We purchased Petcube Bites 2 (Check latest price on Amazon) so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.7
Pet owners are always concerned about their furry companions’ well-being, but there isn’t much they can do once they’ve left the house. The Petcube Bites 2 has a few new features over the previous model for those who want to keep an eye on their pet even when they have to be away. This camera is working hard to maintain its position as one of the best pet cameras, now that it is Alexa-enabled and has a wider field of view than before. I knew I’d get some cute pictures while testing it because it had a 1080p camera and cool treat flinging interactivity.
Design: Small footprint for flexible placement
The Petcube Bites 2 has a sleek black-and-silver plastic body that stands about the same size as a shoebox on one end. One disadvantage of this design is that it is fairly top-heavy and has a small footprint once loaded with treats. If it’s within a dog’s reach, it’ll be knocked over, and the sight of that pricey pet cam crashing to the ground will give you a heart attack. I chose to sandwich it between a couple of DVDs on my shelf, but there are wall mount points on the back for those who prefer that option.
When I left it on the floor to check for that, neither of my animals were able to get the treats out because the top lifts off easily from the recessed points. The design is small and sturdy enough to fit into any living space, and the color scheme keeps it from standing out too much.
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Setup Process: App prompts ensure foolproof setup
It only takes a few minutes to set up the Bites 2. After creating a profile for your pets in the Petcube app, which includes their names, pictures, type and breed, and birth dates, the app will guide you through the connection process. The device will need to be paired, connected to Wi-Fi, and possibly updated, but the app will communicate this information clearly.
When you tap the dog bone icon, a small prompt appears, instructing you on how much to swipe to throw treats at various distances.
To control how many treats are dispensed, the treat hopper has a medium-sized insert. Wellness Petite Treats are included and fit perfectly, but while everything is still clean, I recommend comparing the size of your preferred treats to the insert and changing the insert if necessary. Anything up to one inch in diameter and similar in size should fit into one of the included inserts, but treats of wildly disparate sizes may jam the machine.
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Video Quality: Clean picture quality day or night
The Bites 2’s video resolution hasn’t improved over the previous model, but at 1080p, it’s still as good as any other pet cam on the market. I had no complaints about the video quality, aside from occasional graininess, which is typical of most consumer security cameras and the like. The picture was clear and detailed whether it was used in a brightly lit room or a darker one, which made for some pretty cute shots when my pets really began to investigate this new treat-dispensing friend.
When it gets dark outside, the Bites 2 automatically switches to night vision mode. The night vision in black and white is crisp and clear. It’s a little grainy, and the animals’ eyes will glow in a creepy way, but that’s to be expected with night vision. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the photos, and I would gladly share them on Instagram.
Performance: Reliable with very little latency
If someone just wants to keep an eye on their pets, there are cheaper cameras available, but none of them offer the cool pet-specific interactivity. Most burglars would prefer to move on to the next house with an 80-pound German Shepherd barking in the window. I’m concerned about my dog. Is he uninterested? Lonely? Has he already thrown garbage all over the living room if I forgot to lock the trashcan?
I drove to the nearby Starbucks to get to work after setting up the Bites 2. I finally caught my dog doing something interesting after a few minutes of checking the app over and over. Unfortunately, he wasn’t waiting for me to return by gazing out the window. He was burying his head in the garbage. He didn’t have to wait long because Starbucks is only a mile away. I scolded him and pressed the button to start two-way audio before he could get into the bin. To my surprise, he did come to a halt, though it was most likely due to his fear of the voice.
When you tap the dog bone icon, a small prompt appears, instructing you on how much to swipe to throw treats at various distances.
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The audio quality was later described by my husband as “a little tinny,” which was most likely due to slight latency. Because the music isn’t tinny, the Bites 2 could easily become your primary Alexa device, as it is in mine. Alexa commands specific to the Petcube, such as “treat my pet,” are also useful. I could give my pet a treat and then get back to work rather than waiting for the video feet to load.
It was the ideal opportunity to put the treat dispenser to the test because my dog was such a good sport about staying out of the trash after I yelled at him. When you tap the dog bone icon, a small prompt appears, instructing you on how much to swipe to throw treats at various distances. I tried the shorter distances first, but ultimately decided on the longest possible throw because it was the only way my dog would be able to get a treat before the cat.
The treat takes a few seconds to dispense, but it does so reliably as long as the machine isn’t clogged with odd-sized treats that fit together. The chime signals to pets that it’s time for a snack. They’ll come running every time you look in after a few times.
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App Support: Free users won’t feel cheated
The Petcube app, like almost every other app, has a lot of free functionality and a few nice features for premium users. Every basic feature, such as manually recording clips, taking photos, and dispensing treats, is available at no additional cost. A subscription costs $3.99 per month and includes benefits such as receiving an alert when the camera detects a person or your pet, which is useful for keeping an eye on pet sitters or dog walkers in case they have questions.
I scolded him and pressed the button to start two-way audio before he could get into the bin. To my surprise, he did come to a halt, though it was most likely due to his fear of the voice.
With a subscription, the Bites 2 will start recording automatically when one of your pets is detected, and you’ll be able to save a lot more clips. It’s a nice option for those who want it, and the free features are plentiful and useful enough that I wouldn’t feel bad about spending money on the Bites 2 if I didn’t also pay for a subscription.
Price: Splurge on a treat for you both
It’s impossible to avoid the $250 price tag (Check latest price on Amazon). The Bites 2 is fantastic, but it is a luxury item. On the other hand, all pet cameras are a luxury. If you just want to keep an eye on your pets, you can get a Wi-Fi-connected home security camera, but the Bites 2 is a lot of fun if you want to spend a little more on a gift for you and your pet.
Petcube Bites 2 vs. PetChatz HD
The Petcube Bites 2 has a lot of great features for both pets and users, but our best splurge pick has it all and more. The PetChatz (view on Amazon) camera has a wide field of vision and 1080p recording quality, allowing you to capture your pets at their best as soon as they walk into the room with the camera. With PawCall’s two-way video chat and pet-to-parent messaging, you can truly be there for your pet even when you’re not there. Aromatherapy and a treat dispenser can give your pets a spa-like experience. PetChatz provides more for your pets than any other pet cam, but at a cost.
Unless you’re lucky enough to find a sale, the camera will set you back around $350, and treats that aren’t PetChatz-branded will void your warranty, so you’ll have to spend a little more if you want the device to work properly. If a treat subscription isn’t an issue and you want the best features money can buy, PetChatz is the place to be. If allowing your dog to video call you on demand is too much for you, the Petcube Bites 2 prioritizes more important functions at a reasonable price.
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The Final Word
The Petcube Bites 2 is an expensive pet camera, but it delivers on quality in every way. The treat dispenser is dependable and compatible with a wide range of pet treats, allowing you to continue using your favorites. The device’s Alexa compatibility adds to its utility around the house, and the excellent recording quality ensures that every clip of your pet is worth sharing.
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