Reviews of Garmin Alpha

By: Garmin App

List of user reviews and ratings for Garmin Alpha

Total ratings

3.50 (Rating count: 125)

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Review summary

Users like the app for real-time dog location and distance data and the maps, and praise Garmin support. However, reliability issues (pairing, syncing, disconnects), inconsistent map visibility and data (green screen, missing data, saved tracks), feature regressions and app fragmentation (removal of options, no saved-tracks on map, no watch/CarPlay), and missing unit options (yards) dominate feedback. Core improvements needed: reliability, complete mapping/features across devices, and consistent unit options.

Pros

Real-time dog location and distance tracking on the map provides peace of mind.
Easy-to-use app with usable maps.
Notable improvements and updates that users notice over time.
Strong Garmin brand support and customer service.

Cons

Frequent reliability problems including pairing, syncing, and device disconnects.
Map visibility/accuracy is inconsistent: green satellite view, missing dog/handheld data, and saved tracks not displaying.
Missing features and app fragmentation: removal of tracking options, inability to view saved tracks on the map, and lack of watch/CarPlay support.
Unit options for distance are missing; users want yards (requested repeatedly).

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User Reviews

Recent rating average: 2.10

All time rating average: 3.50

Upgrade to see all 38 reviews

63% (24)

Date	Author	Comment
2026-06-19	gm*****	constantly won’t keep a bluetooth, cant get maps to download successfully.
constantly won’t keep a bluetooth, cant get maps to download successfully.
2026-05-21	Ra*****	Glitchy and not an intuitive interface. And that it doesn’t support Apple Watch is just silly. Pair with Apple Watch!
Glitchy and not an intuitive interface. And that it doesn’t support Apple Watch is just silly. Pair with Apple Watch!
2026-05-18	Ar*****	Sadly the new update brought upon some adverse changes as per usual with any Garmin update. They can’t seem to get software figured out. Now when tracking a dog you don’t get to see distance, heading, or name on the map you just follow the tip of a line around.
Sadly the new update brought upon some adverse changes as per usual with any Garmin update. They can’t seem to get software figured out. Now when tracking a dog you don’t get to see distance, heading, or name on the map you just follow the tip of a line around.
2026-05-09	8T*****	The new update is terrible. The tracks won’t clear now. So when you track your dog at home or a place you frequent regularly you just get a map filled in with black lines. Garmin makes great hardware, but they’ve always been trash in the software department. I’m actively looking to move to a different hardware company that provides useable software for their products. I can only recommend Garmin if you don’t need software support for your device.
The new update is terrible. The tracks won’t clear now. So when you track your dog at home or a place you frequent regularly you just get a map filled in with black lines. Garmin makes great hardware, but they’ve always been trash in the software department. I’m actively looking to move to a different hardware company that provides useable software for their products. I can only recommend Garmin if you don’t need software support for your device.
2026-05-07	M *****	App needs the option to view a saved track on the live map like the explore app does. Please add this feature in future updates.
App needs the option to view a saved track on the live map like the explore app does. Please add this feature in future updates.
2026-01-17	Ga*****	Need to be able to change distance units to yards instead of feet to match the handheld.
Need to be able to change distance units to yards instead of feet to match the handheld.
2025-12-31	fw*****	I was hoping for much more from Garmin. I run my dog in the open Arizona desert everyday and the app may work 20% of the time. Hope Garmin can produce an app that is more consistent.
I was hoping for much more from Garmin. I run my dog in the open Arizona desert everyday and the app may work 20% of the time. Hope Garmin can produce an app that is more consistent.
2025-12-28	Bo*****	Peace of mind. I do not have to worry about losing my Red Setters, in the woods when hunting. I also enjoy looking at the distance the dogs ran that day. Also how far I walked. This is good technology, which makes Quail hunting with my dogs more enjoyable.
Peace of mind. I do not have to worry about losing my Red Setters, in the woods when hunting. I also enjoy looking at the distance the dogs ran that day. Also how far I walked. This is good technology, which makes Quail hunting with my dogs more enjoyable.
2025-12-07	Sw*****	Green screen is all I get when I choose satellite. I used to get Satellite with the Explorer App, but even after updating the Alpha app tonight, I get a stupid green screen & still have no idea where my dog is on my property. Two weeks ago they said they were working on it. Wonder how long it takes to get it fixed or if it ever will be fixed!
Green screen is all I get when I choose satellite. I used to get Satellite with the Explorer App, but even after updating the Alpha app tonight, I get a stupid green screen & still have no idea where my dog is on my property. Two weeks ago they said they were working on it. Wonder how long it takes to get it fixed or if it ever will be fixed!
2025-11-22	12*****	Would like to see you add yards in the app every thing else seems to be good
Would like to see you add yards in the app every thing else seems to be good