Netstar Review and Pricing: Best for Heavy Vehicle Fleets

Our research identified Netstar as the best fleet management software system for heavy vehicles, industrial fleets and logistic companies due to its strong focus on compliance, safety, and operational oversight in high-risk, heavy-duty environments.

It performs particularly well in areas such as AI-driven safety monitoring and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)-approved electronic work diaries, both of which help improve compliance, reduce driver risk and support large-scale fleet coordination.

However, Netstar is not the most suitable option for every business. Its custom pricing model and rolling contract structure can make costs less transparent and less flexible compared with some competitors. In addition, its enterprise-level focus may be more complex than necessary for smaller fleets or businesses that only require straightforward vehicle tracking.

In this review, we’ll look at how Netstar satisfies the key features you need in a vehicle tracking system: vehicle tracking, ability to reduce fleet costs and vehicle management. We’ll also look at its pricing, pros and cons, standout features, and compare it against other providers we’ve researched.

What Are Netstar’s Standout Features?

Netstar Australia combines GPS tracking, AI video telematics and stolen vehicle recovery into a single fleet management platform. Its tools are designed to improve driver safety, increase fleet visibility and help businesses reduce operational risks through real-time monitoring and cloud-based analytics.

AI camera monitoring and driver safety tools

Netstar’s AI Camera Solution uses both road-facing and driver-facing cameras to monitor driving behaviour and detect potential safety risks.

The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) can identify issues like unsafe following distances and possible forward collisions, while the Driver Status Monitoring (DSM) camera tracks behaviours such as mobile phone usage and seatbelt compliance.

Drivers receive instant audible and visual alerts when risky behaviour is detected, helping correct issues in real time. Footage and event data are uploaded to the cloud via 4G connectivity, allowing fleet managers to review incidents, provide driver coaching, and access video evidence for insurance or compliance purposes.

Fleet tracking and real-time visibility

Netstar FleetAI provides live GPS tracking and fleet monitoring through desktop and mobile applications, giving managers real-time visibility over vehicles, drivers and day-to-day operations.

Fleet operators can monitor vehicle locations, review trip history and track driver activity remotely, helping businesses improve scheduling, reduce downtime and respond more quickly to unexpected delays or route changes.

The platform also provides visibility into:

• Vehicle speed and route adherence
• Historical trip and movement data
• Cloud-based telematics reporting
• Mobile access through Android and iOS apps

In practical use, these tools can help businesses improve dispatch accuracy, optimise delivery routes and reduce fuel costs by identifying unnecessary travel or inefficient driving patterns. Real-time tracking can also improve customer service by providing more accurate ETAs and visibility into vehicle locations.

Built-in NHVR-approved electronic work diaries

Work diaries are log books legally mandated by the Heavy Vehicle National Law for heavy vehicle drivers to keep track of their work and rest periods. With Netstar, you have built-in electronic work diaries, a cloud-based log book that automatically calculates your work hours.

It also sends automated alerts to let you know if it’s time for a break, so you do not work past the recommended driving hours. And since Netstar’s electronic work diaries are approved by the NHVR, it’s much faster and easier to track employee hours and stay compliant with the law. 

Verizon also offers work diary solutions, although it only allows you to partner with Logmaster, a mobile app that you can use to record driving hours and information. It is worth noting that you don’t have to pay additional fees to make use of this perk with Netstar. 

Stolen vehicle recovery services

One area where Netstar stands out from many competing providers is its dedicated stolen vehicle recovery service.

While competitors like Verizon Connect primarily offer GPS tracking tools that can assist with recovery, Netstar combines real-time tracking with a 24/7 recovery support operation that coordinates directly with recovery teams and local law enforcement. The company claims a recovery success rate above 90%, supported by continuous monitoring technology.

For businesses managing high-value assets, transport fleets or vehicles operating in higher-risk areas, this additional recovery support could provide more reassurance than standard GPS tracking alone.

MyNetstar app

Netstar’s MyNetstar app is designed for smaller fleets and individual vehicle owners who want access to vehicle tracking without the complexity of a full enterprise fleet management system. Targeted at fleets with fewer than 10 vehicles, the app focuses on simplicity and mobile accessibility, allowing users to manage and monitor vehicles directly from their smartphones.

The app provides:

• Real-time vehicle location tracking
• Access to trip history
• Alert management

For example, users can quickly check where vehicles are located, review previous journeys and monitor vehicle activity without needing desktop software. The ability to share location information also adds an extra layer of convenience for families, or small businesses coordinating drivers in the field.

What GPS Hardware Solutions Does Netstar Offer?

Netstar’s GPS hardware is split into four main deployment types: plug and play, wired, water resistant and all terrain trackers. Each GPS tracker is designed for different fleet environments and asset types, but all feed location and movement data into the FleetAI platform.

What Asset Tracking Devices Does Netstar Offer?

Alongside its vehicle-focused hardware, Netstar also offers portable asset tracking devices, including the STARtag range. These are designed for non-powered or intermittently used assets, such as trailers, containers and equipment.

• STARtag Trace: An entry-level asset tracker designed for straightforward monitoring of general assets. It provides reliable location updates and is suited to assets that do not require high-frequency reporting or advanced tracking features.
• STARtag Trace+: Builds on the standard Trace model by offering more frequent updates and improved tracking precision. It is typically used for higher-value assets where closer visibility and more responsive tracking are required.
• STARtag Flex: Designed for adaptable and multi-use asset tracking scenarios. It is commonly used where assets may change location frequently or be shared across different operational environments.
• STARtag Core: A more durable, operational-grade tracker designed for consistent monitoring of critical assets. It is suited to businesses that require dependable long-term visibility and stable reporting performance.
• STARtag Pulse: The most advanced STARtag device, designed for high-frequency tracking and enhanced asset intelligence. It is typically used for mission-critical or high-value equipment where near real-time visibility and tighter monitoring are required.

How Much Does Netstar Cost?

Since Netstar’s fleet solutions are tailored to individual fleet size and requirements, it operates on a custom pricing model, meaning you need to submit a direct custom quote to understand how much it will cost you. For smaller fleets that prefer transparent pricing, we recommend competitors like Verizon Connect and Teletrac Navman instead, as they list their prices up-front.

That being said, Netstar’s custom pricing may still appeal to larger fleets or businesses with highly specific operational requirements, as the company can tailor solutions and support packages to match unique needs.

According to our analysis, Netstar is a rental service, so you do not have sole ownership of the tracking systems. This could be a drawback for businesses that prefer to own their hardware outright, as ongoing rental arrangements can lead to higher long-term costs and less control over the equipment.

Another downside to Netstar’s pricing is the contract duration. Depending on the agreement, customers may be tied into a multi-year initial term before the contract rolls onto a month-to-month basis unless cancelled. This may not suit businesses looking for shorter commitments or greater flexibility.

What Kind of Business is Netstar Best For?

Netstar is best suited to heavy vehicle, logistics, construction and field service fleets that need advanced safety, compliance and real-time tracking capabilities. It is less suitable for very small businesses, budget-focused operators or enterprises prioritising highly custom analytics over operational telematics.

How Does Netstar Compare With Other Vehicle Tracking Systems?

Netstar is an extremely capable fleet management system, with its advanced AI, compliance and telematics features making it an especially neat fit for fleets with lots of vehicles. Yet, it won’t be the right choice for every type of business.

With an overall score of 4.7/5 (compared with Netstar’s 3.7/5), Verizon Connect performed the best in our vigorous research and testing due to its near real-time vehicle tracking features, that are much faster than Netstar’s, and its efficient fuel management capabilities, that are great for long-term cost savings.

Teletrac Navman is another strong alternative to Netstar. Offering stronger reporting and data insights, and 24/7 phone support, Teletrac Navman is the clear choice for fleets that rely heavily on advanced analytics and operate outside of traditional working hours.

Radius Fleet Services is a better fit for smaller fleets and growing businesses that want a simpler, more affordable tracking solution without the complexity of enterprise-level software.

While it may lack some of Netstar’s more advanced AI and compliance features, Radius Fleet Services offers more straightforward pricing, easier onboarding and a user-friendly platform that doesn’t require extensive training to manage day-to-day operations.