The Ultimate Pet Tech Roundup: CNET’s Pet Owners Tested Every Device to Find the Best

Why I like it:

A dedicated pet cam comes with features beyond the typical home security camera, more aimed at watching over your pets when you’re away from home. Those extra features can sometimes get pricey, but this Petcube 360-degree panning cam is one of my favorite choices that mixes affordability with a strong suite of capabilities.

This 1080p camera is compact and can go nearly anywhere, with an 8x digital zoom and 30-foot night vision. Plus, in a central location you can use it to see in any direction, no matter where your pet has decided to rest or what it’s currently chewing on. If you want to talk to your pet, the two-way audio is there to help out. If you want privacy, the camera can physically shutter.

For best performance, I highly recommend picking up the $4 month Petcube Care subscription, which is where this cam really starts to stand out from a standard indoor camera. Then it can provide AI descriptive alerts about pets barking and moving around, notifications if another human is detected and cloud video storage for saving your clips.

If a subscription is an absolute dealbreaker for you, I recommend something like a gen 2 or gen 3 Google Nest camera, which provides basic object recognition and several hours of cloud video storage at no extra cost.  

Who is this for:

Pet owners who want to keep an eye on their pets when they’re away and don’t have any current solutions.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

People who really want to avoid paying a subscription, pet owners who already have security cameras that can keep an eye on pets.

-Tyler Lacoma

Why I like it:

For those who want more tech included on their pet cams, I came away very impressed with Furbo’s 360-degree camera. Technically there are two versions, one for dogs and one for cats, but the cat version only adds a little toy attachment at the top. Both models include two-way audio and a treat-tossing feature to interact with your pet even when you’re away (as long as it doesn’t interfere with their diet, of course).

However, my favorite feature is Furbo’s very fun activity and object detection, which attempts to identify what a pet is doing so it sends you descriptive alerts. It doesn’t always get it right and can occasionally be hilarious, like thinking a robot vacuum is a pet, but it’s still fun and useful. The alerts can give you an idea if your pet has jumped up on a no-no couch, for example.

A Furbo Nanny subscription is required to use this camera and all its smart features, starting at $7 a month with discounts when purchasing an entire year, so be prepared for some ongoing expenses for all these tricks.

Who is this for:

Pet owners who want advanced descriptions of what their pet is doing at home and the ability to occasionally toss a treat.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

People who are avoiding monthly subscriptions or already have security cameras they can use. Plus, treats probably aren’t the best option for pets on a diet. Some folk also get nervous about having algorithms analyze their in-home footage.

-Tyler Lacoma

Why I like it:

Smart pet collars are one of my favorite additions to a pet-loving household (as long as your pet doesn’t have a problem with them). While my colleagues have chosen some excellent models for dogs, I like this particular Petcube smart collar attachment for our feline friends.

Why? Because in addition to its location tracking capabilities, this collar also has LED lights that let it glow in the dark, ideal for tracking cats that may have disappeared into the night or underneath porches and need to be found sooner rather than later. It’s also thoroughly waterproof, can fit on most average-sized collars, and has a battery that can last up to 30 days.

When I talked to Dr. Abel Gonzalez, clinical director and veterinarian at pet telehealth platform Dutch, he told me smart collars like these are more useful than ever. "Smart collars have come a long way -- they’re no longer just GPS trackers, they’re health trackers," he said. "They can monitor heart rate, temperature, and even changes in activity or sleep that might flag early illness, pain, or anxiety. That’s especially useful when holiday travel or visitors throw routines off."

Petcube’s app can provide useful features like safe zones where the collar won’t give alerts, geofencing your pet with minimal effort. You can even track step counts for burning calories if your little buddy needs to lose some weight. However, the full GPS features do require a $5 monthly fee.

Who is this for:

Cat owners who have lost their cats in the dark one too many times and want to keep an eye on them permanently.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

Pet owners who aren’t comfortable paying GPS fees, cats who won’t stand anything slightly bulky on their collars.

-Tyler Lacoma

Why I like it:

The Tractive GPS collar is ideal for owners of dogs that moonlight as escape artists, especially larger dogs where this large tracker is the best fit. The GPS tracker attaches to your pet’s harness or collar, allowing you to monitor its location in real time through the app. 

A virtual fence around your property lets you know when a safe zone has been breached, and escape alerts are sent to your phone if your pet ever wanders off. You can also trigger the GPS device to light up and play a jingle to help find them at night.

Aside from monitoring your pet’s location, Tractive provides key health, sleep and activity data and breed-specific suggestions to help maintain target levels. It also suggests local walks and dog parks and allows you to connect with area dog owners to coordinate playdates.

The Tractive is simple to set up and the app is easy to navigate. A full battery lasts for about two weeks and charges back to full in a few hours. The GPS tracker is $69 with a $9 per month ($108 billed annually) fee to access the network for tracking.

Who this is for:

Owners of large dogs that love to jump fences, roam free and otherwise need tracking down from time to time.

Who shouldn't buy it:

One thing to note is that the GPS device is larger than others we’ve tested, so it’s not the best pick for dogs under 15 pounds. 

-David Watsky

Why I like it:

Similar to Tractive, the Fi Series 43 dog collar uses a combination of GPS, LTE cellular network, WiFi and Bluetooth to track your dog's location.

The Fi sports many of the same features as the Tractive, including health and activity monitoring with suggested targets based on breed and age. 

One key difference and big boon for the Fi collar is its industry-leading battery length -- up to three months on one charge, though the battery lifespan varies depending on how often the dog leaves Wi-Fi zones and uses cellular/GPS tracking.

The Fi also comes in five sizes, with options better suited to petite dogs under 15 pounds. The Fi mini weighs just 16g, making it light enough for cats and my 11-pound terrier, Freddie. These collars are also made to withstand 500 pounds of resistance, so they aren't going to break too easily if you choose a large model for a big, active dog.

The device and subscription are priced at $189 total for one year or $339 for two years. Month-to-month memberships are $19 per month. That high price nets you tracking for eating, drinking, barking, scratching and licking as well as GPS locations.

Who this is for:

People with smaller dogs who don't mind paying for a full membership.

Who shouldn't buy it:

People adverse to steep subscription fees and pet owners who would rather focus on the Tractive collar for big, outdoor-active dogs. If these prices are too much, well, the Petcube pick for a smart cat collar should be able to fit most small dogs as well.

-David Watsky

Why I like it:

Wireless pet fountains are already a useful, high-tech solution for pets that need to drink more, especially if they’re picky about their water sources and like fresh, moving water rather than standing water in bowls. The battery-charging design of fountains like Petcube’s means you can put it wherever your cat feels most comfortable drinking.

But then Petcube when a step further and added motion sensing and app support for this 1.7-liter fountain, so it saves battery by only turning on when there’s motion nearby and allows you to control functions with your phone. In my testing, I found the motion sensing a little wonky, but the design of the fountain was incredible, featuring a nearly-noiseless bubbling spout and high-quality materials. Frankly, it looked delicious.

Dr. Abel Gonzalez noted that you don't want to go too hands-off for these useful fountains. "Water fountains encourage hydration, especially for cats. Just remember: they’re tools, not substitutes for supervision. Technology keeps you consistent, but you still need to keep connection."

I also liked other smart cat fountains that I tested, particularly the Petlibro wireless fountain, but it lacked the high-quality materials and simple design of the Petcube model, which also made Petcube’s fountain far easier to clean -- a win in almost every direction. If your cat struggles with drinking enough water, like mine does, see if they’ll warm up to a smart fountain like this.

Who is this for:

Cat owners who need a compact fountain to encourage them to drink moving water – without a lot of noise.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

Pet owners with pets that already have healthy drinking habits, owners with dogs that need a larger bowl.

-Tyler Lacoma

Why I like it:

This bubbling water bowl filters your pet’s water and has a large 1.8-gallon capacity, so you’ll need to refill it less often. A low-water alert light lets you know when it’s time to refill. 

The quiet fountain bubbles gently to encourage hydration and the stainless-steel bowl is dishwasher safe. Unlike fountain models, which are generally designed for finicky cats, this bubbler is large and designed for even big dogs. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of an app-connected model, it does offer valuable tricks like an adjustable nozzle to prevent splashing noises and a five-layer filtration system.

Who this is for:

People with larger, thirsty dogs who need to drink plenty of water and could use a large bowl with monitoring features.

Who shouldn't buy it:

One downside is that the water bowl requires electricity to operate, so a cord must run from the bowl to the wall – not ideal for puppies prone to chewing cords. It also doesn't have any remote app controls.

-David Watsky

Why I like it:

As I explored smart pet feeders, I struggled to find one that wouldn't heap extra servings into a bowl when my cat hadn't finished eating what was there in the first place. But PawSync's secret weapon is a built-in scale with three major benefits: precise portion control, food intake tracking and the ability to skip a scheduled meal if enough food remains.

When setting up the PawSync, you'll need to calibrate the scale based on the food you're using. You start by finding the Calorie Content on your pet food's nutritional label, usually on the side or back. After filling the feeder tank, PawSync measures out a few servings to determine the serving size it can provide. While it varies based on the food I'm using, PawSync dispenses as little as 9 grams per portion.

Because PawSync can track how much food is in the bowl better than a pet cam, it can skip meals -- hence my extra feedings to account for times when he eats 4 grams of food just after a skipped feeding time. It can also dispense fewer portions or spread out multiple portions in a single feeding, but my single-portion meals don't really work with those features.

One of my favorite PawSync app features is the feeder tank indicator, which tells you roughly how long until your next refill. Refilling the Wi-Fi pet feeder is easy, although it took me a few times to realize I can just reset the fill meter instead of recalibrating the whole thing. I also like that the PawSync app lets you know when to clean the feeder and change the desiccant. But it would be nice to toggle these on and off or adjust their timing.

Who is this for:

In my experience, an automatic pet feeder isn't about making it easier for me. Instead, it's a way to give my cat the food he wants most without worrying if he can keep it down. While it has a side effect of simplifying the work for my pet sitter while I'm out of town or enabling spontaneous overnight trips -- that's more of a bonus.

Who shouldn't get it:

Although PawSync works for cats and small dogs, it supports only 4mm- to 15 mm-sized kibble, which is smaller than an American dime. (The manual has a ruler to help you check.) This means it's not as suitable for large kibble typically eaten by large dog breeds. It's also a bit more expensive than similar feeders.

-John Carlsen

Why I like it:

As someone who has had pets their whole life, I’m constantly trying to make caring for them convenient. I’ve tried multiple automatic feeders over the years, but all were for dry food (kibble). When my cat was diagnosed with diabetes, I switched her to an all-wet food diet, and suddenly, automating her feeding schedule wasn’t as easy.

Naturally, I was excited to try out this wet food feeder that promises to keep your pet’s food fresh and cold for up to 3 days. I appreciate how quiet and intuitive it is -- the device itself runs and opens quietly and smoothly, and the app lets you customize the feeding schedule down to the minute. You can also select how long you want the feeder open. Pia, my cat, took to it quickly and gets excited when the bell rings to alert her that food has been served. I’ve found that it’s made our feeding routine much more manageable, especially on days I get home late.

Dr. Abel Gonzalez also had recommendations for feeders like this. "Automatic feeders can be a lifesaver if used correctly. They keep meal timing consistent, which helps pets prone to stress or stomach upset," he told us. "Just make sure the device feels familiar before you leave for long hours, so it’s a comfort, not a new stressor."

Who is this for:

This wet food feeder is perfect for pet owners who feed their pet wet food, but aren’t always at home to ensure consistency. If you feed your pet wet food, you know all too well the smell that comes from letting it sit out too long, and some cats won’t even eat it if it’s not fresh (mine certainly won’t) -- the Polar Wet Food Feeder solves for that. The cooling system ensures your pet’s food stays cool and fresh, even when you’re not home.

For an alternative feeder from the same brand, the Petlibro Air Automatic Feeder ($44) isn’t as feature-rich as some of the higher-end models from the brand, but its size makes it perfect for travel or road trips with small pets. It’s lightweight and reliable enough to keep Pia on her normal feeding schedule. It’s not my everyday feeder, but it’s a solid backup for short trips or secondary spaces like a guest room.

Who shouldn't buy it:

If your pet only eats dry kibble or you need to feed multiple pets, this feeder isn’t the best option since the plates are designed for a single serving. The feeder also needs to be connected to an outlet and Wi-Fi at all times. If you live in an area prone to long power outages, you may risk skipping a feeding. The feeder does have a 12-hour backup battery.

-Nasha Addarich Martinez 

Why I like:

Anyone who lives with a cat knows the struggle of keeping their floors litter-free. I used to sweep my floors at least once a day to prevent scattering litter all over my apartment floors. The Shark Matrix has made that a non-issue -- I have it scheduled to run daily cleanings in the evenings while I’m at the gym, and when I get back home, I have clean floors. I’ve had robot vacuums before, but not a self-emptying one, and this type of technology is a game-changer. Instead of emptying out the vacuum each time it cleans, I only have to empty the base every couple of weeks. This vacuum also offers LiDAR mapping, which basically scans your home and makes a map of it on the app. This helps the vacuum ensure that it covers all the areas in your home. It’s also one of the quietest robot vacuums I’ve tested. So much so that I’ve had it on during work meetings, and my coworkers claim to not hear it in the background (and also doesn’t startle Pia, my cat).

Who this is for:

This robot vacuum is ideal for cat or small-pet owners who have to constantly sweep to keep litter and pet hair off the floor. If your floors are a mix of hardwood and low-pile rugs, this vacuum will work well for you. It is also a great investment for people who work long hours and want to automate cleanings remotely.

Who shouldn’t buy this:

If you live in a large, multi-level home or have long-haired dogs that shed a lot, you might need a higher capacity model or even multiple docks for each level. My kitchen is around 2 inches higher than the rest of my floor plan and this robot cannot climb that high. But it had no problem going into my room, which is around a half an inch higher than my foyer and living room.

-Nasha Addarich Martinez 

Why I like it:

The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is rated as the best overall carpet cleaner tested for good reason. It blew away the competition on pet odor testing as well as stain removal. It was the only carpet cleaner that effectively removed pet urine smell and lingering "dog dander odor" from my carpet. I found the pre-steam function as its key feature that helps lift those difficult odors from the carpet fibers and loosens stains before the washing process begins.

Although it came in a close second for tough stain removal (behind the Tineco Carpet One Cruiser), its performance combined with its price point gives it an unbeatable price-to-value ratio. The large 1-gallon clean and dirty water tanks are also a significant advantage, allowing for the cleaning of large areas (for me it cleaned 500 square feet without refilling).

Who is this for:

This carpet cleaner is the ideal choice for pet owners, particularly cat owners and dog owners. Let’s face it, sometimes your cat misses the litter box or your dog or cat has an accident. If you have pets, I highly recommend the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam if you want to eliminate, not hide, those hard-to-remove pet odor issues. 

Who shouldn't buy it:

Individuals who struggle with strength, dexterity, or carrying heavy items up and down stairs should reconsider this model, as it is the heaviest machine tested at 22.5 pounds and has a reclining pedal that sometimes requires a firm push. Additionally, due to its noise level (82.8 dB), it may not be suitable for those with sensitive hearing or who need to clean while children are sleeping. 

If you only need light cleaning for general foot traffic and are not concerned about heavy pet messes or odors, a cheaper model like the Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce or the Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X might be a better value.

-Katie Collins

Why I like it:

If you have a cat that hates covered litter boxes (like mine), there's still a covered box out there for you thanks to this PetSafe model. It's a simple automatic box, equipped with sensors that notice when a cat has entered/left the box and will, after a pause, activate the scooper to run through the litter and deposit everything in an easy-to-clean receptacle.

There's no app management or health analysis features here, but it does save you some work and smell while keep the box relatively familiar for cats, which is a plus. It's also as easy to use as plugging it in, so don't worry about setup. PetSafe has chosen to create the bottom tray out of cardboard, an interesting approach that lets you easily throw away the old tray every several months, but requires you to purchase new bottom trays every time.

Who is this for:

Cat owners who badly want an automatic litter box but have cats that need an open-air box.

Who shouldn't buy it:

This litter box has a few quirks pet owners need to know about before they buy. First, it's a plug-in model like most automatic boxes, so you are severely restricted on where you can put the box. Second, it's not for kittens -- your cat needs to be more of an adult weight to use it. Third, PetSafe recommends using their style of litter for best results, but that's not always something your cat will be happy with. Add in all the potential changes and it's for easy-going felines.

-Tyler Lacoma

In most cases, I’d advise against it. It’s just too hard to know how another person’s pet will react to pet tech, or how they personally feel about using new devices for pet care. Also, in many cases, you’re asking them to take on a subscription fee as well as a new product.

But if you know the person and their pet really well and have talked about pet tech in the past, or seen them successfully use similar pet gadgets before, then the right gift may be a good idea.