Which remote alcohol monitoring solution is right for you?
Disclaimer: BACtrack View is not endorsed by, affiliated with or sponsored by Soberlink®. Soberlink® is a trademark of Soberlink Healthcare LLC, which is a separate and unrelated company and brand. The use of any trade name or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the trademark holder or their product or brand. All information presented on this page is based on publicly available data gathered in October 2025.
Looking for Soberlink alternatives?
Consider BACtrack View. It’s affordable, uses a breathalyzer that’s around 80% smaller than Soberlink’s devices, and offers video verification of sobriety. Plus, no other monitoring program is trusted by more verified users, with 1,400+ reviews (averaging 4.8 stars ⭐️) and a 97% recommendation rate.
Soberlink vs. BACtrack View Summary
 | Soberlink | |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription cost | $79.99 - $129.99/month | $135 - $265/month |
| Free breathalyzer? | Free device on all plans | Must buy or rent device Devices cost $549-$749 to buy or $19-$29/month to rent (only available on 120 or 365-day commitments). Rental price depends on plan commitment length. |
| Free trial? | 14-day free trial, no risk | No free trials |
| Court approved? | Court approved in the US | Court approved in the US |
 | Soberlink | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| Subscription cost | $79.99 - $129.99/month | $135 - $265/month |
| Free breathalyzer? | Free device on all plans | Must buy or rent device |
| Free trial? | 14-day free trial | No free trial |
| Cancel anytime for free? | Free cancellation | May incur fees Soberlink charges $200-$300 in cancellation fees |
| Court Approval | ||
| Court approved? | Court approved in the US | Court approved in the US |
| Certified records available? | Certified records available | Certified records available |
| Sobriety Verification | ||
| Video verification? | High-quality video + audio of tests | No video or audio |
| Facial recognition? | Not needed Monitors verify a Tester's identity by watching videos taken of every test | Occurs on back-end Facial recognition happens on the back-end; Users do not typically receive the visual proof of tests themselves, and instead receive a checkmark on the test result (indicating that identity was verified). |
| Access to visual proof? | Watch in the app Users can watch videos of every test in the app (included on all plans) | May incur extra fees Soberlink only provides photos of tests upon request. The first photo is free; photo reports after that cost $25 each. |
| Randomized testing available? | Randomized testing options | No randomized testing |
| GPS location of tests shared? | Location evidence available Optional GPS location sharing can be turned on or off in the app. | No location evidence available |
| Tamper prevention technology? | Tamper prevention technology | Tamper prevention technology |
| Retest feature for positive test results? | Retest feature | Retest feature |
| The Breathalyzers | ||
| Smaller than a pack of playing cards? | Smaller than a pack of cards | Both devices are larger |
| Police-grade, fuel cell technology? | Police-grade, fuel cell device | Police-grade, fuel cell devices |
| Alerts & Reports | ||
| Real-time text alerts on every plan? | At least 2 types of real-time alerts | Only on plans from $235/month |
| Email notifications available? | Email notifications available | Email notifications available |
| Downloadable, court-admissible reports available? | PDF reports available | PDF reports available |
TIP: New to remote alcohol monitoring? Here are 5 important questions to consider when choosing a service:
Alcohol monitoring programs can vary widely in cost. Some charge steep monthly fees and add-ons for basic features (like real-time alerts), while others are designed to be more accessible.
Before making a decision, consider not only your monthly budget, but also whether the plan includes the features you actually need, at a price you can afford.
How many days each month will the Tester need to prove sobriety? And how many tests will they need to submit each day?
These are important questions to clarify before choosing a monitoring solution. The right system should give you the flexibility to match the frequency of testing to your specific situation — whether that means consistent daily check-ins, randomized testing throughout the day, or both.
If your monitoring needs are tied to a court case, family law matter, or custody agreement, it’s essential to choose a program that’s trusted in legal settings.
Look for solutions that provide court-admissible reports and flexible agreements that can be tailored to the specific requirements of your case. This ensures the monitoring you choose will actually hold up when it matters most.
In the eyes of users, not all monitoring programs are created equal.
Hearing feedback from people who have actually used the service – and simply seeing how many verified reviews and testimonials are out there – can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
We have a saying here at BACtrack View: “Nobody knows anything about alcohol monitoring… until they need to know everything about it.”
So, if you’ve never used any alcohol monitoring system before – and now, suddenly, you have to – you’re probably going to have questions. Lots of questions.
You need a Customer Support team that doesn’t treat any of your questions like a stupid question. BACtrack View’s support specialists are highly knowledgeable, US-based, quick to respond, willing to take that extra step to help you, and – above all – kind.
Soberlink vs. BACtrack View, according to real people
Don’t take it from us. Many of our customers used Soberlink in the past and switched to BACtrack View, or signed up after evaluating both services (like you are, now!).
Soberlink vs. BACtrack View Cost
BACtrack View includes the required breathalyzer for free, costs less per month, and offers a free trial – while Soberlink charges upfront for breathalyzers and does not offer free trials.
Free trials & cancellations
 | Soberlink | |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription cost | $79.99 - $129.99/month | $135 - $265/month |
| Free breathalyzer? | Free device on all plans | Must buy or rent device Devices cost $549-$749 to buy or $19-$29/month to rent (only available on 120 or 365-day commitments). Rental price depends on plan commitment length. |
| Cancel anytime for free? | Free cancellation | May incur fees Soberlink charges $200-$300 in cancellation fees |
| Free trial? | 14-day free trial | No free trial |
BACtrack View offers a free trial and cancel-anytime flexibility. Soberlink doesn’t.
Monthly subscription costs
 | Soberlink | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plans | $79.99 per month | $135-$175 per month |
| Plus Plans | $99.99 per month | $185-$215 per month |
| Pro & Premium Plans | $129.99 per month | $235-$265 per month |
BACtrack View offers 3 straightforward tiers, priced between $79.99 and $129.99 per month, everything included. Soberlink has 3 pricing tiers for each of its 3 different types of services – 9 prices, total.
Upfront breathalyzer costs
 | Soberlink | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to own | Free | Connect® device - $549 Cellular 2® device - $749 |
| Cost to rent | Free | Connect® device 365-day commitment: $19/month ($228 total) 120-day commitment: $29/month ($116 total) Cellular 2® device Not available to rent |
To get a better idea of how much BACtrack View or Soberlink costs, you also need to consider any upfront breathalyzer costs.
BACtrack View includes a free, police-grade breathalyzer you keep forever after three months. Soberlink requires users to purchase or rent a breathalyzer before starting the service.
BACtrack View isn’t less expensive because it’s lower quality or missing essential features. It’s less expensive because we built it that way. On purpose.
For over 20 years, BACtrack has been committed to making life-saving, quality alcohol testing technology accessible to everyone — not just law enforcement or those who can afford expensive programs. That’s been our mission since day one.
BACtrack was the first company to be FDA-cleared to sell consumer breathalyzers; we’re trusted by health professionals, attorneys, and police departments; and have been used by millions worldwide. We’ve also been recognized as innovators in the space with products like BACtrack Skyn, our wearable alcohol monitor.
When we launched BACtrack View in 2016, we carried that same commitment to accessibility forward — creating a remote alcohol monitoring program that is accurate, built for courts, and designed to be affordable for real people in real-life situations.
Because whether you’re navigating recovery, a custody battle, or any other challenging circumstance, access to reliable monitoring shouldn’t be a luxury.
Court Approval
BACtrack View – like Soberlink – is approved for court-ordered alcohol monitoring in the US.
And it’s not just us saying so. The Justice Speakers Institute (JSI) — an independent, globally recognized authority on justice issues — has published research confirming that both BACtrack View and Soberlink meet the high standards courts require for reliable alcohol monitoring evidence.
Bottom line: Judges, attorneys, and families can all trust BACtrack View results.
Doug, a real customer, explains how he and his lawyer leveraged BACtrack View for his family law case – and ultimately regained custody of his son.
Soberlink vs. BACtrack View Sobriety Verification
BACtrack View’s sobriety evidence includes high-quality video + audio of every test, optional GPS location sharing, and optional randomized testing. Soberlink does not offer location sharing or randomized testing, and may charge extra for any images of the Tester.
A comparison of test results from BACtrack View (left) and Soberlink (right). With every BACtrack View test, Monitors receive a full video with audio of the test in action, the GPS location, the result, and time/date. With Soberlink, Monitors receive a checkmark indicating the test was verified, with the time and date.
Identity check method: Is the right person testing?
 | Soberlink | |
|---|---|---|
| Video verification? | High-quality video + audio of tests | No video or audio |
| Facial recognition? | Not needed Monitors verify a Tester's identity by watching videos taken of every test | Occurs on back-end Facial recognition happens on the back-end; Users do not typically receive the visual proof of tests themselves, and instead receive a checkmark on the test result (indicating that identity was verified). |
| Access to visual proof? | Watch in the app Users can watch videos of every test in the app (included on all plans) | May incur extra fees Soberlink only provides photos of tests upon request. The first photo is free; photo reports after that cost $25 each. |
With BACtrack View, every test result includes high-quality video and audio, so you can see and hear the person taking the test. Videos are included with every plan at no additional cost.
Soberlink uses facial recognition behind the scenes – but does not automatically share images with Monitors. If you want to see photos for yourself, you have to request them individually; your first photo is free, and every photo thereafter costs $25.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Being able to watch a clear video of each test — like you’re right there — may provide more context than an ‘identity verified’ checkmark. And many people find that watching videos of the Tester, actually testing, gives them peace of mind.
Tamper prevention: Can I trust the results?
Both BACtrack View and Soberlink have advanced tamper prevention measures in place, built into the breathalyzers and/or alcohol monitoring software.
Both services take tampering seriously and neither system is easy to cheat.
Testing models: What types of breathalyzer tests can you schedule?
BACtrack View lets you easily schedule any combination of tests that work for your specific needs – whether that’s:
- Scheduled
- On-demand
- Repeating
- Randomized testing
You can set them up directly within the BACtrack View app.
Soberlink only offers scheduled testing at fixed times. No randomized testing.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Randomized breath testing helps keep people honest, accountable, and aware that sobriety is continuously monitored — not just at predictable times.
Get an attorney’s take: Randomized testing in family law – does it really work?
GPS location evidence
Each BACtrack View test can include optional GPS location data through the Tester’s smartphone. This provides helpful context – showing not only when a test was taken, but where.
Soberlink does not share GPS location data with users.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Knowing where a test took place can be as important as knowing that it took place. GPS evidence provides additional confidence and context for courts, attorneys, and family members.
BACtrack vs. Soberlink Breathalyzers
While both services’ breathlayzers use a professional-grade fuel cell sensor, BACtrack View’s device is around 80% smaller and 60% lighter than both Soberlink breathalyzers.
This could be important, especially when you have to carry the breathalyzer around with you for testing throughout the day.
 | Soberlink | Soberlink | |
|---|---|---|---|
 BACtrack Mobile |  Connect® device |  Cellular 2® device | |
| Cost | Free | $549 to own, $19-29/month to rent Rental price depends on how long users commit to a plan: $19/month for 365-day commitments, $29/month for 120-day commitments | $749 to own, not available to rent |
| Smaller than a pack of playing cards? | Smaller than a pack of cards | Larger than a pack of cards | Larger than a pack of cards |
| Smartphone compatible, with Bluetooth? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cellular connection? | No | No | Yes |
| Specifications | Size: 2.75"h x 1.75"w x 0.63"d Weight: 2.0 ounces (57 grams) | Size: 4.75"h x 2.5"w x 1.25"d Weight: 5.3 ounces (150 grams) | Size: 4.77"h x 2.76"w x 1.4"d Weight: 6.7 oz (190 grams) |
BACtrack Mobile: Fits in your (smallest) pocket
Soberlink Cellular 2®: A tighter squeeze in a bigger pocket
A note about mouthpieces
Before starting alcohol monitoring, many Testers don’t realize that their breathalyzer comes with a mouthpiece, which they need to attach before they test.
BACtrack’s mouthpiece was carefully designed to be small, so blowing in public is discreet. Soberlink’s mouthpiece is a 4.5-inch plastic tube.
 | Soberlink |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |  |
| Size: 0.78 in | Size: 4.5 in |
Notifications and reports
Both services offer real-time text alerts, but this feature costs more to access with Soberlink. Both services also offer downloadable PDF reports of a user’s testing history.
Real-time text alerts for Monitors
Both BACtrack View and Soberlink provide email notifications. But there’s a clear difference in real-time text alerts.
With BACtrack View, every plan includes instant text notifications. Depending on your plan, those alerts can cover completed, missed, or non-compliant tests. But no matter which plan you’re on, you’ll never be left waiting until the next day.
With Soberlink, real-time text alerts are only available on plans starting at $235/month. Lower-tier plans offer email summaries sent the following day.
WHY THIS MATTERS
In alcohol monitoring, timing matters as much as accuracy. If someone misses a test or blows a positive result, you need to know immediately. Not hours later.
BACtrack View sends alerts straight to your phone, no matter which plan you choose.
Downloadable PDF reports
Another feature that BACtrack View and Soberlink share? Downloadable PDF reports of the Tester’s activity. Both services’ reports are color-coded, and stamped with the date/time/result – especially useful for sharing in court, if needed.
One difference between these reports is in how you access them. BACtrack View users can download testing activity reports from within the app, while Soberlink automatically sends reports to users.
Sample Report
With one tap in the BACtrack View app, download a PDF report of a Tester’s history – perfect for sharing in court.
1
Every PDF report displays the Tester’s name, along with the time period the report covers.
2
The Summary tallies the Total Results, and distinguishes between non-compliant and missed tests.
3
Every test result is listed out – indicating BAC level, how it was initiated, date, and time – and color-coded.
The bottom line on
Soberlink vs. BACtrack View
Both services monitor sobriety.
Only BACtrack View lets you try it free.
FAQs
According to 97% of BACtrack View reviewers, yes.
BACtrack, the company powering BACtrack View, is also an established leader in the breathalyzer space – providing life-saving technology to millions globally and working with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and even the US military.
While it really depends on your specific needs, BACtrack View may be better for some users – due to BACtrack View’s affordability, discreet breathalyzer, and the fact that it offers multiple layers of sobriety evidence. Also, no other alcohol monitoring service is trusted by more verified reviewers.
Yes. BACtrack View has been independently validated and approved for legal use in US courts.