You may be familiar with the Furbo pet camera that allows you to not only view your pet when you’re away from home but also toss them treats whenever you want. While it’s a good product, it’s a bit on the pricey side. Luckily, there are a host of Furbo pet camera alternatives out there from which to choose!
If you’re curious about these alternatives, you may be having difficulty deciding which one will best fit your needs. After all, there is a lot to pick from! We have taken a close look at the Furbo pet camera alternatives, comparing them in detail to the original. Keep reading to learn all about these fun cameras!
A Quick Look at Our Winners in 2024
A Quick Look at Our Winners in 2024| Image | Product | Details | ||
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Wyze Cam v3 Pet Camera |
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Petcube Bites 2 Lite Camera |
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INSTACHEW Purechew Automatic with HD Camera Cat & Dog Feeder |
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The 7 Furbo Pet Camera Alternatives Compared:
1. Wyze Cam v3 Pet Camera vs Furbo Dog Camera
The first alternative that we compared to the Furbo is the Wyze Cam v3 camera. One thing we love about the Wyze v3 is its versatility. Since it’s waterproof, you can install the Wyze v3 not only indoors but outdoors, too. So, if you have a dog that enjoys spending their days in the backyard, you’ve still got them covered. And if you’re getting home after dark, you won’t have to worry about not being able to see your dog because this camera has a special sensor that enables you to see them in full color.
General usage is very similar for both the Furbo and the Wyze camera. Using each model’s app, you can both view and record your pet as they go about their day, get an alert whenever sound or motion is noticed, listen or talk to your pet with the two-way audio, and even start a siren if you see a person or animal that shouldn’t be hanging around. And, if you have a 32GB MicroSD card lying around, you can add it to the camera to enable three continuous days of video.
The biggest difference between these cameras is the price point. The Wyze v3 offers great value for a low price, whereas the Furbo is quite a bit more expensive. Although the Furbo has extra features like a built-in treat dispenser, the Wyze can be used indoors and outdoors, making it more versatile.
2. Petcube Bites 2 Lite Treat Dispenser Camera vs Furbo Dog Camera
If you have your heart set on a treat-dispensing camera, you may want to consider the Petcube Bites 2 camera. Not only can you keep an eye on your pet when you’re away from home, but you can also give them treats! Simply schedule when you want treats dispensed or control them remotely with the app, and you’re guaranteed to have a happy pet. You can also converse with them via the two-way audio that lets you listen and talk. Plus, when your pet moves or makes a sound, a recording starts that you can view up to 4 hours later.
The Petcube Bites 2 features HD 1080p live-streaming, digital zoom, night vision, and a wide-angle view. You can also chat with a vet using the app whenever you need, which Furbo doesn’t offer.
We think the Furbo has a more attractive design and premium feel, though Petcube’s vet consultation capability is an appealing feature.
3. Wyze Cam Pan V2 Pet Camera vs Furbo Dog Camera
We also compared the Wyze v2 camera to the Furbo Dog Camera. This high-def camera is extremely user-friendly, so you should have no issues setting it up or using it. With its pan and tilt feature, you won’t have to worry about your pet moving out of range of the camera, as you can follow along with them. The high definition guarantees a crystal-clear image from up to 30 feet away, while color night vision ensures you can see your pet no matter how little light there is. Plus, with two-way audio, you can listen in on your pet and talk to them whenever you want. The Wyze camera can be controlled via an app on your smartphone.
In comparison with the Furbo camera, the Wyze v2 is quite a bit cheaper but also lacks a few key features. Though the Furbo also has a great camera equipped with night vision, it doesn’t spin or tilt, so your pet could easily move out of frame. The Wyze v2, on the other hand, doesn’t offer treat dispensing and can be a little finicky with shaky Wi-Fi.
4. INSTACHEW Purechew Feeder & HD Camera vs Furbo Dog Camera
With the INSTACHEW camera you never again have to worry about feeding your pet when you’re running late getting home! Though the Furbo offers treat dispensing, full-blown automatic feeding is definitely more convenient. The INSTACHEW camera lets you see your pet whenever you want, plus offers two-way audio to hear and speak with them, just like the Furbo. This camera also provides recordings, night vision, and motion detection, so you’ll always know what your pet is up to.
And when it comes to feeding your furry friends when you’re away from home, this camera makes things a breeze! You can choose to either set up an automatic feeding schedule or feed your pet instantly from anywhere in the world with controlled portions, so they don’t overeat. The drawback to this design is that you’ll have to refill the 4-liter container of dog food regularly, compared to the more sparingly used Furbo treat dispenser.
In the end, we think automatic feeding combined with great camera features like two-way audio, night vision, and motion detection makes the INSTACHEW camera an interesting alternative to the Furbo.
5. WOpet Smart Pet Camera: Dog Treat Dispenser vs Furbo Dog Camera
With the WOpet Smart Pet Camera, you can not only view your pet while you’re away, but you can also snap pictures and share them online. For the Furbo, that feature is only available if you also sign up for a subscription to the Nanny service, adding expense to an already pricy camera. Using the night vision feature on both cameras, you can see your furry friends in any sort of light, while the zoom and wide-angle lens mean you can keep them in sight at all times. Two-way audio enables you to chat and play with your pet. Plus, you can use either camera’s app to toss treats (dry only) to your pet whenever they deserve a reward!
Set-up for the WOpet camera is easier, with only three steps, and you can contact customer service 24 hours a day and technical support 365 days a year.
6. SKYMEE Petalk AI Camera vs Furbo Dog Camera
The SKYMEE camera allows you to view your pet with a wide-angle lens and the ability to zoom in up to four times closer. This camera also utilizes night vision technology so you can see what’s happening at any time of day. Plus, the SKYMEE will let you know when your dog is up to something by sending a notification when it detects motion. And, if your pet is anxious or frightened, you can talk to them via the two-way audio to calm them down again. Then, remotely give them a treat as a reward!
Up to eight people can log into an account on separate phones after initial setup so that the whole family can stay involved in your pet’s life.
Although this camera’s features sound very similar to the Furbo, the Petalk AI is overly noisy and the treat dispenser jams easily. Though it’s a bit cheaper than the Furbo, you may prefer the extra features of a premium camera.
7. Owlet Home Pet Camera vs Furbo Dog Camera
This simple to set up camera by Owlet Home offers HD live streaming so you can view your pet 24/7 (day or night since night vision is included). The high-quality speaker and mic allow you to verbally check in with your pet whenever you want, while the motion sensor and dog bark alert let you know when motion is detected. And if your pet is feeling lonely, toss them a treat so they feel better!
This camera comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, a 12-month warranty, and tech support.
When we compared it to the Furbo camera, we found this model harder to set up and a little clunky to use. Switching between the microphone and speaker can cause you to miss some of your pet’s barks or meows, and the Owlet Home camera doesn’t work on 5G internet.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Pet Camera
Why Use a Pet Camera?
A pet camera can be an excellent investment for several reasons. If your pet has separation anxiety (or if you’re the one with separation anxiety), you can help keep them calm with a camera that allows them to hear your voice while you can see them. You can also track your pet’s health while you’re away from home, so if they are feeling unwell or dealing with a chronic condition, you can get them help right away if needed. Having a pet camera also allows you to watch for any negative behaviors, such as chewing, furniture scratching, and more. These behaviors can help you know how your pet is feeling, so if you find they’re bored or stressed, you can take steps to remedy the situation. Plus, you can tell them “No!” when you see the behavior.
What to Consider in a Pet Camera
There are several considerations to picking which pet camera would work best for your household.
Features
A camera’s features may be the most critical aspect to look at. Most cameras will at least have two-way audio so you can listen and talk to your pet, as well as night vision so you can see them at any time. But some cameras will offer more features than that. These features can include the ability to dispense treats or entire meals, a way to snap pictures of your pet, motion sensors and notifications when they detect motion, and ways for multiple users to view the camera.
You’ll need to decide which features are best suited to your pet and situation.
Specs
When it comes to specs, we don’t just mean the weight or size of a camera. You also need to ensure that you have the right connectivity to use the camera. That means checking that you have the right kind of Wi-Fi, as well as a suitable smartphone or tablet that can download the app you’ll need to view remotely. Some cameras will work with a wide variety of Wi-Fi or operating systems, while others are more limited. Several will not work with 5G, which is being more widely used, making them obsolete for some people.
Lens
When it comes to the camera lens, you’ll want to check angles, tilt, pan, and zoom. Some cameras will have a broader view of a room or backyard than others. Some will offer more zoom. A few cameras may not have tilt or pan options at all. Decide just how much you’ll need to see of the location you’re setting the camera up in and choose accordingly.
Price
Pet cameras can be a bit pricey, but with several brands out there, you should be able to find one that’s in your price range. When you find a camera with all the features you want, double-check to see if you can find another with the same or similar specifications that may cost a few dollars less.
Reviews
It’s always vital to check reviews from other users before purchasing a new product, as it’s the best way to get a more honest take on how well a product works.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for a great camera to keep an eye on your pet while you’re out of the house, the Furbo dog camera can be a great option. But it’s not the only model on the market, and some Furbo alternatives are really worth your time. We think the Wyze Cam v3 offers great value, as it’s waterproof, can start a siren if trouble is spotted, and even record for up to 3 days with an SD card. Another model you may want to consider is the Petcube Bites 2, since you can not only view your pet but give them treats remotely and even chat with a vet when needed. And our final great alternative is the INSTACHEW Purechew, which offers all of the great camera features plus easy automatic feeding. We hope this comparison of the top Furbo pet camera alternatives helps you choose the right model for your home!
Featured Image Credit: Jinning Li, Shutterstock
