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Wirecutter's upgrade pick: it can run on battery anywhere, it tied for quietest, and it's as easy to clean as the top pick. But it's expensive, Petlibro filters are meant to be swapped every two weeks, and on battery it only flows when it senses a pet.
Top complaints
- Expensive to buy and to keep in filters
Wirecutter says it costs almost twice as much as its top pick and gets pricier still if you use Petlibro's filters on the recommended two-week schedule. A 1-star Walmart reviewer complains it requires the brand's expensive filters.
Source: Wirecutter, Walmart reviews (lowest rated) - Battery mode isn't continuous flow
Wirecutter says that on battery it only runs when its sensor detects someone in front of it. The sensor can't see pets approaching from behind and can't tell people from pets, so a busy spot drains the battery faster.
Source: Wirecutter - App data isn't always accurate
Wirecutter's app logged drinks once or twice when no pet could have drunk, and it can't separate multiple animals. Walmart reviewers question paying for the app's monitoring subscription.
Source: Wirecutter, Walmart reviews
What owners love
- Put it anywhere
Wirecutter says battery operation removes the need for a nearby outlet and the cord as a trip or chew hazard. You can also keep it plugged in for continuous flow.
Source: Wirecutter - Tied for quietest; easy to clean
Wirecutter rated it tied for quietest with the PetKit Solo 2. Its magnetic rotor makes it as simple to disassemble as the top pick, and the tank lifts off the base. Walmart reviewers also describe it as silent.
Source: Wirecutter, Walmart reviews - Detailed drinking alerts
Wirecutter says the app reports when and how much a pet drank and pushes low-water, filter and cleaning reminders. It also offers faucet or bubbler flow and a wide, shallow stainless dish.
Source: Wirecutter
- You want the cheapest running cost
- Your pet needs continuous flow without a cord
- You need per-pet drinking data
- Placing water away from outlets
- Tracking how much a pet drinks
- Owners who want a quiet, easy-clean fountain
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick (added July 2026): cordless, quiet, easy to clean and with detailed tracking. Cons: high price and filter costs, sensor-only flow on battery, and imperfect app stats. A corded version costs about $10 less.