In today’s world, where many pet owners juggle busy schedules, staying connected to our furry companions has never been more important. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or traveling, knowing that your dog is safe and happy at home can offer incredible peace of mind. That’s where smart pet cameras come in—and among the top contenders are Furbo and Petcube.
These two devices have gained popularity for their innovative features, but they each bring something different to the table. So, how do you choose the right one for your home and, more importantly, for your dog? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and unique features of both Furbo and Petcube Cam 360 to help you make a decision that fits your needs.
First Impressions: Design and Build
Furbo: Furbo was clearly designed with dogs—and their owners—in mind. It has a modern, vase-like shape with a bamboo wood top that blends seamlessly into most home décors. It’s not just pretty, though; it’s sturdy, with a wide base that stays put, even if your curious pup sniffs or nudges it.
Petcube Cam 360: The Petcube Cam 360 is more utilitarian in appearance, featuring a small, cylindrical body that resembles a standard home security camera. Its compact footprint makes it easy to place almost anywhere, and the motorized base lets it rotate to give you a full view of the room.
Our Take: If style and dog-friendly design matter to you, Furbo has the edge. But if space-saving and all-around coverage are more your thing, Petcube wins.
Picture Perfect? Video Quality and Camera Features
Furbo: With a 1080p HD camera, 160-degree wide-angle lens, and infrared night vision, Furbo delivers clear video in various lighting conditions. The image is especially tailored to show what’s happening at dog-level, and the 4x zoom is handy for close-ups.
Petcube Cam 360: Petcube also offers 1080p HD resolution but adds a big bonus: full 360-degree horizontal rotation and 96-degree vertical tilt. This allows you to scan the entire room with just a swipe on your smartphone screen. Night vision and 8x zoom are also included.
Our Take: If you want to actively follow your dog as they move around the house, Petcube’s pan-and-tilt feature is a game changer. Furbo offers excellent static video, but Petcube brings more flexibility.
Let’s Talk: Audio Features and Communication
Furbo: Two-way audio lets you talk to your dog—and hear them respond. One standout feature is the barking alert. If Furbo detects barking, it sends a real-time notification to your phone. This can be incredibly useful if your dog suffers from separation anxiety or if you live in a noise-sensitive area.
Petcube Cam 360: Petcube also has two-way audio, allowing you to check in vocally. However, its barking and sound alerts are only available with a subscription. The sound quality is solid, though slightly more robotic.
Our Take: Furbo provides more out-of-the-box functionality when it comes to sound notifications, making it a great option for pet parents who want proactive updates without paying extra.
Treat Time: Interactive Features
Furbo: One of the most-loved features of Furbo is its treat dispenser. You can load it with your dog’s favorite snacks and toss them remotely using the app. It’s not only fun for your dog but also offers a way to reinforce good behavior while you’re away.
Petcube Cam 360: This model doesn’t have a treat-dispensing feature. If that’s a deal-breaker, you’d need to consider one of Petcube’s other models like the Petcube Bites 2.
Our Take: When it comes to interactive play and positive reinforcement, Furbo clearly takes the win. The treat-tossing feature turns monitoring into bonding.
Smart Features That Go the Extra Mile
Furbo: Furbo’s smart features are designed with dogs in mind. Here’s what it offers:
- Barking alerts
- Person detection
- Dog activity alerts (e.g., running, jumping)
- Smoke and CO detector sound alerts
- Dog selfies (yes, really!)
- Doggie Diary (a daily summary video)
While some features require a Furbo Dog Nanny subscription, you get access to several functions without paying extra.
Petcube Cam 360: Petcube offers:
- Motion and sound alerts
- Pan and tilt control
- Video history
More advanced notifications, like detecting meowing or barking, are locked behind their subscription plan.
Our Take: Furbo stands out with its pet-centric smart features. If you’re looking for more than just surveillance, it delivers a richer, more playful experience.
What Will It Cost You?
Furbo: Furbo’s initial price tag is higher, mainly due to its interactive hardware. The optional Furbo Dog Nanny subscription enhances its capabilities, but basic features like live video and treat tossing work just fine without it.
Petcube Cam 360: This model is more budget-friendly up front. However, many useful features are behind a paywall, so ongoing costs could add up if you want more than basic monitoring.
Our Take: If you’re budget-conscious but still want core features, Petcube is a strong choice. But if you’re seeking premium functionality and don’t mind paying a bit more initially, Furbo offers more built-in value.
Getting Started: Setup and Ease of Use
Furbo: Setting up Furbo is straightforward. The app guides you step-by-step, and within minutes, you’re ready to monitor and toss treats. The app’s layout is clean and dog-focused, with everything you need within reach.
Petcube: Petcube’s app is equally easy to use, especially if you’re comfortable with smart home gadgets. The interface lets you move the camera around with simple swipes, and multi-camera support makes it easy to keep an eye on multiple rooms.
Our Take: Both systems are user-friendly, but Furbo’s dog-specific design may feel more intuitive to pet owners new to tech.
Dependability: Reliability and Performance
Furbo: Furbo is generally reliable but can occasionally experience treat dispenser jams or app lags, particularly on slower networks. Firmware updates are available to fix bugs and improve performance.
Petcube: Petcube is known for its smooth video streaming and responsive controls. It handles multi-device environments well and rarely disconnects once properly set up.
Our Take: Petcube has the edge in reliability, especially in households with multiple devices or varying Wi-Fi conditions.
Staying Secure: Privacy and Data Protection
Furbo: Furbo uses modern encryption methods and allows you to manage who has access to the camera feed. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of safety.
Petcube: Petcube takes privacy seriously too, with encrypted streams and user access controls. Its web access features are great for households with multiple users or pet sitters.
Our Take: Both brands meet industry standards for security, so you can rest easy knowing your data—and your dog—is protected.
Summing It Up: Price vs. Value
Furbo: Though more expensive, Furbo delivers value with its treat dispenser, smart notifications, and unique pet-centric features. It’s designed specifically with dogs in mind.
Petcube Cam 360: Petcube offers high functionality at a lower price. It’s ideal for pet parents who want broad coverage and solid basics without extra fluff.
Our Take: Choose Furbo if you want interaction, enrichment, and comprehensive dog monitoring. Choose Petcube if you’re looking for reliable, affordable surveillance with smart coverage.
Final Thoughts: Which Pet Camera is Right for You?
If you’re still torn, here’s a simple breakdown:
Go with Furbo if:
- Your dog loves treats and you want to interact during the day.
- Barking alerts and dog-specific notifications are a priority.
- You’re okay with paying a bit more for premium pet-focused features.
Go with Petcube Cam 360 if:
- You want an affordable option with panoramic video coverage.
- You’re mainly interested in monitoring movement and sound.
- You don’t mind subscribing for additional functionality.
At the end of the day, both Furbo and Petcube serve their purpose well. What matters most is choosing the one that aligns with your lifestyle, your dog’s needs, and your budget. No matter which you choose, your pup will appreciate the extra attention—and you’ll enjoy peace of mind, knowing they’re safe and happy, even when you’re not home.