Side by side
Seven axes, plain English.
Pricing references are 2026 public ranges; confirm with both vendors before purchase. We update this page when either side changes.
| Axis | DirtFleet | Samsara |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Maintenance + tool tracking + work orders + projects. Optional diagnostic-port tracker for hours/GPS/DTCs (pre-order today). | Telematics + safety platform: in-cab cameras, AI dashcam, ELD compliance, vehicle GPS, driver scoring. Hardware is the centerpiece. |
| Hardware footprint | BYO hardware OR optional DirtFleet tracker (OBD-II / J1939, LTE-M, GPS) — pre-order with a no-charge reservation. | Vehicle Gateway + cameras + AI dash cams; up-front hardware spend per vehicle in the hundreds. |
| Pricing | $199 / month flat organization subscription (or $1,990 / year), unlimited users and assets under our fair-use policy. Optional DirtFleet diagnostic-port tracker hardware (Mid-2027 target) billed separately when shipped. | Per-vehicle, multi-year contracts; published 2026 ranges run hundreds per vehicle per year for the safety + telematics bundle. |
| Maintenance workflow | First-class: WorkOrder model, Quick Log, pre-trip checklists, hour-based PM, projects, OSHA 300 incidents, certified-payroll exports. | Maintenance module exists but is positioned as an add-on; depth varies. Many Samsara customers run a separate CMMS. |
| Tool tracking | Built-in (hand tools, power tools, kits, consumables) with QR/NFC scan-to-action. | Not in scope. |
| Driver-facing UX | Three-tap meter logs, photo-of-meter, offline outbox, glove-friendly. | Driver app is excellent for ELD + camera review; lighter on shop / mechanic flows. |
| Integration with each other | Samsara adapter shell wired (lib/oem/vendors/samsara.ts). Roadmap: pull engine hours from Samsara into DirtFleet so the maintenance side gets meter truth without double entry. | DirtFleet is on the roadmap as an integration partner from our side; not the other way around. |
FAQ
Common questions.
Should I buy both?
Often, yes. Samsara for safety / telematics / ELD; DirtFleet for the shop floor + tool tracking. The Samsara adapter (live in our /settings/integrations once your OAuth lands) pulls hours into DirtFleet so the maintenance side stays accurate without your drivers entering meters twice.
Can DirtFleet replace Samsara?
Not for ELD or AI cameras — those are Samsara strongholds. We're a maintenance + tool tracking + work-order platform with optional hardware on the way. If your only need is hour-meter capture and a CMMS, you can run DirtFleet standalone.
Do you support the Samsara API today?
Adapter shell is committed (lib/oem/vendors/samsara.ts: pingSamsara, fetchSamsaraVehicles). Live customer use is gated on the first paid integration — reply to /support to be the first.
Try alongside Samsara.
30 days, no credit card to start.
Bring your asset list; we'll wire the Samsara adapter to pull hours so meters stay in sync.