5 Most Affordable ELD Devices In 2024
The best affordable ELD Devices are Matrack ELD, Garmin Elog,and Bit ELD. This is based on our expert reviewers team.
Staying compliant with Hours of Service (HOS) rules is a must for truckers and fleet owners, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot on an Electronic Logging Device (ELD).
In this blog, we will highlight the best affordable ELD devices that help you meet regulations without breaking the bank. These options offer the reliability and ease of use you need at a price you can afford.
Top 5 Most Affordable ELDs in 2024
- Best For: Fleets seeking monthly plans with no upfront cost
- Cost: Free device, $19.95/month
- Key Benefits: No upfront cost, month-to-month flexibility, quick installation
- Best For: Independent drivers or small fleets preferring a one-time purchase
- Cost: $249.99 (one-time)
- Key Benefits: One-time purchase with no ongoing fees, secure data storage on smartphone, compatible with Garmin dēzl GPS units
- Best For: Small to mid-sized fleets needing simple compliance
- Cost: $295 (one-time)
- Key Benefits: No subscription, paperless operations, easy for small fleets
- Best For: Fleets needing flexible payment options with real-time tracking
- Cost: $39.95 hardware + $14.95/month service
- Key Benefits: BYOD option, real-time tracking, 24/7 support
- Best For: Small fleets moving from paper to digital compliance
- Cost: $250 (one-time)
- Key Benefits: Affordable one-time cost, mobile app, document storage and transfer
Choosing an Affordable ELD in 2024
Affordable electronic logging devices (ELDs) are essential for commercial vehicle compliance without overspending. Here are the core aspects to consider when selecting a cost-effective ELD:
Cost Range
ELDs start at $150 per unit, typically with a monthly service fee between $10 and $50. To lower upfront costs, some providers offer bring-your-own-device options and leasing plans.
Compliance
Ensure the device meets the U.S. FMCSA standards, as compliance is mandatory for legal operation.
Productivity Features
Many affordable ELDs include real-time tracking of driver hours, enabling efficient route planning and scheduling to reduce downtime.
Data Reporting
Basic data reporting and analyzing are often available in affordable ELDs. These provide insights into driver behavior and vehicle performance to help improve operational efficiency.
Selecting an affordable ELD with these core features allows businesses to stay compliant and efficient while managing costs.
How We Tested Affordable ELD Devices
We tested affordable ELD devices by checking their cost, how easy they are to install, and key features. These features include HOS tracking and DOT inspection mode.
Each device was checked for price, ease of setup, and key functions. This ensures it meets FMCSA standards without extra costs. We aimed to provide practical options for fleets on a budget.
Top 5 Most Affordable ELDs in 2024
Matrack ELD
Matrack ELD offers a budget-friendly solution with no upfront cost and monthly plans starting at $19.95. This product is affordable and offers key compliance features.
It includes automatic Hours of Service (HOS) tracking and real-time vehicle tracking. You can also access the DOT inspection mode on your mobile device. It supports many HOS rules. It also includes IFTA reporting, electronic DVIR, and an easy-to-use dashboard for tracking driver logs.
Matrack ELD offers fleets needing compliance, a free device and flexible, month-to-month payment options without high costs. An ideal choice for businesses looking to simplify operations and reduce expenses exists.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable with no upfront device cost. | ❌ Monthly fees may add up over time. |
| ✅ Month-to-month payment flexibility. | ❌ Advanced features might be limited at the base price. |
| ✅ Quick plug-and-play installation. |
Key Features
- Free device, starting at $19.95/month with no contract
- Automatic Hours of Service (HOS) tracking and violation alerts
- DOT inspection mode accessible via mobile
- Real-time vehicle tracking and IFTA reporting
- Electronic DVIR and compliance monitoring
Garmin eLog
Garmin eLog is a one-time purchase ELD solution that costs $249.99 with no monthly fees. This makes it great for people who want affordable compliance.
The device works with most trucks and connects to Garmin’s free eLog app. This lets drivers log their hours of service securely. They can also store data locally. The data is easy to access for inspections using USB or Bluetooth.
Garmin eLog is easy to set up and works well with Garmin dēzl GPS units. This makes it user-friendly and affordable. A good choice for independent drivers or small fleets. They can get a reliable ELD solution without extra costs.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ No ongoing fees, only one-time cost. | ❌ Limited advanced features compared to subscription models. |
| ✅ Secure data storage on personal devices. | ❌ Compatibility restricted for some vehicle types (no OBD2 support). |
| ✅ Easy setup and integration with Garmin dēzl GPS. |
Key Features
- One-time purchase at $249.99 with no subscription fees
- FMCSA-compliant HOS logging stored locally on the smartphone
- Compatible with 9-pin and 6-pin ports, fits most trucks
- Bluetooth connectivity for easy data access
BIT ELD
BIT ELD provides a straightforward compliance tool at a single cost of $295, with no recurring fees. The device has important features like automatic HOS tracking, split-shift calculations, and paperless DVIRs. These make it easy for drivers to stay compliant. The BIT app also tracks fuel for IFTA reporting, reducing paperwork.
BIT ELD is great for small and mid-sized fleets. It offers affordable pricing and important compliance features. This makes it a smart choice for companies that want to save money while following regulations.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable one-time cost. | ❌ No real-time vehicle tracking. |
| ✅ Paperless operations reduce manual tracking. | ❌ Limited feature set for larger fleets. |
| ✅ Suitable for small to mid-sized fleets. |
Key Features
- One-time cost of $295 with no recurring fees
- Automatic HOS logging, co-driver support, split-shift calculation
- Paperless DVIR and IFTA reporting
- Simple, driver-friendly mobile app
GPS Insight ELD
GPS Insight ELD is a flexible, low-cost option with hardware starting at $39.95 and service fees from $14.95 per month. It supports a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) setup, helping reduce initial expenses while covering FMCSA compliance. With automated HOS tracking and real-time updates, it meets essential needs for HOS logging.
GPS Insight ELD offers helpful features like 24/7 support and a multi-language app. Practical and affordable options exist. This makes it a great choice for fleets that need a simple solution without high costs.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Flexible payment options, including BYOD. | ❌ Requires a monthly fee for full functionality. |
| ✅ Affordable monthly plan with 24/7 support. | ❌ Setup and cost depend on chosen features. |
| ✅ Real-time tracking and compliance. |
Key Features
- Hardware starts at $39.95; service fees from $14.95/month
- BYOD-compatible, reducing initial hardware costs
- Real-time HOS logging and fleet tracking
- 24/7 support and multi-language options
Gorilla Safety ELD
Gorilla Safety ELD provides an affordable solution for $250 with one-time cost. It includes important compliance features with no ongoing fees. The app lets drivers log their hours of service, upload documents, and access important tools from their smartphones. This makes it easy to manage daily tasks.
For small fleets switching from paper to digital, Gorilla Safety ELD is easy to use and affordable. It provides compliance support without unnecessary extra features.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable with no ongoing fees. | ❌ Limited features for complex fleet needs. |
| ✅ Easy for drivers to operate with mobile support. | ❌ Primarily suited for smaller fleets. |
| ✅ Supports document storage and transfer. |
Key Features
- One-time cost of $250, no recurring fees
- Simple HOS logging, document upload, and eDVIR
- Self-auditing and mobile document transfer
- Mobile app for smartphone-based compliance
Conclusion
In 2024, affordable ELD options like Matrack ELD, Garmin eLog, and BIT ELD help fleets stay compliant. These options do this without high costs. Each device has key compliance features required by FMCSA. They also offer options for different budgets.
Matrack has a low-cost monthly plan. Garmin offers a one-time purchase. BIT provides a setup that does not require a subscription. These choices help small fleets and independent drivers meet regulations without high upfront costs or long-term commitments.
All five ELDs have different features, but they share some key points. They focus on HOS tracking, easy setup, and cost control. Fleet managers can save money while staying compliant with these budget-friendly ELDs. They keep operations efficient without extra costs.