It’s the battle of the treat dispensing pet cameras on the blog today – specifically the newly updated Petcube Bites 2 vs Furbo – how will they fare? Read on to find out!
Petcube Bites 2 vs Furbo Dog Camera
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Side-by-Side Comparison
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| Product Details | ||
| Camera/Video | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Audio/Microphone | 2-way Audio | 2-way Audio |
| Wireless Communication | Wifi/Blutooth | Wifi/Blutooth |
| Dimensions | 5.7 x 3 x 10.6 in | 5.9 x 4.7 x 8.9 in |
| Power | Outlet/USB Cable | Outlet/USB Cable |
| Wall Mountable | Optional | ✘ |
| Colors Available | Matte Silver | White |
| Standard Features (Without Subscription) | ||
| Treat Dispenser | ✔ | ✔ |
| Treat Dispenser Capacity | 1.5 lbs | 100 treats |
| Live Streaming | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sound & Motion Alerts | ✔ | Bark Alerts Only |
| Treat Scheduling (Automation) | ✔ | ✘ |
| Family Sharing | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multicam Ability | ✔ | ✔ |
| Warranty | 12 Months | 12 Months |
| Subscription Free-trial Period | 30 days | 90 days |
| Subscription Extras (Paid) | Petcube Care | Furbo Dog Nanny |
| Cloud Based Video Storage (Activity/Event Triggered Recordings) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smart Alerts (Bark/Activity/Event/ Pet & Human Recognition) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pet Care Partner Discounts | ✔ | ✘ |
| Extended Warranty | ✔ | ✘ |
| Subscription Cost | Up to $14.99/month | $6.99/month |
| Connectivity & Compatibility | ||
| Connectivity Requirements | 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, iOS 10.3 & higher or Android 7.1.2 & higher | 2.4GHz WiFi, iOS 10 & higher or Android 6 & higher, BLE |
| Built-in Alexa | ✔ | ✘ |
Differences
1. Design
Whilst the 2 pet cameras are similar in size and features, the 2 could not look more different! The Bites 2 is available in a sleek, futuristic matte silver case, whilst the Furbo is more ‘Scandi-chic’ in design and comes in white only.
The Bites 2 also comes with an optional wall-mount kit (not offered by Furbo) which is a nice touch, especially if you have bigger dogs with a tendency for knocking things over!
2. Sound & Motion Alerts
The Bites 2 offers both sound and motion alerts with and without a paid subscription, the Furbo on the other hand, only offer bark alerts without a subscription.
Additional smart alerts (like being able to detect humans and distinguish between sounds and motion) are unlocked with paid subscriptions on both devices. Whilst ‘Dog Selfie’ alerts (detailed below), also become available with a paid Furbo subscription.
With Petcube you’re also able to set video filters for the alerts that you receive and nominate a desired sound and motion ‘sensitivity level’.
3. Treat Scheduling
A nice addition offered by the 2nd generation Petcube Bites camera is treat scheduling. Treat scheduling is available as standard (without a subscription) for Petcube users and affords busy pet owners the option to set up an automatic (and highly customizable) treat-dispensing schedule within the Petcube App. This is not offered by Furbo, with treat scheduling only possible via Alexa.
4. Subscription Packages
These vary significantly between the two. With 2 subscription tiers available, Petcube Care, the Bites subscription service ranges from $5.99/month up to $14.99/month (with significant discounts offered when paying annually). It also comes with various video storage options (up to 90 days) and partner pet care discounts, as well as an extended warranty offering with Premium Care (none of which are currently available from Furbo).
Furbo’s subscription service, Furbo Dog Nanny, currently offers 1 tier option at $6.99/month and is comparable to Petcube’s $5.99/month offering in terms of Smart Alerts. Furbo Dog Nanny, however, only offers 24 hours of Cloud video storage (vs Petcube’s 3 days). It does offer a 60-sec daily highlight video as part of its package though which is a nice touch.
At the moment Furbo Dog Nanny is only supported in the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
5. Dog Selfie Alert
Furbo’s AI technology (in conjunction with the Furbo Dog Nanny subscription service) can detect when your dog is facing the camera and snap a dog selfie and send it directly to your phone as an alert.
This feature is not currently available with Petcube Bites 2, however you can snap photos manually – Petcube still alerts you to motion though and includes pet and human recognition.
6. Free Subscription Trial Periods
The Furbo comes with a free 90-day trial period for its Furbo Dog Nanny subscription service, vs Petcube who offer a 30-day free trial only of Petcube Care.
7. Built-in Alexa
Unlike the original Bites model (which was only Alexa compatible), the Bites 2 actually comes with an Alexa voice assistant built-in. Meaning, there is no need for a separate Alexa device (which is currently the case with Furbo).
A huge point of difference when comparing the two cameras.
8. Cleaning
The Petcube Bites treat tray is detachable and can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand. The Furbo treat container, on the other hand, is not removable and can only be cleaned using a damp cloth.
9. Cost
Whilst the Furbo is currently the cheaper option of the 2 cameras ($199 vs Bites 2 @ $249), it is also the older of the 2 cameras (released in 2017 vs Bites 2 which was released in July of 2019).
Similarities
1. Interactive treat tossing
Interactive treat tossing is available with both units. Automatic treat toss (treat scheduling) is also available from both units, however, with the Furbo, this must be scheduled via Alexa rather than from within the Furbo app (which is the case with Petcube).
2. 2-Way Audio, 1080p HD video, and 24/7 monitoring from your phone
Both units allow you to see (in 1080p HD), hear and talk to your pets in real-time from your phone via their apps. Both cameras also offer night vision mode – which is pretty damn cool!
3. Zoom & Wide Angle View
Previously Furbo outranked Bites in terms of zoom and field of view, however, since the release of the 2nd generation Bites model, both devices now offer 4x digital zoom capability as well as a 160° wide-angle view.
4. Smart Alerts
Both devices offer Smart Alerts with a paid subscription (push notifications to your phone via their apps). These are customizable and can distinguish between sound, motion, and activity as well as human detection.
5. Photos and Video Sharing
Both devices allow you to take photos and record videos as well as share access with family and friends. Social sharing is also a feature of both pet cams as well as multi-camera capability.
6. Connectivity and Wireless Communication
The Furbo and the Petcube Bites 2 both have similar connectivity requirements and wi-fi technology.
Final Thoughts - Petcube Bites 2 vs Furbo in 2019
Both devices are great for monitoring and interacting with your pet when you can’t be there, with the core features of each being essentially the same. What sets them apart, however, are their subscription offerings, design, and Alexa capabilities.
If you’re looking for a pet camera with extensive video recording storage and playback options, access to other pet care perks and offers, ease of cleaning, wall-mounting capability, and built-in Alexa, then the Petcube Bites 2 (with Petcube Care) might be the pet cam for you.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a pet camera that is slightly cheaper, with a chic Scandinavian inspired aesthetic, selfie alerts and daily highlight reel (with Furbo Dog Nanny), then the Furbo might be a better fit for you.
At the end of the day it all comes down to the features you value most and what you feel will work best for you and your doggo/s!
Did you enjoy this post? Check out some of our other doggy product reviews right here!
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