Automatic logbook apps are a fantastic alternative to manually tracking business kilometres and car expenses in a paper logbook in 2025. If you’re struggling to choose between GOFAR and Driversnote, this comparison will help you make an informed decision. Both GOFAR and Driversnote offer ways to track business kilometres and automate trip logging, but they serve different needs. Driversnote relies on a smartphone app, which can lead to missed trips if the app is closed, the phone battery dies, or the phone’s operating system shuts it down. GOFAR, on the other hand, is app-independent – its OBD-II device automatically logs all trips, ensuring nothing is missed. Let’s compare them in more detail. GOFAR vs Driversnote at a glance Choosing between GOFAR and Driversnote depends on a few key factors: ✅ Your budget ✅ The features you need ✅ What you’ll be using them for As you can see in the table above, GOFAR and Driversnote are very different. GOFAR is an all-in-one device and app that not only tracks business kilometres but also monitors fuel tracking, car diagnostics, and expenses. Driversnote is a mobile app that primarily focuses on business mileage tracking and requires additional manual input if the app is inactive. Key Functionality and Reliability Differences Understanding how each system works is key to making the right choice. Below, we compare GOFAR and Driversnote in terms of functionality and reliability. GOFAR App-Independent Automatic Recording: GOFAR’s device plugs into your car’s OBD-II port and automatically records all trips whenever the car is turned on. It does not rely on a phone app to function, meaning no trips are missed. No Battery Drain or Missed Trips: Because GOFAR works independently of your phone, it does not drain battery or require the app to be running in the background. Data Storage and Upload: Trips are stored on the GOFAR device and uploaded to the app when the phone is available again, ensuring uninterrupted and reliable trip logging. No False Logging: The device only activates when your car is in use, eliminating accidental logging when you’re a passenger in another vehicle. Driversnote App-Dependent Logging: Driversnote relies entirely on your phone’s GPS and app activity. If your phone runs out of battery, if the app is closed, or if you forget your phone, your trips may not be recorded. Battery Drain: The app continuously tracks GPS to improve accuracy, leading to faster battery depletion—even when you’re not driving. Beacon Dependency: Driversnote offers an iBeacon to help reduce trip errors, but it still depends on your phone. If the phone dies or the app crashes, trips are still missed. False Logging Issues: Without the beacon, Driversnote may mistakenly log trips when you are a passenger in another vehicle, requiring manual corrections. User Interface and App Features Trip Tracking Both GOFAR and Driversnote offer user-friendly interfaces, making it easy to track the kilometres travelled for each work trip. GOFAR provides a more detailed breakdown, including fuel usage, emissions, and fuel economy. Both apps allow you to classify each trip as either personal or work-related. Auto Tagging Both apps include auto-tracking and tagging features, but GOFAR offers more advanced options. GOFAR allows you to set filters for the day, time, start location, and end location, and it can automatically tag the purpose of the trip. This is particularly useful for those who frequently visit the same locations for work, allowing for complete automation of the tracking process. Driversnote includes fewer features, primarily allowing you to set the date and time. Fuel Receipt Logging A significant difference between the apps is the ability to log fuel expenses. GOFAR provides a robust system for managing fuel expenses, featuring an AI-powered receipt scanner that automatically logs information from a photo of your fuel receipt. If you can’t take a photo or have lost the receipt, GOFAR also allows manual entry of the information. Unfortunately, Driversnote does not offer a fuel expense logging feature. Car Health & Diagnostics The GOFAR OBD2 device delivers real-time diagnostics to the app, alerting you to any issues before they become serious problems, thus helping you avoid costly repairs. The system continuously monitors your engine and other critical systems, providing detailed insights into your car’s health. Additionally, GOFAR lets you set reminders for various tasks, such as tyre pressure, registration, and servicing. Unfortunately, the Driversnote app lacks these features and only automatically tracks business kilometres. Exporting ATO Logbook Exporting your ATO logbook with a list of all your trips is straightforward with both apps. GOFAR allows you to select different vehicles and set custom dates for export, making it easy to choose the exact periods for tax claims. The report is sent to your email in both PDF and Excel formats. Driversnote also allows custom date selection, but the free version is limited to only 15 trips per month. Devices Included with GOFAR and Driversnote Both Driversnote and GOFAR offer devices included for free in their annual plans, but they differ significantly in terms of features and functionality. Driversnote provides an iBeacon, while GOFAR includes its well-known OBD2 device that plugs into your car’s computer. This comparison will highlight the unique features and functionalities of each device. GOFAR (OBD2 Scanner) GOFAR’s device simply plugs into the car’s OBD2 port (under the steering wheel) and automatically logs all trips whenever the car is running. This ensures no trips are missed, even if the GOFAR app is not running or the phone is not in the car. The device also continuously monitors your car for faults, so you can see exactly why your ‘Check Engine Light’ is on. These functionalities make it a robust tool for those wanting to look after their car and get an ATO logbook done automatically. However, it’s important to note that GOFAR’s OBD2 device may not be compatible with cars older than 2007. You can check your car’s compatibility on their website. Driversnote (iBeacon) Driversnote’s iBeacon can help to reduce errors in trip tracking. It helps the Drivernote app figure out if you are driving your car or travelling in a different vehicle. This means that trips taken in Taxis and other vehicles are less likely to be accidentally tracked by the app, which happens if you use Driversnote without the iBeacon. It is easy to use and does not require a complex setup. It is an effective solution for those primarily interested in basic trip tracking. Customer reviews of GOFAR and Driversnote Both GOFAR and Driversnote have excellent reviews across the board, with a few minor complaints in terms of setup and tracking accuracy. Here’s what GOFAR’s customers are saying: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is a great app and tool – I got it mostly to track driving expenses for work, but there’s so much more to it.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Quick and easy way to correctly log work driving for my side hustle. I used to have a paper logbook but could never remember to fill it in.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ “So far it’s been excellent. I had a bit of trouble installing the device but the GOFAR team got back to me straight away and helped me solve it.” Here’s what Driversnote’s customers are saying: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I have been using this app for over a year now. It has tracked my mileage well enough for my purposes.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Really like this app. I only use the Lite Version as it does everything that I need. Simple to use with accurate recording of mileage.” ⭐⭐⭐ “Works well most of the time. I’ve had a few instances where my drives weren’t tracked – even though I use the beacon.” Pricing and Subscription Plans GOFAR provides more features at a lower price compared to Driversnote. Both its monthly and annual subscriptions are more affordable, with even greater savings available on a two-year subscription. Additionally, GOFAR offers a 60-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked if you are not satisfied with the service. In contrast, Driversnote does offer a free plan, but it is limited to 15 trips per month, and does not include the iBeacon which increases tracking errors. Below is a detailed breakdown of the pricing for GOFAR and Driversnote. GOFAR vs. Driversnote: Which should you choose? Choosing between GOFAR and Driversnote depends on what you need from a logbook solution. Choose Driversnote if: Your car is older than 2007. You take fewer than 15 trips per month. You don’t mind manual trip corrections. GOFAR will be the right app for you if: Your car is newer than 2007. You want fully automated trip logging. You don’t want to rely on a phone app. You want additional car diagnostics and fuel tracking. You want to maximise tax deductions with reliable, complete data.