Last Updated on 30/10/2025 by Liza Brits
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Smart water fountains that need to be plugged in are technologically advanced devices designed to provide pets with a continuous supply of clean, fresh, and appealing water. Unlike traditional water bowls, they use an electrical power source to operate a pump that circulates water, often through a multi-stage filtration system. This constant movement and filtration are key to their functionality and benefits.
Why Choose a Smart Water Fountain for Your Pet Over a Traditional Water Bowl?
- 💧 Encourages healthy hydration habits
- 🔄 Circulating filtration for fresher water
- 📲 Optional app control and low-water alerts
- 🧼 Easier to maintain than traditional bowls
- 🔇 Quiet motors for undisturbed pets
Read more about the benefits of smart water fountains here
🏆 Our Top 8 Electric Smart Water Fountains
- PETLIBRO 2.5L Dockstream Smart Water Fountain with App (2.5L)
- Veken Stainless Steel Smart Water Fountain (2.8L)
- Catit LED Flower Water Fountain (3L)
- PETKIT EVERSWEET Smart Water Fountain with App (2L)
- NPET Automatic Water Fountain (3L)
- Geeni PetConnect with App (2.6L) – Google Assistant/Alexa Compatible
- Cheerble Elfin E1 Hybrid Smart Water Fountain (2L) – Electric + Wireless Capability
- PETLIBRO RFID Smart Water Fountain (3L)
1. PETLIBRO Dockstream Smart Water Fountain (2.5L)
The PETLIBRO Dockstream is constructed with a 304 food-grade stainless steel tray and BPA-free materials.
Key Features
✅ Smart App Control: Supports 2.4G Wi-Fi networks. With the PawSense app, you can monitor the water level, receive low-water notifications, and control the fountain remotely (e.g., turning it on or off). You can also track your cat’s health with the PawSense Health Monitoring System, as the fountain will track your cat’s drinking volume, frequency, and time.
✅ Wireless Water Pump: Features a detachable water pump for easier cleaning. Sends app notifications when the pump requires cleaning. When the water level is too low, it will stop functioning automatically. There is a 130ml emergency water storage in the case of a short power outage.
✅ 4-Layer Filtration System: Removes all harmful substances and provides fresh, clean water. In-app reminders will notify you when it’s time to change the filters and sponges (every 2 weeks).
✅ Quiet Operation: The fountain operates very quietly at a noise level of 23dB.
✅ Stylish Design: The fountain has a modern and aesthetically pleasing design that blends well with most home decor.
✅ Easy Assembly and Cleaning: The fountain is relatively easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning.
✅ 2 Flow Modes: You can choose between continous flow mode or the intermittant mode to suit your cat’s preferences.
Considerations
❌ Supports 2.4G Wi-Fi only.
❌ The fountain requires a constant power connection and does not have a battery backup option.
Reviews
“This product works well, was easy to link to the app, and allows me to monitor my cat’s water usage while I’m at work. It’s easy to clean, and it lets me know when the cat needs more water. Goes really well with the grainary feeder. Also was more affordable than the one without Wi-Fi connectivity.”
“This fountain is very easy to set up. It holds a lot of water and I love that it was the spout. I never have connection problems and it’s always accurate on how much water my cats have drank. Great product!”
2. Veken Stainless Steel Automatic Water Fountain (2.8L)
The Veken Stainless Steel Automatic Water Fountain has a stainless steel construction and the 2024 Pet Innovation Award winner.
Key Features
✅ Hygienic and Easy to Clean: Stainless steel is naturally more hygienic than plastic, and is dishwasher safe and BPA-free.
✅ Large Capacity: The fountain has a generous water capacity, meaning you don’t have to refill it as frequently.
✅ 5-Stage Filtation: The advanced filtration system delivers fresh, clean water for up to 3 weeks, meaning replacing of the filter and sponge is only required every 3 weeks.
✅ LED Light Feature: This feature is helpful to see the visibility of the water level and fountain location for your pets.
✅ 2 Flow Modes: You can set it on the flower waterfall mode for pets who need encouragement, or the gentle fountain mode according to your pet’s needs.
✅ Good Customer Service: Customers generally report that their customer service is extremely efficient.
✅ Quiet Operation: The fountain operates very quietly at 30dB.
Considerations
❌ No backup power: There is no backup power option and requires a constant power connection.
Reviews
“My cats absolutely love it. I switched to a stainless steel because I noticed the one I had before would grow mold and algae fast and I would clean it 3 times a month. The plastic fountain did take my cats a second to drink from. I even had one on strike for two days and she would hit over my water cups lol. So even if your cat is not interested to it I recommend keeping it, just give them time to get used to it…. “
“This fountain is both elegant and functional. The stainless steel design is easy to clean and adds a modern touch. My cats drink more water now than ever, and the gentle bubbling sound is super calming. It’s been running quietly and steadily without a hitch. Worth every penny for healthy, happy cats. The size is perfect, very easy to set up. The cats love it!“
3. Catit LED Flower Automatic Water Fountain (3L)
The Catit Flower Automatic Water Fountain is a popular choice among cat owners, particularly those with finicky drinkers. Its unique flower design and gentle flowing water aim to entice cats to stay hydrated.
Key Features
✅ Appealing Design: The BPA-free flower design is undeniably attractive to cats. The gentle flowing water and bubbling top seem to pique their interest and encourage them to drink more. The design includes an LED night light and water level indicator.
✅ Compact Size: The fountain is relatively compact (9 x 8.3 x 7.7″ dimensions), making it a good choice for smaller spaces.
✅ Triple Action Filtration: The water is purified in 3 ways and the filters only need replacing ± once a month.
✅ Energy Efficient Pump: The pump size is designed to use very little energy, which is definitely a plus.
✅ Easy Disassembly: The fountain is easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning and the stainless steel top is dishwasher safe.
✅ 3 Water Flow Settings: The fountain offers different flow options (gentle flow, bubbling top or calm streams), allowing you to customize the water presentation to your cat’s preference.
Considerations
❌ Noise Level: Some users have reported the fountain being quite noisy when the water level gets low or when the filter becomes clogged.
❌ No Backup Power: The fountain requires constant power to keep running.
Reviews
“I originally bought one years ago when I had a cat with urinary tract problems. It was a hit with my cats and easy to clean. My parents still have this original one and I bought another for my new house. The cats absolutely drink more water which is the whole reason for getting it. I’ve bought other brands and they don’t compare.“
“Catit made a useful, durable product which is easy to fill, easy to clean, actually popular with the target audience (who, let’s face it, like nothing more than turning their cute noses up at something you bought specifically for them), with a long-lasting motor.
Also, the filters for the thing are big enough to do a good job, don’t mold after like 4 days, and get all the gunk out. And when the motor dies after years of 24/7 use, it’s easy and cheap to replace. Loved by my cats and their household staff alike.”
4. PETKIT EVERSWEET Solo 2 Smart Water Fountain with app (2L)
The PETKIT EverSweet Solo 2 is a sleek and modern smart pet water fountain with app control.
Key Features
✅ App Connectivity: The app connectivity allows you to monitor water levels and receive low-water notifications.
✅ Modern and Stylish Design: The device is undeniably attractive. Its minimalist design and sleek lines blend well with modern home decor. It’s a fountain you won’t mind leaving out in plain sight.
✅ Detachable Water Fountain Body: Makes filling and cleaning the fountain very easy.
✅ Quiet Operation: The fountain operates very quietly at a noise level lower than 25dB.
✅ 3 Flowing Modes: Smart, normal and night mode. Smart mode automatically adjusts the water flow based on ambient light to save energy.
✅ Multi-Layer Filtration System: The fountain uses a multi-stage filtration system to remove impurities and keep the water fresh and clean. Filters need replacing ± every 30 days in normal mode or every 2-3 weeks depending on the mode.
✅ Wireless Pump: This newer model features a wireless pump, making cleaning and maintenance significantly easier.
Considerations
❌ No Backup Power: The fountain requires constant power to keep running.
Reviews
“It works very well and is extremely quiet. Our cats love it and water consumption is way up. Very impressive and great value.”
“I’ve had this for a few weeks now and so far it’s pretty great. The best feature is I do not have to unplug it to clean it. Just lit it off it’s base and take it to the sink. Really like that feature!”
5. NPET Automatic Water Fountain (3L)
The NPET Automatic Water Fountain is made of BPA-free PS materials and has a fully transparent design.
Key Features
✅ Affordable Price: The device is a budget-friendly option. This makes it a great entry point for pet owners wanting to try a fountain without a large initial investment.
✅ Fully Transparent Design: The transparent design makes it much easier to see the water level is getting low.
✅ Compact and Space-Saving: The fountain’s compact design is ideal for smaller spaces. It doesn’t take up much counter or floor space.
✅ Triple Filtration: The triple-layer system keeps the water fresh and clean. Filters need replacing every 4 – 8 weeks.
✅ Quiet Operation: The fountain operates relatively quietly.
✅ Easy Assembly and Disassembly: The fountain is easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning. A cleaning kit is included with the fountain and the water pump is detachable.
✅ Multiple Flow Styles: Offers 3 water flow options, leaf-shape mode, waterfall mode and fountain mode, which is great to cater to your cat’s preference.
Considerations
❌ No Backup Power: The fountain requires constant power to keep running.
Reviews
“All 3 of my cats love the water fountain. it’s easy to clean and replace the water filter my cats each give it 10 claws up!! they love that I can switch out the water falls so the water can flow differently each time . We had it for 2 years. The motor just died so I ordered it again because my cats rave about it saying how much they love it. I told them I’m sorry the motor broke and I have to order the water fountain and they were very sad but it will be here in no time. Every pet parent needs to buy this amazing pet water fountain!!!!!!”
“I bought this fountain (in clear) two years ago because it was the largest capacity I could find. Had it for a year then suspect the pet sitter let the water get too low and the motor burned up. Just like a boat, you can’t run the motor without water intake.
So I ordered another last year but last week the motor stopped working again so I contacted them. They sent out a new motor at no charge and I had it in three business days. Great service! “
6. Geeni PetConnect Smart Water Fountain (4L)
The Geeni PetConnect is a durable plastic water fountain with app control and Google Assistant/Alexa compatibility.
Key Features
✅ Google Assistant and Alexa Compatibility: Manage your water fountain from anywhere through the Geeni app. Set timers and schedules, share app access and receive alerts for water refills, filter changes or when cleaning is needed. Hook it up to Google Assistant or Alexa and have voice control, hands-free convenience.
✅ Real-Time Alerts: Notifications are sent directly to your smartphone with reminders for filter changes, water refills and cleaning.
✅ Design: The fountain is made from safe durable plastic which is dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
✅ Filtration: The multi-layer filtration system keeps the water fresh and clean by removing impurities. The device comes with 3 x filters, which need replacing every 30 days.
✅ Quiet Operation: The fountain operates relatively quietly.
✅ Water Flow: There are 3 adjustable water flow modes to cater to your pet’s unique preferences and encouraging them to drink more.
Considerations
❌ A stable Wi-Fi connection is necessary for the app to function properly (as with any app).
❌ No battery backup – electricity is required to run the water fountain.
Reviews
“This is probably the coolest water fountain I have ever seen for pets. The best part is it tells me when the water is low and when it’s time to change the filter, all through an app to my phone. This fountain is also silent, there is no noise at all coming from this besides the trickling of water. I got this for my cats, and they like that they can drink from the spout or the bowl part. Taking this apart to clean is so simple, there are only a couple parts to it but all can be taken apart to be cleaned well. “
“Things that I like about this: 1. smart control from phone app 2. you can use filters from other manufacturer 3. it has an orange light to remind you about water level or maintenance.”
7. Cheerble Elfin E1 Hybrid Water Fountain (2L)
The Cheerble Elfin E1 is a pumpless and hybrid smart water fountain.
Key Features
✅ Pumpless Design: Driven by MagDrive technology and operates without a traditional water pump. The safety snap lid protects against accidental spills and the stainless steel tray design prevents pet acne.
✅ Dual Power Source: Operates either on a wired connection or wireless with a 5000 mAh rechargeable battery that lasts around 30 days on a single charge, which offers flexible placement. The chew-proof charging cable prevents pet bites and electric shocks.
✅ 2 Mode Settings:
- Intelligent mode – the water will run for 20 seconds when your pet is detected nearby by the smart sensors.
- Timer mode – the fountain will run every 15 minutes for 20 seconds.
✅ Visible Water Level: The water fountain’s see-through design makes it easy to see the water level and an indicator light will illuminate when the water level is too low. There is an automatic shut-off feature when the water level is too low, as well as a 145ml emergency water storage capacity in the event of a power outage or the battery runs flat.
✅ Multi-Layer Filtration System: The 4-layer filtration system provides continuous fresh water. The filters need replacing every 3-4 weeks.
✅ Easy to Clean: The visible design and pumpless feature reduces cleaning time by 85%.
Considerations
❌The 2L capacity might not be suitable for multi-pet households. Some users have said that they wished the water capacity was a little larger.
Reviews
“This is by far THE BEST water fountain! First, about my cats and little dogs. They drink so much more water than I’ve ever seen. The Cheerble is the easiest fountain to clean and it doesn’t have slimy buildup when I take it apart. I love how the filter is on the debris catcher under the top plate. It’s easy to wash every couple of days when the water gets low. The invention of pumpless fountain is genius. My decision to go with this was because of a video posted by a user here in the reviews. I highly recommend this fountain for the cats and yourself. ”
“This is an excellent water fountain for my cats. I have tried several other cheaper brands and they are all a huge pain to keep clean, and you also have to worry about the pumps burning out when the water runs out. With this fountain, all the wiring is in the base and is sealed off from the water completely. It is extremely easy to take apart and clean and you can easily see every nook and cranny that the water goes through. My cats also seem to be enjoy the motion sensing. My only complaint is that I wish you could set it to pump water for longer periods before the motion has to be re-triggered.”
8. PETLIBRO RFID Smart Water Fountain (3L)
The PETLIBRO RFID is revolutionary device that gives individual pet hydration data.
Key Features
✅ Tracks Up to 5 Pets: It can identify individual pets through the lightweight , snap-release collar tags (2 included with the fountain) and tracks their water intake.
✅ Smart App Control: Supports 2.4G Wi-Fi networks. Via the PETLIBRO app, you will receive real-time notifications about your pet’s hydration and the app will alert you to unusual drinking patterns that might indicate a health issue. You can also monitor the water level, receive low-water and filter change alerts.
✅ 4-Layer Filtration System: Removes all harmful substances and provides fresh, clean water. In-app reminders will notify you when it’s time to change the filters and sponges (every 2 weeks).
✅ Quiet Operation: The fountain operates very quietly at a noise level of 23dB.
✅ 2 Flow Modes: Offers a gentle bubbling mode and a fountain flow mode.
✅ Stylish Design: The fountain has a modern and aesthetically pleasing design that blends well with most home decor.
✅ Easy to Clean and Fill: The fountain has minimal parts to disassemble for cleaning. It also features a detachable water tank for easy refilling.
✅ Anti-Splash Shield: The shield prevents water splashes and messes.
❌ Considerations
- Reliance on RFID Tags, Not Microchips: The fountain does not read microchips. This means your cat must wear a collar with the RFID tag for the fountain to track their drinking habits. If your cat doesn’t tolerate collars, this feature becomes unusable.
- Only supports 2.4G Wi-Fi. Not compatible with 5G.
- The fountain is wall powered only – no battery backup system.
Reviews
“My cats are obsessed with this fountain! The stainless steel construction is easy to clean and looks sleek on the counter. The water flow is just right—gentle and quiet—encouraging them to drink more. I also love that it has a filtration system to keep the water fresh longer.”
“Absolutely incredible and well worth it. being able to track my cats intake has been huge for my anxiety!!! super easy to put together and use, the filters last 14 days for me. you can pick between a continuous water flow or you can change it to timed increments! i would definitely recommend for those nervous nelly cat owners, as well as those with kitties who don’t want water.”
Comparison Table for Electric Smart Water Fountains
| Fountain | Capacity | Material | Smart Features | Filtration | Flow Modes | Price Range: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PETLIBRO Dockstream | 2.5L | Stainless steel tray, BPA-free plastic | ✅ Wi-Fi, app control, PawSense health tracking | 4-Layer | 2 (continuous & intermittent) | ±$110.00 |
| Veken Stainless Steel | 2.8L | Stainless steel, BPA-free | ✅ LED light for water visibility | 5-stage | 2 (flower & gentle fountain) | ±$40.00 |
| Catit Flower Fountain | 3L | BPA-free plastic | ❌ | Triple-action | 3 (gentle flow, bubbling top, calm stream) | ±$38.00 |
| PETKIT EVERSWEET Solo 2 | 2L | BPA-free plastic, modern design | ✅ App control, smart night mode | Multi-layer | 3 (smart, normal, night) | ±46.00 |
| NPET Automatic Fountain | 3L | Transparent BPA-free plastic | ❌ | Triple-action | 3 (leaf, waterfall, fountain) | ±30.00 |
| Geeni PetConnect | 2.6L | Stainless-steel | ✅ App control, Google Assistant/Alexa compatible | Multi-layer | 3 water flow modes | ±$38.00 |
| Cheerble Elfin E1 | 2L | Plastic + stainless steel bowl | Smart sensors/LED low-water light | Quadruple | 2 water dispensing modes | ±$80.00 |
| PETLIBRO RFID | 3L | 304 food-grade stainless steel & BPA-free materials | ✅ App control, hydration tracking of up to 5 pets | 4-Layer | 2 (gentle bubbling, fountain flow) | ±$110.00 |
🆚Pros vs Cons for an Electric Smart Water Fountain
✅ Pros:
- Consistent Power and Performance: With a direct power source, an electric fountain provides a steady, reliable stream of water and consistent filtration. You never have to worry about the battery dying, which ensures your pet always has access to fresh, moving water.
- More Advanced Features: Electric fountains can support more powerful pumps and complex features like UV-C sterilization, multi-stage filtration systems, and more robust smart sensors. The unlimited power supply allows for better performance and a wider range of capabilities.
- No Charging or Battery Swapping: The “set it and forget it” convenience is a major draw. As long as it’s plugged in and has water, it’s operational. This eliminates the hassle of remembering to charge a battery or the long-term cost of replacing them.
- Stronger Water Flow: If your pet prefers a more vigorous water stream, electric fountains are more likely to deliver. Their pumps are generally more powerful than those found in wireless models.
❌ Cons:
- Location Dependency: An electric fountain must be placed near a power outlet, which can limit your placement options. The cord can also be an eyesore or a potential tripping hazard, especially in a high-traffic area.
- Safety Concerns with Water and Electricity: Although designed with safety in mind, the combination of water and electricity can pose a small risk. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance to avoid any issues.
- Power Outage Vulnerability: In the event of a power outage, the fountain will stop working. While most pets will still have access to the standing water in the basin, the filtration and motion will cease until power is restored. Hybrid models in this case will be a solution as they have backup batteries particularly for this.
🛒 Buyer’s Guide – Electric/Plug-In Smart Water Fountains
Electric pet water fountains are the most reliable and consistent option because they plug directly into a wall outlet. If you’re considering one, here’s what to look for:
⚡ 1. Continuous Power Supply
- Since they’re plugged in, you don’t have to worry about batteries dying.
- Ideal for multi-pet homes where fountains run all day.
🔇 2. Quiet Pump Performance
- A good electric fountain should run quietly (under 30 dB), however, some water flow settings can influence the noise of the devices with splashing, etc.
- Look for models with adjustable water flow for skittish cats.
🧽 3. Easy Cleaning & Maintenance
- Choose fountains with detachable pumps and simple parts.
- Avoid models with narrow corners where biofilm/slime builds up.
💧 4. Water Capacity
- Small households: 1.5–2 liters is usually enough.
- Multi-pet households: go for 3 liters or more to reduce refilling.
🐾 5. Safety Features
- Look for automatic shut-off when the water level is too low — this prevents pump burnout.
- Non-slip base helps prevent tipping if you have active pets.
🛠️ 6. Durability & Materials
- Stainless steel or ceramic is best for long-term hygiene.
- Plastic is cheaper but can scratch and hold bacteria.
🛠️ Water Fountain Maintenance Tips:
- Clean the fountain and pump every 1–2 weeks to avoid buildup.
- Replace filters and sponges as directed (typically every 2–4 weeks).
- Use distilled or filtered water to extend the life of the pump.
- Keep an eye on water levels. Motors can burn out if they run dry.
❓ FAQs – Electric (Corded) Smart Water Fountains
Are electric smart water fountains safe to leave plugged in?
Yes, most are designed for 24/7 use with low-voltage pumps. Just make sure the cord is chew-resistant or hidden from curious cats.
Do electric water fountains use a lot of power?
No, they’re very energy-efficient. Most use less than 2–5 watts, which costs just a few cents per month to run.
What happens if the power goes out?
The fountain will stop running, but your pet can still drink from the bowl section. For frequent outages, consider a hybrid water fountain, like the Cheerble Elfin E1 or a plug-in water fountain with battery backup, like the Geeni PetConnect.
How often should I clean a plug in smart water fountain?
At least once a week. More often if you have multiple pets or hard water. The pump should be taken apart and rinsed monthly to prevent buildup.
Are electric water fountains better than wireless?
It depends on your lifestyle. Electric fountains are more reliable and never need recharging. Wireless models are more flexible, but may need frequent battery changes or recharging.
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