Magellan ELD (Expert Analysis 2025) – eLogs for Owner Operators

Magellan ELD

from $10 per month

6.5

Customer Support

6.0/10

Ease of Use

7.8/10

Installation

7.5/10

Suitable for fleets

5.1/10

Features & Technology

6.0/10

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to Install
• Designed and tested by industry veterans
• Suitable for owner-operators smaller fleets
• Fully compliant with the latest DOT/FMCSA regulation

Cons

• Only compatible with the Samsung device
• It is new in the market so there is not much user feedback

Free Custom Quote

Magellan ELD is aimed to help drivers get maximum performance and optimize efficiency from shorter to longer-haul trucking companies. Magellan offers a secure, multi-purpose device for personal and commercial use.

In 1986 Magellan launched the very first hand-held Magellan GPS and became a GPS and navigation pioneer. It has now become one of the industry’s most valuable brands. 

Magellan’s fleet industry navigation and ELD HOS solutions are built and tested by industry professionals, continuing a tradition of trust in many truck models with meticulous in-vehicle testing.

Magellan is one of the Top 25 Best Rated ELD devices. This ELD, along with Motive (formerly KeepTruckin) eld, is one of the best for owner-operators. 

We are going to discuss the giant of GPS and navigation that launched its Fleet Solutions on mobile devices, in this Magellan ELD review.

Magellan ELD Review: My Perspective

Magellan ELD solution mainly targets individual drivers and small fleet owner-operators who are looking for an affordable way to comply with the mandate while getting necessary ELD features.

The solution provides automated logging tools, reports, and alerts to keep truck drivers on time and in compliance.

Truck drivers can quickly transfer their HOS logs to law enforcement directly from their mobile app with Magellan’s ELD solution GPS for trucks.

A web portal for HOS management enables optimal reporting of HOS and DVIR, on-device transfer of data, and co-driver support, making inspections smoother.

Magellan ELD holds two weeks of logs on the device and keeps six months’ worth of data in the cloud. Data safety and affordability remain two of the most admired features.

However, I did come across some recent complaints about customer support delays and occasional connection issues, which some drivers found frustrating. It’s something to consider if support is a high priority for you.

Magellan and Samsung’s Fleets Solutions

The Magellan Company is known to offer a wide range of fleet management facilities, including GPS displays, and segregated navigation systems. They also collaborated on producing integrated systems with Samsung.

This collaboration will facilitate short and long-haul trucking with an ELD-compliant hours-of-service real-time tracking solution.

This means that ELD mandate for owner-operators solutions of Magellan could be implemented and pre-loaded across certain types of Samsung mobile devices, entailing installation time for drivers and providing fleet device flexibility.

Compatible devices include Samsung Galaxy E and A tablets, as well as Galaxy S smartphones.

Note: The ELD works only on Samsung devices. This limitation has caused some frustration among drivers who switched from other brands of phones and tablets, something I personally think Magellan should address in future updates.

HOS Web Portal Features (Still Handy in 2025):

HOS web portal is a website browser where drivers can conveniently declare hours of service including clocking in, clocking out, changing on and off-duty status, etc. The Magellan ELD HOS portal has the following features:

HOS Reports

In regards to any historical changes made, the HOS Reports provide additional access to detailed information on the daily driving history of a driver.

Logs Page

This page enables the fleet manager and owner-operator to view drivers’ daily driving logs and print driving logs, documentation, create, update, and delete records.

Any modifications here are synchronized for any affected driver in real-time with the Magellan HOS app. Driver Info, Resources, Logs, Carrier Info, Vehicle Info, and Status Change history populated after selecting a driver.

DVIR History

This section allows you to view all Driver-Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR) related to different equipment.

This section also allows the driver or fleet managers to update details of DVIR, such as the certification of routine maintenance made on faulty items.

Any modifications will be updated and synchronized with the Magellan HOS app in real-time.

Drivers Page

This page enables truck drivers, and fleet managers to easily access, manage, and view details via the web portal for the present or last recorded status, location, and hours-of-service (HOS) time.

Only drivers that logged into the app at least once are shown on the driver’s page.

IFTA reports

This section allows the driver to view, create, edit, and delete Fuel Receipts for the calculation of IFTA reports. The fleet manager can use a vehicle, type of fuel, or date range to filter fuel receipts.

Magellan Fleet Navigation

The commercial fleet navigation software provides vehicle-specific location data, including everything from full truck heights on bridges to motorways that allow hazardous containers.

That, in combination with Magellan’s market-leading routing engine, gives every truck carrier such a safety-focused navigation experience.

Multi-Purpose Use with Samsung Knox

Drivers, therefore, have a tool that is designed for high performance and reliability once on the job and features safety-grade security with Samsung Knox.

This also serves as a device that gives access to a driver’s favorite content, like feature films, books, and magazines, for downtime when on the road.

One thing I’d like to highlight here is how seamless it is to manage logs and DVIR reports from the web portal. It’s quite user-friendly and remains a strong point for Magellan.

Compatible Devices and Platforms

Magellan GPS for trucks’ ELD for owner-operators fleet solutions can only be integrated and preloaded with Samsung devices such as mobile phones and tablets.

The users report that setting up the device is quite easy and takes a short time. Easy-to-use software offers flexibility and a customer-friendly experience.

It takes only five minutes for the installation to complete and to be up and running, reducing useful time for users.

As of 2025, Magellan ELD still works exclusively with Samsung Galaxy S series smartphones and Galaxy A and E series tablets. No new compatibility with other devices has been introduced yet. While this keeps the system streamlined, it’s something to consider for those who use non-Samsung devices.

Users can access Magellan’s simplified, DOT, and FMCSA-compliant ELD device review with both iOS and Android phones.

However, it’s important to note that while the Magellan HOS mobile app works on both iOS and Android for basic logging and reporting, the full ELD solution, including advanced features like navigation, deeper diagnostics, and Samsung Knox security, is still optimized for Samsung Galaxy devices (S series smartphones and A/E series tablets). Drivers using non-Samsung hardware may have limited access to some integrated features.

Pricing – Still Among the Most Affordable

Magellan ELD HOS solutions cost as low as $10 per month, which makes it one of the most cheap ELD devices. Independent drivers and owner-operators can access Magellan ELD with both iOS and Android phones.  As the company’s vice president Mark Perini elaborated: 

“We made this ELD HOS solution as an affordable option for independent truckers and small company owner-operators who are looking to go compliant but do not require advanced features that other ELDs on the market offer”.

Moreover, the IFTA version of Magellan ELD is available at an extra one-time cost of $30 for owner-operators doing interstate business activities.

Heading into 2025, Magellan’s pricing remains steady, maintaining its low-cost model aimed at independent drivers and smaller fleets. However, it’s worth noting that some newer competitors now offer extra automation tools and integrations for slightly higher monthly fees. If your primary focus is affordability and FMCSA compliance without the need for advanced add-ons, Magellan still delivers excellent value.

However, the low price does not mean that the company compromised on the quality. Because it offers all the necessary features used by owner-operators and drivers. The company has created this ELD HOS solution by keeping great value, affordability, and plug-and-play sensibility. The Magellan ELD is compatible with fleets of all sizes and complexities. 

Features of Magellan HoS

Magellan HOS Compliance is a trustworthy and reliable brand GPS for trucks and the most reasonably priced mobile app that gives you complete compliance with the ELD Mandate.
In this section of the Magellan eld review, we want to examine the features that this eld for owner-operators bright to the table.

Hand-On DVIR Experience

This eld for owner-operators offers your Apple device with a hands-on DVIR experience. You can personalize all DVIR checkpoints for pre-trip and post-trip.

Additionally, you can enjoy a one-click e-Sign function after completing the DVIR process. Users can send the report back to the office just as easily.

Backend Web Portal Management

• Easily managed from the portal
• Integration of 3rd Party app possible
• Using consistent codes to filter log edit report
• Easily Track fleet’s HOS and DVIR status in one place
• OBD-II port and J1939, J1708/J1587 J-Bus port compatible
• Send Roadside Inspection data to compliance officers via Cellular, Bluetooth, WiFi, or USB connectivity

User-friedly Interface

• Access the commonly used features from the main screen in one-tap:
• View driving logs
• View 8-day recap
• Change driving status
• Change vehicle profile
• Check driving shift and cycle etc.

Comprehensive Log Status

You can get through the driving log files, preview, and report DVIR within the same screen at once.

Violation icons simplify the identification of a problem and assure corrective actions are taken.

Customer Support

Multi-language support is available for federal, state, and Canadian driving regulations in English, Spanish and French.

Other Features Magellan ELD Review includes:

• AOBRD Mode Support
• comprehensive package for truck/fleet operations
• Provide Automated logging tools, reports, and alerts
• Everything needed to implement a standard and reliable, compliant logger
• User can save two weeks of logs on the device, and up to six months in the cloud

Benefits of Magellan GPS for trucks

Hours of service (HOS) rules and regulations can be complex. This is where Magellan ELD comes in. Magellan ELD HOS solutions will make your life a lot easier by reducing the time you spend on paperwork and streamlining the recording process.

Following are some of the benefits offered by Magellan GPS:

Conclusion

Magellan GPS for trucks solution improves overall driver’s experience. It provides truck drivers and owner-operators with the flexibility to be more creative and productive at work and to access personal and work life privately, all from the same device, without having to compromise data safety.

Speaking from personal experience after reviewing recent updates in 2025, I can say that Magellan still holds its place as a reliable ELD option for smaller operations and independent drivers. It’s not overloaded with complicated features, which makes it less intimidating to use. That said, if your business has grown and now needs features like dispatching automation or deep data analytics, you might eventually outgrow Magellan. But for simple, affordable compliance—it remains a smart choice.