The 9 Best Telematics Companies for 2024

A vehicle telematics platform does more than just track vehicles. It’s an integrated system for driver communication, monitoring driver behavior, and improving operational efficiency. It does this by transferring data from your vehicles to your fleet management dashboards, where you can interpret, monitor, and manage them.

Verizon is currently the best fleet telematics provider on the market. In our research, we found it to be more advanced than any other provider included in our research, making it the ideal next step for fleet managers looking to elevate their GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management.

Although Verizon packs some great tools, you might not need all of them, which is why we’ve created a list of the top nine best telematics companies, so you can find the best solution for your fleet. But if you’re short on time, go directly to our free comparison tool, which you can use to find a provider that suits your specific needs.

The Best Telematics Providers 2024

After extensive research into their features and pricing, we’ve determined these are the nine best telematics providers:

1. Verizon: Best Overall Telematics Provider

Why we like Verizon Connect for fleet telematics

Verizon has the most advanced features and any telematics system we researched. Its vehicle tracking features allow you to gain maximum visibility over your fleet with daily summary reports, predictive alerts and notifications and live tracking that updates every 30 seconds.

When it comes to route planning, automatic route optimization, dedicated scheduling and dispatching features enable you to keep time and fuel waste at minimum levels.

Verizon also has some outstanding driver management features, such as a leaderboard and points system which rewards safety and productivity.

On the flip side, you can keep track of problem drivers with alerts for dangerous driving and idling, which are sent to both drivers and management. You’ll be able to collect data on driving style and driving history, making it easy to identify drivers who require further training.

And finally, Verizon is one of the best ELD providers, with ELD-compliant reports specific to each driver.

Verizon drawbacks

No system is perfect, although Verizon comes close. Its main drawback is that, despite how advanced the rest of the system is, it doesn’t have extensive theft prevention features.

You can set time limits and out-of-hours alerts, which can pass as theft detection, though not entirely secure. This is the bare minimum when it comes to theft prevention, but some providers have additional tools. GPS Trackit, for example, provides 24/7 protection, even if your vehicles are turned off, and has a remote main power disconnect function.

2. Samsara: Best Telematics Provider for Organizing Dispatches

Why we like Samsara for fleet telematics

Samsara is another strong contender for telematics, and we rate it highly for its ability to streamline driver dispatches.

Its automatic route optimization feature calculates what order of jobs and stops will take the least amount of time (at a maximum of 20 stops). It uses data from previous trips to estimate how much time each stop will take and generates a planned departure time for each. This avoids wasting time, and helps you improve fuel efficiency, something the vast majority of fleet managers will appreciate in the current economic climate.

Samsara also allows you to customize your alerts, so you can set your own parameters for what’s considered harsh driving, for events such as acceleration, brakes, turns and crashes. This level of customization allows you to build a complete picture of your safety trends and improvements over time, in a way that’s unique to your fleet.

Samsara drawbacks

One of Samsara’s downsides is that it doesn’t offer installation support. For individual or smaller fleets who don’t have a designated team for this, it can hinder operations as you have to know how to install a car tracker on your own.

It’s also on the expensive side. While Samsara provides custom pricing packages, exemplary quotes we’ve received show most fleets will pay $27 to $33 per vehicle, per month for a Samsara system. If you’re looking for a cheaper option that offers free installation support, RAM with its quotes starting at less than $20 per vehicle, per month.

3. Azuga: Best Telematics Provider for Efficient Routes

Why we like Azuga for fleet telematics

Azuga truly understands the art of telematics, especially when it comes to finding you the most efficient routes.

Its Web Platform Structure uses algorithmic and machine learning techniques to compute and analyze your journey stops. You can also set parameters for route optimization, including maximum route duration and maximum distance, but you can also get granular and set a maximum revenue per route, or weight per vehicle.

It’s the most innovative calculation we’ve observed and surpasses Samsara’s automatic route optimization feature since it doesn’t have a 20-stop limit.

Another standout feature is Azura’s fully customizable data refresh times. Although it is on par with Verizon and Samsara’s 30-second refresh rate, you can customize the speed as you see fit, between 30 seconds to 59 minutes. This is in addition to other excellent tracking features, such as the breadcrumb view to track every vehicle on your live map.

Azuga drawbacks

Azuga’s major drawback is that it doesn’t integrate with third-party satellite navigation (GPS) devices, something both Verizon Connect and Samsara do.

It also doesn’t have hardwired options, potentially weakening its security features as anyone can quickly disconnect the vehicle from the system. To add to these safety concerns, Azuga has no crash reporting, so if a driver gets into an accident you won’t have a record of it. If you prefer having these features in your telematics system, we recommend opting for Verizon. 

4. Teletrac Navman TN360: Best Telematics Provider for Managing Drivers

Why we like Teletrac Navman for fleet telematics

Teletrac Navman TN360 is the best telematics system for managing drivers.

Its standout features for drivers include customized alert parameters for harsh driving, similar to those offered by Samsara, with the difference being that Teletrac Navman lets you choose where you receive alerts (on desktop, by email, or by text).

The system also has pre-made driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) templates, making it quick and easy for drivers to submit reports, and has an entire set of tools for managing driver fatigue. This includes scheduling mandatory breaks and driver training, to help ensure the safety of your drivers and keep your vehicles in tip-top shape.

Teletrac Navman also has some commendable tracking features, like real-time data refresh time. It is the fastest refresh rate among all the suppliers we’ve researched, as the next fastest rate is at 15 seconds with Spireon. Having real-time tracking data available helps you monitor your vehicles efficiently. And, unlike RAM, Quartix, and Spireon, Teletrac provides 24/7 phone support to its users, which comes in handy during urgent concerns and queries.

Teletrac Navman drawbacks

Teletrac doesn’t have cargo and engine temperature sensors. So, if your fleet handles temperature-sensitive goods, such as food or medicine, we recommend opting for Verizon, as it uses diagnostics to detect temperature.

But if you are more concerned about pricing than temperature sensors, we’d hand it to Quartix, which starts at around $14.90 per vehicle, per month, compared to Teletrac, which starts at around $25 per vehicle, per month. 

5. RAM: Best Telematics Provider for Improving Driver Safety

Why we Like RAM for fleet telematics

RAM is our top recommendation for a telematics system that improves driver safety. With a centralized Driver App, you’ll be able to see summaries of essential driver information including assigned vehicle, locations visited and driving time, anytime, from anywhere.

In terms of behavior management, you’ll receive alerts on accidents, speeding, harsh braking and acceleration which can be compiled into reports. You can encourage and reward safer driving practices with a points and leaderboard system.

It’s also one of the more affordable solutions on our list. Although RAM offers custom pricing, like most telematics providers, the example quotes we received show that you can get a software and dashcam bundle for around $15.99 per vehicle, per month, much less than Samsara or Verizon.

Apart from being affordable, RAM also helps you manage overall fleet costs, including fuel, with financial reporting that you can integrate with your timesheet reports to effectively track travel and on-site expenses. It includes approximate fuel cost expectations and driver travel time expenditure. 

Installing telematics is also a breeze with RAM, as it schedules engineers to come in and install it for you without additional fees.

RAM drawbacks

Where RAM falters a little is its optimization features. Unlike Samsara and Verizon, it doesn’t offer automatic route optimization, which could significantly reduce fleet expenses by suggesting the shortest journey for your drivers.

What’s more, if you do want your drivers to take the most optimal route, you’ll have to put time aside to manually plan it out that you wouldn’t with RAM’s rivals. 

The company also doesn’t provide vehicle diagnostics or track fleet maintenance records, which are crucial when it comes to maintaining your vehicles and reducing downtime.

6. GPS Trackit: Best Telematics Provider for Smaller Fleets

Why we like GPS Trackit for fleet telematics

We’ve singled GPS Trackit out as the best provider for smaller fleets, providing advanced features at a reasonable price.

The system allows you to track your vehicles’ locations in real-time (something not offered by top provider Verizon Connect), and it has an outstanding theft prevention feature, which provides 24/7 protection, off-hours and unauthorized movement alerts, as well as remote main power disconnections.

GPS Trackit also allows you to customize vehicle reporting tools, such as driver scorecards, landmark reports, and speed and safety reports, making it easier to sift through data. And, it has cargo and engine temperature monitoring, premium features that are absent from both RAM and Teletrac Navman.

GPS Trackit does have the most basic interface among the suppliers we’ve looked into, but we think that makes it easy to navigate, making it perfect for smaller fleets looking for a simple solution.

GPS Trackit drawbacks

The simplicity of GPS Trackit’s system is a bit of a double-edged sword since it means it’s missing key features such as vehicle diagnostics, automatic route optimization, and traffic alerts.

It also doesn’t integrate with satnavs, so if that’s a deal breaker for you, we suggest you look at Verizon Connect or Samsara.

7. Quartix: Best Telematics Provider for Managing Fuel Costs

Why we like Quartix for fleet telematics

Fuel is one of fleet management’s biggest and most unpredictable expenses, but fortunately, Quartix can help stay on top of fuel spending.

Its system integrates data from your fuel cards through its partnership with FleetCheck. You’ll have oversight on spending, and get reports on your vehicles’ CO2 emissions. On top of this, Quartix also sends alerts whenever it detects driving behaviors that waste fuel, such as speeding and idling. 

When it comes to other features, we found the Quartix interface a little tricky to use at first., especially when it came to flipping between tabs. Despite the fact that each tab had well-placed buttons for generating reports or adjusting settings when needed, it wasn’t immediately obvious how to get from one tab to the other.

Once you do figure it out, however, any data-hungry managers will be able to analyze speeding incidents and track critical battery statuses on a granular level that covers specific vehicles, locations, and times.

This chart reveals four instances of critically low voltage in one vehicle over the course of two months, in one example of Quartix’s attention to detail. Credit: Expert Market testing of Quartix

Quartix drawbacks

When it comes to reducing fleet costs beyond fuel savings, Quartix lacks the necessary components. For starters, it doesn’t offer vehicle diagnostics or maintenance scheduling, which are essential when it comes to ensuring your vehicles function properly and are roadworthy.

It also does not support automatic route optimization, another tool that could help cut down your fleet’s fuel expenses as it provides the most efficient routes. For great route optimization tools, we recommend Azuga or Samsara.

Lastly, Quartix has a slow data refresh rate of two minutes. If you need these features, then we recommend Teletrac, since it has real-time tracking.

Here, Quartix delivers a map view of a Dodge cargo van’s route, with each speeding violation flagged by location and miles per hour. Credit: Expert Market testing of Quartix

8. Spireon: Best Telematics Provider for Mixed Fleets

Why we like Spireon for fleet telematics

Spireon is another great telematics provider that helps you stay on top of vehicle tracking, with tailored solutions to suit a variety of fleet types. It has telematics solutions for car dealers, commercial fleets, and trailer and asset managers, so can be used by fleets that utilize cars, vans, trucks, or a mix.

It also comes with key telematics features. For example, with its Fleetlocate app, managers can access real-time GPS tracking at all times, and receive instant notifications for speeding, and other harsh maneuvers.

And, although Spireon doesn’t have a native route optimization tool, it can integrate with third-party tools, offering a neat workaround that’s absent from RAM and Quartix’s kit.

Spireon also has a full set of vehicle maintenance tools, such as maintenance record tracking, maintenance scheduling, and vehicle diagnostics, which sets it apart from those two as well.

Spireon drawbacks

However, our deep dive into Spireon identified its pricing plans as its downside. With an average score of 2.5/5 in our pricing analysis, Spireon is committed to its mandatory three-year contracts. If you do not want to be tied into a lengthy contract or if your fleet operates seasonally, we’d recommend trying GPS Trackit, which employs a zero-contract policy.

It’s also worth noting that Spireon offers custom pricing plans based on fleet size, contract length, and features.

9. Linxup: Best for Pricing Transparency

Why we like Linxup for fleet telematics

Linxup is one of the few telematics companies that advertises its pricing, with vehicle trackers starting at $25 per month per vehicle. Custom pricing is also available for high-volume orders. Either way, this transparency makes it easy for you to tell if Linxup’s telematics system fits into your fleet’s budget, without the need to wait for a quote, something that’s rare in the industry.

For added flexibility, Linxup has varying contract lengths, from one year to three years, so you don’t need to feel locked into their services.

Besides clear pricing, Linxup has some decent telematics features. The system automatically syncs data whenever a fault is detected in your vehicle, minimizing vehicle downtime caused by faulty systems. It also produces mileage reports for every journey to help you track diagnostics.

Another cost-reducing feature from Linxup is its detailed fuel reports, which include the gallons used per vehicle, fuel tax rates per state, and the due dates of taxes.

Linxup drawbacks

Linxup isn’t without its faults. It doesn’t provide traffic alerts or automatic route optimization, essential features for minimizing fuel costs and speeding up journeys.

The system also doesn’t do crash reporting. Crashes can be recorded with Linxup dashcams, but they won’t be logged it the system, which can make it more difficult to keep track of vehicles and drivers that have been previously involved in accidents.

Lastly, Linxup has quite a short warranty on its hardware. The warranty is only one year, whereas providers like RAM or Quartix have lifetime warranties. This might suggest that Linxup doesn’t trust its products to last.

Research Methodology

Our in-house research team analyzed the most popular fleet telematics companies and compared them against the following criteria: 

• Vehicle management: How effectively does it keep tabs on your car’s general condition? Does it save a record of your maintenance?
• Price: Considering its features, does it offer great value for money? Does it offer a warranty, or are there any hidden fees?
• Tracking: How well does this system work for monitoring your vehicles? How quickly does it update data? Does it take traffic into account or aid in route optimization?
• Driver management: Can it track your drivers’ performance? Does it report risky driving behavior? Can you reach your driver if you have an urgent issue?
• Product features: What else does it offer in addition to these features? A mobile app? Sat nav integration? 
• Customer support: What platforms do they give their customers for support and assistance?

After identifying these factors, we combine the input from our readers to calculate their overall score. Then, we rank them and see which categories they excel in.