Petcube Bites 2 Lite Review (Pros & Cons)
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
Having to leave our fur babies alone at home can be distressing. Especially when we get very busy at work, we may feel sorry for not interacting enough with them or feeding them on time.
Fortunately, Petcube has released an affordable pet camera with exciting features that enable a more interactive way of connecting with our pets from a distance. Petcube Bites 2 Lite, priced at $149, offers a live stream video camera with a built-in treat dispenser and 2-way audio that allows real-time pet monitoring, communication, and treat-tossing.
Let’s explore each feature and discover the pros and cons to decide whether it's the perfect fit for keeping an eye on your furry friends while satisfying their treat cravings.
Petcube Bites 2 Lite
Affordable with a built-in
treat dispenser
✓ 1080p camera with night vision
✓ Treat dispenser (1.5 lbs of treats)
✓ Two-way audio
✓ Motion sensor and sound detection
#1 Treat Tosser
Petcube Bites 2 Lite
Pros
With a built-in treat dispenser, Petcube Bites 2 Lite allows pet owners to toss treats to their furry friends remotely via the app. There is also a distance setting feature that allows you to set how far you’d like the treats to be tossed (short, medium, and long). If you're busy with work, you can also schedule automatic treats dispensing, so your pet can get treats even when you're not around.
The dispenser supports dry, crunchy treats with dimensions of 1 inch or less, uniform in size and shape. The plastic inserts come in three different sizes, which means that they support a wide selection of treats in different shapes and sizes.
The treat container is large enough to store up to 1.5 lbs of treats, so you won't have to refill it as often. You also don't have to worry about forgetting to refill the treat container, as there is a sensor inside the container that will send you an alert on the app when it is running low on treats.
Cons
Some users reported that treat toss can be a bit aggressive and can fly across the room even when setting it to reach the shortest distance. Additionally, treats can get squished sometimes, so it is recommended to use treats that don't crumble as much as fragile treats can break when being tossed. This will leave a mess that you'll need to clean up.
The mechanical noise emitted when dispensing treats can also be fairly loud to frighten or even scare away sensitive pets. You need to train your pets to get used to the sound, letting them know that the noise leads to delicious treats. Moreover, some users have reported sensor malfunction, indicating that the container is empty even when it’s full.
#2 Video and Audio Monitoring
Petcube Bites 2 Lite
Pros
Petcube Bites 2 Lite is equipped with a 1080p HD quality live streaming video camera, speaker, and microphone that enable real-time video and audio monitoring. The 2-way audio has a great quality for talking to and hearing your pets remotely, while the camera has a wide 160° angle for a more complete view.
The camera is also equipped with automatic night vision, so you can check on your furry friends clearly up to 30 feet even in low light. An 8x digital zoom is also supported, allowing you to get a closer look at your pets and their activities.
Petcube Bites Lite 2 is also equipped with a motion sensor and sound detection technology, making it easy to monitor your pets' activities, even when you're not actively watching the camera feed.
Cons
Some users reported that from time to time, the audio can get robotic or the video can get laggy, but it could be due to the internet connection rather than the device itself. It can also take some time for the app to start streaming video from the camera, and it can get frustrating when you want to quickly check on your pets.
Moreover, keep in mind that an additional subscription to Petcube Care is required to access some features like video history, 30-second video clips, video download, smart alert notifications, and web interface.
#3 Setting Up and Connectivity
Petcube Bites 2 Lite
Pros
Petcube Bites 2 Lite comes with the free Petcube app downloadable on iPhone (iOS 11.1 and higher) and Android smartphones (Android 7.1.2 and higher). The initial setup is easy and straightforward. You only need to download the app, plug in the device, press the Setup button, add your WiFi info to the app, and scan the displayed QR Code using Petcube’s camera.
After setting up, you can also invite your friends or family members in the app to share access to your Petcube cameras and allow them to monitor your pets. If you have a subscription, you can also connect with licensed veterinarians from the app to consult about your pet's health.
Cons
The Petcube Bites 2 Lite is compatible with Alexa, but Alexa is not built-in unlike in Petcube Bites 2. That means, you will need to have an Alexa device to control the device with voice commands.
In addition, keep in mind that the Petcube Bites 2 Lite doesn't support 5GHz and is only compatible with 2.4GHz WiFi networks. Make sure that your WiFi is compatible before purchasing.
#4 Design and Durability
Petcube Bites 2 Lite
Pros
Petcube Bites 2 Lite comes as a white, rectangular, 5.7 x 3 x 10.6 inches device that looks sleek and modern. The container for treats is detachable for easy cleaning and dishwasher safe (up to 130°F). The bottom part is covered with a soft, non-slip pad for steady grip when placed on a horizontal surface. The device also comes with a mounting kit that enables you to hang the Petcube on the wall.
Cons
One potential downside to the design is that the device can be easily knocked over by energetic or curious pets, making it unable to dispense treats or monitor your pets as supposedly. In that case, mounting the Petcube to the wall can be a solution. Moreover, instead of the more durable aluminum, the Petcube Bites 2 Lite is made of hard plastic.
Final Thoughts
Petcube Bites 2 Lite offers real-time pet monitoring, communication, and treat-tossing at an affordable price. It features HD night vision camera and treat dispenser with distance control. Drawbacks include aggressive tossing, loud noises, less durable plastic body, incompatibility with 5GHz, and requiring additional subscription. Nevertheless, it offers premium features at a budget-friendly price.
If you like to read more about Pet Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Pet Cameras of 2023 You DON’T Want to Miss
Petcube Bites 2 Lite vs Furbo 360 (Consider THIS Before Buying)
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