Azuga Alternative: No Contracts, No Hardware Fees, Same Features

Azuga is a fleet tracking platform originally designed for small businesses, but since its 2021 acquisition by Bridgestone, many fleet owners report a shift toward enterprise-style commitments — including mandatory long-term contracts, hardware fees, and required sales calls just to get a quote (as of early 2026). For owners running 5 to 50 vehicles in HVAC, plumbing, or landscaping, that added friction is a dealbreaker.

Spytec GPS is a self-serve GPS tracking platform for small and mid-size fleets, with plans starting at $14.95/vehicle/month (monthly) or $8.95/vehicle/month (annual) and no long-term contracts. A free GPS tracker is included with every plan. If you need a reliable Azuga alternative in 2026 that doesn't lock you in or charge for equipment, you're in the right place.

Why Service Fleets Are Looking for an Azuga Alternative in 2026

Finding the right fleet tracking software shouldn't feel like negotiating a car purchase. While Azuga offers a capable platform, their pricing model and contract requirements often frustrate owners of local service businesses who need flexibility. Here are the three biggest pain points driving the switch.

1. The Burden of Long-Term Contracts

Most traditional telematics providers, including Azuga, typically require 12-, 24-, or 36-month contracts. For a seasonal landscaping business or a growing HVAC company, getting locked into a multi-year agreement limits your ability to scale down during slow months. If a van breaks down or an employee leaves, you are often still on the hook for that vehicle's monthly subscription. We wrote an entire breakdown of why 3-year fleet contracts are a trap for small businesses — the math is eye-opening.

2. Hardware Fees and Hidden Costs

Fleet tracking requires physical GPS trackers in your vehicles. Many enterprise-focused platforms charge upfront for this hardware — often $50 to $150 per device — or bake the cost into an inflated monthly subscription rate. When you're trying to equip 20 work vans, these upfront hardware fees severely impact your operational budget. This is a textbook example of the feature bloat tax that small service fleets end up paying.

3. The "Sales Call" Wall

Try finding transparent, standardized pricing on most fleet management websites today. It's nearly impossible. Instead of letting you buy what you need online, you are forced into a funnel of sales calls, demos, and custom quotes. Small service business owners don't have time for a two-week procurement process just to track a few delivery trucks.

→ See fleet tracking plans starting at $14.95/mo

Spytec GPS: The "Anti-Enterprise" Azuga Competitor

We built Spytec to serve the fleets that giants like Samsara, Motive, and post-acquisition Azuga leave behind. We believe in transparent pricing, self-serve purchasing, and earning your business every single month. For a broader look at how we compare, see our roundup of the best fleet tracking systems for small service businesses in 2026.

Same Core Features, Zero Bloat

You don't need to pay for complex long-haul trucking compliance features (like ELD or IFTA reporting) if your HVAC fleet only covers local routes. Spytec provides the exact tools service businesses actually use daily to stop time theft and increase efficiency:

• Real-time location tracking: Know exactly where every tech is so you can dispatch emergency calls faster and share live ETAs with customers.
• Trip history and route playback: Audit routes to eliminate windshield time and verify customer billing disputes with timestamped proof.
• Geofence alerts: Get instant notifications when a van leaves the service area, arrives at a supply house, or enters a restricted zone after hours.
• Speeding and behavior reports: Identify aggressive driving to protect your commercial auto insurance rates and reduce accident liability.

Video Telematics for Safety and Liability

If you're using Azuga primarily for its dash cam features to protect against "nuclear verdicts" and insurance rate hikes, Spytec has you covered. Our Pulse Vision AI Dash Cam combines dual-facing HD video, AI incident detection, and built-in GPS tracking into a single unit. It provides the undeniable video evidence you need to clear your drivers in he-said/she-said accidents, without the exorbitant monthly fees typical of enterprise video telematics.

Tracking Heavy Equipment Alongside Service Vans?

While service fleets focus heavily on route efficiency and technician accountability, businesses that also manage heavy equipment or construction assets often need different capabilities. For mixed fleets that include excavators, trailers, or rental equipment alongside service trucks, Hapn offers a specialized tracking platform built explicitly for complex asset recovery and construction use cases.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you're nearing the end of your current telematics contract, transitioning doesn't have to be a nightmare. Our self-serve model means you can order your new trackers online, get them via free 2-day shipping, and swap them out in minutes. For a step-by-step walkthrough, check out our guide on how to switch fleet GPS providers without operational chaos.

You can also browse all of our fleet tracking solutions by industry to find the configuration that fits your specific vertical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a contract to use Spytec GPS fleet tracking?

No. Spytec GPS operates on month-to-month or annual plans with no long-term contracts. You can cancel anytime without penalty. Plans start at $14.95/vehicle/month (monthly) or $8.95/vehicle/month (annual).

Do I have to pay upfront for Spytec GPS hardware?

No. A free hardwired or OBD GPS tracker is included with every subscription plan. Spytec eliminates the upfront equipment fees that many other fleet tracking competitors charge, keeping your initial rollout costs as low as possible.

How long does it take to install the trackers?

OBD vehicle trackers plug directly into the port under the steering wheel in about 10 seconds. Hardwired trackers take roughly 60 seconds to install by simply connecting two wires to your vehicle's battery. You do not need to hire a professional mechanic.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes. Spytec GPS offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can test the GPS trackers and software on your actual fleet to ensure it meets your needs. If it isn't the right fit, simply return the hardware within 30 days for a full refund.

How does Spytec GPS compare to Azuga's features?

Spytec GPS covers the core features most local service fleets need: real-time tracking, trip history, geofencing, speed alerts, and driver behavior reports. Unlike Azuga's post-acquisition model, Spytec offers all of this with no contracts, no hardware fees, transparent pricing online, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. For businesses that also need dash cam video, the Pulse Vision AI Dash Cam adds dual-facing HD recording with AI incident detection.