Is the Fi Smart Collar Worth It? A Stokeshire Review
When you love a dog, their safety and well-being are always top of mind. As devoted dog owners ourselves, we at Stokeshire are constantly searching for products that enhance the lives of our furry companions. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at one of our trusted affiliate partners: Fi, the company behind the popular Fi Smart Dog Collar.
This post will explore what makes the Fi collar a compelling choice for many owners. We will dig into its features, share what real users are saying, and help you decide if it’s the right investment for you and your pup.
What Is the Fi Smart Collar?
MiniNEW
Track your dog with our smallest, most flexible GPS device yet.
The Fi Smart Collar is more than just a piece of neckwear; it's a complete system designed to keep you connected to your dog's safety and health. It combines a durable hardware device with a sophisticated software app and a membership service. At its core, the Fi collar aims to translate what our dogs can't tell us, offering insights into their location, activity, and even subtle health changes.
Since launching in 2019, TryFi has consistently refined its product. The system provides live GPS tracking, logs daily activity, analyzes health trends like sleep and scratching, and sends alerts directly to your phone. It’s a tool built to give you peace of mind, whether you're at home or away.
Key Features and What They Mean for You
The Fi collar is packed with technology. Let’s break down its standout features and what you should consider before buying one.
Live GPS Tracking & Escape Alerts
One of the collar's primary functions is real-time location tracking. You can set up "Safe Zones," such as your home and yard. If your dog ever leaves one of these designated areas without you, the Fi collar sends an immediate escape alert to your phone. This allows you to act quickly, switching the collar into "Lost Dog Mode" for rapid location updates.
Consideration: The GPS functionality relies on LTE cellular connectivity. If you live in or frequent areas with weak or nonexistent cell service, you may experience lags or spotty location tracking. Some users have reported collars going "offline" intermittently, even in areas with good coverage.
Health & Behavior Insights
The Fi collar goes beyond simple step counting. It monitors your dog’s daily activity levels, sleep patterns, and even specific behaviors like scratching and licking. The Fi app analyzes this data to establish a baseline for your dog. If it detects a significant change—like a sudden drop in activity or an increase in nighttime scratching—it can alert you to potential health issues before they become serious.
Consideration: These metrics are insightful but are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. They are best used as a supplemental tool to help you stay informed about your dog's well-being. Consistent use and correct interpretation are key to getting value from these features.
Impressive Battery Life
Depending on your usage and environment, the Fi collar's battery can last for weeks or even months on a single charge. When your dog is at home and connected to your Wi-Fi or the included base station, the collar enters a power-saving mode. This long battery life is a major advantage over many other GPS trackers that require daily charging.
Consideration: Battery performance varies. Activating "Lost Dog Mode," which pings your dog's location frequently, will drain the battery much faster. Similarly, spending extended time away from a Wi-Fi connection will result in shorter battery life.
Durability and Waterproof Design
Designed for active dogs, the Fi Series 3+ collar is built to last. It features a reinforced stainless steel frame and boasts an IP68 / IP66K waterproof and dustproof rating. This means it can handle swimming, rolling in the mud, and all the rough-and-tumble play your dog can dish out.
Consideration: While tough, no device is indestructible. Over time, connectors, straps, and the housing can show wear, especially with very rough use or if it becomes a chew toy.
A Balanced Look: What Real Users Are Saying
At Stokeshire, transparency is fundamental. We believe you should have the full picture before making a purchase. Here’s a balanced summary of what real Fi users praise and criticize.
The Praises
Many owners credit the Fi collar with helping them find a lost dog, sometimes within minutes of an escape. The peace of mind that comes from this feature is often cited as the primary benefit. Additionally, users find the health and activity monitoring useful for noticing subtle changes in behavior that might otherwise be missed. The durable design and long battery life are also frequently highlighted as major positives.
The Criticisms
On the other hand, some users have reported significant issues. The most common complaints revolve around customer service, with some people citing difficulties with billing or canceling memberships. Inconsistent GPS performance and false escape alerts are other recurring problems mentioned in reviews. Finally, a number of users have experienced hardware failures over time, such as faulty connectors or straps breaking.
Who Should Consider a Fi Collar?
Based on its features and user feedback, the Fi collar is a strong fit for certain types of dog owners.
You might love the Fi collar if:
You want the peace of mind that comes with reliable GPS tracking.
You live in a suburban or urban area with strong cellular coverage.
You are interested in data-driven health insights for your dog.
You are comfortable with a subscription-based service model.
You might want to skip it if:
You and your dog frequently venture into remote areas with no cell signal.
You prefer a one-time purchase without an ongoing subscription fee.
You are concerned about reports of inconsistent performance or customer service issues.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Fi Collar
If you decide the Fi collar is right for you, follow these best practices:
Measure carefully: Get your dog’s precise neck measurement to ensure a perfect fit.
Use the trial period: Fi typically offers a 30-day trial. Use this time to test the system in your daily environment.
Set up your Wi-Fi: A strong home Wi-Fi connection is crucial for extending battery life and improving accuracy.
Know "Lost Dog Mode": Familiarize yourself with how to activate this feature before you ever need it.
Keep everything updated: Regularly update the Fi app and the collar’s firmware to get the latest bug fixes and improvements.
Combine with other methods: The "belt and suspenders" approach is still the safest. Use the Fi collar along with a microchip and a standard ID tag.
Fi Smart Collar Overview
| Feature | What It Offers | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Live GPS Tracking | Real-time location updates with customizable “Safe Zones.” Sends escape alerts instantly to your phone. | Relies on LTE cellular coverage. May experience brief offline periods in low-signal areas. |
| Health & Behavior Insights | Monitors activity, sleep, scratching, and licking to detect subtle health changes. | Data is supplemental — best used alongside regular veterinary care. |
| Battery Life | Lasts weeks to months per charge with Wi-Fi or base-station power saving. | Shorter life in “Lost Dog Mode” or away from Wi-Fi for long periods. |
| Durability | Reinforced stainless-steel frame; IP68 / IP66K waterproof rating; designed for active dogs. | Not chew-proof — heavy wear or rough play can stress connectors and straps. |
| Membership & App | Includes access to the Fi app, health data, GPS network, and 24/7 monitoring. | Requires a paid subscription; service dependent on Fi’s network and servers. |
Our Final Thoughts
The Fi Smart Dog Collar is an ambitious and powerful tool that merges GPS tracking, health monitoring, and community features into a single device. It isn't perfect—the subscription cost, connectivity limitations, and customer service complaints are real considerations. However, when it works as intended, it delivers a level of security and insight that many dog owners find invaluable.
If you’re curious to learn more, we invite you to explore the Fi collar through our affiliate link. Give it a try, see if it fits your lifestyle, and let us know what you think. Here at Stokeshire, we’ll continue to provide long-term reviews and tips to help you get the most out of your smart pet gear.