33 Scoring Factors Researched in this Comparison

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020] vs. VStarcam Pet Camera

Section Scores
Technical
100
84
Alerts
95
64
Storage
60
90
Features
100
91
Design
83
68
Major Feature Differences
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020] VStarcam Pet Camera
Has a better field of view (160° full-room view vs. 107° wide-angle view)
Has better connectivity (2.4GHz & 5GHz WiFi vs. 2.4GHz WiFi / Ethernet)
Has motion alerts (Yes vs. Yes, w/SD card)
Has motion zones (Yes vs. No)
Can detect pets (w/subscription vs. No)
Has better zoom (4x vs. Yes)
Has in-app vet chat (Yes vs. No)
Has better warranty (1-year limited warranty vs. 0.11)
Has a better rotation range (Pan 355° Tilt 120° vs. Doesn't rotate)
Has local storage (Yes, w/SD card vs. No)
Can record 24/7 (Yes, w/SD card vs. No)
Has better night vision (Up to 32 ft vs. Yes)

Technical

Video Resolution

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: 1080p HD
VStarcam Pet Camera: 1080p HD
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Rating
Video resolution is important for how clear you see things on your screen. It shows the number of pixels or dots that are displayed for video at any given height. The more pixels, the clearer things will be.

Frames Per Second

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: N/A
VStarcam Pet Camera: N/A
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Rating
The frame rate is the number of frames that are captured per second by the camera sensor. The more frames per second, the smoother video will appear to viewers.

Field of View

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: 160° full-room view
VStarcam Pet Camera: 107° wide-angle view
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Field of view is the width and height of the area that a camera can see. It's not more technical than that, really!

Rotation Range

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Doesn't rotate
VStarcam Pet Camera: Pan 355° Tilt 120°
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Smart pet cameras with rotation feature help you eliminate any blind spots. Just rotate your smart camera left or right to find your pet sleeping on the armchair.

Internet Connectivity

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: 2.4GHz & 5GHz WiFi
VStarcam Pet Camera: 2.4GHz WiFi / Ethernet
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Between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, the 5GHz will be faster to load live video feed on your phone. An Ethernet connection is also faster than 2.4GHz, but slower than a 5GHz wavelength connection. So, if you're looking for a fast video load speed, 5GHz is the best option.

Power

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Plugged-In
VStarcam Pet Camera: Plugged-In
This is how you power the camera. Normally, all the cameras require an outlet to power on.

Battery Back-up

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
Some smart cameras come with a back-up battery to stay on in case of power outage.
Best
Technical
Scores
Our Score
90
Our Score
90

Alerts

Motion Alerts

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Yes
VStarcam Pet Camera: Yes, w/SD card
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Every time the smart pet camera detects movement, you'll get a notification on your phone, so you can check straight away the live feed.

Sound Alerts

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Yes
VStarcam Pet Camera: Yes
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Just like motion alerts, some cameras can send notifications whenever they detect sound.

Bark/Meowing Notifications

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
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Rating
Some cameras have advanced sound detection.

Motion Zones

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Yes
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
With motion zones you can specify certain areas you want to keep a close eye on. You'll get motion notifications only when there's motion in those areas.

Pet Detection

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: w/subscription
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
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Rating
Some cameras are smart enough to distinguish between people and pets movement.

Movement Auto-tracking

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
Focus on your loved ones with an auto-movement tracking feature. The camera will rotate automatically and follow the movement of your pet wherever they go within camera's field of view.

Siren

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
You can use your smart pet camera like a smart security camera. With a siren built-in, you can scare off intruders and uninvited guests.
Best
Alerts
Scores
Our Score
97

Storage

Local Storage

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: Yes, w/SD card
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Local storage allows you save all the video history locally on an SD card or a USB. In case your router starts acting up, it's good to have local storage as a backup.

Cloud Storage

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: w/subscription
VStarcam Pet Camera: w/subscription
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Some cameras offer cloud storage so you can review the video history from your camera later. However, it almost always comes at additional cost.

24/7 Non-Stop Recording

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: Yes, w/SD card
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With non-stop recording you won't miss a single move. You can always look back in video history to check who exactly ripped sofa pillows into small pieces.

Subscription

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Optional
VStarcam Pet Camera: Optional
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Some brands lock additional features or cloud storage behind subscription. It's always better to check if there's any subscription required to save video history or use motion alerts.

NAS Support

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
One more convenient way to store video history instead of paying for cloud subscription.
Best
Storage
Scores
Our Score
100
Our Score
92

Features

Zoom

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: 4x
VStarcam Pet Camera: Yes
Below Avg Above
Rating
The smart pet cameras use digital zoom. This enlarges the pixels so you can see more. The zoom will focus on a certain area of your screen, but there are no new pixels being added. This might make the image look blurry.

Night Vision

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Yes
VStarcam Pet Camera: Up to 32 ft
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Night vision is the ability to see clearly during nighttime or low-light conditions. While most of the smart pet cameras offer black & white night vision, there are some cameras that offer colored image.

Two-way Audio

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Yes
VStarcam Pet Camera: Yes
With two-way audio, you can talk to your pets even when you're miles away! Hear them reply back and share your love by supporting them with your voice from afar.

Live View

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Yes
VStarcam Pet Camera: Yes
Check out what your pet is doing right now with a live view mode.

Laser For Playing

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Yes
VStarcam Pet Camera: Yes
Does your cat love playing with a laser? Well, good news! Some of smart pet cameras have a built-in laser toy so you can play with your furry friend even when you're not at home.

Alexa Compatibility

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Alexa Built-In
VStarcam Pet Camera: Yes
With Alexa compatibility you can control the cameras with your voice and add the camera to a list of your smart home devices.

Google Assistant Compatibility

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
You can use Google Assistant to control the camera with your voice.

HomeKit Compatibility

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
You can use Siri to control the camera with your voice.

In-app Vet Chat

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Yes
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
Is your pet acting weird? Consult with a vet right from a smart pet camera app for quick recommendations and support.

Time Lapse

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
Create entertaining time lapses of your pets shenanigans.

Snapshot Notifications

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
Get a notification with a snapshot of detected motion. It can save you time checking false motion alerts.

Home & Away Modes

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: No
VStarcam Pet Camera: No
If you chose home mode, you won't get any motion/sound notifications.
Best
Features
Scores
Our Score
91

Design

Dimensions

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: 3.6 x 3.6 x 3.6 in
VStarcam Pet Camera: 7.8 x 6 x 5.4 in
Dimensions can help you visualize how big or small the camera is. If you want it to be less noticeable, it's better to opt for a smaller size.

Color

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Black/Silver
VStarcam Pet Camera: White
Most of the smart pet cameras come in white, which makes it easy to mix them with your home's decor.

Mounting Options

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Stand (non-slip rubber bottom)
VStarcam Pet Camera: Stand / Screws
Before buying a smart pet camera, it's good to think in advance about the placement of the camera. Some cameras only allow stand option, while others can also be mounted on a wall. So heads up!

Usage

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: Indoors
VStarcam Pet Camera: Indoors
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Rating
While most of the cameras are for indoor use only, there are a few that can operate outside as well.

Warranty

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]: 1-year limited warranty
VStarcam Pet Camera: 0.11
Below Avg Above
Rating
In case of camera malfunction, it's good to have warranty to be able to replace it.
Best
Design
Scores
Our Score
100
Our Score
90
Our Score
89

Full Comparison Chart

Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020] Average Pet Camera
Technical
Video Resolution 1080p HD
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
1080p HD
Pet Camera
Frames Per Second N/A
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
N/A
Pet Camera
Field of View 160° full-room view
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
107° wide-angle view
Pet Camera
Rotation Range Doesn't rotate
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Pan 355° Tilt 120°
Pet Camera
Internet Connectivity 2.4GHz & 5GHz WiFi
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
2.4GHz WiFi / Ethernet
Pet Camera
Power Plugged-In
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Plugged-In
Pet Camera
Battery Back-up No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Alerts
Motion Alerts Yes
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Yes, w/SD card
Pet Camera
Sound Alerts Yes
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Yes
Pet Camera
Bark/Meowing Notifications No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Motion Zones Yes
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Pet Detection w/subscription
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Movement Auto-tracking No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Siren No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Storage
Local Storage No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Yes, w/SD card
Pet Camera
Cloud Storage w/subscription
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
w/subscription
Pet Camera
24/7 Non-Stop Recording No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Yes, w/SD card
Pet Camera
Subscription Optional
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Optional
Pet Camera
NAS Support No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Features
Zoom 4x
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Yes
Pet Camera
Night Vision Yes
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Up to 32 ft
Pet Camera
Two-way Audio Yes
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Yes
Pet Camera
Live View Yes
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Yes
Pet Camera
Laser For Playing Yes
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Yes
Pet Camera
Alexa Compatibility Alexa Built-In
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Yes
Pet Camera
Google Assistant Compatibility No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
HomeKit Compatibility No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
In-app Vet Chat Yes
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Time Lapse No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Snapshot Notifications No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Home & Away Modes No
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
No
Pet Camera
Design
Dimensions 3.6 x 3.6 x 3.6 in
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
7.8 x 6 x 5.4 in
Pet Camera
Color Black/Silver
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
White
Pet Camera
Mounting Options Stand (non-slip rubber bottom)
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Stand / Screws
Pet Camera
Usage Indoors
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
Indoors
Pet Camera
Warranty 1-year limited warranty
Petcube Play 2 Pet Camera [2020]
0.11
Pet Camera

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