Samsara Driver vs Bolt Reader®
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Samsara Driver
This app helps professional drivers manage daily tasks efficiently and safely. It streamlines Hours of Service compliance, vehicle inspections, and navigation. Drivers can also track performance, receive recognition, and access support, all within a single, easy-to-use interface.
- Hours of Service (HOS) logging and compliance
- Vehicle inspection and DVIR submission
- Safety scores and coaching tasks
- Task, document, and route management
- Gamified recognition and motivation features
- Real-time navigation and messaging
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The Driver App that works the way you do. Samsara Driver gives professional drivers everything they need to stay safe, complete daily tasks faster, get recognized for their work, and stay connected—no matter where the job takes them. Whether you’re managing Hours of Service (HOS) compliance, completing vehicle inspections, or navigating to your next stop, Samsara Driver brings your most important workflows together in one easy-to-use app. Stay on track with your Compliance • Log and certify your Hours of Service directly in the app • Receive alerts for upcoming breaks and potential violations • Access and share inspection reports with roadside officials in a second Stay safe on the road • See safety scores, active coaching tasks, and key performance trends. • Review and acknowledge safety events directly in the app. • Complete training in short, mobile-friendly formats. Complete everyday workflows • Access tasks, documents, routes, and forms in just a few taps. • Submit DVIRs and inspections with a few clicks and no paper. • Reduce skipped steps with guided, tile-based workflows. Get recognized & stay motivated • View scorecards, badges, and streaks. • Receive kudos for great driving. • Track milestones and climb the leaderboard. Access help when it matters • Get routing guidance and real-time navigation. • Message managers or dispatch without leaving the app. • Use SOS to call for help or flag emergencies. Why drivers love Samsara Driver • Easy access to the tools and workflows you use every day. • End-of-day recaps reinforce safe habits and recognize achievements. • Built-in gamification keeps you engaged and motivated.
Bolt Reader®
This application provides users with real-time bolt tension data through intuitive bar graphs. It is specifically designed to work with Bolt-Cap Module devices from Transmission Dynamics, helping users quickly identify screws needing attention.
- Real-time bolt tension information
- Bar graph data visualization
- Identify screws requiring attention
- Designed for Bolt-Cap Module devices
- Works with Transmission Dynamics hardware
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Thanks to the innovative undertaking of creating the Bolt Reader® application, users have constant access to information on bolt tension. Information is presented in the form of bar graphs, which allows you to quickly spot screws that require attention. This application is specifically designed for Bolt-Cap Module devices produced by Transmission Dynamics. Transmission Dynamics; Redefining the Status Quo
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Samsara Driver at none against Bolt Reader®'s 1. Samsara Driver also leads on ratings volume (50K vs 7) and chart position (#187 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Bolt Reader® sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Samsara Driver asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Samsara Driver against 4.7 for Bolt Reader®. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Samsara Driver has 50K ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Samsara Driver ships an update every 3 weeks, Bolt Reader® every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Samsara Driver | Bolt Reader® |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (50K ratings) — better | 4.7 (7 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 60.9% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 50K — better | 7 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #187 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 331 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Samsara Networks, Inc. | Transmission Dynamics |
Customer experience
Samsara Driver
Bolt Reader®
Bugs and requests
Samsara Driver
Reported bugs
4 issues- App randomly logging out users while driving
- Inaccurate duty status changes and driving time tracking
- Issues with trailer information and pre/post-trip inspections
- Syncing problems between app and vehicle data
Requested features
4 requests- Split sleeper functionality that works as expected
- Better notification system with customizable alerts
- Ability to view logs and hours on multiple devices
- More flexibility in duty status changes and yard moves
Bolt Reader®
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Samsara Driver
No in-app purchases
Bolt Reader®
- Full version$49.99
Questions
Is Samsara Driver free?
Is Bolt Reader® free?
Which has better reviews, Samsara Driver or Bolt Reader®?
Do Samsara Driver or Bolt Reader® have ads?
Which is updated more often, Samsara Driver or Bolt Reader®?
Other comparisons
