Budget Trucker ELD vs RealTime ELD
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
Budget Trucker ELD
Read full descriptionHide full description
Budget Trucker is an intuitive, fully compliant DOT mandated ELD system; registered with the FMCSA. Budget Trucker is a FREE downloadable App that can be installed on any Apple iPhone or iPad and connects via Bluetooth to equipment installed in the vehicleβs JBUS or OBDII diagnostic port. Once the App is installed and paired with the installed equipment, the App will automatically update the Driverβs ELD Log with GPS location, odometer, engine hours, daily mileage driven, and daily hours driven.
RealTime ELD
Read full descriptionHide full description
RealTime ELD helps drivers easily track and manage their hours of service (HOS) with a simple and reliable electronic logging solution. Connect to a compatible ELD device to automatically record driving time and duty status. View clear log graphs, review daily activity, and certify logs directly from your mobile device. Quickly add annotations, manage records, and stay organised throughout your workday. Share log data electronically during inspections when required. Designed for both independent drivers and fleets, RealTime ELD simplifies daily log management and keeps your records accessible anytime.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: RealTime ELD at daily against Budget Trucker ELD's every 2 months. Budget Trucker ELD's advantage is iOS requirement (10.3 vs 12.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Budget Trucker ELD ships an update every 2 months, RealTime ELD daily. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Budget Trucker ELD | RealTime ELD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Daily β better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 10.3 β better | 12.0 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 77 MB | 133 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | FMCSA Compliance Services LLC | RealTime ELD LLC |
In-app purchases
Budget Trucker ELD
No in-app purchases
RealTime ELD
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Budget Trucker ELD free?
Is RealTime ELD free?
Do Budget Trucker ELD or RealTime ELD have ads?
Which is updated more often, Budget Trucker ELD or RealTime ELD?
Other comparisons















