Pet cameras range from basic 1080p security devices to mobile robots that dispense treats, play with pets and recognize activity. The tested models vary widely in reliability, image quality, interactive features and subscription requirements. Below are additional tested cameras, along with one model that was not recommended after setup and charging problems.
Other tested pet cameras
Enabot Ebo Air 2 — $199
Enabot’s Ebo Air 2 is an improved interactive robot camera on wheels. It has a 2K HD camera, two-way audio, a laser toy and app-based movement controls. The light, compact robot can maneuver around objects and entertain—or frighten or confuse—pets with animal sounds, tricks such as spinning and zigzagging, and “emotions” displayed on its front screen. Its built-in laser toy attracted the reviewer’s cat. Other features include 24/7 video recording with smart playback, motion detection and activity alerts.
Petcube Play 2 — $60
The Petcube Play 2 combines a pet security camera with a laser toy, but testing produced mixed results. It provides clear color and night vision, an ultrawide field of view and two-way audio. The laser is supposed to activate automatically when motion is detected, but that often failed during testing. When it did work, it quickly shut off. Mounting the camera high on a shelf also placed the laser too far above the cat. Manual control through the app was possible, although the laser often lagged. The camera itself is solid, but the toy feature was disappointing.
Furbo Mini — $17
The affordable Furbo Mini is a basic pet camera that rotates 360 degrees. Its app is easy to use, the 1080p HD video feed is clear, the camera can be wall-mounted and it offers two-way audio. Although it connects to power through USB, it works only with 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi. Access to smart detection, alerts and historical video requires Furbo Nanny, a paid subscription service. Furbo offers a 14-day free trial.
Petcube Bites 2 Lite — $70
This food-dispensing camera has 1080p HD live streaming, night vision up to 30 feet, up to 8x zoom and two-way audio. Its removable dispenser holds up to 1.5 pounds of kibble, and the app lets owners remotely toss treats while controlling the amount and distance. With a subscription, the app sends movement and sound alerts and records events for playback. The camera offers useful customization and a crisp video feed, but the best features require an additional care plan.
Enabot Rola PetPal Robotic Pet Companion — $200
The rotating Rola PetPal combines a camera, robot and treat dispenser, but its glitchy app made the device unpredictable. Users can watch a live feed, drive the robot, perform tricks and dispense treats through the app. Recordings can be scheduled and viewed through cloud playback, including a 30-second “day in the life” compilation. The robot is designed to detect unusual movements and sounds, such as barking or breaking glass, and send time-stamped smart alerts. Its AI-powered pet recognition can take photos of pets, but that functionality was not reliable during testing.
Petcube Cam — $32
The compact Petcube Cam is a basic but affordable camera with 1080p HD video, night vision and two-way audio. It sits on a hinge that allows the camera to angle up or down, and the app can flip the feed if the device is placed horizontally. Features beyond live video require a Petcube care plan. Motion zones can limit alerts to selected areas, and users can connect their phone’s location to the app for more frequent alerts while away. The feed can also be shared with other people, with control over which footage they can view.
Catit Pixi Smart Mouse Camera — $56
The mouse-shaped camera has oversized magnetic feet that attach to a metal stand, while hinged legs allow users to adjust its height and angle. The lens does not move, and a microSD card is required for anything beyond live video. With a card, users can review past events, record live video and save photos and clips to a smartphone. However, it was difficult to identify the timing of older footage. The live feed sometimes lagged, and the camera experienced connection problems. Its price was high considering its limited features.
Closer Pets TreatView with Pet Camera — $100
This rugged camera includes HD video, two-way communication, motion detection, built-in memory and a one-cup container for grain and treats. Treats can be scheduled or dispensed randomly. The video feed was consistently clear, but the audio was delayed and difficult to hear. Even at its lowest setting, the dispenser released large, heaping portions of kibble. Its harsh warning sound frightened the pet and could not be muted. The dispenser’s hole placement also forced the camera to point low, making it difficult to view the desired area. Its additional features were more problematic than useful during testing.
Not recommended
Enabot EBO Max FamilyBot — $510
Enabot describes the EBO Max as an AI family companion that recognizes pets and family members, remembers routines and preferences, and comes when called. It also includes features expected from a pet-wheel camera, including two-way audio and video, night vision and 4K imaging. However, since setup, the camera has not worked properly, and the robot has not consistently connected to or charged on its dock. The reviewer was working with Enabot’s support team and planned to update the review after determining whether the problem could be fixed or the unit was defective.
How the cameras were tested
Testing began by looking for security cameras with additional pet-specific features. Each camera was set up individually, with attention paid to initial configuration, Wi-Fi setup, feed speed and reliability. Every camera was tested for at least a week, and most were used for much longer in different locations around the home. The testing covered features such as scheduled feeding, treat dispensing, playtime and scheduled recording. Over several months, the reviewer traveled out of town several times and relied entirely on the cameras to monitor two children, including a cat.
Pet cameras versus security cameras
Security cameras can monitor a home—and its pets—while the owner is away. Pet cameras typically add features designed for animals, such as treat dispensing and two-way speakers that allow owners to interact with their pets. Those features may help address separation anxiety and boredom. For example, the Enabot Rola PetPal Robotic Pet Companion has attachments for remotely feeding treats and playing with a pet.
A regular security camera can still be used as a pet camera. However, like any Wi-Fi-connected smart-home device, it could be hacked, compromising privacy. Use a strong Wi-Fi password and enable two-factor authentication in the camera’s app. As an additional precaution, turn the camera off when you are at home.
Source: www.wired.com