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There are quite a few different dog cameras on the market, and when buying one you may come to a point where you’re unsure of what features and functions will be best for you between two brands. This is common when it comes to choosing the Pawbo vs Furbo, since these are some of the most popular cameras available.
If you’re aiming to buy the best one to keep an eye on your dog (or cat – Pawbo is made for both dogs and cats, and Furbo, albeit being a dog camera – can be used for cats too), you’re going to need to do a little research on your options. Because of this, we’ve decided to compare almost every aspect of the two devices to help you to make the most worthwhile decision.
Table of Contents
Camera quality Furbo vs Pawbo
There are a number of reasons why Furbo are known for being the best in the industry of dog cameras. With a 1080p full HD Camera (photo and live video streaming), complete with great night vision capabilities, a 160-degree wide angle view, and a 4x zoom, you can watch your little one from afar day or night.
If you’re looking for something that’s less expensive but still a good device, it might be worth going for a Pawbo instead. Some of the main features include 720p resolution, 130-degree wide angle lens, 4x zoom, and the dusk to dawn camera function.
Connection possibilities Furbo camera vs Pawbo camera
If you want to connect to your Furbo, all you’re going to need is a stable WiFi connection (2.4GHz) and your smartphone to set it up. Additionally, Furbo features Bluetooth connectivity. And did we mention that it’s also compatible with Alexa?
To help you set the Pawbo and keep in touch with your pet you need a WiFi connection (2.4GHz).
Two-way audio comparison between Furbo and Pawbo
The Furbo two-way audio is an excellent feature and has great connectivity/call quality – both in its own right, and compared to other brands. This can allow you to communicate with your canine wherever you are.
Like the Furbo, Pawbo also offers two-way audio.
Treat dispenser on Furbo dog camera and on Pawbo pet camera
Using the Furbo app, you can use the amazing treat tossing function of the camera to give your dog something nice wherever you are. The device can toss it on your command (via the app and/or Alexa), or if you would rather the device shoot out treats on a regular basis while you’re away, you can simply ask Alexa or set it via the app to do it for you. You can schedule this, so that you can reward your dog with treats as often as you want.
When it comes to picking the right treats, make sure to go with something that’s small, round, and firm (check out treats recommended by Furbo or use dog kibbles); solid, less crumbly biscuit-style options are a great idea, and the best size is about 0.4 inches.
There’s a lot to love about the Pawbo, but one of the best features is the treat tosser. Unlike the Furbo, it has 8 sections inside and it dispenses one section each time, so multiple treats are let out for your furry (or not so furry) friend to enjoy at once.
What is similar is the type of treats you’ll want to use inside it. They should be dry, firm, and small (the smaller the better), although treats or kibbles can basically be any shape as long as they can slide down the device’s chute.
Alerts and event triggered recording difference
Pawbo can allow 8 different devices to be connected, and you will be notified if someone logs into the system, too.
Furbo has a sensor that detects when your little one is barking and sends a notification – barking alert – to your phone to let you know. This way, if there is an issue, you can see and find out what is the reason for barking, and calm them down.
Premium alerts available on a paid subscription are useful too, as they send notifications whenever it detects a person or dog moving. There’s also a selfie alert, so when your dog is facing the camera, you’ll get a picture to see your precious baby waiting for you (or treats) while you’re away.
Event triggered recordings available for Furbo owners (with Furbo Dog Nanny subscription) will help to give you an idea of what you’re missing out on, or to see what your canine companion has been fussing about while you’ve been gone. As will Doggie Diary – a 60 second video compilation of your dog’s day.
Features of Pawbo app vs Furbo app
Aside from the fact that you can communicate with your little one and monitor them while you’re not at home, the free Pawbo app (available on both iOS and Android platforms) offers built in laser games (didn’t we mention that Pawbo has a laser?) to interact with your pet, the ability to instantly share photos and videos online, and allows video storage to Dropbox and Google Drive.
The Furbo app (for both Android and iOS devices) is what will connect you with your dog, and there are many reasons why it’s an essential part of the device. It allows you to easily toss your dog their treats, communicate with them via the microphone, get all the alerts, and much more; as well as being stylish and easy to use. You can also easily record and take pictures too, and share them across various social media platforms for the world to see.
Free and premium app features
A great bonus of the Pawbo is that there are no additional premium features to pay for – everything is there for you to access as soon as you purchase the device. A good example of this is the laser pointer – something that can allow you to interact with your little one and play with them wherever you are (a tip – not all dogs will play with a laser, but some will; and if you happen to also own a cat – the feature is great to have).
For many owners, it’s the little features like this that make it ideal for anyone who’s looking to save on cash while still getting a good camera (with a variety of attributes to go alongside the live video feed).
The Furbo Dog Nanny feature may cost you a little extra with its monthly subscription, but with all that it can offer, you may find that it’s more than worth it. Cloud recording, Smart Alerts (dog moving, person, and selfie alerts), and the Doggie Diary are a few things that you should take a closer look into getting.
Of course, there are many amazing free Furbo features, from the quality of the camera itself to the treat tossing, the two-way audio, and the barking alert, but it might be worth looking into the paid ones if you’re interested in getting the most out of your device.
Mounting options comparison
If you want to keep your dog from knocking over your device, you can put the Pawbo up on the wall – just make sure you position it carefully, and that you have the correct mount to connect it to. It is sturdy and can be used just standing on a flat surface, so you shouldn’t have to stress too much if you simply want to place it somewhere more accessible.
The Furbo is meant to be kept on the floor or a flat surface, which is why it’s fairly uncommon for people to mount it on the wall. Thanks to its stable design, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about your dog damaging it while you’re away.
Price comparison Furbo vs Pawbo
One of the main differences between the two devices – and the key reason why there’s often a debate on whether Furbo or Pawbo is superior – is the price. The latter may have less features and the camera may not be as high quality, but it can be purchased for a much cheaper price point – making it a more appealing option for some dog and cat owners.
Alternatively, the Furbo is more expensive, even without the subscription costs, but the fact that it can do more than the Pawbo with some very attractive features is something that has earned it a top spot in the market.
Which camera is better?
You might want to buy a Pawbo if you’re hoping to save cash, or if you’re interested in different ringtones, mountability, or live feed video.
On the other hand, with great night-vision, a higher quality wide-angle camera, and extensive app features, the Furbo will certainly pay for itself in peace of mind, even without the premium add-ons.
With all of the above in mind, the real question is – what do you need from your ideal dog camera? After all, getting the right device for you will make the purchase more worthwhile, than simply buying out of necessity and finding that it just isn’t the best fit. With the knowledge we’ve provided and a firm idea of your requirements, the decision will likely be easier to make.
A remark: depending on the market (US or UK) Pawbo is available in two slightly different designs.