Short answer: pick the Halo Collar 5 for an open yard and the Fi Series 3+ for a fenced one. Halo ($524, about $844 over three years) is a fence that cues your dog back before the line; Fi ($129, about $657 over three years) is a tracker that tells you after your dog has left.
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The better stated figure on each line is highlighted (7 lines can be compared); if either maker does not state a value, the line is left undecided. The 3-year cost adds 36 months of plan at the cheapest billing cycle, at US prices checked on November 9, 2026.
Criterion
Halo Collar 5
Fi Series 3+
Calculated scoreBetter: the highest
9.2/10
8.3/10
Device priceBetter: the lowest
$524
$129
3-year costBetter: the lowest
$844
$657
Subscription
Required, from $8.74/mo
Required, from $14.13/mo
Type
GPS dog fence
GPS dog tracker
ContainmentBetter: the most flexible
Custom shapes, several fences
Escape alerts only
Fences
Unlimited on the collar (5 on Bronze, 20 on Silver, unlimited on Gold)
Safe zones with escape alerts (no cue to the dog)
GPS hardwareBetter: dual-frequency
Dual-frequency
Single-frequency
Live tracking
Live, cellular
Live, cellular
Battery lifeBetter: the longest
48 h
90 days
Boundary cues
Tone + vibration, static optional
No cues (alerts to your phone)
Smallest dog
10 lb
Not stated
Neck size
8 to 30.5 in
XS band for dogs under 10 lb (9.5-11 in) up to XL (20-31 in)
Smallest yard
900 sq ft
Not stated
Water resistance
IP67
IP68 and IP66K, salt water tested
Warranty
1 year
1 year
Return windowBetter: the longest
90 days
30 days
What the numbers mean
If your yard has a real fence and the worry is the gate left open, Fi is the cheaper, lower-maintenance answer: up to 3 months per charge against up to 48 hours. If there is nothing between your dog and the road, an alert after the fact is not enough.
Both need a plan. Halo's Bronze membership starts at $9.99 a month; Fi's membership starts at $99 for 6 months.
Our pick for each kind of owner
The right choice depends on your dog, your yard and the monthly bill you accept. Here is who should buy which.
Tight budget
Fi Series 3+
Over three years the Fi Series 3+ costs $657 against $844 for the Halo Collar 5, device and plan included, at prices checked on November 9, 2026.
Which is better, the Halo Collar 5 or the Fi Series 3+?
The Halo Collar 5 for most owners: it scores higher overall (9.2 vs 8.3/10). Your yard and your dog can still flip it: see the picks by profile on this page.
Do the Halo Collar 5 and the Fi Series 3+ need a subscription?
The Halo Collar 5 needs a Pack Membership Bronze (from $8.74/mo). The Fi Series 3+ needs a Fi Membership (from $14.13/mo). Plan prices as of November 9, 2026.
Which one costs less over three years?
The Fi Series 3+: $657 against $844 over 36 months, device and plan included, at the cheapest published billing cycle. Try your own numbers in the [3-year cost calculator](/tools/gps-dog-fence-cost-calculator/).
Which one suits a small dog?
The Halo Collar 5 is rated for dogs from 10 lb. Fi gives a neck range (XS band for dogs under 10 lb (9.5-11 in) up to XL (20-31 in)) rather than a minimum weight for the Fi Series 3+.