ConsFirst / Automatic pet feeders / Compare
Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder vs Pawsync Smart Pet Feeder with Scale (3.6 L)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on reliable dispensing, app & scheduling, power backup & alerts, pet-proof build.
The biggest complaint about the Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder is expensive and bulky; for the Pawsync Smart Pet Feeder with Scale (3.6 L) it's stops working or loses power. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder | Pawsync Smart Pet Feeder with Scale (3.6 L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in automatic pet feeders | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Wi-Fi feeder | Wi-Fi feeder |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | 17% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.4 |
| Reliable dispensing | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| App & scheduling | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Power backup & alerts | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Easy cleaning | 2.5 | — |
| Pet-proof build | 4.5 | 3.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder
- Expensive and bulky
The Spruce Pets says the high price and large size may be too much for many owners, and it takes up a lot of space.
Source: The Spruce Pets - Plastic bowl, not dishwasher-safe
Both The Spruce Pets and WIRED dislike the plastic bowl. The Spruce Pets says it can't go in the dishwasher, and glass ($30) or stainless ($20, per WIRED) inserts cost extra.
Source: The Spruce Pets, WIRED - Needs an insert for larger kibble
The Spruce Pets says anything other than small, round kibble will likely need the included hopper insert, which cuts capacity from 32 to 25 cups.
Source: The Spruce Pets
Pawsync Smart Pet Feeder with Scale (3.6 L)
- Stops working or loses power
Wirecutter notes owner complaints that the machine disconnects from power for no apparent reason or stops working after a few months. Amazon's summary calls reliability mixed, with some owners reporting functionality issues.
- Silent during power outages
On its three D-cell backup batteries it disconnects from Wi-Fi by design. In Wirecutter's test it kept feeding, but didn't log the meals or send any alert.
Source: Wirecutter - App less intuitive; weak for multi-pet homes
Wirecutter found scheduling less intuitive than on Petlibro and Petkit, and it wasn't clear how to recalibrate for new kibble. WIRED says its intake tracking can't tell which of two cats ate.
Source: Wirecutter, WIRED
Who should pick which
Pick the Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder if
Owners who want the most dependable app feeder
Big-capacity storage for cats or small dogs
Sharing feeding data with a vet
Skip it if: You're on a budget; Counter or floor space is tight; You want a dishwasher-safe metal bowl out of the box
Pick the Pawsync Smart Pet Feeder with Scale (3.6 L) if
Pets on a strict diet
Tracking how much a single pet actually eats
Cats and small dogs on kibble
Skip it if: You need outage alerts while away; You have several pets sharing one bowl; You want a proven long-term track record
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