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Samsara vs Verizon Connect: A Feature-by-Feature Comparison for 2025

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Samsara vs Verizon Connect: A Feature-by-Feature Comparison for 2025

Samsara vs Verizon Connect are two of the most recognized platforms in the world of fleet management. Both offer powerful tools to help businesses gain real-time visibility into their vehicles, improve driver performance, and streamline daily operations.

But choosing between them isn’t always straightforward. While each platform offers GPS tracking, compliance support, and performance analytics, the way they deliver these features — and who they’re best suited for — can differ.

In this guide, we’ll compare Samsara and Verizon Connect feature by feature, giving you the clarity needed to make a confident buying decision based on your fleet size, goals, and workflow preferences.

Who This Comparison is For

Choosing the right fleet management software isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a strategic one. This guide is written for people who are directly responsible for keeping vehicles, drivers, and schedules aligned.

Fleet Managers

Need real-time tracking and tools to improve driver safety and response times.

Operations Leads

Want smoother scheduling, fewer delays, and faster on-site arrivals.

SMBs

Shifting from spreadsheets to automation for better fuel, time, and task control.

Enterprise Teams

Need scalable systems with reporting and support across multiple sites.

It’s especially useful for:

  • Fleet managers oversee logistics or delivery operations and need accurate location tracking, safer driving practices, and faster response times.
    They’re often looking for a solution that works in real time and simplifies day-to-day decision-making.
  • Operations leads in service-based businesses like construction, HVAC, plumbing, or utilities are looking to reduce downtime and improve on-site arrival times.
    A reliable platform can help them manage schedules more efficiently and respond faster to customer needs.
  • Small and mid-sized businesses are making the shift from manual tracking methods or spreadsheets to a connected, automated platform.
    For many SMBs, this move helps cut fuel waste, save time, and stay organized as the team grows.
  • Enterprise teams are exploring new tools that can scale across multiple locations, departments, or even countries.
    They need systems that offer flexibility, advanced reporting, and support for large-scale deployment.

Samsara vs Verizon Connect: Quick Comparison

Feature Samsara Verizon Connect
Real-Time GPS Tracking Yes – Live tracking with trip history and smart alerts Yes – Real-time updates with route playback
Driver Behavior Monitoring Includes safety scores, dash cam footage, and alerts Includes performance reports and safety alerts
Reporting & Dashboards Custom dashboards with AI-driven insights Pre-built and exportable reports
Compliance Features ELD, HOS, IFTA, and DVIR support Supports DOT compliance and HOS tracking
Installation & Hardware Plug-and-play devices with fast activation Professional-grade hardware and install support

Real-Time Vehicle Tracking

Being able to see where every vehicle is — in real time — is one of the most important features in any fleet management system. Real-time vehicle tracking helps teams stay on top of route delays, unexpected stops, and overall fleet performance without waiting for end-of-day reports.

Key Differences

  • Samsara offers live location updates with minimal delay, often within seconds. It combines GPS data with AI to summarize trips, flag unusual behavior, and provide real-time alerts like late departures or route deviations.
  • Verizon Connect also delivers real-time tracking, layered with historical breadcrumb trails and route replays. Managers can easily visualize where a vehicle has been, when it stopped, and how closely it followed the planned route.

Common Use Cases

  • Dispatchers coordinating tight delivery schedules
  • Field service managers monitor technician arrival times
  • Businesses need immediate visibility to respond to customer calls

Who Benefits Most

This feature is especially useful for:

  • Last-mile delivery teams working with tight ETAs
  • Logistics managers are trying to reduce idle time and fuel usage
  • Customer support teams need live updates to keep clients informed

Driver Behavior Monitoring

Knowing how your drivers perform on the road helps reduce accidents, improve fuel efficiency, and extend vehicle life. Both Samsara and Verizon Connect include tools to analyze driving habits.

Key Differences

  • Samsara combines GPS with AI and camera data to generate real-time safety scores. It tracks speeding, harsh braking, sharp turns, distracted driving, and more. Fleet managers can review video clips tied to specific events using dash cams.
  • Verizon Connect uses performance scorecards and behavior-based reporting. It monitors speeding, idling, rapid acceleration, and hard braking. While it doesn’t rely as heavily on camera footage, it does highlight risky trends over time.

Common Use Cases

  • Building driver coaching programs
  • Lowering insurance premiums by improving safety records
  • Tracking high-risk behaviors for compliance reports

Who Benefits Most

  • Safety supervisors focused on reducing incident rates
  • Fleet owners managing insurance and liability
  • HR teams are setting performance benchmarks for drivers

Compliance & ELD (Electronic Logging Device)

For many fleets, staying compliant with Hours of Service (HOS), IFTA, and DVIR regulations is non-negotiable. Both platforms support these needs, but with different levels of integration.

Key Differences

  • Samsara offers an FMCSA-registered ELD with automatic HOS logging, DVIR workflows, and IFTA-ready reports. The mobile app helps drivers manage logs and inspections without paperwork.
  • Verizon Connect provides HOS, DVIR, and DOT compliance tools with log automation. It focuses more on structured compliance workflows for larger fleets, with integrations into backend systems.

Common Use Cases

  • Long-haul trucking compliance
  • Managing pre/post-trip inspections
  • Reducing audit risk with digital records

Who Benefits Most

  • Fleet managers in regulated industries
  • Trucking operators needing IFTA and HOS support
  • Compliance officers handling audits and inspections

Reporting & Dashboards

Having access to the right data — at the right time — makes all the difference in daily decision-making. Samsara and Verizon Connect both deliver dashboards, but with different styles and flexibility.

Key Differences

  • Samsara focuses on interactive dashboards with AI-powered alerts. Managers can create custom reports, automate delivery, and monitor safety, maintenance, and utilization all in one place.
  • Verizon Connect offers pre-built reports with export options. While not as customizable, it provides deep visibility into key metrics like mileage, stop time, and driver behavior.

Common Use Cases

  • Weekly performance reviews
  • Budget planning based on fuel and maintenance trends
  • Custom alerts for high-risk activity

Who Benefits Most

  • Operations teams need fast insights to adjust schedules
  • Executives reviewing fleet KPIs
  • Compliance or safety leads monitor policy adherence

Installation & Hardware

Installation affects how fast you can go live with a new system — and how easily it scales across your fleet.

Key Differences

  • Samsara offers plug-and-play devices that can be self-installed in minutes. This speeds up onboarding and minimizes downtime.
  • Verizon Connect provides professional-grade hardware, often installed with vendor support. It’s geared toward structured rollouts with a dedicated tech setup.

Common Use Cases

  • Rolling out tracking across large or distributed fleets
  • Reducing setup time for new vehicles
  • Minimizing tech support issues post-install

Who Benefits Most

  • IT or fleet admins needing fast, DIY installations
  • Enterprises prefer a professional setup for reliability
  • Growing SMBs are adding vehicles gradually

Samsara vs Verizon Connect: Customer Support & Training

When rolling out a fleet management software, the quality of support you receive can be just as important as the product itself. Whether it’s resolving setup issues or helping drivers understand new tools, strong customer service ensures smooth adoption.

Category Samsara Verizon Connect
Support Channels 24/7 chat, phone, email Phone, email, rep access for enterprise
Onboarding Quick setup, in-app guidance Structured setup, rep-assisted for larger fleets
Help Resources Knowledge base, tutorials Docs, FAQs, webinars
Account Support Manager support for larger accounts Dedicated rep for enterprise users

Response Time & Channels

  • Samsara provides 24/7 support through live chat, email, and phone. Many users mention quick turnaround times on chat, making it a solid choice for teams needing fast answers during business hours or late shifts.
  • Verizon Connect also offers support across phone and email, with priority service available to enterprise-level customers. For larger fleets, Verizon may assign a dedicated account manager to guide implementation and ongoing success.

Onboarding Experience

  • Samsara delivers a guided setup with in-platform walkthroughs and self-install guides. For most businesses, the onboarding process is quick and doesn’t require technical staff.
  • Verizon Connect provides more structured onboarding, especially for enterprise fleets. The setup typically involves coordination with Verizon’s team to install hardware and configure user roles.

Help Center & Training Resources

  • Samsara maintains a detailed knowledge base with articles, video tutorials, and product walkthroughs. It’s built to support both technical teams and everyday users.
  • Verizon Connect offers product documentation, recorded webinars, and FAQs. Their training library is suited for users looking to understand reporting tools, compliance features, and app usage.

Account Management & Community

  • Samsara supports growth with scalable training and onboarding resources. Larger accounts may get access to dedicated success managers.
  • Verizon Connect often works with clients through assigned representatives or onboarding coordinators, particularly for complex or multi-site rollouts.
💬 Samsara is a good fit for teams looking for responsive, always-on chat support, while Verizon Connect aligns well with businesses that want more personalized onboarding through dedicated reps.

Samsara vs Verizon Connect: Compliance & Certifications

For fleets that operate across states or handle regulated driving hours, compliance isn’t optional — it’s critical. Both Samsara and Verizon Connect offer built-in tools to help meet industry and government requirements while reducing paperwork and audit risks.

FMCSA ELD Compliance

  • Samsara is fully registered with the FMCSA and offers a certified electronic logging device (ELD) that helps drivers stay within Hours of Service (HOS) limits. The app logs drive time automatically and alerts drivers when they’re close to thresholds.
  • Verizon Connect also provides an FMCSA-compliant ELD solution, with HOS logs integrated into its mobile app. It’s built to help carriers meet federal mandates and avoid fines through digital recordkeeping.

IFTA Fuel Tax Reporting

  • Samsara includes IFTA-ready reports that simplify quarterly filing. The platform tracks miles driven in each jurisdiction and compiles reports to support fuel tax calculations.
  • Verizon Connect supports IFTA reporting through GPS-based mileage tracking, helping fleet admins generate summaries that align with fuel receipts and tax forms.

DVIR & HOS Tracking

  • Samsara offers a digital Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) system, allowing drivers to complete inspections from their phones or tablets. HOS status is updated in real time and shared with back-office teams.
  • Verizon Connect includes DVIR workflows that support pre- and post-trip inspections, plus automated HOS updates that reduce manual input and logbook errors.

Data Privacy & Certifications

  • Samsara meets industry standards like SOC 2 Type II and GDPR. Data is encrypted both at rest and in transit, ensuring privacy and secure access for teams across different sites.
  • Verizon Connect also follows strict data handling practices with enterprise-level security protocols in place. The platform supports user permission controls and audit logs to protect sensitive fleet information.

These features make both platforms suitable for regulated industries such as logistics, commercial trucking, oil & gas, and government contracting.

Samsara vs Verizon Connect: Integration Ecosystem

Fleet software works best when it connects seamlessly with the tools you already use. From payroll to CRM and fuel cards, integrations help teams automate tasks, eliminate manual entry, and keep operations in sync.

Samsara vs Verizon Connect: Integration Ecosystem

Samsara Integrations

Samsara offers a wide range of integrations through its open API and pre-built connectors, making it easy for businesses to link their telematics data with essential tools.

Popular integrations include:

  • Slack – Get real-time safety alerts or fleet updates directly in team channels
  • QuickBooks – Sync mileage, maintenance, or job data for expense tracking and billing
  • Salesforce – Connect fleet activity to customer touchpoints or service updates
  • Fuel card systems – Integrate with WEX and other providers for real-time fuel spend tracking
  • ADP & HR platforms – Align driver schedules and time logs with payroll

Samsara also supports hundreds of third-party apps via its Marketplace, helping businesses scale operations without switching systems.

Verizon Connect Integrations

Verizon Connect focuses on field-centric and operations-driven integrations, allowing teams to manage fleet data alongside daily workflows in service, maintenance, and finance systems.

Common integrations include:

  • Field service software – Automate dispatch and job tracking for mobile technicians
  • Payroll tools – Connect driver hours, shifts, and route logs with timekeeping systems
  • Maintenance management platforms – Sync diagnostic alerts and service history for preventive maintenance
  • Fuel and compliance systems – Pair with fuel card data and regulatory tools for unified reporting

Verizon also offers integration support for larger enterprise systems through APIs and professional onboarding.

Both Samsara and Verizon Connect support strong integration capabilities, but Samsara offers broader plug-and-play options, while Verizon leans into field operations and structured enterprise workflows.

Samsara vs Verizon Connect: Industry Fit and Scalability

Business Type Samsara Verizon Connect
Delivery Companies ✅ Scales well, driver safety features built-in ✅ Strong routing engine and dispatch tools
Construction Fleets ✅ Equipment + asset tracking with rugged sensors ❌ Less optimized for heavy-duty or off-road use
Large Enterprises ✅ Centralized dashboards with multi-location support ✅ Enterprise service plans with dedicated onboarding
SMBs ✅ Plug-and-play setup, easy to train teams ❌ Setup process can require more guidance

Samsara vs Verizon Connect: Pricing Overview

Pricing for fleet management solutions like Samsara and Verizon Connect varies based on fleet size, hardware requirements, and selected features. Here’s a general comparison to guide your decision:

Samsara

  • Software Subscription: Approximately $27–$33 per vehicle per month for core features.
  • Hardware Costs:
    • Vehicle IoT Gateway: $1,584 ($44/month)
    • Dual-facing AI Dashcam: $2,160 ($60/month)
    • Front-facing AI Dashcam: $1,584 ($44/month)
    • Unpowered Asset Gateway: $432 ($12/month)
    • Powered Asset Gateway: $558 ($15.50/month)
    • Powered Asset Gateway Plus: $756 ($21/month)
  • Contract Terms: Typically annual agreements; custom quotes available based on fleet needs.

Verizon Connect

  • Software Subscription:
    • Reveal Starter Plan: Estimated around $20 per vehicle per month.
    • Standard Plan: Approximately $40 per vehicle per month.
  • Hardware Costs: Bundled with subscription; options for plug-and-play or hardwired devices.
  • Contract Terms: Standard 36-month contracts, often including equipment and installation.

💡 Note: Both providers offer custom pricing based on specific fleet requirements. It’s advisable to contact them directly for a tailored quote.

For a broader look at pricing benchmarks, check out our full Vehicle Tracking Software Pricing Guide.

Samsara vs Verizon Connect: Pros & Cons

Platform Pros Cons
Samsara ✅ Easy setup, user-friendly dashboards
✅ Wide hardware compatibility
❌ Quote-based pricing only
❌ Add-ons may increase total cost
Verizon Connect ✅ Strong routing & dispatch tools
✅ Solid analytics and historical insights
❌ Setup may require professional support
❌ Interface can feel dated to some users

Recommendation Checklist

Choosing between Samsara and Verizon Connect depends on how your business operates, the size of your fleet, and how quickly you want to get started.

✅ Choose Samsara if:

  • You want fast setup
  • You prefer modern UI
  • Your fleet is mixed
  • You need safety alerts
  • You want flexible pricing

✅ Choose Verizon Connect if:

  • You manage large fleets
  • You need onboarding help
  • You rely on dispatch tools
  • You need deep reporting
  • You use Verizon systems

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

You might prefer Samsara if:

  • You need a plug-and-play setup with fast activation
  • A modern, mobile-friendly dashboard is a must for your team
  • You want flexibility across different vehicle types and assets
  • You value real-time safety alerts with AI-powered insights
  • You’re looking for scalable pricing with a modular feature set

You might prefer Verizon Connect if:

  • You’re part of a mid to large enterprise with complex routing needs
  • You prefer guided onboarding and structured rollout support
  • Your team depends on field service coordination and dispatch tools
  • You need a long-term reporting history and an in-depth route analysis
  • You’re already using Verizon’s broader suite of business tools
📝 Both platforms bring strong value to the table. It often comes down to whether you prioritize speed and simplicity (Samsara) or deep operational infrastructure (Verizon Connect).

Looking to explore other options? Check out the Top 5 Samsara Alternatives for Fleet Tracking in 2025 for platforms that offer flexible pricing, features, and scalability.

Conclusion

Samsara and Verizon Connect are both powerful platforms built to help businesses run safer, smarter, and more efficient fleets. While they share core capabilities like GPS tracking, compliance tools, and driver monitoring, the way they deliver these features—and who they serve best—differs.

Samsara stands out for its ease of use, rapid setup, and AI-enhanced visibility, making it a strong fit for growing businesses that need flexibility and real-time insights without a long onboarding process.

Verizon Connect, on the other hand, leans into depth, offering robust routing tools, enterprise-grade support, and integration with broader service workflows. It’s a strong choice for established operations looking for structure, control, and scale.

If you’re currently evaluating which solution aligns best with your fleet needs, take a close look at your daily workflows, tech stack, and long-term growth goals. The right fit isn’t just about features—it’s about finding a platform that matches how your business moves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Samsara or Verizon Connect better for small fleets?

Samsara is often a better fit for small fleets due to its fast setup and easy learning curve.

Can both platforms help with ELD compliance?

Yes, both Samsara and Verizon Connect offer FMCSA-certified ELD solutions for HOS tracking.

Do these platforms support mobile access for drivers?

Yes, each platform offers mobile apps for both drivers and managers on iOS and Android.

Is professional installation required?

Samsara can be self-installed, while Verizon Connect may require professional setup for some plans.

Can I track trailers and unpowered assets with these tools?

Yes, both systems provide asset tracking solutions for powered and unpowered equipment.

AUthor

Chandrasmita Goswami

Chandrasmita Goswami

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