Pet Tech Worth Buying in 2026
From cameras to GPS trackers — which pet tech products actually deliver on their promises.
The pet tech market is booming, but not every gadget is worth your money. Here's our honest take on which categories actually deliver value for pet owners.
Worth It: Pet Cameras
Pet cameras have become genuinely useful. The best ones offer two-way audio, treat dispensing, and motion alerts. They're great for checking on your pet during the day or monitoring anxiety behaviors. Look for models with good night vision and a reliable app. Budget: $40-150.
Worth It: GPS Trackers (for dogs)
If you have a dog that runs or you live near busy roads, a GPS tracker is worth every penny. Modern trackers are small, lightweight, and offer real-time location tracking with decent battery life. Just remember they require a monthly subscription ($5-15/mo). Budget: $50-150 + subscription.
Maybe Worth It: Automatic Litter Boxes
Self-cleaning litter boxes are convenient but expensive ($400-600). They work well for most cats, but some cats refuse to use them. If you have multiple cats, the convenience factor goes up. If you have one easy-going cat, a regular box with daily scooping works fine.
Skip: Smart Feeders with Cameras
Combo feeder-camera units sound great but tend to do both things mediocrely. A simple automatic feeder ($30-50) plus a separate pet camera ($40-80) gives you better performance for the same total price.
Skip: Pet Fitness Trackers
Unless your vet specifically recommends monitoring your pet's activity, fitness trackers are more novelty than necessity. Most pet owners can tell if their pet is active enough just by observation.
Our Top Pick: If you're going to buy one piece of pet tech, make it a pet camera. It's the most universally useful, has no subscription requirement (on most models), and gives you peace of mind when you're away from home.
Want specific product recommendations? Check out our pet tech reviews for detailed analysis.