The SpotOn Nova Edition builds on the Omni Edition with upgraded GPS hardware, improved location accuracy, and new features, including Custom Voice Commands and Activity Tracking. Nova is recommended for properties of at least ⅓ acre, compared with ½ acre for Omni.
Both editions provide GPS fencing without a required subscription. An optional cellular subscription adds tracking, notifications, and other connected features.
How Does Nova Improve GPS Performance?
All GPS devices can experience drift, and performance varies with the surroundings. Proper fence placement and training remain important with either edition. Learn more about GPS drift.
Will Nova Work for My Property?
Nova is recommended for properties of at least ⅓ acre; Omni is recommended for properties of at least ½ acre. Property shape and available space also matter. We recommend at least 80 feet at the fence’s narrowest point and a buffer of at least 15 feet between the fence boundary and roads or other hazards.
Trees, terrain, and buildings can affect GPS reception. Nova’s improved performance can help in challenging environments, but a property evaluation is the best way to assess your specific layout. Metal roofs can block or reflect GPS signals. If your dog wears the collar indoors, SpotOn’s Home Zones let you designate an area where corrections are disabled. Review the Home Zone setup requirements to determine whether one will fit your property. For help assessing your land, see Will SpotOn Fence work for my property, which includes a link to request a free property evaluation.
Nova vs. Omni: A Quick Comparison
The table below summarizes the differences most relevant to choosing between the two editions.
| Feature | Nova Edition | Omni Edition | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Property Size | 1/3 acre | 1/2 Acre | Use SpotOn on smaller properties |
| Accuracy | Less than 5 feet | About 6 feet | More precise boundary performance |
| GPS Antenna | Dual-band, dual-feed (larger) | Dual-band dual-feed | Better performance near trees/buildings |
| Receiver | Dual-feed | Single-feed | Cleaner GPS data |
| Satellite Coverage | 151 satellites | 128 satellites | Fewer weak spots |
| Custom Voice Commands | ✅ | ❌ | Communicate instantly from anywhere |
| Activity Monitoring | ✅ | ❌ | Understand your dog’s behavior |
| Durability | Upgraded | Original | Built for high activity |
| Cell Reception | 4x better | Original | Great for remote areas |
What Other Features Does Nova Include?
Custom Voice Commands.
Record up to three custom voice commands in the app and play them through your dog’s Nova collar. An active cellular subscription is required. See how to create and use Custom Voice Commands.
Activity Tracking + Heatmaps
With this highly requested feature now built in, you can see:
- How your dog spends their time
- Which areas they frequent
- Their daily activity levels
Perfect for training insights, property planning, or understanding your dog’s habits.
Voice-Assisted Charging
Nova says “Charging” when properly connected to its magnetic charging puck. The indicator blinks green while charging and turns solid green when fully charged. See how to charge the Nova collar.
Updated Materials and Design
Nova includes upgraded materials designed to improve durability for active dogs.
Should Omni Owners Upgrade?
If Omni is working well for your dog and property, you may not need to upgrade. Nova may be worth considering if you want its improved GPS performance, smaller recommended property size, or additional features.
You may benefit from upgrading if:
- Your property has a lot of trees or metal structures
- Your stubborn breed can benefit from more precise fence lines and faster notifications
- You live in a low-cell-coverage area
- Your dog is extremely active (working dogs, herding breeds, hunting dogs)
- You want access to new features like custom voice commands and activity tracking
- SpotOn GPS dog fence collar packaging with a collar placed on top.
- Many owners will choose to keep their Omni. But for those who want the most advanced SpotOn experience ever, Nova is a worthwhile investment.
Find out which model we recommend for you.
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