Last Updated on 23/09/2026 by PetSmartify Editorial Team

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If you’re tired of getting up to let your dog or cat in and out, an automatic pet door can give your pet more freedom without turning your home into an open invitation for every neighbourhood animal.

But there’s a big difference between a basic electronic pet door, a microchip-controlled electronic door and a genuinely smart door you can control from your phone.

We’ve looked at established pet-door brands and the features that actually matter, including pet identification, selective access, scheduling, security, weather protection, installation options and pet size.

What Are the Benefits of an Automatic Pet Door?

1. Locked Down Security Without Locking Out Your Pet

• Automatic pet doors use microchips, RFID tags, or app-based controls to ensure only your pet gets in.

2. Total Control, Even When You’re Not Home

• Set curfew times for when your pet can go in or out.

3. Hands-Free Operation

• Perfect for when you’re at work, on vacation or want to avoid the 2 AM potty duty.

4. Weather Proof & Energy Smart

• Smart doors often come with better insulation and weather seals.
• Prevents heat loss and keeps out wind, rain, or snow — unlike flimsy traditional flaps.

5. Ideal for Multi-Pet Families

• Customize who gets access and when, for example, allow your dog out during the day, but keep your cat inside.

6. Sleep Better Knowing Who’s Coming and Going

• You always know your pet is safe, and no unwanted animals are getting in.

👉 Smart pet doors are also highlighted in our article on the Best Smart Pet Tech Gadgets That Can Help You Save Money.

Summary of Our Top Picks of Automatic Pet Doors for Dogs & Cats

Best Premium Automatic Door

Fully motorized, Wi-Fi controlled and available in large sizes – jump to Power Pet review

(Product prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon or any partner site at the time of purchase will apply.)

Best Smart App Microchip Door

App control, notifications, activity monitoring and curfews – jump to SureFlap Connect review

Best Simple Electronic Door

Reliable collar-key access without Wi-Fi or an app – jump to PetSafe review

Best Microchip Door

Proven microchip access without requiring an app or subscription – jump to SureFlap review

Best Automatic Pet Doors Comparison

Feature	Power Pet Roll-Up Wi-Fi	SureFlap Connect	PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor	SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
Best For	Premium automation & large dogs	Smart multi-small pet access	Large dogs & simple electronic control	Cats & small pets
Pet ID	Smart collar	Microchip / RFID	SmartKey	Microchip / RFID
App Control	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Remote Lock/Unlock	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Scheduling	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Programmable modes	Limited
Automatic Motorized Door	✅ Yes	❌	❌	❌
Multi-Pet	✅	Up to 32	Up to 5 keys	Up to 32
Large Dog Option	✅	❌	✅ Up to 100 lb	❌
Microchip Recognition	❌	✅	❌	✅
Battery Backup	Optional	Battery powered	Battery powered	Battery powered

What Makes a Good Automatic Pet Door?

An automatic pet door should do more than simply open and close. Before choosing one, consider:

Pet identification

The best electronic doors only allow authorised pets through. Depending on the model, this can be done using:

• Your pet’s existing microchip
• An RFID collar tag
• A dedicated electronic collar key
• A smart collar or transmitter

Microchip recognition is particularly convenient because your pet doesn’t have to wear an additional device.

Selective entry and exit

Some doors can control not only who can use the door, but also whether they can enter, exit or do both. This can be useful if you have several pets with different routines.

Automatic scheduling

Curfews can prevent your pet from going outside during certain hours, such as overnight. Smart models take this a step further by allowing schedules to be changed from an app.

Weather protection

If the door is installed in an exterior wall or door, look for good seals and a design that limits drafts and weather intrusion.

Pet size

This is one of the most important considerations. A door advertised for a 100-lb dog isn’t necessarily suitable for every dog weighing less than 100 lb. Measure your pet’s height and width and compare those measurements with the manufacturer’s actual opening dimensions.

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1. High Tech Pet Power Pet Smart Roll-Up Wi-Fi

Best Premium Automatic Pet Door

Best for: Large dogs, maximum automation and owners who want remote control

If you want a genuinely high-tech automatic pet door rather than an electronic flap with a sensor, this is the standout option. The Power Pet Smart Roll-Up Wi-Fi is a motorized door that rolls upward when your authorised pet approaches. The current PXR range is available in multiple sizes, including a large door-mount version designed for bigger pets.

Key Features

• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Smartphone app control
• Automatic motorized roll-up door
• Smart collar activation
• Adjustable approach sensing
• Four access-control modes
• Remote locking and unlocking
• Programmable access schedules
• Weather-sealed design
• Large and extra-large options available
• Optional backup battery

High Tech currently offers the Roll-Up Wi-Fi system in medium, large and extra-large configurations, along with door- and wall-mount versions.

What We Like

• Truly automatic: The motorized door opens for the pet rather than requiring them to push through a flap.
• Excellent for large dogs: Multiple sizes make it more practical for bigger breeds.
• Wi-Fi control: You can manage the door and schedules from your phone.
• Strong security: The door closes into position rather than relying on a flexible flap.
• Good weather protection: The roll-up design is designed to provide a tighter seal than a basic flap.
• Established specialist brand: High Tech Pet has been making electronic pet doors for years and continues to support a large range of Power Pet accessories and replacement components.

What We Don’t Like

• This is not a budget-friendly pet door.
• Installation can be more involved. Wall installations and non-standard surfaces may require professional help.
• Unlike a microchip door, your pet needs the appropriate electronic collar device.
• More technology means more complexity. You’re paying for considerably more functionality than a basic electronic door.

Our Verdict

The Power Pet Smart Roll-Up Wi-Fi is the premium choice for pet owners who want maximum automation. It’s particularly compelling for large dogs, households where nobody wants to play 2 AM doorman, and pets that may struggle with conventional flap-style doors.

Best for: 🏆 Premium automation and large dogs

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2. SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect

Best Smart Microchip Pet Door for Cats & Small Dogs

Best for: Multi-pet homes, app control and owners who want to know what their pets are doing

The SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect takes the microchip pet door concept and adds smart-home features. Instead of requiring your pet to wear a dedicated collar transmitter, it can recognise your pet’s existing microchip. The door can then be connected to the Sure Petcare app through the Hub. You can remotely control the door, create curfews and receive notifications when your pets use it.

Key Features

• Existing microchip recognition
• Smartphone app control
• Remote locking and unlocking
• Entry notifications
• Activity monitoring
• Curfew scheduling
• Supports up to 32 registered pets
• Can also work with RFID collar tags
• Door, wall and glass installation options
• Battery powered

The current Connect model is designed for cats and small dogs, with a flap opening of approximately 5 5/8″ (w) by 4 3/4″ (h).

What We Like

• No dedicated collar required for microchipped pets
• Excellent multi-pet control
• App notifications tell you when pets use the door
• Remote control lets you lock or unlock the door while you’re away
• Curfew settings are useful for keeping cats indoors at night
• Established product ecosystem from Sure Petcare

What We Don’t Like

• Not designed for large dogs
• The Hub is required for connected functionality
• More expensive than the basic SureFlap
• Battery powered rather than mains powered

Our Verdict

If your priority is smart access control rather than a large motorized opening, this is one of the most compelling choices available. It’s especially useful for households with several cats or small dogs where each animal may need different access permissions.

Best for: Smart microchip access and multi-pet households (small dogs and cats)

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3. PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor

Best Simple Electronic Door for Pets

Best for: Large dogs and owners who want electronic access without Wi-Fi or an app

Not every pet owner needs a pet door connected to the internet. The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor uses a programmable SmartKey collar transmitter to identify authorised pets. When your pet approaches, the door detects the key and unlocks automatically. It supports up to 5 SmartKeys, allowing you to control access for multiple pets.

Available in a small and large size. The large version is designed for pets up to 100 lb, making it a much more affordable alternative for owners who don’t need Wi-Fi or app features.

Key Features

• SmartKey collar identification
• Automatic selective entry
• Selective entry and exit settings
• Automatic locking
• Up to 5 SmartKeys
• Adjustable detection range
• Battery powered
• Small and large sizes
• Wall installation possible with an additional installation kit

What We Like

• No Wi-Fi, app or internet connection required.
• The large model accommodates pets up to 100 lb.
• Supports up to 5 programmed keys for multiple pets.
• Automatic locking helps keep unwanted animals outside.
• Battery powered and no electrical connection is required.
• PetSafe has a long history in electronic pet products and is an established brand.

What We Don’t Like

• Requires your pet to wear the SmartKey
• No smartphone app
• No remote notifications
• Less sophisticated than the Power Pet
• Uses batteries rather than mains power

Our Verdict

Sometimes simple is smart. If you want your dog to be able to let themselves out while keeping neighbourhood animals from wandering in, but don’t care about controlling the door from your phone, the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor makes a lot of sense.

And unlike a Wi-Fi model, you don’t have to worry about the router going down and suddenly discovering that your dog has appointed you as Chief Door Operator again.

Best for: Large dogs and straightforward electronic access

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4. SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap

Best Simple Microchip Pet Door

Best for: Cats and small dogs that already have a microchip

The original SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap is a good example of why you don’t necessarily need an app to have a smart pet door. It reads your pet’s existing identification microchip and unlocks for registered pets while keeping unwanted animals outside.

The current model can store up to 32 pet identities, operates on four AA batteries and can be installed in doors, windows or walls with the appropriate accessories. Sure Petcare also provides a three-year warranty.

Key Features

• Existing microchip recognition
• Stores up to 32 pets
• Selective entry
• RFID collar-tag compatibility
• Manual locking options
• Up to 12 months typical battery life
• Low-battery indicator
• Door, wall and window installation
• Three-year warranty

What We Like

• No special collar required
• Excellent for multi-cat households
• Keeps neighbouring cats and wildlife out
• Long battery life
• Straightforward operation
• Established brand with replacement parts and support
• Less expensive and less complicated than a connected model

What We Don’t Like

• No smartphone app
• No remote notifications
• The standard model is primarily designed for cats and smaller pets
• Selective exit control is more limited than on the DualScan models

Our Verdict

If you simply want your cat to get in while the neighbour’s cat stays out, this is one of the easiest solutions to recommend. It doesn’t need Wi-Fi, a subscription or a complicated setup. Your cat’s existing microchip effectively becomes the key.

Best for: Cats and small pets that need secure microchip access

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Which Automatic Pet Door Is Right for You?

There’s no single automatic pet door that’s best for every household.

Choose the Power Pet Roll-Up Wi-Fi if…

You want the most advanced automatic door, have a large dog, and don’t mind paying a premium for motorized operation, Wi-Fi control and remote access.

Choose the SureFlap Connect if…

You have cats or small dogs and want microchip recognition plus smartphone control, notifications and curfews.

Choose the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor if…

You have a larger dog and want electronic selective access without Wi-Fi, apps or unnecessary complexity.

Choose the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap if…

You have a cat or small pet and simply want secure microchip-controlled access without paying for connected features.

Are Automatic Pet Doors Worth It?

For many pet owners, yes. The biggest benefit isn’t simply convenience. A good automatic pet door lets your pet move around more independently while giving you control over who can enter your home.

The right model can also help with:

• Preventing unfamiliar animals from entering
• Giving pets access when you’re not home
• Reducing late-night interruptions
• Managing different pets with different routines
• Keeping pets indoors during specific hours
• Improving independence for pets that need frequent outdoor access

The important thing is to buy the right type of door for your pet, rather than automatically buying the most expensive model. A $700 motorized Wi-Fi door is impressive, but it is unnecessary if all you need is a microchip cat flap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

The best automatic pet door depends on what you actually want the door to do.

For maximum automation: the High Tech Pet Power Pet Smart Roll-Up Wi-Fi is the premium choice.

For smart microchip access: the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect offers a strong combination of identification, app control and scheduling.

For large dogs without the complexity of Wi-Fi: the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor is a straightforward electronic option.

For cats and small pets: the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap remains a simple and proven choice.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon or any other retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply.