DirtFleet vs Samsara
If Samsara feels like too much.
Honest matrix
Choose the one that fits the fleet.
Samsara is the leader in long-haul telematics + ELD; the hardware and per-vehicle contracts are built for that scale. DirtFleet doesn't replace Samsara for HOS — it's the maintenance layer underneath. Built for the 25-asset fleet — read why →
Choose DirtFleet when
- 10–50 assets
- Construction or mixed fleet
- Need PM + hours discipline
- Don't need ELD/HOS
- Want unlimited users included
Choose Samsara when
- Enterprise scale or long-haul telematics
- Need ELD/HOS, dispatch, or AI dashcams
- Already standardized on Samsara hardware
- Accept per-vehicle pricing + multi-year contracts
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 | Standard software starts at $99/month and is capped at $299/month under published fair-use thresholds. Premium API access, optional hardware, and custom high-volume terms are separate. | 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 | Searchable meter logs, optional photo OCR, and an offline hour-log queue. | 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.