cellular data plan. Motive says the app used alone works as an editable electronic logbook.

One point on that last feature. Under the federal specification, an ELD must be "integrally synchronized with the engine" (Appendix A, section 4.2). An app with no engine connection fits drivers who are allowed to record duty status manually, such as those covered by an ELD exemption. It is not a substitute for the gateway on trucks that need an ELD.

Roadside transfer. The rule lets an ELD meet the roadside requirement two ways. Option 1 is telematics (wireless web services and email). Option 2 is local (USB and Bluetooth) (Appendix A, section 4.9.1). Both vendors list Option 1. Either way, the ELD must also show the current day and the previous 7 days on a display or printout.

Dash cams compared

Both vendors sell AI dash cams alongside the ELD. These are the facts each states on its camera page, as of October 2026.

Feature lists on marketing pages change often. Ask each vendor for the current spec sheet for the exact camera model you would buy. Our planned dash cam comparison for fleets covers more vendors.

How Samsara and Motive are sold

Neither vendor publishes a price, so every number you see elsewhere is somebody's estimate, not the vendor's.

• Samsara. The pricing page shows no dollar amounts. It asks "How many vehicles or assets do you have?" with ranges from 1-5 up to 5,000+. The plans page names packages such as Telematics Premier, Telematics Enterprise, Safety Premier and Safety Enterprise, each with a "Get pricing" button.
• Motive. The pricing link sends you to a contact page titled "Motive Pricing | ELD | Dash Cam | Motive", with no prices on it. The ELD page offers a sales contact.
• Contracts. Neither vendor's pages above state a contract length, renewal term or cancellation term.

Which is cheaper, Samsara or Motive?

From public facts, nobody can say. Neither publishes a price, and we don't repeat third-party estimates as if the vendor had stated them. The fair way to compare is to get written quotes for the same thing from both: the same number of trucks, the same camera setup, the same contract length, with hardware, installation and renewal terms spelled out. The question bank below is built for that.

Is Samsara better than Motive?

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

• Samsara fits fleets that want the ELD as one part of a wider "Connected Operations Platform", with separate telematics, safety and equipment-tracking packages, and a WiFi hotspot in the truck for driver devices.
• Motive fits fleets that want HOS logs and DVIR in one compliance product, a driver app that can also run alone as a logbook for drivers outside the ELD rule, and gateway cables for 2013 and newer Mack and Volvo trucks.
• Both fit fleets that want a registered ELD and AI dash cams from one vendor, sold through a sales quote.

If you run a handful of trucks and mainly need compliance, also look at devices with published prices in our list of the best ELD for small fleets.

Questions to ask both vendors before you sign

Use the same questions with each vendor and get the answers in writing. Each ties to a rule or to a term neither public page answers.

For the full checklist that applies to any vendor, see how to choose an ELD.

Next steps

Shortlist on what you need, confirm both devices on FMCSA's list the week you sign, and compare written quotes line by line.

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