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We help you decide if the Furbo Dog Camera is the right purchase for your peace of mind and budget.
The Furbo Dog Camera is a premium interactive pet camera that delights treat-loving dogs and their owners, but its high price and subscription requirements make it a poor choice for budget buyers or those who only need basic monitoring. Consider it only if the treat tossing and cloud features align with your needs and budget.
Thinking about buying a Furbo Dog Camera? You're not alone. Many dog owners grapple with guilt when leaving their pups alone, and the Furbo promises to bridge that gap. But at $249, plus optional cloud subscription costs, it's a significant investment. You might be wondering: will my dog actually use it? Is the video quality good enough? Will it ease my anxiety or just create more? This guide cuts through the marketing to help you decide if the Furbo is worth it for your specific situation. We'll explore the pros, cons, alternatives, and real-world experiences so you can make a confident choice. Overall, most owners find it useful, but it depends on your dog's behavior and your willingness to pay for the subscription.
The Furbo Dog Camera is a Wi-Fi connected camera designed specifically for dog owners. It sits on a counter or table and streams 1080p HD video to your smartphone. The standout feature is its treat-tossing function: you can remotely dispense treats to reward your dog or distract them. It also has a two-way audio system so you can talk to your dog and hear them bark. The camera uses AI to detect barking and sends alerts to your phone, and it has night vision for 24/7 monitoring. Furbo also offers a subscription service (Furbo Dog Nanny) that adds person/animal detection, activity alerts, and video recording. The camera is made by Tomofun and is available on Amazon and other retailers. It's popular because of its treat-tossing novelty and brand trust, but competition from Wyze, Eufy, and others is fierce.
The main hesitation is the $249 price tag – that's steep compared to basic pet cameras that cost $30-50. Users worry they'll pay for a gadget that their dog ignores or that the treat tossing will jam. There's also the subscription: Furbo's basic features work free, but cloud recording and advanced alerts cost $6.99/month or $69.99/year. Privacy concerns pop up: the camera is always watching, and some fear hacking. Others hesitate because they're not sure if their dog's separation anxiety warrants a camera. Many compare it to alternatives like Wyze Cam (with treat dispenser attachment) or the Eufy Pet Camera, which offer similar features at lower prices. Also, some users report the app being buggy, the treat chute clogging, or the camera losing Wi-Fi connection. These real concerns from Amazon reviews and Reddit forums contribute to the hesitation.
A college student who adopted a rescue dog and wants to check on it during classes. Has limited funds.
Budget: Under $100
Usage: Checking camera a few times daily, not interested in cloud recording.
Why: The Furbo is too expensive. A basic camera like Wyze Cam v3 ($36) provides excellent video and audio for monitoring at a fraction of the cost. The treat tossing is a luxury they don't need.
Consider instead: Consider the Wyze Cam v3 for basic monitoring, or the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K for better resolution.
A single professional working 10-hour days. Dog has mild separation anxiety and barks when left alone. Wants to comfort dog and track barking.
Budget: Up to $300
Usage: Uses camera daily: tosses treats when dog barks, uses two-way audio, subscribes to cloud for recordings.
Why: The Furbo's treat tossing and bark alerts directly address their needs. The subscription provides recording to review anxious episodes. It's a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.
Consider instead: If they want to save on subscription, consider the Eufy Pet Camera (no subscription needed) but with slightly less reliable treat tossing.
Loves gadgets and already has smart speakers, lights, etc. Wants a pet camera that integrates well. Has a treat-motivated golden retriever.
Budget: No strict limit
Usage: Uses camera interactively, tosses treats multiple times a day, enjoys app notifications. Will likely subscribe for advanced features.
Why: The Furbo fits perfectly into a tech-centric lifestyle. The unique treat tossing is a fun addition. The subscription adds value with person detection. High satisfaction likely.
Consider instead: Could also consider the Petcube Bites 2, which offers similar features and treats but with a more robust app.
Has two dogs, one is shy and not treat-motivated. Needs to monitor them together. Wants something durable.
Budget: Around $200
Usage: Occasional check-ins, mainly to see if dogs are okay. Treat feature not crucial.
Why: The Furbo's main feature is wasted on a non-treat-motivated dog. A simple multi-camera setup (like two Wyze Cams) would provide better coverage at lower cost. Also, the Furbo can be knocked over by larger dogs.
Consider instead: Consider a pair of Wyze Cam v3 for comprehensive room coverage.
Retired couple who dotes on their chihuahua. They want to spoil the dog with treats while away on errands. Don't mind a monthly subscription.
Budget: Flexible
Usage: Use a couple of times a week to toss treats and see the dog. Not tech-savvy but willing to learn.
Why: The Furbo's easy-to-use app and treat tossing are perfect for spoiling their pet. The subscription can be set up once and forgotten. The small size of the camera is fine for a chihuahua. They'll likely enjoy the experience.
Consider instead: Also suitable for them.
The Furbo is best for dog owners who work long hours and want to check in on their pet, toss treats as a reward, and get alerts for barking. It's a premium product, but it faces stiff competition. Compared to the Wyze Cam v3 (around $36), which also has 2-way audio and alerts, the Furbo's main advantage is the treat tossing – a fun interactive feature. But the Wyze lacks treat dispensing. The Eufy Pet Camera ($159) offers treat tossing and 2K video without subscription, making it a strong competitor. On the other hand, the Furbo's subscription adds person detection (so you know if a human enters) and unlimited cloud storage – useful for monitoring during vacation. In real-world use, many owners love the ability to toss treats when their dog is anxious or to reward quiet behavior. However, the treat compartment is small (holds about 30 small treats) and sometimes jams with certain treat shapes. The video quality is good but not best-in-class; 1080p is standard. Over the long term, you'll need to buy refill treats or use your own small training treats. The camera is sturdy but some users report the base is not heavy enough and the camera can tip if your dog jumps on it. Market trends show pet tech growing, but Furbo has lost market share to more affordable competitors. Future considerations: Furbo has not released major hardware updates recently, so you're buying a 2020 design.
The main product being reviewed. Comes with a treat dispenser, 1080p video, and night vision. Works with the Furbo app and optional cloud subscription.
If you decide the Furbo is right for you, this is the one to buy. It's the most recent model.
Owners who want the full Furbo experience.
A strong competitor with 2K resolution, treat tossing, and no subscription required for recording. It uses local storage via an SD card.
Better value for those who want treat tossing without ongoing fees.
Buyers who prioritize lower long-term cost and higher video quality.
A budget-friendly indoor/outdoor camera with 1080p, color night vision, two-way audio, and motion alerts. No treat tossing.
Excellent for basic monitoring at a fraction of the price. Pair with Wyze treat dispenser if needed.
Budget-conscious buyers who only need to watch and talk to their dog.
Official Furbo treats designed to fit the dispenser without jamming. Comes in a pack of two bags.
Recommended to avoid treat jams for consistent tossing.
Furbo owners who want to ensure reliable treat dispensing.
Replacement power adapter for the Furbo camera. Comes in handy if you need a second adapter for different rooms or as a backup.
Useful if you move the camera often or lose the original cord.
Furbo owners needing a spare or replacement.
A smart plug that lets you power the Furbo on/off remotely. Useful if the camera freezes and needs a reboot while you're away.
Helps manage occasional glitches by power cycling without being present.
Tech-savvy owners who want to troubleshoot remotely.
So, should you buy the Furbo Dog Camera? The honest answer: it depends. If you have a dog that responds to treats, you have the budget for the camera and possibly the subscription, and you want remote interaction beyond just watching, the Furbo can be a fun and useful tool. It excels as a way to bond with your dog while you're away. However, if you're on a tight budget, or your dog isn't treat-motivated, or you only need basic monitoring, you're better off with a cheaper alternative like the Wyze Cam or Blink Mini. Consider the ongoing subscription cost – the free version is very limited (no recording, only bark alerts). For many, the monthly fee feels like a hidden cost. If you decide to buy, timing: price drops occasionally to $199 or bundled with treats. Our overall recommendation is 'depends' – great for the right user, but overkill for simple peace of mind.
It depends on your needs and budget. If you want interactive treat tossing and are okay with a subscription for full features, yes. If you just need monitoring, cheaper alternatives exist.
It's worth it if you use the treat tossing and subscription regularly. For basic use, you're overpaying. Compare with Eufy Pet Camera at $160, which avoids subscription.
No, basic features like live view, two-way audio, and treat tossing work without subscription. But bark alerts are limited and video recording requires subscription (Furbo Dog Nanny, $6.99/month).
It works with small, round treats about 8-10mm in diameter. Hard or oddly shaped treats can jam. Furbo sells official treats but you can use brands like Charlee Bear or Zuke's Mini Naturals.
No, the Furbo requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection to stream video and toss treats. It does not work on 5GHz or offline.
Download the Furbo app, create an account, plug in the camera, and follow the app's instructions to connect to Wi-Fi. It's straightforward; takes about 5-10 minutes.
Treat jamming, Wi-Fi disconnections, and the camera not detecting barking properly are common complaints. Some users report the app crashing. However, most issues can be resolved with firmware updates or cleaning the treat mechanism.
Furbo uses encrypted video streaming and two-factor authentication. While no device is 100% hack-proof, Furbo has a good security record. Use strong passwords and keep firmware updated.
The Eufy offers 2K video, local recording without subscription, and a similar treat toss at a lower price. Furbo has a more mature app and person detection with subscription. Choose Furbo if you prefer cloud integration and brand, Eufy for no-fee recording.
No, the Furbo is an indoor camera. It is not weatherproof and should be kept inside.
Yes, Furbo works with both Alexa and Google Assistant. You can ask Alexa to show the camera on an Echo Show or use voice commands to toss treats (with compatible devices).
Amazon offers a 30-day return policy for most items. The Furbo is sold by Amazon, so you can return it within 30 days if you're not satisfied. Check the listing for specific details.
We hope this guide helped you decide whether Furbo Dog Camera is right for you.
