(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (about 1,100 ratings).
Wirecutter's runner-up pet camera: it detects pets as well as the Tapo, is heavy enough that pets won't easily knock it over, and fits neatly into Google Home. But it costs more, has no microSD slot, and isn't very useful without a $10-a-month plan.
Subscription: Needed in practice: free tier keeps 10-second previews for 6 hours; Google Home Premium $10/mo (30 days, 5-minute clips, unlimited cameras) or $20/mo (60 days, 24/7 for 10 days) (Wirecutter)
Top complaints
- Not very useful without a plan
Wirecutter says the free tier gives only 10-second preview clips kept for six hours; longer clips and history need Google Home Premium at $10 or $20 a month. Some Amazon owners find it expensive.
- No local storage, no sensitivity setting
There's no microSD option, and unlike the Tapo you can't set motion sensitivity (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (best pet camera) - Mixed app connectivity
Amazon's review summary says connectivity with the Google Home app gets mixed reviews.
What owners love
- Excellent pet detection
Wirecutter says it picked up pet motion as well as its top pick and can alert only when you're away.
Source: Wirecutter (best pet camera) - Sturdy and attractive
At 14 ounces it's harder for a pet to knock over and looks like decor, not a spy cam (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (best pet camera) - Clear, wide video
A 152-degree field of view (Wirecutter); Amazon owners praise clear day and night video and easy setup.
- You won't pay monthly
- You want local storage
- You want to adjust motion sensitivity
- Google Home households
- Rambunctious pets that knock things over
- A wide 152-degree view
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up pet camera: smart features and seamless app integration, but pricier and less useful without a subscription.