TL;DR
WIRED tested nearly two dozen automatic cat water fountains and recommends models that balance hygiene, ease of cleaning, and monitoring features. The Petlibro Dockstream 2 is the top pick for most people; stainless-steel and glass options are favored for cleanliness, and some models add app tracking or RFID monitoring.
What happened
WIRED carried out hands-on evaluations of almost two dozen automatic pet water fountains and updated its recommendations in January 2026. Testers prioritized fountains with wireless pumps (for easier cleaning), housings made from stainless steel or glass (to reduce bacterial buildup), and visible water-level windows. The round-up names the Petlibro Dockstream 2 as the best for most people; it combines a wireless pump, app connectivity that tracks water intake and battery life, and a 84-ounce capacity, though its basin is plastic. The Oneisall cordless stainless-steel fountain is highlighted as the best cordless stainless option, offering up to 60 days of battery life and a 118-ounce capacity. A glass Brook fountain earned praise for hygiene and quiet operation, while an inexpensive Pawtners stainless model was recommended as a budget pick. WIRED also called out a Petlibro RFID model for households that need per-cat monitoring via collar tags.
Why it matters
- Proper hydration supports cat health; fountains tend to increase drinking compared with still bowls.
- Materials and pump design affect cleanliness and how often devices need cleaning.
- App and RFID features let owners monitor intake and get alerts, which can reveal health changes.
- Cordless pumps expand placement options in a home and can simplify maintenance.
Key facts
- WIRED tested nearly two dozen automatic cat water fountains to produce this guide.
- Petlibro Dockstream 2 is the staff pick for most users; it has an 84 fl oz capacity, wireless pump, and app connectivity for intake and battery monitoring.
- Oneisall Wireless Cat Water Fountain is the top cordless stainless-steel option; it uses a rechargeable battery lasting up to 60 days and holds about 118 fl oz.
- Brook Glass Pet Fountain is recommended for its glass construction, silent pump, and roughly 90–91 fl oz capacity; testers cleaned it about once a week.
- Pawtners Stainless Steel is the budget pick; it holds about 135 fl oz, includes a water-level window that glows red when low, and has a wired pump that runs near 30 dB.
- The Petlibro Dockstream RFID Smart Fountain uses collar tags to attribute drinking data to individual pets and lets owners set hydration goals via an app.
- Testers look for three primary attributes: a wireless pump, stainless-steel or glass construction, and a way to monitor water level.
- WIRED updated the guide in January 2026 to add the Petlibro Dockstream 2 and the Petlibro Capsule fountain.
What to watch next
- Continued rollout of app-connected features and individualized tracking like RFID (confirmed in the source).
- More stainless-steel and glass designs as testers favor materials that discourage bacterial growth (confirmed in the source).
- Long-term durability and battery performance over many months of real-world use: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Wireless pump: A pump design that can be detached from a wired power source for easier cleaning and placement.
- RFID: Radio-frequency identification uses a small tag (often on a collar) to identify which pet is using a device.
- Activated carbon filter: A filter medium that reduces odors, some impurities, and taste compounds from water.
- USB plug-in: A common power interface used to supply electricity to small appliances via USB cables or adapters.
- Stainless steel: A corrosion-resistant metal often preferred for pet bowls because it resists scratches and microbial buildup better than some plastics.
Reader FAQ
Do fountains actually make cats drink more?
Yes; WIRED testers reported that fountains encourage increased water intake compared with still bowls.
Are app-connected fountains useful?
App-connected fountains can track intake, send alerts, and remind owners about cleaning and filter changes, according to WIRED's testing.
How often do these fountains need cleaning?
Cleaning frequency varies by material; WIRED testers noted a glass model required about weekly cleaning while plastic models often needed more frequent attention.
Are cordless pumps better?
Testers said cordless or wireless pumps make cleaning easier and allow flexible placement; battery life varies by model (examples: Dockstream 2 offers about 30 days cordless, Oneisall up to 60 days).
Are there budget options?
Yes — WIRED highlighted a Pawtners stainless model priced as a budget pick alongside higher-priced models in the review.
MOLLY HIGGINS GEAR JAN 5, 2026 6:36 AM The Best Cat Water Fountains Ensuring your cat is drinking enough water is one of the best ways to keep your pet…
Sources
- 9 Best Cat Water Fountains, WIRED-Tested and Reviewed (2025)
- The Best Water Fountain for Cats and Dogs
- Best Cat Water Fountains, Wired Tested and Reviewed …
- Best Cat Water Fountains 2025
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