Last Updated on November, 2024
In the market of pet trackers, Link AKC and Whistle are top dogs (no pun intended).
They have great designs and do an excellent job tracking your pets using GPS.
Both GPS trackers allow you to gain information on your pet’s activity and location and help you maximize their quality of life.
On the surface, both these devices seem fantastic.
Which probably brings you to the question of “what should I pick?”
All you have to do to find the answer to this is stick around. In this article, I will be reviewing these GPS pet trackers and determining which one is more worth your dollars.
Table of Contents
- About the Link AKC Pet Tracker
- About the Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
- Link AKC Vs Whistle: Product Comparison
- Main Features of Link AKC GPS Tracker
- Main Features of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Design of Link AKC GPS Tracker
- Design of Whistle GPS Tracker
- The durability of Link AKC GPS Tracker
- The durability of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Battery Life of Link AKC GPS Tracker
- Battery Life of Whistle GPS Tracker
- GPS Location Tracking Features of Link AKC GPS Tracker
- GPS Location Tracking Features of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Activity and Fitness Tracker of Link AKC GPS Tracker
- Activity and Fitness Tracker of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Smartphone App of Link AKC GPS Tracker
- Smartphone App of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Pricing, Subscription, Warranty, and Refund Policy of Link AKC GPS Tracker
- Pricing, Subscription, Warranty, and Refund Policy of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Consumer Reviews of Link AKC GPS Tracker
- Consumer Reviews of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Key Similarities Between Link AKC and Whistle
- Key Differences Between Link AKC and Whistle
- Pros and Cons of the Link AKC GPS Pet Tracker
- Pros and Cons of the Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
- The Winner: Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
- Bottomline
- FAQs
About the Link AKC Pet Tracker
The Link AKC smart collar is a sleek and stylish pet tracker with a user-friendly smartphone app and practical accessories.
The device can be attached to your pet’s collar, and it has also been endorsed by the American Kennel Club.
Link AKC has everything you need, from GPS location tracking to activity tracking, fitness monitoring, safety features, and other additional features.
The device comes in a cardboard cylinder with a plastic top.
The package includes:
About the Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
Whistle states that their intentions behind their GPS pet trackers are to provide pets with a voice.
Their devices are among the smallest smart collars on the market.
They act as pet translators that help dog owners and other pet parents keep their pets safe and understand their needs.
To get started with pet tracking, all you need to do is pick a device out of the three that Whistle offers, choose a subscription plan and download the free Whistle smartphone app.
Then you’ll be good to go!
Link AKC Vs Whistle: Product Comparison
Main Features of Link AKC GPS Tracker
The Link AKC smart collar allows for the reliable and accurate real-time GPS tracking and activity monitoring of dogs- and only dogs, unfortunately.
You cannot use Link AKC with pets that aren’t dogs.
Link AKC employs GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth technology to locate your dog and keep track of its location.
This means that you can locate your dog anywhere within AT&T cell coverage.
The first location update will reach you within 3 to 5 minutes and you will receive constant updates after that.
Your pet’s location will be updated constantly on the Locations tab of the Link AKC mobile application. Plus, you will have access to a map with paw prints that mark your pet’s tracks.
You can set up safe zones to a maximum radius of 2,400 meters. You will also receive alerts in the form of instant push notifications if your pet leaves the safe zone.
Another fantastic feature that Link AKC offers is Vet Records. You can access, modify and update vaccination records, whenever necessary, directly through the Link AKC mobile application.
The app also allows you to set reminders so that you’ll never forget an essential appointment.
The Link AKC GPS pet trackers also conduct temperature monitoring to ensure your pet’s safety further. The device will keep track of the ambient temperature and alert you if your pet is in an environment with an unsuitable temperature.
Link also offers a concierge feature, where you can get help and recommendations from Link’s concierge team with just one call.
Additionally, you can sound train your pet with Link AKC, as the Link AKC app includes a remote turn-on clicker sound. Your pet will learn to gather the meaning of this sound reasonably quickly, and you can use it to remind them to stay within their safe zone and not wander off.
Main Features of Whistle GPS Tracker
Whistle offers GPS location tracking to track your pet outside the established safe zone. If your pet wanders off, you will receive notifications of the fact.
The initial alert will arrive within 2-3 minutes, including distance information and the street address nearest to your pet, to allow easy tracking. Location data is updated every 60 seconds.
With Whistle, you aren’t limited to just dogs. Cat parents and other pet parents can also keep their precious bundles of joy safe with the Whistle pet tracker.
Like with Link AKC, you can set up customizable safe zones. The difference is that with Whistle, you can set up multiple safe zones of any radius. On the other hand, with Link AKC, you are limited to just two zones of a maximum of 2,400 meters.
You can drag the borders of the zone to fit the shape of the safe area perfectly, and you can move the spot around on the map.
Whistle also has a feature known as Trips that allows you to see all the locations your pet has been at throughout the day.
This device’s activity and rest monitoring feature allow you to see a 24-hour graph detailing many aspects of your pet’s day. You can also set custom activity goals for your pets.
Ever thought managing a pet all by yourself was difficult? With Whistle’s multiple caretakers feature, you can take care of your pets with the help of your friends and family at no additional cost.
All your friends and family have to do is accept your invitation and install the Whistle app to gain access to your pet’s activity and location information. You can add and remove contacts at any time.
Design of Link AKC GPS Tracker
The Link AKC smart collar has two designs; the Classic design made of leather and the Sports design made of reflective nylon.
These smart collars come in three sizes: small to extra-small, medium, and large to extra-large.
Small to extra-small has a neck fit of 8 to 11 inches, medium has a neck fit of 11 to 17 inches, and large to extra-large has a neck fit of 17 to 29 inches.
The base station is light-gray and designed so that the tracking unit can fit perfectly in it when being charged.
It also has an extra USB to charge your phone alongside your tracking device.
This curved tracking unit measures 1.5×3.9×0.5 in. is height, width, and depth. It comes in several color combinations like black and light gray, white and light gray, and leather and light gray.
The collar carrier you receive is designed as a sleeve. You can attach it to your pet’s collar to carry the tracking unit, which clips into the carrier. The tracking device and the carrier weigh 2.55 ounces together.
Link AKC does not recommend you use their smart collars if your pet weighs below 10 pounds. However, 2.55 ounces may even be too heavy for pets weighing above 10 pounds, so it is best not to use this smart collar if your pet is not very large.
Design of Whistle GPS Tracker
The Whistle tracking device is shaped like a rounded cuboid and comes in just one size. Whistle offers the device in the colors green, gray, and blue.
The device measures 1.82×1.45×0.61 inches in height, width and depth.
In contrast to the heavier Link AKC device, the Whistle pet tracker only weighs 0.92 ounces, making it one of the lightest pet trackers on the market.
The device’s light status means it is suitable for any pet weighing above 8 pounds.
The pet tracker should be attached to your pet’s harness or collar with the help of a rubber attachment strap. It can be attached to any collar or harness up to 1 inch wide.
Pushing the side pin and rotating it by 90 degrees will allow you to remove or attach the tracking unit easily. This mechanism is designed, so the pet won’t be able to accidentally get the tracker off on its own.
The durability of Link AKC GPS Tracker
The Link AKC smart collars are IP67-rated water resistant and can resist immersion of up to 3 feet. They are also shock- proof and can endure the rough play of your mischievous pets with no issue!
The durability of Whistle GPS Tracker
The Whistle GPS tracker is also IP67-rated water resistant, which means it can be immersed in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes with no consequence.
Additionally, the Whistle pet tracker is IP67-rated impact and dirt resistant, making it perfect for pets with intense activity levels.
Battery Life of Link AKC GPS Tracker
Link AKC runs on a rechargeable battery with a battery life of up to 3 days with regular use.
GPS tracking drains the battery significantly quicker, and battery life will be limited to a few hours. For battery conservation, the device comes with an off switch for when your pet is safely within sight.
Battery Life of Whistle GPS Tracker
This device’s rechargeable battery can last up to 7 days with good Wi-Fi and cellular coverage. If you have limited Wi-Fi and poor cellular coverage, your battery life will be limited to 2-3 days.
Fully recharging the battery will take up to 2 hours.
GPS Location Tracking Features of Link AKC GPS Tracker
This tracker uses a Bluetooth connection to notify you if your dog is near either you or the base station.
You will receive notifications if your dog leaves the designated safe zones.
GPS technology and the Verizon cellular network will do the heavy-duty location tracking for you.
Additionally, you will have access to a map with paw prints marking your pet’s location history.
This location tracking feature isn’t real-time because it takes a few minutes to obtain the first location through GPS. However, your pet’s location is updated constantly, ensuring that a lost pet won’t stay lost for long.
GPS Location Tracking Features of Whistle GPS Tracker
The Whistle pet tracker uses Bluetooth to communicate between the pet parent’s smartphone and the tracking unit.
It uses Wi-Fi technology to set up safe zones.
Whistle uses GPS technology to track your pet outside of a safe zone.
To facilitate easy tracking, the device will update your dog’s location information every 60 seconds, including distance info and the nearest street address.
Whistle uses the Google map to display your dog’s location. This is an added advantage because Google maps are frequently updated and reliable.
Activity and Fitness Tracker of Link AKC GPS Tracker
This tracker uses a 3-axis accelerometer and accurately measures your pet’s activity.
Have you ever wondered whether your pet gets enough exercise during the day? Link AKC utilizes an algorithm that differentiates between the activity levels your dog gets up to, whether moderate, intense or lacking.
You will have access to graphs depicting the exercise level your dog engaged in and their movements throughout the day. Your pet’s activity history is also accessible.
Further, you will receive activity goals catered to you that depend on your pet’s age, breed, and size. You can change activity goals at any time. When your pet consistently reaches its activity goals, it will be rewarded with an activity streak!
Activity and Fitness Tracker of Whistle GPS Tracker
Whistle also uses a 3-axis accelerometer to measure your pet’s activity up to 50 times per second.
It provides a 24-hour graph that displays information such as the time spent being active, your pet’s rest time, the distance traveled during the day, and the number of calories burned.
You can also see how intense your pet’s activity level is.
You can customize daily activity goals to develop a healthy lifestyle for your dog and change them anytime.
Whistle will also recommend custom goals depending on your pet’s breed, age, and size.
Smartphone App of Link AKC GPS Tracker
The Link AKC cell phone app is free for Android and iOS users. It gives you access to your pet’s location and activity information.
The app is compatible with Apple iOS 11.0 or later and Android 7.0 or later.
The app is sophisticated and intuitive and allows tracking up to 10 pets.
You can monitor your pet’s movement, see what they’ve been up to throughout the day, and remotely activate the sound feature on the tracking.
But that’s not all! You can also access vet records and create adventures for you and your dog with maps and pictures of hikes and walks.
Link AKC allows you to access some of its app’s features (like the activity monitor, etc.) through the Amazon Alexa app.
Smartphone App of Whistle GPS Tracker
Android and iOS users can get the Whistle app free and use it to view their pet’s location and activity histories.
You can track multiple other pets through the Whistle app, but you’ll require different tracking units and subscriptions.
By default, the app will notify you of safe zone breaches, battery level, and your pet’s activities.
But, you can adjust settings and disable the notifications you don’t want to receive. Reducing notifications will conserve battery juice.
With the app, you can track your pet’s whereabouts and location history, obtain data on your pet’s other activities, share information with your loved ones and create safe zones.
Pricing, Subscription, Warranty, and Refund Policy of Link AKC GPS Tracker
The Link Smart Pet Wearable is priced at $149.00 with free shipping.
They also offer the option of paying in 4 interest-free payments of $37.25 with AfterPay. To learn more, visit the Link AKC website here!
The Link AKC pet tracker is risk-free for 30 days and offers 2and 3-year extended warranty periods.
You will need to have a subscription plan purchased to access all of the Link AKC pet tracker features, and these are priced as follows;
Monthly subscription– $12.99/ month
1-year subscription– $8.25/ month ($99 billed annually)
2-year subscription– $7.75/ month ($186 billed every 2 years)
Pricing, Subscription, Warranty, and Refund Policy of Whistle GPS Tracker
You can purchase the Whistle Health & GPS+ device for an on-sale price of $179.95 (discounted from $199.95) at their website here!
Whistle offers a 1-year warranty period and a risk-free period of 30 days. You can also enjoy free shipping and returns if you opt for Whistle.
Like Link AKC, you’ll need a subscription to enjoy Whistle’s pet tracking services fully. Subscriptions are priced as follows;
Monthly subscription– $9.95/ month
1-year subscription– $5.00/ month ($60 billed annually)
2-year subscription– $4.50/ month ($108 billed every 2 years)
Consumer Reviews of Link AKC GPS Tracker
The Link AKC pet tracker is rated 3.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on 264 ratings.
Many people like the GPS feature of this product more when compared to Whistle, and they commend Link AKC’s pleasant customer service.
However, many users have found the activity tracking subpar and the safe zone setup less effective than the Whistle safe zone setup.
Even though users like the GPS tracking of this device, they report that it drains the battery remarkably quickly. Users have also had trouble with getting the app to work smoothly.
You can read more user reviews here!
Consumer Reviews of Whistle GPS Tracker
The Whistle pet tracker has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon out of a total of 3,332 ratings.
Users have had positive experiences regarding the battery and the device’s build quality. They’ve found the health and activity monitors very useful, and most users have found the app satisfactory.
But nothing is perfect, and a few users have reported issues with the Whistle device. For example, the safe zone notification delay means you may realize your pet is missing before the system does.
Then you would have no way of tracking it until the system catches up.
There is no set way of canceling a subscription service, which has also fazed some users.
Check out more reviews here!
Key Similarities Between Link AKC and Whistle
Key Differences Between Link AKC and Whistle
Pros and Cons of the Link AKC GPS Pet Tracker
Pros
Cons
Pros and Cons of the Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
Pros
Cons
The Winner: Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
At the end of this comparison, the feature-rich Whistle pet tracker has come out on top as the better product by our standards.
Whistle has a better battery that lasts more than ten days and performs better activity monitoring.
The device isn’t only limited to dogs, and the safe zone setup is more effective for keeping your pets safe.
Since the tracking unit is far lighter than the Link AKC tracker, you can also use this device on small dogs and other slight pets.
Additionally, the Whistle app is streets ahead of the Link AKC app.
After carefully considering all of the above, we recommend the Whistle pet tracker for all pet parents.
Other Comparisons:
- Tractive Dog Tracker vs Whistle
- Whistle Go Explore vs Fi
- Whistle Go Explore vs Fitbark 2 Tracker
- Whistle Go Explore vs Findster Duo+ Tracker
Bottomline
While Link AKC held its ground remarkably well, the Whistle pet tracker is our day’s winner.
But, it’s up to you to decide which smart collar will work best for you and your pet, so while we recommend Whistle, you don’t have to take Link AKC off the table.
Either way, you are sure to get a device that’ll help keep your pet safe and healthy, and that’s all we pet parents dream about, right?
You can check out the Whistle pet tracker here and the Link AKC pet tracker here!
FAQs
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