Which electronic pet is best?
An electronic pet can be a fun toy or a realistic companion. While the majority of electronic pets are designed for children, you can also find highly lifelike electronic pets meant to offer comfort and companionship to seniors who can no longer care for a real pet.
This guide to the best electronic pets contains all the details you need to make an informed purchase. At the end, we’ve listed our top models.
What to know before you buy electronic pets
Type of animal
Some people might be happy with any type of electronic pet, but others probably have a species they’d prefer. You can find a wide range of electronic pets, from common house pets like dogs and cats to wild animals like tigers and elephants. Some electronic pets are also modeled after fantasy creatures and extinct animals, such as unicorns and dinosaurs.
Age range
Consider the age of the person you’re buying for, and make sure that any electronic pet you’re thinking of buying has a suitable recommended age range. Electronic pets designed for kids tend to have an upper and lower age recommendation. The toy may be unsafe for a younger child or not have enough features to interest an older child.
What to look for in quality electronic pets
Interactive features
Many electronic pets have interactive features, meaning they respond to the person playing with them. This makes them feel a bit more like real pets and helps create a bond between them and their owners. Some respond by making noises when people talk to them or moving when people pet them. Some are equipped with cameras or sensors so they can follow their humans around.
Power source
Electronic pets are battery-powered, but they may run off either standard single-use batteries or have built-in rechargeable batteries. Those with rechargeable batteries should come with a charging cable that you can plug the pet into for recharging. Single-use batteries last longer but you have the expense of replacing them when they run out.
How much you can expect to spend on electronic pets
You can find some inexpensive electronic pets starting at around $20, whereas realistic electronic pets or programmable robotic pets can cost as much as $100-$200.
Electronic pets FAQ
How large are electronic pets?
A. You can find electronic pets in a range of sizes. Some are extremely compact, measuring just a few inches high, while others are similar in size to the animal they’re trying to replicate. Of course, life-size electronic pets are only possible in smaller breeds or species — you might find a life-size cat or chihuahua, but you won’t find a life-size tiger.
Do all electronic pets have fur?
A. No. Some electronic pets are covered in faux fur to replicate the natural coat of the real thing, but you can also find electronic pets with a smooth plastic or metal finish. Fur-covered electronic pets might look and feel more realistic, but they’re also more likely to get smeared with maple syrup or stained with juice by little kids.
What are the best electronic pets to buy?
Top electronic pet
Dog-E Interactive Robot Dog
What you need to know: This feature-packed dog is a great first step to helping kids learn how to care for a real dog.
What you’ll love: It can sync with phones and has a bunch of interactive mini-games you can play with the dog through the app.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have voice interaction.
Top electronic pet for the money
WEofferwhatYOUwant Electronic Pet Dog Harry
What you need to know: An affordable electronic dog that’s great for little kids but might not entertain older children for long.
What you’ll love: Sensor responds to touch and causes the dog to bark, walk, talk, sing, dance, and more. Walks well on smooth surfaces. Batteries included.
What you should consider: Volume isn’t adjustable and may be too loud for some.
Worth checking out
Hasbro Joy For All Interactive Companion Pets Tabby Cat
What you need to know: Primarily designed for seniors but also a great toy for kids who really want a cat but can’t have one.
What you’ll love: Looks realistic with soft fur for petting and brushing. Purrs and meows, plus moves in a realistic way. One of the most realistic electronic pets around.
What you should consider: Ears are hard and don’t feel realistic to pat.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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