Garmin is one of the leading manufacturers of GPS-enabled dog collars and tracking systems. Their Sport and Pro series collars are among their most popular and full-featured models aimed at hunters, field trainers, and active dog owners.
But with several options available, it can be tough to choose the right one.
In this guide, we’ll compare the key features and differences between the Garmin Sport Pro and Pro 550 collars so you can decide which is better suited for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin Sport Pro | Garmin Pro 550 |
| GPS Tracking Range | Up to 10 miles | Up to 20 miles |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 60 hours |
| Stimulation Levels | 7 static levels | 21 static levels |
| Smart Device Integration | No | Yes, with Garmin app |
| Satellite System | GPS only | GPS + GLONASS |
| BarkLimiter | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Up to 10 meters | Up to 10 meters |
| Cost | $349.99 | $399.99 |
Overview of the Garmin Sport Pro and Pro 550
The Sport Pro and Pro 550 share many of the same capabilities, with the Pro 550 model adding a few extra features and functionality.
Garmin Sport Pro
The Sport Pro is Garmin’s mid-range dog tracking collar. Key features include:
- GPS tracking range up to 10 miles
- Preloaded topographic maps
- Built-in bark limiter
- Stimulation and tone training modes
- Waterproof up to 10 meters
Garmin Pro 550
The Pro 550 is Garmin’s premium dog tracking and training collar. It includes all the Sport Pro features plus:
- Extended GPS tracking range up to 20 miles
- GLONASS satellite reception for enhanced positioning
- Much longer battery life
- Garmin dog tracking and training app compatibility
So in essence, the Pro 550 builds on the Sport Pro’s capabilities with extended range, battery life, satellite reception, and smart device integration. But the core tracking and stimulation features remain very similar.
Also Read: Differences Between Dogtra Edge RT And Garmin Pro 550 Dog Collars.
Key Differences Between Garmin Sport Pro And Pro 550 Collars
Now let’s take a more detailed look at how these two collars compare.
GPS Tracking and Mapping
The built-in GPS tracking enables both collars to track your dog’s location and movements with no monthly fees or cell service required. However, the Pro 550 provides a clear advantage with 2x the GPS range compared to the Sport Pro.
Garmin Sport Pro
- GPS tracking range up to 10 miles
- Preloaded topographic maps
Garmin Pro 550
- GPS tracking range up to 20 miles
- Preloaded topographic maps
- GLONASS satellite reception
The GLONASS capability gives the Pro 550 excellent positioning in challenging environments like dense woods or urban canyons where satellite visibility may be limited. Overall, it provides more accurate and consistent data on your dog’s location.
Stimulation Modes and Levels
Both collars offer customizable stimulation modes to reinforce training commands, manage behaviors, or deter unsafe activities like chasing wildlife.
The Sport Pro has 7 static stimulation levels while the Pro 550 offers 21 levels, giving you more flexibility in finding the right setting for your dog. The stimulation can also be delivered with momentary (nick) or continuous patterns.
In addition, the collars provide audible tone modes as an alternative way to mark behaviors and reinforce training.
Garmin Sport Pro
- 7 static stimulation levels
- Momentary and continuous stimulation
- Audible tone modes
Garmin Pro 550
- 21 static stimulation levels
- Momentary and continuous stimulation
- Audible tone modes
So when it comes to stimulation and tone options, the Pro 550 again provides more customization and range to suit different temperaments and training needs.
Battery Life
One significant advantage of the Pro 550 over the Sport Pro is battery life.
With an expected life up to 60 hours per charge in tracking mode, the Pro 550 can accompany your dog on multi-day adventures without having to worry about recharging.
The Sport Pro battery lasts up to 20 hours, which is more limiting for extended backcountry trips and field work.
More frequent charging will be required.
Garmin Sport Pro
- Up to 20 hour battery life
Garmin Pro 550
- Up to 60 hour battery life
So while both collars offer respectable battery performance, the Pro 550 is a better choice if long runtime is a priority.
Waterproofing and Durability
In terms of waterproofing and durability, the collars are evenly matched. Both are submersible in water up to 10 meters and built to withstand rough outdoor use. The collars and accompanying remotes are impact resistant and operate in extreme temperatures.
You can count on many years of service from either model when properly maintained and cared for. The collars are designed for dogs over 10 pounds.
Garmin Sport Pro
- Waterproof up to 10 meters
- Rugged and impact resistant
Garmin Pro 550
- Waterproof up to 10 meters
- Rugged and impact resistant
Also Read: Garmin Alpha 200i Issues.
Smart Device Integration
One unique capability of the Pro 550 is integrated support for Garmin’s dog tracking smartphone app (available on iOS and Android). This allows wireless transfer of tracking data from the collar to your mobile device for real-time monitoring and location sharing.
The Sport Pro does not have smart device support or wireless data transfer. You’ll need to remove the handheld remote to download stored location data.
So if you want the convenience of using your phone or tablet to view and share your dog’s whereabouts, the Pro 550 has a clear edge.
Garmin Sport Pro
- No wireless data transfer
Garmin Pro 550
- Wireless data transfer to Garmin dog tracking app
- Monitoring and location sharing from smart device
BarkLimiter Feature
Both collars include Garmin’s BarkLimiter technology, which provides automatic stimulation correction when excessive barking is detected. You can customize the sensitivity to tailor it your dog’s unique vocal behavior.
This is a helpful training feature if you need to curb nuisance barking at home or quiet your dog while hunting. Performance of the bark detection and automatic correction is very comparable between the two models.
Garmin Sport Pro
- BarkLimiter technology
Garmin Pro 550
- BarkLimiter technology
Cost Comparison
As Garmin’s premium model, the Pro 550 retails around $50 higher than the Sport Pro. But you’re getting excellent added value for the money, including extended battery life, range, smart device integration, and more stimulation levels.
Here’s a breakdown of the MSRP prices:
- Garmin Sport Pro: $349.99
- Garmin Pro 550: $399.99
The per-unit prices drop when you purchase bundles with additional collars and accessories, making either option even more budget-friendly for multi-dog households.
As with most electronics you can usually find discounts buying online, so it pays to shop around. Garmin also offers refurbished units, which can be a great way to score savings on these collars.
Both models qualify for free shipping and easy returns if purchased directly from Garmin.
Also Read: Substitutes of Garmin inReach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences are the Pro 550 has 2x the GPS range (20 miles vs 10 miles), longer battery life (60 hours vs 20 hours), more stimulation levels (21 vs 7), and support for Garmin’s smartphone app with wireless data transfer. The Sport Pro provides solid mid-level performance at a lower price point.
The Pro 70 is an older discontinued model. Compared to the Pro 550, it had shorter battery life, fewer stimulation levels, and no support for Garmin’s mobile app or GLONASS satellite system. The Pro 550 is Garmin’s newest top-of-the-line model with the most advanced features.
The Garmin Pro 550 has 21 static stimulation levels that allow you to fine tune the intensity from very low to high. It also has momentary (nick) and continuous stimulation modes. Combined with the tone mode, this provides a wide range of options for reinforcement training.
The Garmin Pro 550 is Garmin’s premium dog collar with integrated GPS tracking, training stimulation, and bark control. Key features include 20 mile GPS range, up to 60 hour battery, wireless data transfer to Garmin’s mobile app, GLONASS satellite reception, 21 stimulation levels, and BarkLimiter technology. It is designed for hunters, field trainers, and active dog owners.
Conclusion
So which collar is right for you? Here are some quick recommendations based on priority features:
- If you want maximum battery life for backcountry trips, choose the Pro 550.
- If you want the smartest collar with mobile app tracking, choose the Pro 550.
- If you want the most flexible stimulation levels, choose the Pro 550.
- If you want to save money on a solid mid-range unit, choose the Sport Pro.
- If 10 mile range is adequate and you train mostly on-leash, choose the Sport Pro.
In the end, the Pro 550 is the clear “dream collar” for hunters, field trainers, and very active dog owners who need the highest performance and smart integration.
But the capable and affordable Sport Pro hits the mark for basic obedience reinforcement, adventures, and peace of mind knowing your pup’s location.
Hopefully this guide provides a helpful side-by-side look at the Garmin Sport Pro and Pro 550. Choosing the right tracking collar for your dog and budget ultimately comes down to matching key features to your needs and training style.
