Let’s be real, traditional dog fences are annoying. Digging up your yard, burying wires, and hoping your dog doesn’t find a way out? Pass.

That’s what intrigued us with SpotOn Fence. A completely wireless, GPS-based dog fence that works everywhere be it your yard, your cabin, your friend’s backyard. All you have to do is walk the boundary with your phone, and, voila: virtual fence programmed.

So we decided to give it a real world test. Is it as easy (and magical) as it sounds? Here is what we found.

What Exactly Is SpotOn Fence?

SpotOn is basically a smart collar + mobile app combo that uses GPS to create invisible fences. You walk the area with the collar, and it maps to establish a boundary area that your dog learns to stay in. There are no digging, no wires, no base stations.

It works with sound, vibration, and optional static correction and you can follow the dog in real time if it decides to flee.

It’s kind of like Apple Maps meets dog training.

What We Liked (And What Actually Impressed Us)

1. Setup is Quick and Easy

No technical knowledge or DIY expertise needed. All you do is walk the perimeter of the area where you want your dog to stay while holding the collar or phone and the SpotOn system saves that perimeter as a virtual fence. No wires to bury, base stations to install. You can literally go from box to fence in well under 30 minutes.

2. It Works Anywhere (Yes, Anywhere)

I think the biggest flex of SpotOn is that it is unbelievably portable. Going on a trip? Visiting family? Staying at an Airbnb without a yard? You can create as many fences as you want up to 20 saved zones and switch between them in the app. You don’t even need wi-fi or cell signal to set up the fences (only for tracking when you need GPS + cell data). Perfect for those with active dogs and active lifestyles.

3. Reliable GPS Functionality

SpotOn works with four different satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou), providing much more accuracy than older GPS pet collars.  We tested it in open fields and through trees, consistently accurate to within a few feet. When your dog is nearing the boundary, the collar emits a warning tone or vibration, which they quickly learn to associate with the limits.

4. Internal Tracking for you ease of mind

If your dog crosses onto the virtual fence line, you can begin tracking them through the App (optional subscription). It will show you the location of your dog in real time, which can be an incredible perk if your dog is a fence jumper. Think of it as GPS fencing + Find My iPhone, for your dog.

5. Train with custom features

The collar does not impose shock by default (thankfully). You can set the unit for tone only, vibration, or static correction, with adjustable intensity. This way, it is easier to match the unit with your dogs temperament and training style. Also, SpotOn has training videos to help you get started, instead of hiring trainers.

What Could Be Better (Let’s Be Honest)

1. Its Expensive—like, REALLY expensive

For around $999 for just the collar, SpotOn is definitely a premium option. Add in the optional cellular plan for live tracking ($6.95/month), and this is a significant investment. It can add up fast for people with multiple dogs. It is worth it for what you get, but it’s not necessarily easy on your wallet unless you’re lucky during sales.

2. GPS Can Struggle in Certain Environments

While GPS performance is reliable overall, it can still have its issues. If your property has dense woods, steep hills, or tall buildings surrounding it, the collar could miscalculate the boundary by several feet at times. This isn’t a huge issue for most people, but it’s something to keep in mind if you are in ridged or serious terrain.

3. Training is Necessary (and Takes Time)

SpotOn is NOT a “put it on and forget about it” solution. Your dog won’t understand what the tones or vibrate to mean unless you spend a couple of days actually training them consistently, especially in the beginning. If you have a really stubborn or easily distracted dog, you may have more work to do. The app has clear instructions to follow, but don’t expect results immediately.

4. Battery Life Is Average

The battery lasts about 18–24 hours with frequent use of the GPS, or about 3–4 days with moderate use. That’s fair, just not great – particularly if you forget to charge it regularly. If you use the tracking feature too frequently, daily charging could easily become the new norm.

5. The Collar is Big for Small Dogs

If your dog is under 15–20 pounds, the collar might look a bit bulky. It is designed mainly for medium to large breeds, and while it’s likely not uncomfortable, it would not necessarily be the best size for very small dogs.

So… Is It Worth It?

If you have a wandering dog and want a safe, wireless, and no-dig option, SpotOn Fence is a real game-changer. It’s highly customizable, surprisingly accurate, and makes the fence set-up a breeze.

That said, it is expensive. If you can afford it, it’s one of the best virtual fence options available. If not, consider some budget alternatives (but you’ll need to compromise some portability and technology).

SpotOn Fence earns a strong 4.5 out of 5. It isn’t perfect, but for what it offers? Pretty great.