Garmin Alpha vs Competitors

The Alpha, Dogtra Pathfinder, SportDog TEK and Garmin's own Pro 550 Plus all track over VHF with no cell signal needed. The Alpha's edge is the mature handheld lineup and collar range - from the 10 to the XL - plus inReach on the i models. The Pro 550 Plus is Garmin's streamlined bundle that shares the TT 25 collar, aimed at hunters who want one package rather than a system to build on.

Dogtra Pathfinder uses a phone app over a longer-range radio, and SportDog TEK is a rugged all-in-one. All are legitimate; the Alpha's advantage is breadth and upgrade path.

Cellular trackers depend on coverage. Where there is a signal they are cheap and simple and need no handheld; where there is none they go dark. That is the whole story of the Alpha LTE versus the VHF system, and of Tractive versus any VHF collar. For hunting remote country, VHF is not optional.

Many handlers carry both - a VHF Alpha for the hunt and a cellular backup for cell-covered areas. The lineup is laid out on the comparison page.

The Garmin Alpha and the Pro 550 Plus bundle on Amazon:

• Garmin Pro 550 Plus GPS Navigator with Alpha TT25 Dog Collar Bundle
• Garmin Alpha 10 Handheld
• Garmin Alpha® LTE
• Garmin Alpha 300 Handheld