Last Updated on December, 2024
Got a dog who thinks his sole purpose in this world is to get lost chasing every squirrel he comes across?
Or perhaps you have a cat with a penchant for disappearing as if she’s a direct descendant of the Cheshire Cat?
And while they may have caused you immense trouble in the past, they don’t have to anymore because of pet tracker magic!
Findster Duo+ and Whistle are two great brands of pet trackers you can use to always know where your pets are and keep them safe. They are both durable, lightweight and share much of the same features.
Now the question is, which one should you choose?
You no doubt want the best for your precious pet, so stick around to find out because I will be comparing and reviewing both of these products in this article.
Table of Contents
- About the Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker
- About the Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
- Whistle vs Findster Duo+ Product Comparison
- Main Features of Findster Duo+ GPS Tracker
- Main Features of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Design of Findster Duo + GPS Tracker
- Design of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Durability of Findster Duo + GPS Tracker
- Durability of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Battery of Findster Duo+
- Battery of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Activity and Fitness Tracker of Findster Duo + GPS Tracker
- Activity and Fitness Tracker of Whistle GPS Tracker
- GPS Tracking Features of Findster Duo+ GPS Tracker
- GPS Tracking Features of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Smartphone App of Findster Duo+ GPS Tracker
- Smartphone App of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Pricing, Subscription, Warranty, and Refund Policy of Findster Duo + GPS Tracker
- Pricing, Subscription, Warranty, and Refund Policy of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Consumer Reviews of Findster Duo+ GPS Tracker
- Consumer Reviews of Whistle GPS Tracker
- Pros and Cons of the Findster Duo + GPS Pet Tracker
- Pros and Cons of the Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
- The Winner: Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
- Bottomline
- FAQs
About the Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker
Findster Duo+ was developed by Findster Technologies, a California-based startup established in 2015.
Findster Duo+ features real-time tracking and activity monitoring and is an upgraded model of the company’s original pet tracker Findster Duo.
This model hit the market in 2017, requires no monthly fees or cell coverage, and has a communication range of up to 3 miles.
All this means that you can track your pet from virtually anywhere!
This GPS tracker consists of two parts or two modules. One is the pet module that is to be attached to your pet’s collar, and the other is the guardian module which you are to keep with you.
The pet module uses GPS technology and keeps the guardian module up-to-date with your pet’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, the guardian module will use Bluetooth to link to your phone and convey all the data via the Findster app.
It should be noted, though, that Findster has recently discontinued its production and the Findster Duo+ is currently unavailable for purchase.
About the Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
Whistle Go Explore is one of the latest products of Whistle Labs, which is a San Francisco-based company specializing in smart pet technology that was launched in 2012.
Whistle is a 2-in-1 device that acts as a GPS tracker and an activity monitor. This device has been upgraded in terms of connectivity and usability with pets of varying sizes.
Whistle uses WiFi, GPS and cellular technologies to provide nationwide coverage in the US.
WiFi is used in setting up safe zones, while GPS technology is used for tracking. Cell technology conveys location data to the pet parent’s smartphone.
To get started with this pet tracker, you must purchase the device, get started on a subscription plan, download the free Whistle app, and then you’re good to go!
GET to know about whistle go explore in this review.
Whistle vs Findster Duo+ Product Comparison
Main Features of Findster Duo+ GPS Tracker
The Findster Duo+ pet tracker offers a wide array of features that you can utilize to keep your pet safe, healthy and happy.
One of its most remarkable features is that Findster Duo+ allows you to track your pet in real-time.
Now you may be wondering why is this a particularly remarkable feature? Isn’t that what all pet trackers do?
Not in real-time, they don’t! All other pet trackers do track your pet, but because there are always delays in the notifications, the tracking is never really real-time.
But Findster Duo+ provides you with instantaneous notifications regarding your pet’s location, and you will be able to access location information through the Findster app immediately. No pet will be able to stay lost for long!
This GPS pet tracker also provides your pet’s location history, so you’ll know where your pet has been wandering.
Findster Duo+ has an activity tracker, which is a blessing to all owners of pets who are couch potatoes. You can see details regarding your pet’s activity and ensure they get enough exercise daily to stay healthy.
With the radar feature that the Findster Duo+ boasts, you can always know how far you are from your pet. The distance data is updated frequently, and you’ll always be able to find your pet on the map on the Findster app.
The Findster Duo+ pet tracker’s virtual perimeter feature is classified into three forms: Virtual Leash, Safe Zone and Danger Zone.
The Virtual Leash is a zone centered around you that moves as you move. You can customize its radius- as long as it’s more than 55 yards- and you will be notified if your pet leaves this zone.
The Safe Zone is customizable, too, but unlike the Virtual Leash, it is a static zone. Once again, you will be notified if your pet leaves this area.
The Danger Zone is the opposite of the Safe Zone- it’s where your pet should not be going! They are also fully customizable; you will receive an immediate notification if your pet wanders into these areas.
Additionally, you can share your pet’s location details with friends and family and get help with keeping track of your pet. This feature requires you to have an Internet connection, though.
Main Features of Whistle GPS Tracker
The Whistle pet tracker offers the defining feature of GPS location tracking if your pet wanders out of the established safe zone.
This tracker uses WiFi networks instead of a base station to set up multiple safe zones.
You can customize the radius and the shape of these zones and move the zone around on the map.
These zones can be dragged so that the borders will perfectly fit the area you want to be denoted as a safe zone.
There is no limitation on the size of these safe zones, and they can be as small as 40 feet. The flexibility Whistle offers is truly limitless!
However, it should be noted that a safe zone smaller than the reach of your WiFi can set off false alarms.
The Whistle pet trackers also provide activity monitoring features and are among the best in this area. Aside from the multitude of activity-related data you will have access to, you can also set custom activity goals for your pet!
These activity goals can be completely customized and changed at any time. Before you even ask, don’t worry if you don’t know what level of activity your pet needs. Whistle also generates goals for your pet based on age, breed, and weight!
The Whistle pet tracker’s Trips feature lets you view your pet’s location history. Unlike the previous versions of Whistle, this model uses Google Maps to keep track of your pet.
The use of Google Maps is advantageous because of how reliable and regularly updated they are.
Like with Findster Duo+, Whistle allows you to share your pet’s location info with friends and family in case you ever need help with pet parenting.
This is done at no extra cost; all your friends or family would have to do is accept your invitation and install the Whistle app!
Design of Findster Duo + GPS Tracker
The Findster Duo pet tracker comes in the form of two modules; one for your pet and one for you.
These modules come in shades of blue and are shaped like a rounded rhomboid.
The pet module can be attached to your pet’s collar with a clasp-like attachment mechanism.
You can attach the guardian module to your keychain or keep it in a bag or purse.
The modules are both lightweight, weighing only 50g (1.76oz) and measuring 2.1х 2х 0.5 inches each.
This means you can keep the device on you without hassle, and the Findster Duo+ can even be used on relatively smaller cats and dogs.
The Finster Duo+ does not come in any other sizes, but the pet tracker is built to fit most collars.
Design of Whistle GPS Tracker
The Whistle GPS tracker is one of the lightest pet trackers on the market, lighter than even the Findster Duo.
It weighs just 0.92 ounces (1.25 ounces when the weight of the attachment piece is included). The Whistle pet tracker is 1.4″ wide, 1.8″ long, and 0.7″ thick.
The unit comes in only one size, but it can fit any collar or harness up to an inch wide.
It comes in gray, blue, and green and is shaped in the form of a rounded cuboid.
It is recommended for pets weighing 8 pounds and above. The pet tracker can be easily attached to your pets’ collars with its attachment strap.
The tracker is also designed to be attached, making it impossible for your pet to get it off his collar accidentally.
Durability of Findster Duo + GPS Tracker
The Findster Duo+ is extremely tough. It’s even been compared to the old Nokia 3310 in terms of durability by the manufacturer.
It is shockproof and waterproof, capable of withstanding immersion in up to 3 ft (1m) of water. You can, therefore, let your pet enjoy a good swim or tussle with his tracker on!
Durability of Whistle GPS Tracker
The Whistle GPS tracker is no less durable than its counterpart as it has a shock and dirt resistance rating of IPX8.
Its water resistance is also rated as IPX8, which means it can withstand immersion in up to 6 ft of water for 30 minutes without taking any damage.
Battery of Findster Duo+
Findster Duo+ is powered with a rechargeable battery and is much improved when it comes to battery life compared to the previous Findster model.
Findster Duo+ has a battery life of 5 days, depending on how much you use it.
It is a common issue that live tracking drains battery astonishingly fast. Still, the Findster Duo+ will last you a good 12 hours when live tracking.
Battery of Whistle GPS Tracker
Whistle’s rechargeable battery can last up to 7 days with minimum use and good WiFi and cell coverage. Poor WiFi and cell coverage will reduce the battery life to 2-3 days.
Recharging the battery takes 2 hours.
Activity and Fitness Tracker of Findster Duo + GPS Tracker
You can view your pet’s distance, where they’ve traveled, how long they’ve spent being active, and the number of calories they’ve burned with this feature.
You’ll also see how many footsteps or “paws” they have taken.
Although to ensure that the pet tracker is measuring activity data, you need to ensure the pet module is around 15 ft (5m) away from your smartphone when being used.
Activity and Fitness Tracker of Whistle GPS Tracker
The Whistle pet tracker uses a 3-axis accelerometer to measure your pet’s activity up to 50 times per second.
Whistle will also give you proactive alerts to notify you of your dog’s scratching, sleeping, licking and eating behaviors so that you can catch on to any issues your dog may have early on.
Whistle’s Wellness Score will allow you to monitor your dog’s energy levels and overall health as well.
You will have access to a 24-hour graph that displays the following:
Whistle also allows you to create custom activity goals (such as for distance traveled, calories consumed, etc.) for your pet based on their age, breed and weight.
Additionally, you can set up reminders for when you have to give your dog medication, when you have vet visits and grooming appointments, etc. so that you won’t miss a thing.
GPS Tracking Features of Findster Duo+ GPS Tracker
The Findster Duo+ boasts live tracking with no delays in notifying you if your pet leaves the safe zone.
Location information is relayed through the Findster app, and a built-in radar is used to show you where exactly your pet is.
Unlike most other pet trackers, Findster Duo+ does not require cellular coverage to work.
Instead, it makes use of the company’s exclusive MAZE technology.
This communication protocol has a frequency in the sub 1 GHz ISM band, per the FCC and CE directives.
You can use the Findster Duo+ anywhere you want without a subscription fee because the said MAZE technology works independently without the help of telephone companies.
GPS Tracking Features of Whistle GPS Tracker
Whistle uses GPS technology and AT&T’s 4G LTE-M network to track your pet when it leaves the safe zone.
When your pet leaves a safe zone, you will receive text, email and push notifications.
You will most likely experience a slight delay when it comes to these notifications.
Still, they will include the nearest street address and distance data to allow easy tracking.
Location data is updated every 15 seconds, enabling you to find your pet before they wander too far.
Smartphone App of Findster Duo+ GPS Tracker
The Findster app is free and is used to convey your pet’s information measured through the tracker.
It is compatible with Android 5.0 and iOS 9 upwards.
Your guardian module will be able to communicate wirelessly with its pet module within a radius of 4.8 km in open areas.
In congested areas, the communication range is up to 0.8 miles, thanks to the device’s MAZE technology.
The app does not support indoor tracking or remote monitoring, but you will be able to keep track of your pet during walks.
Smartphone App of Whistle GPS Tracker
The Whistle app is available for Android 8.0 and iOS 14.0 and up.
It’s free of charge and allows you to view your pet’s location using Google maps.
You can also view activity, inactivity and safe zone data, and the device’s battery status through the app.
Getting your app set up involves creating a profile for your pet.
This requires you to enter details like your pet’s weight, age and breed (mixed breeds are supported too).
You can use the app to track multiple pets, but you would need a separate tracker and subscription for each one.
Pricing, Subscription, Warranty, and Refund Policy of Findster Duo + GPS Tracker
The Findster Duo+ pet tracker is priced at $149.99. This purchase will include one pet module, one guardian module, one charger and a Findster Care Membership.
The Findster Care membership gives you access to a vet team with 24/7 availability that will help you keep an eye on your pet’s well-being.
After a 30-day free trial which you begin when you purchase the Findster Duo+, monthly charges will be $3.99/month for the membership.
However, this membership is not necessary to use the Findster Duo+ device, and you can cancel anytime.
Findster offers you a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pricing, Subscription, Warranty, and Refund Policy of Whistle GPS Tracker
The Whistle GO Explore is priced at $129.95.
When you make the purchase, you will receive one tracking unit, one USB cable, a collar attachment, and a user guide.
Purchasing a subscription plan is necessary when it comes to Whistle, and they offer the following plan;
- $8.25/month ($99.00 billed annually)
You can cancel your subscription whenever you want at no cost.
Whistle also offers free shipping, free returns, and a 1-year warranty on their products.
Consumer Reviews of Findster Duo+ GPS Tracker
The Findster Duo+ has a rating of 3.1 stars out of 5 out of 53 ratings on Amazon.
Unfortunately, an overwhelming amount of user reviews on Amazon are negative.
Customers have found the charging ports to be badly made and the device difficult to use.
Users have also reported that the tracking feature isn’t very reliable and that battery life is unsatisfactory. Additionally, many users have complained about the company’s customer service.
You can check out the customer reviews of the Findster Duo+ here.
Consumer Reviews of Whistle GPS Tracker
On the other hand, the Whistle pet tracker has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on a total of 3,342 ratings.
Consumers have stated that the product is well made and durable. The device’s battery life and ability to keep track of your pet are commended, and most users find the information the device provides on their pet very helpful.
There are many instances in which Whistle has reached out to an unhappy customer and sent a replacement. So if you value customer service, you most likely won’t be disappointed with Whistle.
There are, however, a few downsides listed by some users. These generally tend to be that there’s a slight delay in the safe zone notifications and that the safe zone can be a little larger than desired depending on individual home networks.
Check out customer reviews for the Whistle pet tracker here.
Pros and Cons of the Findster Duo + 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 the day, the Whistle GPS tracker won over the Findster Duo+ by a landslide in our books.
It is more durable, offers better features and is reliable as a tracker.
The battery life of the Whistle tracker is far superior to that of the Findster Duo+, and Whistle’s safe zone setup offers pet parents more flexibility.
And it’s not just that! Whistle’s health and activity monitor features are must-haves because they provide useful data to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Furthermore, users have had many positive experiences with this product and company, so you can rest assured that your pet will be perfectly safe with Whistle. It’s worth every penny you spend on it, in my honest opinion!
Other Comparisons:
- Whistle vs Fi collar
- Whistle vs Tractive Dog Tracker
- Whistle vs Link AKC Tracker
- Whistle vs Fitbark 2 Tracker
- Findster vs PetFON Dog Tracker
Bottomline
In the large and varied market of pet trackers, Whistle- the winner of this comparison- stands out with its good quality and functionality.
But regardless of what pet tracker you get, they will all help keep your pet safe to some degree. And that’s all we pet parents could ever want, right?
However, you can check out the Whistle GPS pet tracker here!
FAQs
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