Best ELD for Owner-Operators (2026): Published Prices Compared

Updated October 31, 2026 · By the TruckingStack team · How we research

We are an independent directory. Prices and terms below come from each vendor’s own website on the date shown, and they change often, so confirm before you sign. Some outbound links are affiliate links and are always labeled; they never change what we include or how we order it. Disclosure.

Every truck that needs logs has to run an ELD from the FMCSA registered list. For a one-truck operation, the devices do the same legal job, so the real differences are total cost, contract terms, and what extras you pay for. Below we only use prices the vendors publish themselves. We did not test these devices, and we don’t publish star ratings.

ELD prices owner-operators can actually see

Prices checked October 30-31, 2026 on each vendor’s site. TT ELD is on the FMCSA list but not yet in our directory. Taxes, cables and shipping are extra where vendors charge them.

Picks by situation

Cheapest monthly bill: HOS247

HOS247 publishes the lowest monthly ELD price we found, $19 per vehicle, using your own Android or iOS phone or tablet. The plug-in device is free if you pay for a year; otherwise it is $79. The $25 “ELD Plus” plan adds IFTA reporting, which saves a quarterly headache if you run interstate.

Hate subscriptions: Garmin eLog

Garmin eLog is sold as a $249.99 device with no monthly fee on Garmin’s own store. Over three years that is far cheaper than any monthly plan. The trade-off is that it is a logging tool, not a fleet platform: you don’t get the GPS tracking, cameras and back-office dashboard that Motive or Samsara sell. If you’ll add trucks soon, factor that in. Also note that on the FMCSA list, Garmin eLog’s roadside transfer method is local only (USB, Bluetooth), while most subscription ELDs list telematic transfer (web service and email). Local transfer is allowed under the rule, but ask how you’d handle an inspector who wants to use the telematic method.

Want a dash cam too: Blue Ink Tech

Blue Ink Tech sells a dashcam ELD that works as both your camera and your registered ELD for $50 a month, or $600 a year with hardware included, and states “no contracts.” A camera can help you defend yourself after an accident, and some insurers ask about it.

Planning to grow into a fleet: Motive or Samsara

Motive and Samsara bundle ELD logs with GPS tracking, AI dash cams, maintenance and (for Motive) spend management. Neither publishes prices, so you will need a quote, and you should ask about term length before you sign. We compare them in Motive vs Samsara.

What to check before you buy any ELD

1. It’s still on the FMCSA list. Search the exact device name and model on the registered ELD list. Revoked devices have to be replaced.
2. Roadside transfer works the way you expect. The FMCSA list shows whether each device supports telematic transfer (web service and email) or local transfer (USB and Bluetooth). Officers most often use telematic.
3. The all-in price. Ask about cables (Volvo and Mack trucks often need special ones), data plans, and IFTA or tracking add-ons.
4. Contract and hardware. If you cancel, do you keep the device or send it back? Is there an early-termination fee?
5. Support hours. You may need help at 2 a.m. at a scale house. Check whether support is 24/7.

See all 21 ELDs in our directory, or the full price ranking in Cheapest ELD for trucks. If you are just getting your authority, start with our owner-operator startup checklist.

Spotted something out of date? Email hello@truckingstack.com and we will fix it.