Softabase

Samsara vs Wheels: Complete Comparison 2026

An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.

Samsara logo

Samsara

9.0(3,200 reviews)

Connected operations platform with AI dashcams, GPS tracking, and ELD compliance for mid-size and enterprise fleets.

Wheels logo

Wheels

7.3(410 reviews)

Enterprise fleet management and leasing from the merger of Wheels and LeasePlan US. Manages 800K+ vehicles with EV expertise.

Quick Comparison

AspectSamsaraWheels
Best ForMid-market and enterprise fleets with 20+ vehicles prioritizing driver safety and liability reductionEnterprise fleets actively planning or executing EV transitions (500+ vehicles)
Pricing ModelSubscriptionContact Sales
Starting Price$27/moContact Sales
Deploymentcloudcloud
PlatformsWEB, IOS, ANDROIDWEB, IOS, ANDROID
Rating9.0/107.3/10

Pros & Cons

Samsara

Pros

  • Best-in-class AI dashcams with accurate event detection and automated driver coaching
  • Real-time GPS updates every few seconds with a clean, fast map interface
  • Open API with 200+ native integrations covers nearly every fleet tech stack
  • Excellent mobile app for drivers handles DVIR, HOS, and messaging cleanly

Cons

  • Hardware costs $150-300 per vehicle upfront before you pay any subscription fees
  • Standard 3-year contracts are difficult to exit and increase total cost significantly
  • Overkill and overpriced for small fleets under 10 vehicles that only need basic GPS
  • Video telematics features add complexity that operators without safety programs do not need

Wheels

Pros

  • Leading EV transition expertise with real-world electrification experience across major fleets
  • Driver experience app reduces administrative burden by letting drivers self-serve common requests
  • Scale of 800,000+ vehicles means strong manufacturer relationships and volume pricing on acquisitions
  • Combined Donlen analytics heritage gives strong lifecycle cost modeling capabilities
  • Deep sustainability reporting helps companies meet ESG commitments with real fleet emissions data

Cons

  • Integration of legacy systems from multiple acquisitions is still incomplete—client experience can vary
  • Dashboards and reporting interfaces feel dated despite deep data capabilities
  • Enterprise-only pricing and 2-4 month sales cycles exclude smaller fleets entirely
  • Some data extraction still requires working with account teams rather than self-service
  • Implementation takes 2-3 months even after contract signing

Pricing Comparison

ProductPricing ModelStarting Price
Samsarasubscription$27/mo
Wheelscontact salesContact Sales

Our Verdict

Choose Samsara if...

Mid-market and enterprise fleets with 20+ vehicles prioritizing driver safety and liability reduction

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Choose Wheels if...

Enterprise fleets actively planning or executing EV transitions (500+ vehicles)

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Still Not Sure?

Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.