Samsara Pricing and Alternatives: What a Fleet Video System Costs
Fleet Video Costs
Samsara does not publish prices for its fleet products on its website. Buyers are asked to request a quote. This page explains what makes up the cost of a fleet video system, what to ask any vendor in writing, and how a hardware-plus-open-platform option from AlwayCare compares as a way to buy.
Samsara pricing: what is public
Samsara’s product pages describe features and models such as its dual-facing AI dash cam, and point buyers to a pricing request. We found no list prices for cameras, plans or installation on those pages. Any dollar figure you see elsewhere is a quote for one fleet at one time, not a published price.
This matters for planning. Until you have written quotes, treat any “price per vehicle” figure from a forum or a review site as unverified.
What a fleet video system really costs
Whatever the vendor, the total is the sum of several items. Put each one in a table before you compare quotes.
| Cost item | What to ask the vendor | What to ask AlwayCare |
|---|---|---|
| Camera hardware | Price per unit, and what is in the box | Model, channel count and included cameras are on the product page; price comes with the quotation |
| Platform or software | Is it a recurring fee? Per vehicle, per feature or per plan? | CMSV6 platform, or your own platform. Terms are confirmed in the quotation |
| AI features | Are alerts such as driver monitoring included, or sold as add-ons? | AI functions are listed per model, for example DSM, ADAS and BSD on the MR910-DA and MR920 series |
| Connectivity | Is mobile data included? For how many GB? | Models list 4G, Wi-Fi and GPS. Data plan details are confirmed in the quotation |
| Installation | Who fits it? Is a harness included? | Fitting plan is confirmed per vehicle in the quotation |
| Storage and retention | How long is video kept, and what does extra retention cost? | SD card or HDD in the unit; server retention depends on your platform |
| Contract terms | Minimum term, cancellation, price changes at renewal | Ask for the terms in writing before an order |
| Warranty and support | Warranty length, replacement process | Warranty is 15 months from dispatch |
For a wider view of cost items and the data to collect before you decide, read Fleet Telematics Business Case: Cost Items, Data to Collect and Build vs Buy. For a buying checklist, read the AlwayCare procurement guide.
An alternative way to buy: hardware plus an open platform
Some fleets prefer to buy cameras and recorders as hardware and run them on a platform they choose. The CMSV6 platform connects devices that support the JT/T 808 and JT/T 1078 protocols, and a third-party platform can use the same protocols. Ask our engineers to confirm the protocol support of the model you are considering. The CMSV6 documentation is public. It covers the HTTP API, video protocol integration and device access.
This is a different way of buying, not a claim that it costs less. Compare the total for your fleet over the years you plan to run it.
- Hardware: cameras and recorders you buy from AlwayCare, in standard or OEM/ODM versions.
- Platform: CMSV6, or your own platform that accepts devices over JT/T 808 and JT/T 1078.
- Integration: the CMSV6 documentation describes the HTTP API and video integration for your IT team.
- Samples: evaluation samples have no MOQ, and standard units ship in 3–5 working days.
To see how the pieces connect, read Integrating AI Dashcams with Your Existing Telematics Platform and the API and video integration guide.
AlwayCare models to review
| Model | Type | Listed specifications |
|---|---|---|
| MR910-DA | 4-channel AI MDVR with DSM and ADAS | 4-channel AHD; DSM and ADAS; 2 SD cards, up to 512GB each; GPS, 4G and Wi-Fi; 12/24V; warranty 15 months |
| MR920-DA | 9-channel AI MDVR with DMS and ADAS | 9 channels (8 AHD + 1 IPC); DMS + ADAS; SATA HDD/SSD up to 2TB + SD; 4G LTE, GPS/BDS, Wi-Fi; DC 9-36V; -20℃ to +70℃; CE, FCC, RoHS |
| MR920-360DAB2 | 8-channel AI MDVR with 360° view, ADAS, DSM and 2-channel BSD | 8-channel AHD; 4 fisheye cameras for 360° view, ADAS camera, DSM camera, 2-channel BSD; HDD up to 4TB + SD up to 512GB; GPS and Wi-Fi (4G optional); warranty 15 months |
| MR750 | 2K 5-channel AI dashcam with ADAS and DMS options | 2K recording; GPS; 4G or Wi-Fi; H.264/H.265; 12/24V; -20℃ to 70℃; warranty 15 months |
Specifications come from the product pages. Your quotation confirms the configuration, channel layout and fitting plan for each vehicle.
When to stay with a subscription service
- You want one vendor to supply cameras, software, support and updates under a single contract.
- You do not have IT staff to run or connect a platform.
- Your fleet already runs on a vendor’s ecosystem and the integration is working.
When hardware plus your own platform fits
- You already have a tracking or fleet platform and want to add video to it.
- You operate mixed vehicle types and need different channel counts.
- You are a vehicle maker, upfitter or integrator who needs your own brand, firmware or interface (OEM/ODM).
- You want to decide your own platform and storage period.
For how to choose a management system in general, read Fleet Management Systems: A Practical Selection Guide and GPS Fleet Tracking Systems: How to Choose and Use Them.
Questions about Samsara pricing and alternatives
How much does Samsara cost?
Samsara does not publish prices for its fleet products on its website. It asks buyers to request a quote. Ask for a written quote that lists hardware, software, connectivity, installation and contract terms.
Is there an alternative to Samsara for fleet video?
Yes. Several vendors sell fleet video systems. AlwayCare supplies AI dash cams and mobile DVRs that can report to the CMSV6 platform or to your own platform; protocol support is confirmed per model.
Can AlwayCare devices work with a platform I already use?
They can, if the platform accepts devices over JT/T 808 and JT/T 1078 or you integrate through the CMSV6 documentation, and if the model supports those protocols. Send us your platform details and our engineers will check.
How does AlwayCare pricing compare with Samsara?
We cannot say without knowing your fleet size, features and contract length. Send an inquiry with the number of vehicles and the features you need, and compare the written quotes.
Are there recurring fees with AlwayCare?
Terms depend on the configuration and the platform you choose. They are confirmed in the quotation, so ask for them in writing.
Can I test before I order?
Yes. Evaluation samples have no MOQ. Standard units ship in 3–5 working days.
Samsara is a trademark of its owner. AlwayCare is not affiliated with Samsara. Information about Samsara comes from its public website at the time of writing and may change.
Key points
- Samsara does not publish prices. Ask for written quotes.
- Compare the same cost items for every vendor: hardware, platform, AI features, data, installation, storage, terms and warranty.
- AlwayCare sells hardware that can report to CMSV6 or to your own platform. Protocol support is confirmed per model.
- Send an inquiry with your vehicle count and features to get a quotation.
Request a quotation or read the OEM and ODM services page.
For recorder, camera and monitor packages and example layouts in one place, see the fleet vehicle video and mobile DVR solution.
