SpotOn vs. Halo: A Professional Dog Trainer Puts Two GPS Fences to the Test

REVIEW: SpotOn dubbed the more reliable, transparent, and ultimately trustworthy system for dog owners.

When it comes to GPS dog fences, flashy marketing and feature lists can only tell you so much. That’s why Evan Doggett—a certified professional dog trainer with over a decade of experience—decided to put two of the most popular GPS fence systems, SpotOn vs. Halo 4, through real-world testing. In his video titled “SpotOn vs Halo: Pro Dog Trainer Reveals BEST GPS Fence”, Evan independently evaluates each collar with both his own dogs and his clients’ dogs to reveal which system truly delivers.

His verdict? SpotOn GPS Fence emerges as the more reliable, more flexible, and ultimately safer option.

Independent Testing, Unbiased Opinion

Before diving into the results, it’s important to note Evan’s testing was completely self-funded. He clarifies: 

"I bought both of these collars myself. Nobody’s paying me to make this video."
- Evan Doggett, Doggett Style Dog Training

This independence gives his comparison added weight—especially for dog owners looking for honest, hands-on experience from someone who trains with e-collars daily.

Price Isn’t What It Seems

At first glance, Halo appears to be the cheaper option, with a $600 price tag versus SpotOn’s $999. But Evan breaks down why Halo’s true cost is much higher over time. He explains:

"You absolutely need a subscription forever with the Halo system. Over the next 10 years, that’s another $2,000."

Halo requires a monthly subscription to function and without it, the app and collar don’t work. SpotOn, by contrast, is a GPS dog fence without a subscription required, offering full containment functionality with no ongoing costs.

"With SpotOn, it’s $1,000—done. That’s it."

"With Halo, if you want training help, you have to pay for the premium service… that made me feel a little gross.

With SpotOn, you can reach out to support at any point… and if you're still struggling, you can book a session with a professional trainer. That is a huge win in my opinion."

Consistency Is King—And Halo Falls Short 

For GPS fences to be effective, consistency is non-negotiable. But Evan’s experience with the Halo system was frustratingly unreliable—even with full cell phone reception.

"Sometimes they’d cross the boundary line and get no beep. Other times, they’d get a beep. That’s incredibly confusing—for the dog and for me."

Worse, he experienced what he called an “epic fail” when the Halo would delay its correction until after the dog was already past the line.

"We’d go past the line and then get everything at once—the warning, the correction, and the emergency correction."

SpotOn, however, delivered consistent results.

"SpotOn was consistent—no matter where I went… even in the middle of nowhere, Canada. Trees, leaves, snow, minus 30 degrees—it didn’t matter. SpotOn still worked."

  SpotOn vs. Halo
Want to dive deeper? Explore our in-depth comparison.
>> READ MORE

More Training Control = Safer Outcomes  

SpotOn also outperformed Halo in terms of correction strength and customizability. SpotOn offers 30 levels of static correction, compared to Halo’s 15, giving trainers and owners much finer control over the training process.

"SpotOn’s 30 levels give you finer control. Whether you have a super sensitive dog or a tough, stubborn one… SpotOn has the strength range you may need."

While Evan appreciated one customizable warning feature in Halo, he emphasized that most people don’t realize how ineffective vibration-only cues can be. "Vibration alone won’t stop most dogs."

The Bottom Line: SpotOn Is Worth It 

Evan’s final recommendation is clear: "SpotOn is the choice. It’ll cost you less in the long run—not up front, but over time. And in my professional opinion and experience, it’s the safer option."

That’s a strong endorsement from someone who trains with these tools every day. He emphasizes that the SpotOn system delivers on the fundamentals that matter most: timing, consistency, and motivation—all without relying on a constant subscription or ideal cell reception.

Why SpotOn Wins for Serious Dog Owners  

Evan Doggett’s in-depth review cuts through marketing claims and puts both GPS fences to the test in real-world environments. His independent evaluation highlights why SpotOn is the more reliable, transparent, and ultimately trustworthy system for dog owners who want peace of mind and safer off-leash freedom.

With GPS accuracy that works even in rural areas, customizable training levels, and support that doesn’t nickel-and-dime you, SpotOn proves that higher upfront cost can lead to better results—and fewer headaches.

If you're looking for a GPS dog fence that’s built to work where and how you live, take the advice of someone who trains dogs for a living: "SpotOn is the better choice."

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