{"id":439,"date":"2021-07-29T10:53:35","date_gmt":"2021-07-29T10:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eldfocus.com\/?p=439"},"modified":"2026-01-05T14:48:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T14:48:36","slug":"owner-operators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eldfocus.com\/owner-operators\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 12 Best ELD Devices For Owner Operators: 2026 Comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"

ELD devices are mandatory for any long-haul vehicles. For owner operators, that can be a problem, especially as many cost several hundred a month, per vehicle. Luckily, there are plenty of E<\/span>LDs suitable for owner operators<\/span> and small fleet managers. Modern e-logging devices are versatile, connect to phones, and deliver a lot of data for relatively low monthly costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, you might want simple FMSCA compliance. On the other hand, you might want to track several vehicles in your fleet. Or you might want security. HOS functionality with multiple driver support is also a great call for many. Choosing the best ELD for your needs means reviewing those needs and choosing an ELD accordingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While your needs might vary, the following include 12 of the best <\/span>electronic logs for owner operators.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The table below gives a quick price comparison of the top owner operator ELD devices.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
ELD Device<\/strong><\/th>Device Type<\/strong>\u00a0<\/th>Initial Cost<\/strong>\u00a0<\/th>Monthly Cost<\/strong><\/th>FMSCA Certified<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Gorilla Safety ELD<\/td>BYOD<\/td>$250<\/td>$19.99-$36.99<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blue Ink Technologies<\/td>BYOD\u00a0<\/td>$295<\/td>$0-$30<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drive ELD<\/td>BYOD<\/td>$0\u00a0<\/td>$14-$20<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rand McNally<\/td>BYOD or Integrated<\/td>$149.99-$399<\/td>$19.95-$24.95<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switchboard<\/td>BYOD or BYOD + Tablet\u00a0<\/td>$200-$400<\/td>$0-$10<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Samsara<\/td>BYOD<\/td>$129<\/td>$30<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stoneridge<\/td>BYOD<\/td>$169<\/td>$12.50-$15<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Geotab<\/td>BYOD<\/td>$79-$99<\/td>$0-$30<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Transflo<\/td>BYOD<\/td>$109.99<\/td>$28-$31<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Garmin eLog\u00a0<\/td>BYOD<\/td>$249.99<\/td>$0<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brick House Security<\/td>BYOD<\/td>$29.99<\/td>$13.99<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AT&T Fleet Complete<\/td>BYOD<\/td>$25<\/td>$14.95<\/td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<\/div>\n

Pricing, device details, and other information were correct at the time of writing in July 2021. Brands may change pricing and device availability at any time.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Below we profile each of the companies\u2019 services and features in a bit more detail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note: Companies are ranked in no particular order and this no way indicates one solution is better than another.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

1. Gorilla Safety ELD\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Gorilla Safety builds and delivers ELD hardware to numerous fleet tracking companies in the United States. In addition, it sells a low-cost ELD solution, perfect for small fleets and owner operators. In fact, the BYOD ELD costs just $250. From there, you can expect to pay $19.99-$36.99 per month for services including HOS, ELD, and GPS tracking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The plug and play ELD is compatible with any OBD-II port. This means you\u2019ll need an adaptor or another ELD for any other port type. Additionally, you cannot hardwire this model. However, the plug and play installation is ideal for moving the ELD between vehicles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gorilla Safety also offers features like GPS tracking. This uploads to the cloud over LTE, so you can see where vehicle are in real time. That GPS data links to IFTA fuel tax reporting, helping you to improve calculations. The app also includes document management, so you can upload receipts for fuel purchases as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Like any FMSCA compliant ELD, Gorilla Safety automatically tracks driving time when the vehicle exceeds 5mph. Drivers can set driving mode for personal use. However, Gorilla Safety does not support multiple drivers. However, it stores records for up to three months. Drivers receive compliant alerts when it\u2019s time to take a break, when they have to stop, and when they have to find a place to rest for the night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You also get plenty of extras. Gorilla Safety integrates DVIRs and eDVIRs into its basic service. With a more expensive subscription, you also get a mechanics portal. .<\/span><\/p>\n

Gorilla Safety ELD at a Glance:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n