Halo collar reviews are a dime a dozen at this point, but while they cover the collars extensively, they often fail to reach the heart of the matter: the health, happiness, and well-being of your dog.
The technology of the Halo collar certainly has its place, but are my Dobermans, Athena and Ares, happier because of it? Will your dogs be happier and healthier if you purchase a Halo collar? The answer is a resounding yes, and in more ways than just the collar’s technology provides.
Halo has come a long way since the 2+, the first Halo collar I owned, and my real-world testing with Ares and Athena has proven the immense generational upgrade the Halo 5 represents. But, more importantly, what it does for my dog’s freedom and happiness.
Who This Review Is For (and Who Should Skip)
The Halo collar system includes the collar itself and the associated app. The collar is an all-in-one device, incorporating all the features that distinguish the Halo 5 collar from the rest (more on that below), while the app provides owners with control over every aspect.
However, it’s not for every dog owner. As with anything else, there are limitations, all of which are worth considering before making the jump.
Best For:
- Owners with large yards or open land
- Frequent travelers, RVers, and vacation home owners
- Those whose dogs are escape artists or have a high prey drive
- Owners who want a strong tracking system, a supplemental training program, and containment features in a single device.
Not Ideal For:
- Apartment-only dogs
- Owners on a tight budget
- Those who prefer a tracker, fenceless containment system
The smallest invisible fence size for the Halo 5 is 900 sq. ft., fairly small and accommodating for most families. However, there is the fence drift to consider, which is minimal with Halo 5, and the boundary warnings, which kick off several feet before crossing the invisible boundaries.
Combined, these two factors effectively shrink the perimeter by several feet, causing collar warnings within a smaller area.
Halo Collar 5
The price of “Halo Collar 5” varies, so check the latest price at Halo
Halo Collar Evolution: From Halo 2+ to Halo 5
In my mind, Halo’s primary competition is the SpotOn Omni Series (now the SpotOn Nova Series). Both are premium collars with very similar features. From the beginning, when my first Halo 2+ arrived in the mail, I’ve busied myself comparing the two.
Halo 2+ was a unique collar device at the time, featuring wireless GPS fences, an IP67 water/weather-proof rating, a broad fit for different breeds, real-time tracking, and training feedback. Not bad. But the problems with fence drift, consistent accuracy, and a few control aspects were common, all the way up to Halo 4.
Fortunately, Halo 4 issued a major update, and that collar quickly became the closest comparison to the SpotOn I could find on the market. The 5th iteration of the Halo collar is feature-packed, without the inconsistencies of the past.
Of course, AI is now a significant upgrade feature, as well as GPS noise filtration, 20 GPS location updates per second, dual frequency GPS, and a more robust training and health/activity tracking system. It’s a significant leap from just a few short years ago and a match for SpotOn in almost every way.
Halo Collar 5 Overview
One of the most overlooked aspects of the Halo collar 5 is the aesthetic. Sure, it’s not as important as function, but it’s nice to have a collar that looks really good on your dog. Its the difference between driving a broken-down rust bucket versus a Lambo.
Halo collars look fantastic and offer several bright color sleeves that are smartly designed to add another layer of rugged protection. Beginning with the Halo collar 4, a new folding design feature was added to the collar, offering a more comfortable, less bulky fit. On the tech side, Halo isn’t pulling its punches.
- Dual-chip design with separate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios to reduce interference
- 20 GPS location updates per second, far more responsive than previous Halo collar versions
- On-board, AI-powered signal processing that filters out GPS noise
- AlwaysOn GPS
- LTE and GPS integration for real-time mapping and remote fence enforcement
- 40 to 48-hour battery life rating with 1-hour rapid charge on a USB-C cable
- IP67 protective enclosure
- Portable GPS fence combined with real-time tracking
- High update rate with a slick, clean app interface
- Built-in training content and cues that you can configure on your own
- Walk logging with Halo Health monitoring
- Activity data and movement pattern tracking
- New colorways and “Trial Series” aesthetic designs, pairing rugged hardware with upgraded GPS that looks fantastic
If that Halo collar bullet overview isn’t enticing, I don’t know what is. The market is saturated with invisible fence variations, but Halo 5 packs in more features than most at nearly half the price of its closest competitor, SpotOn.
What’s New in Halo Collar 5
I was barely used to the Halo collar 4 when the fifth iteration dropped. Naturally, I figured this would be a minor upgrade/cash-grab. Perhaps Halo would lean on aesthetics and marketing to push what was essentially a surprise mid-year iPhone upgrade.
I was pleasantly surprised by a more complex and robust upgrade, far more than a simple invisible fence system with tracking on the side.
AlwaysOn GPS
Think about this feature in terms of a “no-sleep” tracking mode. The Halo collar 5’s GPS engine and logic never stop. It can enforce the fence you create and track your dog consistently and precisely.
Our dogs are both Dobermans, and have a top speed of over thirty miles an hour, so 20 GPS location samples per second is necessary in case one of them bolts.
Dedicated Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Chips
Some of the updates are simple, but have an enormous impact. For instance, both the Halo collars 4 and 5 feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; no surprises there. However, Halo 5 split the two into separate chips, drastically cutting down pesky interference.
Halo Health and Activity Tracking
Halo 5 also features a more robust health monitoring system, with additional activity tracking elements, walk logging, and wellness insights. Of course, this isn’t going to set new standards for the GPS dog collar market, but it will track movement, rest time, and patterns. If your dog is resting too often, something may be wrong, and the Halo will let you know about it.
Halo has taken an approach that amplifies your dog’s health, and that’ss a major plus in my opinion.
Battery Life (Up to 48 Hours)
This is the longest-lasting Halo collar of the bunch, and I feel like this covers two important aspects. First, it means less charging and more freedom for your pup to go about his or her day and do what doggies do. Second, it allows for enough time to record significant patterns in your dog’s daily life.
In short, the extra battery boost bolsters the health and activity tracker aspects, with plenty of time to gain a full assessment of your dog’s day-to-day activities. Also, it only takes an hour to charge. Toss it on the charger while drinking your morning coffee and eating some breakfast, and it’s ready to go when you let the dogs out.
Adjustable Fit (8″ to 30.5″) and Slick Aesthetic
Halo 5 retains the 4’s look, feel, and fresh aesthetic, while adding significant value under the hood that helps dog owners connect with their canines’ health and well-being. Throw in a robust training collar program, and the Halo 5 offers an exciting way for you to connect with your dog and teach at the same time.
It also features an interesting “Perfect Fit” system. It’s nothing complicated. The Halo collar comes with a crimping tool and extra endcaps that feature the Halo brand name on each. Once you determine the size, you’ll likely have some excess collar hanging off and flapping around when your dog is on the move.
Simply clip the excess and use your crimping tool to fit a new endcap on, and it looks like the same Halo collar that came out of the box. Simple, yet highly convenient.
Every time I break out the Halo collar, Ares and Athena become extremely playful and ready to go. Thanks to the training process, they associate the collar with spending time with me, my wife, or the kids. When I referenced the Halo collar as a device that brings happiness to your dog, this is what I meant.
Mobile App Experience
The Halo collar app is universal for all of the Halo collars I’ve used, starting from the 2+, and it’s available on iOS and Android devices. However, Halo released an update for the app to introduce Halo Health, and associated AI-powered wellness insights.
The app gives you absolute control over the Halo collar system, as well as offering extensive training and tutorial tips throughout.
- Full fence creation and management (set your fence posts, adjust, design borders, and create multiple Halo fences)
- Feature live tracking (You can watch your dog move about the yard or beyond in as close to real-time as it gets)
- Extensive training customization options
- Health and activity statistics
- Monitor battery life
- Manage two collars or more for multiple dogs at the same time or individually
- Push notifications for key safety events (fence breaches, lost dog, returns, connectivity changes, etc.)
- Family sharing in case other family members or friends want to access the GPS collar(s).
The Halo app is slick, intuitive, and generally easy to navigate. However, it can be a bit confusing to switch between the tracking overlay and fence creation. There’s a swipe method to make the switch, and it doesn’t always function seamlessly.
Performance and GPS Accuracy
Another significant gap between Halo 4 and Halo 5 is performance and GPS accuracy. That’s not to say that the Halo collar 4 is lacking in this department, but everything is faster and more precise with the Halo collar 5.
The Halo Collar 4 was very close to the SpotOn throughout my tests, especially after Halo’s major updates addressed the GPS receiver. However, the Halo collar 5’s separation of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, AlwaysOn mode, and refined firmware make a noticeable difference.
Continuous Real-Time Tracking Behavior
This is where the extended battery life really stands out, because the Halo Collar 5 is constantly working. The collar’s GPS module talks to multiple GNSS satellites and uses that data to compute your dog’s location at blinding speeds, all without burning through that battery in a hurry.
The app itself refreshes your dog’s position as fast as once per second, depending on the communication clarity between the collar and your phone. Several of the collars I’ve tested sleep on their own to conserve battery, which is understandable. It’s not like these GPS collar variations are rocking huge, premium batteries.
But the Halo simply does it better and for longer, regardless of comparable batteries. Let me explain this continuous activity as a real-life scenario: Your dog approaches one of the virtual fences. In the meantime, the collar is constantly using its high-frequency internal updates to decide the exact moment when it should warn your dog.
This minimizes the fence drift problem, which is prevalent in every GPS collar, to one degree or another. It’s a drawback that has frustrated me many times, especially for those potential consumers who have small yards. Halo virtually eliminates the fence drift issue because of its speed. It’s still there, but it’s almost a non-factor at this point.
Boundary Accuracy and Response Time
The continuous Real-time tracking plays into this. According to Halo, independent and internal testing cite open-sky accuracy around 2 to 3 meters. In my backyard, which features moderate tree coverage, we’re talking a few feet. You can see my field testing review here:
A heavy tree canopy can modify the collar’s behavior somewhat, but it retains a high degree of accuracy throughout my tests. In clear, open-sky yards (also featured in my field tests), the accuracy is even tighter and more precise.
Of course, Halo recommends (as they should) that you keep your dog fences about 15′ or more from your house. Also, use the Halo app to switch any beacons you own to “ignore fences,” since GPS accuracy falls off inside the home.
Tree Cover and Building Interference Results
I tested the Halo collar 5 in suburban, woods, and open field environments, and the accuracy was remarkably consistent. I didn’t expect the Halo system to be perfect, and it wasn’t, but its weaknesses, in terms of accuracy with obstructions, are nearing the point where they’re negligible at best.
The interference around buildings and under heavy tree coverage is there, but it’s not very noticeable in the vast majority of cases, especially if you’re not out there constantly testing the GPS tracking and virtual fences.
When GPS Drift Can Still Happen
I’ve found that the Halo Collar 5 is at its worst when the cloud coverage is heavy and I’m under a thick tree canopy or right up against a tall building. But when I say “worse,” I mean it’s off by a few extra feet and maybe an additional few seconds of response time. It still isn’t on par with the SpotOn dog collar, especially not the Nova Series, but it is really, really close.
Durability and Water Resistance
The Halo collar 5 (and several of its previous iterations) is rated at IP67, which means it is dust-tight and can handle water immersion up to a meter deep for about half an hour. In other words, your dogs can go swimming for a few, play in the rain, and wallow in the mud without damaging their Halo collar.
I’ve dropped the Halo collar 5 in a bowl of water and left it there, buried it in mud, tossed it out in the middle of a Florida rain (heavy and constant), and run it through the wringer in a hundred different ways. The Halo collars 4 and 5 are still ticking, with no sign of letting up.
The housing is ultrasonically welded, making it impact-resistant. It has the feel of a strong casing as well. My personal observation is that the Halo collar 5 is a very durable device, and my Dobermans are highly active, roughhousing with these collars on all the time.
Price, Subscription, and True Cost of Ownership
If there’s one point where Halo’s new collar fails to match the SpotOn, it’s the subscription model. SpotOn allows for containment without a monthly price, regardless of additional collars. Halo does not. In fact, you can’t do anything with a Halo collar unless you pay the subscription price.
It’s essentially a paperweight. The upfront cost of the Halo collar 5 is $599. However, there are often price discounts available, depending on the time of year, and WAF offers discounts here and there as well. Granted, that’s $400 cheaper than the SpotOn, but it will eventually overtake the SpotOn in monthly or annual costs.
The subscription plans are fairly typical, with three tiers of monthly payment options, discounted if you pay annually or for 2 years. The Bronze plan is your basic $9.99/mo, with Silver plan bumping it up to $14.99 and Gold plan up to $19.99. An annual plan gives you one free month, and a two-year plan gives you 3 free months.
The Halo collar 5 has a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, according to Halo. With that considered, the minimum cost for the basic plan at a monthly rate will be $9.99 x 36 months = $359.64 on top of the $599.
Halo Collar 5
The price of “Halo Collar 5” varies, so check the latest price at Halo
Pros and Cons
One thing is certain: You won’t have to deal with a lost dog for long. The Halo 5 is an outstanding smart GPS collar, with only a few caveats that do little to diminish the collar’s value and capabilities.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly Accurate GPS Tracking | Subscription Required for Use |
| No Physical Fence Required | High Upfront Cost |
| Longer Battery Life | Proprietary Charger |
| Rapid Charging | |
| Perfect Fit System | |
| Rugged, Durable IP67 Design | |
| Slick, Vibrant Aesthetic | |
| Robust Halo Collar App |
Alternatives to Halo Collar 5
The most viable alternative is either the SpotOn or the Halo Collar 4. The 4 is a tad more sluggish, especially with fence drift, but is remarkably accurate nonetheless. The SpotOn remains one of the top premium GPS dog collars on the market, albeit with a $999 price tag.
PetSafe offers a few viable alternatives as well, namely the PetSafe Guardian GPS + Tracking 2.0. It offers a combined GPS fence system and tracking/training-style corrections. It also comes with dual-frequency GPS and AI-based AccuGuard tracking, customizable virtual fences, and a lighter collar body.
The SATELLAI provides GPS tracking plus geofencing and allows unlimited virtual fences on very large properties. It features customizable feedback when your dog nears or crosses your virtual fences as well. If you’re on the lookout for a new collar, you could do worse than these.
I’ve tested all of the above, and the only collar that matches and exceeds the Halo 5 is the SpotOn Nova Series (previously Omni series).
Final Verdict: Is Halo Collar 5 Worth Buying?
In short, yes, the Halo collar 5 is a game changer and worth buying, especially if you want an accurate and reliable containment system. The tracking is exceptional, but it’s honestly just a bonus, and it comes with the package anyway, assuming you purchase the subscription.
If you worry about your dog escaping or worry about working your tail off to bury fence wires or construct a fence, the Halo 5 is a worthy contender for your time and money. As expensive as it is, it’s far cheaper than building a physical fence, and it’s nearly as capable, especially with training.
The Halo 5 is a worthy and high-tech option for dog owners who love the idea of letting their dogs roam free on an extended piece of property, or simply opening their worldview on smaller properties. With the addition of Halo Health, you can also keep track of your dog’s vitality, and that’s more important than anything else.
Halo Collar 5
The price of “Halo Collar 5” varies, so check the latest price at Halo
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Does Halo Collar shock dogs?
No, the Halo collar doesn’t shock dogs unless you turn the shock feature on, something you can do within the Halo app, along with tone and vibration changes.
Can the Halo Collar work without cellular service?
Yes, the Halo collar can still work without cellular service, but it’s limited to stored virtual fences and AlwaysOn tracking to maintain your current virtual setup, and lacks live map tracking, notifications, and remote commands.
How long does the battery life really last?
In my testing, the battery life mostly matches the advertised 48 hours for the Halo 5, though it can change significantly depending on how frequently I’m tracking, making changes, amping volume and tone, etc. Extensive use generally diminishes battery life.
What is a Halo Beacon?
A Halo Beacon is a quarter-sized device that auto-connects to the Halo collar when it comes within range, simulating a spherical boundary such as the kitchen, garage, closet, or any room you want your dog to stay out of. There are different types of beacons, including outside beacons that you can use for gardens or sheds.
What is the Halo 5 Collar Warranty?
The Halo 5 collar warranty is a 12-month limited hardware warranty, plus the Halo Protection that comes with necessary memberships. Damage caused by your dog, misuse, or accidents is explicitly excluded from the standard warranty.
How is the Halo customer service experience?
The Halo customer service experience is like most these days, depending on your issue and who you talk to. For the most part, the Halo support reviews on customer service are positive, but there are reports of negative experiences as well.
Do extra Halo Collars come with a higher subscription price?
Yes, the subscription price goes up per collar, at a rate of $3.99/per collar on the base plan.
What kind of training does the Halo 5 collar offer?
The Halo 5 collar offers extensive training videos and content within the app, based on mechanisms devised by Cesar Milan, including numerous repetitions and positive reinforcement options.
Will the Halo 5 collar fit smaller dogs?
Yes, the Halo 5 will fit smaller dogs, down to 8″ neck sizes. However, very small dogs, like chihuahuas and toy poodles, are probably too small for any of the Halo collar variations.
