How do you decide between Samsara, Lytx, and GPS Insight when every provider claims to be the best?
Dash cameras and telematics have moved from optional to mission-critical fleet tools. Choosing a fleet telematics and dash camera solution is no longer a simple cost decision; they play a central role in safety management, FMCSA and DOT compliance, insurance claim defense, and operational cost reduction. With many options available, the question is not if your fleet needs these solutions, but which one delivers the best return on investment.
This comparison of Samsara, Lytx, and GPS Insight is designed for fleet managers and operators making high-stakes decisions. It includes 2026 pricing benchmarks, feature-by-feature differences, compliance capabilities, and expected ROI.
Executive Snapshot: Who Fits Which Fleet?
Choosing the right platform starts with knowing your fleet’s priorities. Here’s a quick look at which solution best fits different fleet types and goals.
| Platform | Key Focus Areas |
| GPS Insight | GPS Insight is purpose-built for small to mid-sized and mixed-asset fleets. It delivers a highly configurable, compliance-first telematics platform with modular tools and flexible pricing. Designed to support vehicles, trailers, heavy equipment, and non-powered assets, GPS Insight combines advanced fleet tracking, customizable ELD and DVIR tools, and optional AI dash cameras to fit operational and budget needs. With open API integrations, real-time visibility, and month-to-month contract options, it stands out as the most adaptable and cost-effective solution for fleets that want control without compromise. |
| Samsara | Samsara is an enterprise-focused telematics provider offering an all-in-one system with fleet tracking, AI cameras, compliance tools, and workflow automation. Ideal for large fleets, it delivers a unified dashboard but often requires long-term contracts and bundled pricing, which may not suit smaller or fast-growing operations seeking flexibility. |
| Lytx | Lytx is a safety-first video telematics platform known for its AI-driven driver behavior analytics and event-triggered coaching workflows. It’s a leader in preventing on-road incidents and reducing liability through camera-based behavior monitoring. While Lytx excels in risk mitigation and insurance alignment, it offers fewer capabilities for routing, mixed-asset management, or open integrations compared to GPS Insight or Samsara. |
Key Differences between Samsara, Lytx, and GPS Insight
Price Band (2026)
- GPS Insight: All-in-One plan with GPS and built-in camera starts at $28–32 per vehicle/month.
- Samsara: $27–33 per vehicle/month with bundled features.
- Lytx: Approximately $40+ per vehicle/month depending on safety features.
Contract Terms
- GPS Insight: Short-term and month-to-month contracts available. Ideal for growing fleets or pilot programs.
- Samsara: Typically requires 1–3-year commitments.
- Lytx: Prefers long-term contracts, which may limit flexibility.
Camera Capabilities
- GPS Insight: Optional AI dash cams available as smart add-ons for cost-conscious fleets.
- Samsara: Offers dual-facing AI dash cams in bundled packages.
- Lytx: Dual-facing AI dash cams with strong event-based coaching tools.
Data Refresh Rate
- GPS Insight: Configurable GPS and video refresh intervals to balance cost and visibility.
- Samsara: Real-time GPS and video streaming.
- Lytx: Event-triggered video uploads based on driver behavior.
API & Ecosystem
- GPS Insight: Open API with strong integration across ERP, dispatch, HR, and maintenance platforms.
- Samsara: Open API and marketplace support.
- Lytx: Proprietary ecosystem with limited third-party integrations.
What Are the Pricing and Contract Terms for 2026?
Pricing and contract structures can make or break your fleet technology investment. Understanding what each platform charges and how flexible their contracts are is key to choosing the right long-term partner.
Per-Vehicle Software Fees
- GPS Insight: Modular pricing based on selected services such as AI dash cams, ELD compliance, or the complete telematics suite. You pay only for what your fleet actually needs.
- Samsara: $27 to $33 per vehicle per month, depending on the features and modules included.
- Lytx: Approximately $40 or more per vehicle per month, with a primary focus on video safety and driver coaching.
Hardware & Installation Costs
- GPS Insight: Lower upfront investment with self-installation kits available. Professional installation can be added based on fleet preference and scale.
- Samsara: Costs range from $350 to $500 per vehicle, which includes hardware and professional installation.
- Lytx: Typically starts at $500 or more per vehicle, reflecting the cost of advanced AI safety and video analytics.
GPS Insight’s self-install option reduces downtime and upfront costs, making it ideal for seasonal and smaller fleets.
How Samsara, Lytx, and GPS Insight Differ?
Each platform takes a unique approach to fleet management and safety. Here’s how Samsara, Lytx, and GPS Insight set themselves apart in features, technology, and integrations.
Real-Time Data Refresh and Visibility
- GPS Insight: Allows fleets to configure data refresh intervals based on their needs. This gives operators control over bandwidth usage and cost, making it ideal for mixed-asset or budget-conscious fleets.
- Samsara: Delivers continuous, real-time streaming of vehicle data and safety events. Best suited for large fleets that require live operational oversight.
- Lytx: Uses event-triggered uploads to capture key incidents such as collisions or harsh braking. While bandwidth-efficient, it does not support continuous streaming.
AI Dash-Cam Capabilities
- GPS Insight: Provides AI-based alerts for harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and possible collisions. Optional dual-facing cameras offer both road and in-cab views, giving fleet managers better visibility into incidents and helping enforce safe driving practices without requiring bundled hardware.
- Samsara: Equipped with AI dash cams that detect distractions, drowsiness, and risky driving. The system issues in-cab audio alerts and sends real-time notifications to managers for immediate coaching.
- Lytx: Focuses on long-term safety improvement through behavior scoring and trend analysis. Its system supports driver coaching programs designed to reduce risk and improve performance over time.
API Access and Marketplace Ecosystem
- GPS Insight: Offers a fully open API framework that allows seamless integration with ERP systems, dispatch software, HR platforms, and other fleet tools. This level of flexibility is ideal for fleets that want to customize their telematics environment and avoid vendor lock-in.
- Samsara: Includes a robust third-party app marketplace with integrations for routing, payroll, maintenance, and logistics. Well-suited for enterprise fleets that rely on multiple connected systems.
- Lytx: Operates primarily as a closed platform with proprietary analytics. Integration options are limited, which may appeal to fleets looking for a simple, turnkey safety solution with fewer external dependencies.
Compliance & Safety Credentials
FMCSA ELD Alignment
As of 2025, FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations continue to mandate the use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for most commercial motor vehicles operating in the U.S. An effective fleet management platform must support ELD compliance while also streamlining required workflows like DVIRs (Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports). Here’s how each platform handles these essential functions:
- GPS Insight: Offers built-in ELD functionality as part of its broader telematics suite. Fleets can manage Hours of Service logs, DVIRs, inspection reports, and compliance documentation from one unified interface. This integrated setup is ideal for small to mid-sized fleets that want to simplify compliance and reduce reliance on multiple vendors.
- Samsara: Delivers a fully integrated ELD system that syncs with its telematics and camera hardware. It supports real-time driver log visibility, certified edits, violation alerts, and roadside inspection readiness. A solid option for fleets operating across multiple states or under strict DOT oversight.
- Lytx: Does not offer a native ELD system. Fleets must connect to third-party providers to fulfill ELD mandates. While this approach offers flexibility, it can lead to fragmented data management and added complexity in compliance workflows.
NHTSA-Cited Crash-Reduction Metrics
According to NHTSA, AI-powered dash cams and video analytics can reduce crash-related litigation costs by 20 to 40 percent. While Samsara and Lytx help fleets improve safety through integrated camera systems, GPS Insight offers a unique advantage for operators who value flexible deployment, compliance-first tools, and cost control without sacrificing safety features.
ROI & Payback Timeline
Fuel & Idle Reduction
Fuel is one of the largest ongoing expenses for fleet operators, and reducing idle time can significantly lower operational costs. Each of these platforms contributes to fuel efficiency in distinct ways:
- GPS Insight: Offers built-in eco-driving reports and idle time alerts with adjustable thresholds. These tools help fleets monitor fuel usage, reduce waste, and optimize driver behavior without relying on external systems or integrations.
- Samsara: Uses predictive analytics and real-time alerts to reduce excessive idling and route inefficiencies. Fleets using Samsara typically report 8 to 12 percent annual fuel savings.
- Lytx: Supports fuel efficiency indirectly through driver coaching. By improving behaviors such as harsh braking or rapid acceleration, it helps lower overall fuel consumption over time.
Insurance Claim Defense
Video evidence from any of these platforms speeds up claim processing, reduces fraud, and often leads to lower insurance premiums. Typical payback period is 6–12 months after deployment, depending on fleet size and claim frequency.
GPS Insight
- Combines dash cam footage, safety alerts, and driver logs in one platform
- Speeds up claims with quick access to incident-related data
- Helps defend against false claims and reduce liability risk
Samsara
- Captures real-time video tied to safety events
- Provides instant access to footage for faster claims processing
- Supports legal audits and reduces exposure through better documentation
Lytx
- Uses incident-based video analysis and behavior scoring
- Generates coaching reports as supporting documentation
- Helps fleets demonstrate proactive risk management to insurers
Fleets that combine video evidence with real-time driver alerts often see faster ROI and stronger insurance negotiations.
Platform Snapshot 2026: Side-by-Side Comparison
Looking for a quick overview? This table highlights the key distinctions in pricing, features, contract terms, and integrations between Lytx vs Samsara, vs GPS Insight, helping you identify the right fit for your fleet operations.
| Feature | GPS Insight | Samsara | Lytx |
| Pricing (per vehicle/month) | Modular and cost-efficient, tailored to fleet needs. Only pay for what you use. | $27 to $33 depending on selected modules (Tech.co) | Typically, $40 or more with bundled video safety packages |
| Contract | Flexible monthly and short-term contracts. Great for scaling or pilot fleets. | Usually tied to 1-to-3-year commitments | Often requires long-term agreements, limiting flexibility |
| Dash Cam Type | Optional AI dash cams with configurable safety alerts. Dual-facing available. | AI-powered dual-facing dash cams included with hardware bundles | AI dual-facing cameras with strong focus on coaching |
| Refresh Speed | Customizable data intervals to balance visibility and cost. | Continuous real-time streaming across all assets | Event-triggered uploads only |
| API & Ecosystem | Open API for seamless integration with ERP, dispatch, payroll, and more. | Supports open APIs and a wide app marketplace | Limited third-party integration due to proprietary system |
| ELD Support | Built-in native ELD, DVIR, and compliance tools in a single platform. | Native ELD integration tied to Samsara hardware | No native ELD. Requires third-party provider |
| Target Fleet | Best for small to mid-sized, mixed-asset fleets seeking flexibility and control | Built for large fleets needing full-suite, all-in-one solutions | Focused on safety-first fleets with coaching and video priorities |
GPS Insight gives you modular flexibility, compliance strength, open integrations, and cost control, without locking you into rigid contracts or unnecessary tools.
Key Takeaways
- GPS Insight offers flexible, modular telematics ideal for small to mid-sized and mixed-asset fleets, with native compliance tools and open API integrations.
- Samsara delivers enterprise-grade telematics with real-time AI dash cams, best suited for large fleets needing end-to-end visibility.
- Lytx specializes in video-based driver coaching and behavior analytics, providing strong safety benefits but at a higher price point.
- All three platforms help fleets reduce accidents, improve safety scores, and accelerate insurance claim resolution.
- Most fleets experience a measurable return on investment within 6 to 12 months of implementation.
Choosing the Best Telematics Platform for Your Business
The right platform is not about picking the most well-known name. It is about selecting the system that aligns with your fleet’s size, structure, and long-term goals.
GPS Insight offers the most flexibility and value for small to mid-sized or mixed-asset fleets. With modular pricing, short-term contract options, built-in compliance tools, and open API integration, it provides a smart balance of control, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
Samsara is ideal for large enterprises needing real-time visibility and system-wide integration, but its long-term contracts and bundled pricing may limit flexibility.
Lytx focuses on driver coaching and safety analytics, though it comes at a higher cost and offers fewer customization options.
All three platforms can help improve safety, support compliance, and deliver measurable ROI. However, GPS Insight stands out for its adaptability, simplicity, and focus on giving fleets exactly what they need without added complexity.
Evaluate what matters most to your operation. The platform that fits your priorities will always be the best investment.
FAQs
Q1: Does GPS Insight offer flexible contract terms?
Yes. GPS Insight provides flexible plans, including month-to-month options, making it ideal for fleets that prefer low-commitment, scalable solutions.
Q2: Is GPS Insight a good choice for mixed-asset fleets?
Absolutely. GPS Insight is purpose-built for mixed-asset operations and supports vehicles, trailers, heavy equipment, and non-powered assets, all in one platform.
Q3: Does Lytx support ELD compliance?
Lytx focuses primarily on safety and video analytics. It does not offer a native ELD solution and requires third-party integrations for compliance.
Q4: What type of contracts does Samsara require?
Samsara generally requires one to three-year agreements, which may limit flexibility for smaller or rapidly growing fleets.