Full review
Longer notes from the same comments we summarized above.
What people reported
Owners often praise the physical quality and durability of the Fi Series 3 collar itself, describing it as strong and well-built. The battery life also generally receives positive comments, with some noting it performs well, possibly due to less frequent GPS updates in standard mode. A few owners found that external tutorials were very helpful for assembling the collar, suggesting the product's own instructions are unclear.
Problems people mention
The most significant and frequent complaint revolves around the GPS tracking accuracy and reliability. Many owners reported that the tracking is abysmal, often showing their dog miles away or confusing car rides for walks. Users cited issues like the device being hundreds or even a thousand feet off, and significant lag-sometimes up to three minutes-in "lost dog mode." Some found the Series 3 tracking to be worse than the older Series 2, or less accurate than a cheap Apple AirTag. Tracking in wooded areas is particularly poor. Another common issue is the lack of reliable escape notifications, meaning dogs can leave designated safe areas without an alert. Many consider the monthly subscription fee a "rip off" and poor value, given the tracking problems. Customer service also comes under fire, with reports of no phone support and email replies taking up to a week. The "lost dog mode" itself is criticized for flashing an intermittent red SOS light, which is hard to spot.
Where owners disagree
There isn't a strong disagreement among owners on major points; rather, some simply had a better or worse experience with the tracking. A few noted that even with its flaws, the older Fi collar helped them find their dog a couple of times within a 500-foot radius, offering some peace of mind. However, this level of accuracy is still considered insufficient by many, especially for dogs that are fast runners or in backcountry settings.
Who it's for
This collar might offer basic peace of mind for owners with dogs that are not prone to rapid escapes or who primarily stay in open, well-covered areas. However, for owners needing reliable, real-time tracking for active, adventurous, or easily escaping dogs, especially near roads or in wooded areas, the Fi Series 3 may not meet expectations. Those looking for robust tracking and responsive customer support might need to explore alternatives.
