The 5 Best Invisible Fences 2023 Review

Explore our top fence recommendations, comprehensive buyer’s guide, and answers to common questions below.

Best For Any Size Dog: PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System Best Coverage: SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System Best Entry-Level Fence: PetSafe In-Ground Pet Fence Best Remote Control: Pet Control HQ Wireless Pet Containment System Best For Multiple Dogs: Extreme Dog Fence Underground Electric Dog Fence

Best For Any Size Dog: PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System

Pros and Cons

✔ Doesn’t require burying the wire✔ Has a long collar battery life of up to 2 months✔ Offers five shock levels and one tone-only mode ✘ Comes with a short 1-year warranty✘ Cannot accommodate areas larger than 1⁄2 acre

What Customers Are Saying

Dog owners appreciated the simple and quick installation of this invisible fence. They included that it only took a couple of hours to set up, which was on par with their expectations. Customers also spoke highly of the manufacturer’s customer service team that assisted with troubleshooting. However, select users had issues with consistency, stating that the collar didn’t always go off when their dog ventured too close to the perimeter.

Best Coverage: SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System

Pros and Cons

✔ The collar’s rechargeable batteries finish charging in 2 hours ✔ Offers seven levels of static correction✔ Beeps and vibrates to warn the dog before initiating shock ✘ Only compatible with dogs weighing at least 10 pounds, which excludes toy breeds✘ Must purchase more wire to achieve 100 acres of coverage

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who experienced the most success with this invisible fence made sure to familiarize themselves and their dogs with the system. Many customers also found installation to be easier than expected. Conversely, other customers had issues with the collar, stating that the buckle design was poor and the warning beep was inconsistent.

Best Entry-Level Fence: PetSafe In-Ground Pet Fence

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes flags to stake around the perimeter of the invisible fence✔ Has a domestic customer service team✔ Has a waterproof collar in case your pet is out in the rain ✘ Offers a limited number of correction levels✘ Can’t use with pets that are younger than six months old

What Customers Are Saying

Customers liked the invisible design of this fence because it prevented their destructive dogs from tearing or ripping through physical fences. Some users struggled with the collar, though, as it was too heavy and had poor battery life.

Best Remote Control: Pet Control HQ Wireless Pet Containment System

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers 10 acres of coverage ✔ Features 10 correction levels✔ System works with or without remote ✘ Has a short battery life of 3–7 days✘ Remote only connects to three collars

What Customers Are Saying

Satisfied customers highlighted the remote control and ease of installation. They also mentioned that the manufacturer’s customer service line was accessible when they needed help. Unsatisfied customers stated that the correction system delivered shocks or vibrations inconsistently. In some cases, customers claimed that the collar didn’t respond at all if their dog ran past the perimeter too quickly.

Best For Multiple Dogs: Extreme Dog Fence Underground Electric Dog Fence

Pros and Cons

✔ System handles up to five dogs✔ Safety features include frequency coding and battery check✔ Features heavy-duty wire that’s UV-resistant and burial-rated ✘ Doesn’t cover shipping and handling for the surge protector✘ Can’t get the 10-year warranty unless you register the product

What Customers Are Saying

Whether a physical fence is too expensive, a hassle to install, or against local ordinances, an invisible fence is a sensible alternative. Here are some key points to consider when shopping.

Wired vs. Wireless

Invisible fences can be wired, wireless, or a combination of the two. If convenience is a priority, opt for a wireless dog fence because it’s easier to install and program. If you want to ensure that your invisible fence works correctly at all times, we recommend a wired design instead. This type of fence is also useful if you have an oddly shaped yard or certain areas of your yard that you want to keep your pets out of because you can install the buried wire in whatever pattern you desire. Some kits come with a handheld remote control in addition to underground wiring. You can use the remote to train your dog to curtail bad habits, such as digging in the dirt or walking through the garden. It also works outside of the perimeter, so you can take it with you on a walk or trip.

Coverage Area

The coverage area of an invisible fence is typically expressed in acres. The coverage range for smaller invisible fences begins around 1/3–1/2 acre, whereas more expansive systems will cover up to 10 acres. You can even extend the range of some models to 100 acres by installing more wire or purchasing an expansion kit.

Installation

Wireless invisible fences have a plug-and-play design, but they’re also adjustable. After plugging the transmitter into a wall outlet, you can adjust the size of the invisible dome around your house. Installing a wired system, on the other hand, requires intense labor and careful planning. You’ll have to dig a few feet into the ground to bury the wire that communicates with the collar and transmitter.

Correction Level

Correction refers to the mild shock or vibration your dog receives when they go beyond the perimeter or close to the edge. You can also send corrections manually via remote control. Most invisible fence systems offer between five and 10 correction levels to suit different situations. For example, you can up the intensity if your dog does not respond to lighter modes or choose a lower level if you have a small dog.

Collar

If you have more than one dog, look for an invisible fence kit that comes with multiple collars. Even if you only have one pet at the moment, it can’t hurt to get a kit that works with add-on dog collars in case you get another dog down the line or watch a friend’s or family member’s dog.

Battery Life

Another aspect to consider is the collar battery. Many of the collars available today feature rechargeable batteries, but the battery life varies greatly between models. Some collar batteries last several days on a single charge, whereas others die after several hours, If a physical fence isn’t an option, an invisible one is the next best way to ensure that your dog doesn’t run away. While an invisible fence keeps your dog safe outside, you can further ease your mind by using the following tips to train them without a leash.

Train your dog to understand and obey basic verbal commands. Some common ones include “come,” “heel,” “leave it,” “look,” and “stay.” Consistency is key. Any time you take your dog off of its leash, correct inappropriate actions and reward appropriate behavior. If your dog is food-motivated, reward them with treats when they obey commands and display appropriate behavior. You can also show positive reinforcement through pets or words. Intentionally add distractions, such as other dogs, people, or food, to see how your dog reacts off of a leash.

How do invisible fences work?

After establishing a wired or wireless perimeter, you sync your dog’s collar to the wire and transmitter. Whenever your dog approaches or crosses the perimeter, the collar vibrates, beeps, buzzes, or shocks.

Are invisible fences inhumane?

No. When your dog activates their collar, the resulting shock is minimal—only enough for them to know that they’ve ventured too far. Tethering your dog is generally considered more inhumane, as this causes continuous stress.

Can a dog run through an invisible fence?

Your dog can physically run past the perimeter of your invisible fence, but it may not get far before the shock signal sends it back. However, it’s important to note that invisible fences don’t prevent people or other animals from entering the fence from the opposite side.

Is there anything that could interfere with my invisible fence?

Yes. Sloping hills, metal roofing, stucco siding, and multiple trees can affect your invisible fence’s performance. However, this typically only happens with wireless models, not wired ones. Consider a physical or wired fence if your property has any of these features. This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.