Our team picked the PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System as the best invisible fence on the market because of its wireless operation, easy installation, and six correction modes. Invisible fences can offer a safe and effective way to keep your pets contained by creating a non-invasive and protective border around your yard. Unlike a traditional fence, these systems work by sending a signal to your dog’s collar when they approach a boundary, delivering a warning sound or mild correction to keep your pet from crossing into that area.
We researched over 50 of the best invisible fences and read over 200 customer reviews to help you compare options. Keep reading for our full reviews and buying guide to find the right fence for your needs—and your pet’s safety.
Best Invisible Fences: Our Top 7 Picks
- PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System: Best Overall
- SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System: Best Coverage
- PetSafe In-Ground Pet Fence: Best Entry-Level
- Pet Control HQ Wireless Pet Containment System: Best Remote Control
- Extreme Dog Fence Underground Fence: Best for Multiple Dogs
- SpotOn GPS Dog Fence: Best for Travel
- Halo Collar 3 GPS Dog Fence: Best Collar
Compare the Top Invisible Fences
| Product | Coverage Area | Pet Weight | Correction Levels | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment SystemCheck Price | 0.5 acres | At least 8 pounds | 5 | 1-year |
SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence SystemCheck Price | 1.3 acres (100 with additional wiring) | At least 8 pounds | 7 | 2-year |
PetSafe In-Ground Pet FenceCheck Price | 0.3 acres (5 with additional wiring) | At least 8 pounds | 4 | 1-year |
Pet Control HQ Wireless Pet Containment SystemCheck Price | 10 acres | 11 to 154 pounds | 10 | 1-year |
Extreme Dog Fence Underground FenceCheck Price | 1 acre (10 with additional wiring) | At least 8 pounds | 7 | 1-year (10-year with registration) |
SpotOn GPS Dog FenceCheck Price | No limit | Up to 90 pounds (smaller sizes available) | 30 | 1-year |
Halo Collar 3 GPS Dog FenceCheck Price | No limit | At least 20 pounds | 4 | 1-year |
Terms to Know for Invisible Fences
- Coverage Area: This refers to how large the area is that you can operate the invisible fence on your property.
- Correction Level: This refers to the number of shock or vibration settings available that trigger when the dog gets close to the invisible fence.
Best Overall
PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System
Good for: Pet owners looking for an easy-to-use invisible fence for their backyard or other small outdoor space.
We think this invisible fence is a worthy option if you want to prioritize simple and easy installation. Using a wireless system, it takes only one or two hours to set up. The receiver collar uses a two-month battery, has a waterproof collar construction, and offers six correction modes.
Pros and Cons of PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System
- Doesn’t require burying the wire
- Has a long collar battery life of up to 2 months
- Offers five shock levels and one tone-only mode
- Comes with a short 1-year warranty
- Cannot accommodate areas larger than 1⁄2-acre
What People Are Saying About The PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System
Our team noted that dog owners who reviewed this product appreciated this invisible fence’s simple and quick installation. They included that it only took a couple of hours to set up, which was on par with their expectations. Customers also spoke highly of the manufacturer’s customer service team that assisted with troubleshooting. However, select users had issues with consistency, stating that the collar didn’t always go off when their dog ventured too close to the perimeter.
Best Coverage
SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System
Good for: Homeowners with a medium-sized yard who want enough space for their dogs to roam freely.
You get a collar, transmitter, wire, and flags with your purchase. There are enough flags and wire spools to cover 1.3 acres, though you can purchase more if you have a larger property. We were pleased to see that the collar is also waterproof and submersible up to 25 feet.
Pros and Cons of SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System
- The collar’s rechargeable batteries finish charging in 2 hours
- Offers seven levels of static correction
- Beeps and vibrates to warn the dog before initiating shock
- Only compatible with dogs weighing at least 10 pounds, which excludes toy breeds
- Must purchase more wire to achieve 100 acres of coverage
What People Are Saying About The SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System
Customers who experienced the most success with this invisible fence made sure to familiarize themselves and their dogs with the system. Many customers also found installation to be easier than expected. Conversely, we did note that some other customers had issues with the collar, stating that the buckle design was poor and the warning beep was inconsistent.
Best Entry-Level
PetSafe In-Ground Pet Fence
Good for: Dog owners who want to keep their dogs enclosed in a smaller space without a leash.
Securing an invisible perimeter around one-third of an acre of land, this fence is meant for small yards or small dogs who don’t need as much space to roam. If you get another dog or move to a larger home down the line, we like that you can expand the kit with more wires and collars.
Pros and Cons of PetSafe In-Ground Pet Fence
- Includes flags to stake around the perimeter of the invisible fence
- Has a domestic customer service team
- Has a waterproof collar in case your pet is out in the rain
- Offers a limited number of correction levels
- Can’t use with pets that are younger than six months old
What People Are Saying About The PetSafe In-Ground Pet Fence
We noticed that customers liked the invisible design of this fence because it prevented their destructive dogs from tearing or ripping through physical fences. Others appreciated its straightforward installation process. Some users struggled with the collar, though, as it was too heavy and had poor battery life. Others claimed it did not work well in the rain.
Best Remote Control
Pet Control HQ Wireless Pet Containment System
Good for: Those looking for an invisible fence that can be easily controlled for dogs of any size.
We recommend this kit for the reliability and functionality of a wired, underground invisible fence and the convenience of an on-command, remote one. The collar works with dogs who weigh between 11 and 154 pounds, responding when they cross the perimeter or you use the remote control.
Pros and Cons of Pet Control HQ Wireless Pet Containment System
- Offers 10 acres of coverage
- Features 10 correction levels
- System works with or without remote
- Has a short battery life of 3-7 days
- Remote only connects to three collars
What People Are Saying About The Pet Control HQ Wireless Pet Containment System
Satisfied customers we found highlighted the remote control and ease of installation. They also mentioned that the manufacturer’s customer service line was accessible when they needed help. Unsatisfied customers stated that the correction system delivered shocks or vibrations inconsistently. In some cases, customers claimed that the fence collar didn’t respond if their dog ran past the perimeter too quickly.
Best for Multiple Dogs
Extreme Dog Fence Underground Fence
Good for: Pet owners with multiple dogs looking for an invisible fence for a large outdoor area.
For pet lovers who own several animals on a large property, we found that this invisible fence contains up to five pets in a 10-acre area. All of the supplies in this kit are built to last with waterproof and submersible collars, thick wiring, and metal flag stakes.
Pros and Cons of Extreme Dog Fence Underground Fence
- System handles up to five dogs
- Safety features include frequency coding and battery check
- Features heavy-duty wire that’s UV-resistant and burial-rated
- Doesn’t cover shipping and handling for the surge protector
- Can’t get the 10-year warranty unless you register the product
What People Are Saying About The Extreme Dog Fence Underground Fence
Reliability, consistency, and effectiveness appeared in many Amazon reviews for this system. Our research showed that several users also mentioned a positive customer service experience. However, some customers struggled to add more than one collar to the fencing system, stating that it worked as designed with one collar, but syncing a second collar caused it to malfunction. Others had issues with finding a battery replacement.
Best for Travel
SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
Good for: Dog owners looking for a high-quality GPS fence that’s travel-friendly where budget is not a concern.
If your dog loves to explore, this GPS fence allows you to set a customizable boundary of any size, perfect for dog owners with a large property or who live in rural areas. It requires minimal setup and can be easily controlled with a smartphone app. Additionally, this product allows you to create up to 20 fences, so you can even use it when traveling.
Pros and Cons of SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
- Creates precise boundaries even without a Wi-Fi connection
- Does not require any buried wires or base stations
- Has a rechargeable battery collar that lasts up to 22 hours
- Has a very high price point
- Requires collar to be charged to work
What People Are Saying About The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
Our research showed that several customers who gave this product a positive review were impressed with the durability of the collar and how quickly their dogs adapted to it. Others liked that it allowed for multiple fences to be built so you can use it on the go. However, there were several others who felt this fence system had poor battery life, and others said they had issues with it not transmitting the dog’s location to their phones.
Best Collar
Halo Collar 3 GPS Dog Fence
Good for: Customers looking for a collar-fence with precise GPS tracking for their dog.
This collar allows you to create custom virtual fences for your dog that you can draw directly from your smartphone for maximum convenience. It uses precision GPS software that engages satellites for reception even in spotty areas, and it automatically connects to any cellular network worldwide.
Pros and Cons of Halo Collar 3 GPS Dog Fence
- Is available in two different sizes to fit dogs of various weights and breeds
- Has video tutorials available in the Halo smartphone app
- Is available in multiple color options
- Requires a pack membership to access GPS service
- Is more expensive than other fence systems in this review
What People Are Saying About The Halo Collar 3 GPS Dog Fence
Our team noted that many customers who liked this collar appreciated its reliable GPS tracking system, and its variety of excellent features, including eliminating the shock collar and its LED lights. However, there were others that felt this product’s battery ran out quickly and others had issues getting the included charger to work properly.
What To Know Before Buying an Invisible Fence
Whether a physical fence is too expensive, a hassle to install, or against local ordinances, an invisible fence is a sensible alternative.
However, there are several key differences you should consider before selecting the invisible fence that’s right for your home. Start off by determining if you prefer a wired or wireless fence. Or, if you simply prefer a GPS collar. From there, you can look at factors such as the coverage area, installation process, correction level, and battery life before making a decision. Read our guide below for more information on selecting the best invisible fence for you.
What’s the difference between wired and wireless invisible fences?
Invisible fences can be wired, wireless, or a combination of the two.
If convenience is a priority, opt for a wireless dog fence system because it’s easier to install and program.
If you want to ensure that your invisible fence works correctly at all times, we recommend a wired design instead. This type of fence is also useful if you have an oddly shaped yard or certain areas of your yard that you want to keep your pets out of because you can install the buried wire in whatever pattern you desire.
Some kits come with a handheld remote control in addition to underground wiring. You can use the remote to train your dog to curtail bad habits, such as digging in the dirt or walking through the garden. It also works outside the perimeter so that you can take it on a walk or trip.
What’s the typical coverage area of an invisible fence?
The coverage area of a dog fence system is typically expressed in acres. The coverage range for smaller invisible fences begins around 1/3 to 1/2 acre, whereas more expansive systems will cover up to 10 acres. You can even extend the range of some models to 100 acres by installing more wire or purchasing an expansion kit.
How do you install a typical invisible fence?
Wireless invisible fences have a plug-and-play design, but they’re also adjustable. After plugging the transmitter into a wall outlet, you can adjust the size of the invisible dome around your house.
Installing a wired system, on the other hand, requires intense labor and careful planning. You’ll have to dig a few feet into the ground to bury the wire that communicates with the collar and transmitter.
What does correction level mean when talking about invisible fences?
Correction refers to the mild electric shock or vibration your dog receives when they go beyond the perimeter or close to the edge. You can also send static corrections manually via remote control.
Most invisible fence systems offer between five and 10 correction levels to suit different situations. For example, you can up the intensity if your dog does not respond to lighter modes or choose a lower level if you have a small dog.
Do invisible fences come with extra collars?
If you have more than one dog, look for an invisible fence kit that comes with multiple training collars. Even if you only have one pet at the moment, it can’t hurt to get a kit that works with add-on dog collars in case you get another dog down the line or watch a friend’s or family member’s dog.
What’s the typical battery life of an invisible fence?
Another aspect to consider is the collar battery. Many of the collars available today feature rechargeable batteries, but the battery life varies greatly between models. Some collar batteries last several days on a single charge, whereas others die after several hours.
Off-Leash Training Tips
If a physical fence isn’t an option, an invisible one is the next best way to ensure your dog doesn’t run away. While an invisible dog fence keeps your dog safe outside, you can further ease your mind by using the following dog training tips to train them without a leash.
- Train your dog to understand and obey basic verbal commands. Some common ones include “come,” “heel,” “leave it,” “look,” and “stay.”
- Consistency is key. Any time you take your dog off its leash, correct inappropriate actions and reward appropriate behavior.
- If your dog is food-motivated, reward them with treats when they obey commands and display appropriate behavior. You can also show positive reinforcement through pets or words.
- Intentionally add distractions, such as other dogs, people, or food, to see how your dog reacts off of a leash.
Invisible Fence FAQ
How do invisible fences work?
After establishing a wired or wireless perimeter, you sync your dog’s collar to the wire and transmitter. Whenever your dog approaches or crosses the perimeter, the collar vibrates, beeps, buzzes, or shocks.
Are invisible fences inhumane?
No. When your dog activates their collar, the resulting shock is minimal—only enough for them to know that they’ve ventured too far. Tethering your dog is generally considered more inhumane, as this causes continuous stress.
Can a dog run through an invisible fence?
Your dog can physically run past the perimeter of your invisible fence, but it may not get far before the shock signal sends it back. However, it’s important to note that invisible fences don’t prevent people or other animals from entering the fence from the opposite side.
Is there anything that could interfere with my invisible fence?
Yes. Sloping hills, metal roofing, stucco siding, and multiple trees can affect your invisible fence’s performance. However, this typically only happens with wireless models, not wired ones. Consider a physical or wired fence if your property has any of these features.
How We Chose the Best Invisible Fences
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of invisible pet fences with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.