As an owner operator, choosing an affordable yet fully-featured ELD is crucial to simplify compliance and improve safety without breaking the bank. We reviewed the top budget-friendly options that provide essential tracking and integrate smoothly with your operations without unnecessary extras that drive up costs.
7 Best ELDs for Owner Operators on a Budget
Whether you’re looking for basic e-logs, built-in GPS tracking, or flexible ‘bring your own device’ solutions, this list of the best ELD systems on the market today will help you pick the right device for your budget.
- Best for small fleets: Motive ELD
- Best for no monthly subscription fees: Garmin eLog Compliant ELD
- Best for truckers wanting to use their own smart devices: Konexial My20 ELD
- Best for hotshot truckers: Samsara ELD
- Best for easy installation: TFM GPS ELD
- Best for features: DriveELD
- Best for hotshot truckers: BigRoad DashLink ELD
Motive ELD
Best for: Small Fleets
The Motive ELD is one of the best devices for small fleets thanks to its ease of use. Motive streamlines tracking, managing, and sharing hours-of-service (HOS) data to reduce administrative work. Its intuitive interface minimizes training time and helps ensure compliance efficiently. In 2024, Motive also announced expansion to Mexico to support the unique safety and security needs of drivers and fleets in the region.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reduces fuel waste
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Helps reduce liabilities
- Location tracking
- Improved route management
- HOS alerts
- Quality customer service
Cons
- Annotation notes for edits can be difficult
- Each driver needs a smart device
Garmin eLog Compliant ELD
Best for: No Monthly Subscription
Garmin’s eLog Compliant ELD offers owner-operators a simple way to track hours of service without ongoing subscription fees. It integrates with Garmin dēzl GPS and fleet tools, and provides customizable interfaces and reporting to keep compliance straightforward and affordable.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliable name brand
- No monthly subscriptions
- 24/7 customer support
- Automated HOS recording
Cons
- No IFTA reporting
- Limited functionality
- Not compatible with OBDII
Konexial My20 ELD
Best for: Truckers Wanting to Use Their Own Smart Devices
Konexial’s budget-friendly ELD supports a bring-your-own-device approach so drivers can use their existing smartphones or tablets. It delivers real-time GPS and compliance tracking with a driver-friendly app, making it a practical choice for owner-operators seeking essential features without heavy hardware costs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- CSA scoring and alerts
- GPS vehicle tracking (add-on)
- Dashboard and analytics
- Compliance monitoring and notifications
- Android and iOS apps
- No long-term contract required
- Easy-to-use, driver-friendly mobile app
- Integrated IFTA reporting
- Bring-your-own-device option saves on hardware
Cons
- Lacks advanced dispatch and fleet management integrations
- Fewer features and customization than premium ELDs
Samsara ELD
Best for: Hotshot Trucking
Samsara Vehicle Gateways serve as both ELD and GPS trackers, combining compliance with real-time traffic and weather insights. The devices are reliable even in low-connectivity areas and can function as Wi-Fi hotspots. With quick installation, intuitive apps, engine diagnostics, and automated alerts, Samsara is a strong fit for hotshot operations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Routing and dispatching
- Engine diagnostics and fault codes
- Violation alerts and RODS visibility
- Driver behavior reporting
- Fuel tracking
- Optional dashcams
- Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
Cons
- Frequent software updates
- OBD-only port
TFM GPS ELD
Best for: Easy Installation
TFM’s plug-and-play ELD is built for quick setup and straightforward FMCSA compliance. It integrates easily with smartphones via the TFM app, enabling drivers to manage HOS with minimal effort—ideal for owner-operators who want simple compliance without extra bells and whistles.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low upfront device cost and affordable subscription options
- Reliable FMCSA-compliant tracking
- Easy mobile integration via the TFM app
- User-friendly setup
Cons
- Limited advanced features
- No standalone screen (relies on mobile app)
- No IFTA reporting
DriveELD
Best for: Generous Features
DriveELD balances affordability with robust compliance features for owner-operators. The platform includes GPS tracking, document management, maintenance logs, and driver performance reports—delivering the essentials without unnecessary complexity.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Bring-your-own-device options
- GPS tracking
- Truck maintenance reporting
- Document storage
- Driver performance metrics
- No long-term contract required
- Intuitive mobile apps
- Integrated maintenance logging
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics vs. premium ELDs
- Lacks complex dispatch/fleet integrations
- Mostly self-service support
- Cannot edit logs after submission
BigRoad DashLink ELD
Best for: Hotshot Truckers
BigRoad DashLink is a plug-and-play ELD that’s ideal for hotshot drivers who need reliable compliance without complex setup. It provides real-time GPS tracking and automatic HOS logging, and the mobile app is known for its user-friendly experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Straightforward subscription model
- Simple installation; compatible with most vehicles
- Real-time GPS tracking and HOS compliance
- Mobile app for easy log management
- Cross-border compliance (U.S. & Canada)
Cons
- Basic compared to more comprehensive systems
- Limited advanced fleet management tools
- Occasional connectivity issues reported
Do Owner-Operators Have To Use an ELD?
Yes, owner-operators are generally required to use an electronic logging device (ELD) if they operate a commercial motor vehicle in the U.S. and are subject to hours-of-service (HOS) regulations.
ELD Exemptions
- Short-haul exemption: If an owner-operator drives within a 150 air-mile radius (for non-CDL drivers) or 100 air-mile radius (for CDL drivers), starts and ends the workday at the same location, and does not drive more than 11 hours, they may qualify and not require an ELD.
- Older vehicle exemption: Vehicles with engines manufactured before model year 2000 are exempt because many older engines are incompatible with ELD technology.
- Drive-away–tow-away operations: If the driver is operating a vehicle as part of a drive-away–tow-away operation (where the vehicle being driven is the commodity or part of the shipment), an ELD is not required.
- Limited use exemption: Drivers who keep records of duty status (RODS) for no more than eight days within any 30-day period are also exempt.
For owner-operators who don’t meet any exemption, an ELD is necessary to ensure compliance, accurately track driving hours, and avoid HOS violations.
Don’t Break the Bank Buying the Best ELD for Trucks
When choosing the best ELD for owner-operator trucking on a budget, any of the devices on a well-vetted list can work. Compare all-inclusive monthly costs versus upfront hardware fees, and avoid paying for bells and whistles you won’t use.
FAQ
How many hours can a truck driver drive?
A truck driver can drive a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour work period, after which a mandatory 10-hour break is required. Drivers also cannot exceed 60 hours of driving over seven consecutive days.
What’s the purpose of the FMCSA hours of service regulations?
The FMCSA hours-of-service regulations set limits on when and how long commercial truck drivers can operate to ensure adequate rest between shifts for safety, since fatigue is a major cause of accidents.
Who is exempt from ELD mandate rules?
Exemptions include drivers of vehicles with engines manufactured before model year 2000, drivers using paper RODS no more than eight days in any 30-day period, those in drive-away–tow-away operations, and certain specially registered vehicles.
How much does an ELD cost per month?
Typical ELD system costs range from about $20 to $50 per month per vehicle, with some providers charging more for additional features and fleet management tools.
Is there a free ELD app?
Some app-store ELDs are free, but they usually don’t meet all FMCSA compliance requirements on their own. Most are limited trials or basic versions that require paid upgrades and still need compatible hardware to connect to the vehicle’s engine.
