Weenect XS and XT review: GPS trackers for pets offering unlimited-range live tracking
Real time tracking does the trick.
The Weenect XS and Weenect XT pet GPS trackers offer impressive features such as global real-time tracking, very compact dimensions in the case of the XS model, ease of use, and numerous app functions. The app can track any number of trackers simultaneously, and the trackers can be switched off at will to save battery power.Marvin Gollor (translated by Marvin Gollor) Published 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 ...
Verdict
The Weenect XS and Weenect XT pet GPS trackers offer accurate real-time tracking within the EU and US. The battery life is acceptable, especially with the power-saving and standby functions. The app is versatile, easy to use, allows for unlimited trackers, and offers geofencing - but which could be realized more precisely - and offer push notifications with less delay.
The smaller device is compact enough for very small dogs and cats. Forest and field paths are also displayed in the premium version. The tracking history is also interesting, but there is no advanced health tracking. For even easier location, there is a built-in flashlight, beeper, and vibration for recall conditioning.
Pros
Cons
Pricing and availability
Weenect XS and Weenect XT currently cost $35 and $50 respectively, while a subscription is available starting at around $5,5 per month if you pay three years in advance – otherwise it costs $8.33 for one year in advance or $13 per month. For an additional $3 per month, you get premium features such as extended Superlive tracking, premium maps, and SMS notifications. The smaller Weenect XS is available for both cats and dogs (or other pets). The lifetime warranty is, of course, a welcome feature.
The Weenect XS and Weenect XT pet GPS trackers offer real-time tracking within the EU and US - and in more challenging terrain with the Weenect XT - thanks to combined cellular networks. The XS is very compact and lightweight (27 grams / 0.95 oz), making it suitable even for very small dogs or cats. Setup and operation are child's play, and many app features such as geo-fencing are offered. In addition, any number of trackers can be located simultaneously in the app and, unlike most trackers, they can be switched off to save battery power.
Specifications
| Weenect XS | Weenect XT | |
| Compatibility: | Apple iOS 13.6 or later, Android 5 or later, web app in all browsers | Apple iOS 13.6 or later, Android 5 or later, web app in all browsers |
| Network: | 5G, 4G (NB-IoT/LTE-M), 2G. SIM card included | 5G, 4G (NB-IoT/LTE-M), 2G. SIM card included |
| Coverage: | Global (Europe and USA) | Global, even in remote areas |
| Water resistance: | IP68, up to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) deep for 60 minutes | IP68, up to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) deep for 60 minutes |
| Battery: | 500mA/h – up to 10 days of battery life | 3.8V 1250mAh 4.75Wh – up to 3 weeks of battery life |
| Size and weight: | 60.5 x 24.5 x 15mm (2.38 x 0.96 x 0.59 in); 27g (0.95 oz) | 82 x 35 x 22mm (3.23 x 1.38 x 0.87 in); 54.2g (1.91 oz) |
| Colors: | White + Orange Edition or Black + Orange Edition | GPS tracker in black and orange. Integrated Julius-K9 collar available in black, neon yellow, orange, pink, blue, and red |
| Warranty: | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Included accessories: | Silicone cover for narrow collars and one for wide collars | Highly durable Julius-K9 collar – adjustable size |
| Visibility: | Integrated LED light | Integrated ultra-high-performance LED light |
First impressions and accessories
Available in white-orange or black-orange, the Weenect XS is very compact and lightweight. It can be attached to a collar or harness using either a silicone or Velcro fastener. The maximum width is 35 mm (1,38 inches), and the device usually hangs on the side of the harness, but still works great.
The Weenect XT is designed for larger dogs and offers global tracking and a larger battery for up to three weeks of standby time. It also comes with the durable and size-adjustable Julius-K9 collar, which is available in six different colors.
There are plenty of accessories available, including replacement K9 collars, replacement charging cables, charging stations, silicone cases, Velcro fasteners, elastic collars, and entire Y-harnesses in various colors.
Features & Setup
The initial setup is pleasingly simple and takes less than 5 minutes – a few clicks in the app and a short wait until the tracker finds a network. One advantage of Weenect is that the app allows an unlimited number of devices, all of which can be tracked simultaneously.
Both the Weenect XS and the Weenect XT can be used within the US and EU, but the latter even in “difficult” terrain thanks to the Thales module, which combines GPS, Galileo, Beidou, and Glonass. In addition, multiple mobile networks are combined for the best possible coverage. Nevertheless, you should find out in advance about possible dead spots.
Another advantage is the IP68 certification with water resistance up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) for up to 60 minutes at a time, so occasional swimming is no problem.
Field Test
Since our two small dogs, Szugi and Klara, like to wander off on their own — especially in neighboring fields — it took less than a minute for both trackers to be put to use. Both dogs could be tracked simultaneously, although the Superlive tracker only works with one pet at a time at one-second intervals, unless you use two different accounts or smartphones.
We immediately set up a virtual fence or “geo-fence,” which cannot be marked out but works using a simple radius, meaning that you cannot set up exact areas, but you can set up as many zones as you like, even next to each other. You then receive push notifications on your device when your pet leaves or enters the zone, but this did not always work without delay, so we had to remain vigilant to ensure that the dogs did not escape onto the adjacent road.
The location itself is accurate to within a few meters, and Superlive Tracking also allows you to see how fast your pet is currently moving. Using the tracking history, you can also track the exact route, including maximum and average speed, distance traveled, and time.
The battery life during active use is approximately one day for the smaller model and two days for the larger one. However, you can simply put the devices on standby when not in use – almost no other tracker offers this feature. This allows for a runtime of up to 10 days or 3 weeks, respectively. To increase the runtime during active use, you can set the tracking intervals between 30 seconds and 10 minutes and set up WiFi zones at home.
With the premium package for an additional $3 per month, you get HD maps including forest and field paths, super-live tracking for more than 2 minutes at a time (up to 30 minutes), longer vibration and ringing to make the tracker easier to locate or to encourage the dog to return through training, and a flashlight function for up to 30 minutes instead of one minute at a time. Besides of push notifications, you can also be notified via SMS. There is also an exciting augmented reality feature, which is still in the beta phase.
Short summary
Thanks to a subscription model that is not too expensive depending on the payment option, you get real-time tracking by the second across the US, EU or even in more difficult terrain with the larger Weenect XT pet tracker. Operation is straightforward and accurate, and the battery life is acceptable. The only real drawback is the occasional delay in push notifications when the pet leaves a set safe zone.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
