Garmin Alpha 100 vs Astro 320 vs Astro 430: Comparison

Garmin Alpha 100 vs Astro 320 vs Astro 430: Comparison, & Reviews

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When choosing between the Garmin Alpha 100 vs Astro 320 vs Astro 430 handheld systems, you’ll want to check out this comparison guide.

Each of these Garmin handhelds offers something different, so we’ve identified for you what each one is designed for.

The Alpha 100 for example is a tracking + training handheld, whereas the Astro 320 and 430 are tracking ONLY handhelds.

We’ve also outlined the main differences and similarities between them.

Let’s check them out!

 

(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)

(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)

 

Garmin Alpha 100 vs Astro 320 vs Astro 430: Comparison, & Reviews

If you want to go straight to viewing any of the handhelds, you can do so here:

Alpha 100 (Multi Dog GPS Tracking & Training Collar)

 

NOTE: if you buy the handheld only, you can buy any of the compatible collars with it to add to the system:

 

Astro 320

 

Astro 430

 

Compatible Collar Devices

You can check out reviews of the handheld compatible T5 (better with the Astros) and TT15 (better with the Alpha) standard and Mini collars here:

Garmin T5 and T5 Mini Collar Device Reviews

Garmin TT15 and TT15 Mini Collar Device Reviews

 

For complete information on compatibility and Garmin add on programs and devices, check out Garmin’s site.

 

Garmin Alpha 100 vs Astro 320 vs Astro 430: Which Is Better?

The Astro 320 and 430 are tracking only handhelds, whereas the Alpha 100 is a tracking and training handheld. 

So, if you want the ability for training options – static, sound and vibration – go for the Alpha 100.

Apart from that, it depends what you want out of the handheld, and how many features you want.

The 320 has the least features, the 430 is in the middle, and the 100 is the most advanced/developed, and has the most features of the three.

For the tracking only handhelds, in our opinion the price difference is fairly negligible.

It’s probably worth just going with the Astro 430 and you’ll get extras like the TOPO U.S. 100K maps, Geofences, ‘Treed’ and ‘On Point’ notifications + more.

 

Garmin Alpha 100 vs Astro 320 vs Astro 430: Differences

We’ve already outlined the main differences between the Astro 320 and 430 models – you can check them out here in this Garmin Astro 320 vs 430 Comparison Guide.

That leaves us with the Alpha 100.

Some of the main differences between the Alpha 100 and the Astro models are:

The Astro models don’t have the capability for training options. The Alpha 100 on the other hand is a GPS tracking + training handheld. You can activate the static, vibration and sound training functions in the TT15 collars

Speaking of the TT15 collars, the Alpha 100 is best suited with the TT15 collars which are tracking + training collars, while the Astro models are probably best suited with the T5 collars which are tracking only collars

The Alpha 100 comes with Rechargeable Li-ion included.

The Astro 320 in comparison runs on 2 x AA batteries that aren’t included, and the Astro 430 can run on either NiMH pack batteries or 2 x AA batteries (neither of which are included in the kit)

The Alpha 100 allows you to track up to 20 dogs including other Alpha handhelds, whilst the Astro models only allow tracking of collars/dogs

The Alpha has a 3 inch diagonal screen, whereas the Astro models have 2.6 inch diagonal screens

The Alpha is about 0.4 oz lighter than the Astro models

The Alpha allows up to 4000 waypoints, whereas the Astros allow 2000

The Alpha has a ‘rescue mode’ that allows you to conserve the battery when it gets to 25%

 

Garmin Alpha 100 vs Astro 320 vs Astro 430: Similarities

We’ve already outlined the main similarities between the Astro 320 and 430 models – you can check them out here in this Garmin Astro 320 vs 430 Comparison Guide.

That leaves us with the Alpha 100.

Some of the main similarities between the Alpha 100 and the Astro models are:

Tracking that involves see where your dog has been, where they are going, dog specific statistics, a zoomable map that lets you see all, some or none of your dogs

Compatible with both the T5 and TT15 collars

Preloaded maps

Range between collar and handheld up to 9 miles

The battery life is up to 20 hours

IPX7 Water rating

USB interface

Ability to have 200 routes

10,000 points, 200 saved tracks for the track log

Has a barometric altimeter

Has a tilt-compensated 3-axis compass

Has area calculation

Has automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads)

Allows geocaching

Allows custom maps

Has hunt/fish calendar, and sun and moon information

Runs of a MURS frequency band

Storage is via a microSD™ card

The Astro 430 and the Alpha 100 share the following similarities – TOPO U.S. 100K preloaded maps, up to 20 dogs can be tracked, geofencing, Compatible with Garmin DriveTrack 70LMT, ‘Treed’ and ‘On Point’ notifications

 

Garmin Alpha 100 vs Astro 320 vs Astro 430: Features & Reviews

 

  • Garmin Alpha 100

The Garmin Alpha 100 is Garmin’s 2 in 1 dog GPS tracking, and training collar system.

Something important to note is that the Garmin Alpha 100 is the handheld device itself which controls the TT15 and T 5 collars for example.

Garmin Alpha 100 is compatible with all three of the T 5, TT 10 and TT 15 dog collar devices

This is a review of the Alpha 100 handheld in relation to the collars as a system. 

You can check out the TT15 and TT15 Mini collar review in this guide.

 

– Features

TRACKING

It has the capability to track up to 20 dogs or other hunters – from up to 9 miles (TT 15) or 4 miles (TT 15 mini) away

It works by receiving signals from additional Alpha 100 handhelds, TT 15 and TT 15 mini dog devices (each sold separately). 

It can also receive tracking only signals from a T5 collar device

The handheld comes preloaded with TOPO U.S. 100k maps

It can measure a dog’s speed and distance travelled

It can track the direction your dog is travelling

It can receive notifications when your dog is ‘Treed’ or ‘On Point’

It updates your dog’s location as often as every 2.5 seconds

You can use the handheld and tap the screen with gloves

When using a vehicle to find or follow your dogs, the Garmin DriveTrack™ 70 dog tracker and GPS navigator (sold separately) provides an easy-to-watch “big picture” solution. The 7-inch moving map display shows dog positions overlaid on TOPO contours or satellite image views – along with navigation cues that help point you to your dog’s current location.

BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (subscription required) is an add on that allows you to have a better-than-real-life view of terrain, including roads, water, woods and more.

You can also get the free software – Basecamp. It allows you to view and organize maps, waypoints, routes, and tracks. This free trip-planning software even allows you to create Garmin Adventures that you can share with friends, family or fellow explorers. BaseCamp displays topographic map data in 2-D or 3-D on your computer screen, including contour lines and elevation profiles. It also can transfer an unlimited amount of satellite images to your device when paired with a BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription.

You also have the option to use your computer as a tracking station. You can load your laptop with BaseStation software to turn it into a field control center for tracking multiple dogs and/or buddies (up to 20 Alpha units, TT 15 or T 5 dog devices). View real-time GPS information on the larger display of your computer, making it ideal for canine search and rescue teams. And because it’s GPS and GLONASS, you’ll get safe, secure and more effective tracking, even where Internet and cell phone service isn’t available.

 

TRAINING

The handheld has the capacity to help you train your dogs separately e.g. to stop chasing unwanted game

The static stimulation system has 18 training levels which are 18 different level of stimulation

There is the option for continuous and momentary stimulation

There is a tone/sound training option

There is a vibration training option

There is a lockout feature you can enable so that you don’t accidentally activation the static or sound training cues

With the stimulation modes – there are actually two to choose from. There is traditional stimulation that allows you to make quick changes (low, medium and high) within a predetermined stimulation level (1 through 6), whereas linear stimulation allows progressively more stimulation from level 1 through level 18. 

 

HANDHELD PHYSICAL FEATURES

Handheld dimensions are 2.5 x 6.5 x 1.5” 

Handheld weight is only 8.8 oz

Handheld is waterproof to IPX7 – which means it’s submersible in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes

Handheld display screen is a transflective, 65-K color, TFT touchscreen, and measures 1.53″W x 2.55″H. The resolution is 240 x 400 pixels

Comes with rechargeable lithium ion batteries that provide a battery life of up to 20 hours

There’s 4.0 GB of memory space on the handheld, and it has a USB interface

 

MAPS AND MEMORY

The handheld has the ability to add maps

There are base maps that come with the handheld. Topographic maps are preloaded

The maps are stored on a microSD™ card

You get up to 4000 waypoints/locations/favorites

You get up to 200 routes

With the track log, there’s 10,000 points, and 200 saved tracks

 

SENSORS

There’s a baromateric altimeter

There’s a tilt compensated 3-axis compass

 

OTHER OUTDOOR FEATURES

There’s the ability to area calculation

There’s automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads)with optional mapping for detailed roads

There’s capacity for custom maps

You get a hunting/fishing calendar

There’s also sun and moon information

There’s also the ability to use Garmin connect – an online community to share data and use it

 

COLLAR SPECIFIC INFO

People mainly choose to use the Alpha 100 with the TT15, TT15 Mini, or the T5 collar devices

The TT15 models allow tracking and training, whereas the T5 model is tracking only

You can extend the battery life of the TT15 models by switching to rescue mode. At 25% battery, the location update of your dog slows down to 2 minutes from 2.5 seconds, to conserve battery.

Range from handheld to collars are 9 miles for the TT15, and 4 miles for the TT15 Mini

There’s a MURS frequency band for the collars (The T 5, T 5 mini, TT™ 15 and TT 15 mini are only compatible with the Astro® 320 and the Alpha™ 100. The T 5, T 5 mini, TT 15 and TT 15 mini can be configured for operation with either handheld but cannot be tracked simultaneously by both the Astro 320 and the Alpha 100.)

You can add up to 20 total collars to the Alpha 100

 

– Potential Drawbacks

Very expensive for either the handheld by itself, or even when you add the collars

For some people, the handheld could do with increased battery life

Learning to use the handheld and collars when you first get them can be a little tricky, but it’s not super complicated. It just takes familiarising yourself

You can’t turn off the collar from the handheld

You get a belt clip, but it could do with a lanyard as well for the price

The on/off button for the handheld could be less sensitive so you don’t accidentally turn it off or on when it’s in your pocket or in the storage bag 

Overall, despite the drawbacks, this has to be up there with the most comprehensive and advanced GPS tracking collars on the market

 

– What Is It Designed For

It is designed mainly for hunters, sports/competition and trainers. It can be used for both tracking and training through:

Tracking other people, or up to 20 dogs – you know where you dog/s are at all time

Training dogs through static stimulation (shock), vibration or audible/tone – like for example to not grab certain game, or to not do a certain behavior while out in the open

 

– Who Might It Be For

Hunters, competition dogs, and trainers

People with a higher budget for a tracking and training collar system

People who want to track and keep location of their dog/s without using a smart phone

People who want to train with static, tone and vibration options

People who want a system expandable up to 20 dogs

People who want perhaps the most comprehensive, advanced and well functioning GPS tracker + trainer on the market

 

– Who Might It NOT Be For

People looking for a training only collar system

People with a lower budget for a tracking and training collar system

People looking for a basic dog e collar system

 

– View 

View the Garmin Alpha 100 Handheld on Amazon

 

– What Currently Comes In The Kit

It depends, as the Alpha 100 comes in different bundles and kits.

For example, you can get the:

Alpha 100 with TT15 Bundle

Alpha 100 with TT15 MINI Bundle

Alpha 100 Handheld only

 

If you get just the handheld, and then add the collar yourself, you’ll get:

Alpha 100 handheld

Rechargeable user-replaceable Li-ion pack

Belt clip

Extended range antenna

AC adapter

Vehicle power cable

USB cable

Split adapter cable

 

In the bundles you’ll get the collar receiver, collar strap, collar charger, short and long contact points, manuals and sometimes a field bag to hold the collar.

 

  • Garmin Astro 320

Handheld dog tracking and GPS handheld system.

The Garmin Astro 320 is the most simple and has the least features when compared to the Garmin 430 and Alpha 100.

 

– Features

A Garmin handheld device used for tracking only (not training)

View your dog’s position, see dog info pages, see a dog tracking compass + more

Great for sporting dogs

Is best compatible with the T5 or T5 Mini collars

Also compatible with the TT15 collars, but you can’t use the training functions because the Astro 320 is not designed for training

You can track up to 10 dogs at a time from the 320 handheld, which means you can have up to 10 total collar devices connected to it

With the T5 you’ll get 9 miles range from the collar to the handheld, and with the T5 mini you’ll get 4 miles

The physical dimensions of the 320 are 2.4″ x 6.3″ x 1.4″

It weighs 9.2 oz with the batteries

The 320 comes with a preloaded worldwide basemap – there’s also optional BirdsEye Satellite Imagery and TOPO maps

It has a 2.6 inch color display screen (diagonally), with 160 x 240 pixels resolution

The battery life is up to 20 hours using 2 AA batteries (NiMH or Lithium are recommended)

IPX7 Water rating

1.7GB Memory

USB interface

Storage is via a microSD™ card

Ability to have 2000 waypoints

Ability to have 200 routes

10,000 points, 200 saved tracks for the track log

Has a barometric altimeter

Has a tilt-compensated 3-axis compass

Has area calculation

Has automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads)

Allows geocaching

Allows custom maps

Has hunt/fish calendar, and sun and moon information

Runs of a MURS frequency band – The T 5, T 5 mini, TT™ 15 and TT 15 mini are only compatible with the Astro® 320 and the Alpha™ 100. T 5, T 5 mini, TT 15 and TT 15 mini can be configured for operation with either handheld but cannot be tracked simultaneously by both the Astro 320 and the Alpha 100

 

– Potential Drawbacks

A tracking system only – no ability to train or use correction cues with it like static, vibration, and sound

For the price, it’s worth considering the Astro 430, or even the Alpha 100 – both of which have more features

 

– What Is It Designed For

GPS tracking of up to 10 dogs at a time. It works with the T5 or TT15 Garmin collars, although with the TT15 you can’t use the training functions because the 320 isn’t a training handheld.

 

– Who Might It Be For

People looking for a handheld for tracking only (not for training)

People looking for a handheld that works best with the T5 or T5 mini Garmin collars

 

– Who Might It NOT Be For

People who think the Astro 430 or the Alpha 100 are better handhelds for them (both have more features and are more advanced than the 320)

People who want a handheld for training, as well as tracking

 

– View

View the Garmin Astro 320/T5 Collar Bundle on Amazon

 

– What’s Currently In The Kit

The Astro 320 comes with 3 main kits – the T5 bundle, the T5 mini bundle and the 320 handheld standalone.

As an example, the kit with the T5 looks similar to this:

Astro 320 handheld

T 5 dog device with rechargeable lithium-ion battery

1-inch orange collar strap

5-inch standard and 13-inch extended range antennas (for Astro)

18.5-inch standard and 22.5-inch extended range antennas (for T 5)

Belt clip

Charging clip

USB cable

AC adapter

Vehicle charging adapter

Manual

 

  • Garmin Astro 430

As you’ll see in this Garmin Astro 430 Review, the 430 has more features and capabilities than the Astro 320.

Having said that, it is still a tracking only handheld, and functions best with the T 5 or T 5 Mini collar device (which is a tracking only collar).

 

– Features

A handheld tracking GPS (GPS+GLONASS) device that connects to the T5 collars, or the TT15

Updates every 2.5 seconds

You get Hunt Metrics that let you see your dogs’ hunting patterns and behaviors (where they are and where they’ve been); view distance traveled, time afield and more

You can have up to 20 collars/dogs connected to the 430

Physical dimensions are 2.4″ x 6.3″ x 1.4″

Weighs 9.2 oz with the batteries in (batteries are Optional rechargeable NiMH pack or 2 x standard AA). The battery life is up to 20 hours

Water rated to IPX7

The display screen is 2.6 inches diagonally across, and has a resolution of 160 x 240 pixels

Has a 4GB memory capacity

Has a USB interface

Comes with preloaded maps – (TOPO U.S 100k maps)

Has the ability to add more maps

Has storage capacity with an additional microSD™ card 

You get up to 2000 waypoints

You get up to 200 routes

For the track log, you get 10,000 points, and 200 saved tracks

Has a Barometric altimeter

Has a tilt-compensated 3-axis compass

Ability for area calculation

Ability for automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads)

Ability for geo caching

Ability to add custom maps

Has Hunt/fish calendar, and sun and moon information

Is Garmin Connect compatible

If you’re using the T 5 collar, the T 5 gives you 9 miles range from collar receiver to the Astro 420 whilst the T 5 Mini gives you 4 miles range

Has a MURS frequency band (The T 5, T 5 mini, TT™ 15 and TT 15 mini are only compatible with the Astro® 320, Astro 430 and the Alpha™ 100. T 5, T 5 mini, TT 15 and TT 15 mini can be configured for operation with either handheld but cannot be tracked simultaneously by both the Astro 320 and the Astro 430)

You get free 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription; compatible with Garmin HuntView cards

The 430 is compatible with many of Garmin’s other devices

 

– Potential Drawbacks

Not a training handheld – tracking/GPS only

The handheld is expensive

You have to purchase each additional collar device separately, and the collar devices aren’t cheap

If you are outside the US, you’ll want to check with Garmin that everything including the GPS data will work properly

Apart from these things, overall, this is a high performing GPS tracking handheld

 

– What Things The 430 Allows You To Do

See your dog’s location every 2.5 seconds – see where they are and where they’ve been

See a compass pointing in the direction they are going

See all or some or none of your dogs on a zoom map

Share your dog’s control code with another handheld Garmin device so they can see or configure your dog’s collar

See the number of times during the hunt when an “on point” or “treed” event was indicated

Count your coveys – mark where you found your catch, mark where your car or lodge is, mark tree or food waypoints etc.

The maps on the handheld allow a city navigator mode, and also a more detailed satellite mode for open areas where there are dirt roads, creeks and other roadways 

 

– What It’s Designed For

It is a tracking/GPS only handheld designed to be used best with the Garmin T5 collar, or T5 Mini.

 

– Who It Might Be For

Those who want a tracking only handheld i.e. if you use the TT15 with the 430, you won’t be able to utilise it’s training functions. The T5 collar is best suited to it

Those who think the Astro 430 is a better fit for them than the Astro 320 or the Alpha 100

People wanting to use the T5 collar, or the TT15

 

– Who It Might NOT Be For

Those who want a collar that is capable of training options e.g static stimulation 

People wanting to use the TT10 collar (the TT10 is only compatible with the Alpha 100)

People who think the Astro 320 or the Alpha 100 is a better fit for them

 

– View

View the Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Collar Bundle on Amazon

 

– What Currently Comes In The Kit

You can get the 430 by itself, or in a bundle with the T5 collar (T5 or T5 mini) for example.

With the bundle, you will get something similar to

Astro 430 handheld

T 5 dog device with rechargeable lithium-ion battery

1-inch orange collar strap

18.5-inch standard and 22.5-inch extended range antennas (for T 5)

Belt clip

Charging clip

USB cable

AC adapter

Vehicle charging adapter

Manual

 

Garmin Astro 320 vs 430 Comparison

– Which Is Better

Simply put, the Astro 430 is the more advanced version of the 320 with a lot more features that allows you to do a lot more. 

You can also fit up to 20 dogs on the 430 as opposed to the 320 which allows only 10 dogs.

It’s best to look over exactly the extra features you’re getting with the 430 (you can see the main ones below), compare the prices, and see if the extras the 430 offers are worth it for you.

 

– Differences

Some of the main differences between the two are:

The 430 can support up to 20 total dogs/collar devices, whilst the 320 can only support 10

The 430 gives you the TOPO U.S. 100K maps, whereas the 320 only gives you the worldwide basemap which is less expansive and detailed

The 430 has Geofences, whereas the 320 doesn’t

The 430 allows ‘Treed’ and ‘On Point’ notifications, whereas the 320 doesn’t

The 430 is compatible with the Garmin DriveTrack 70LMT, whereas the 320 isn’t

The 430 can work with either rechargeable NiMH pack batteries or 2 x AA batteries, whereas the 320 only takes 2 x AA batteries

The 430 has a memory/history of 4.0GB, whereas the 320 has a memory/history of 1.7GB

 

– Similarities

Some of the main similarities between the two are:

They are both tracking only handhelds that operate with GPS+GLONASS

They both do not have training capabilities (static, sound or vibrate training options)

They are both compatible with the T5 and TT15 collar devices

They both allow you to see where your dog has been, where they are, what direction they are heading in, dog specific information, and zoom maps with all, some or none of your dogs displayed on the map

They both update every 2.5 seconds

They have the same physical dimensions and weight

They weigh the same weight 

Both water rated to IPX7

They have the same size and resolution of screen

Both have a USD interface

Both have storage capacity with a microSD card

Both give you up to 2000 waypoints

Both give you up to 200 routes

For the track log, you get 10,000 points, and 200 saved tracks

Has a Barometric altimeter

Has a tilt-compensated 3-axis compass

Both have ability for area calculation

Both have ability for automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads)

Both have ability for geo caching

Both have ability to add custom maps

Both have a Hunt/fish calendar, and sun and moon information

Both run on a MURS frequency band

 

Best Trackers & GPS Collars For Dogs

Read more about some of the best trackers and GPS dog collars for dogs in this guide.

 

Best Remote Dog Training Collars

You can read more about the best remote dog training collars in this guide.

 

 

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