Smart pet doors
PetSafe SmartDoor Connected review
Published 20 June 2026
PetSafe's app-controlled door, and the strongest here for remote control without needing a separate hub. Lock and unlock from anywhere, schedule per-pet access and get entry notifications. Recognition is solid if not quite SureFlap-wide.
Best for: Owners wanting app control without a separate hub
From £179.99 checked 20 Jun 2026
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What works
- App control with no separate hub
- Remote lock and scheduling
- Per-pet entry notifications
- Reliable recognition
- Flexible fitting
What falls short
- Pricey
- Read-zone narrower than SureFlap
- Battery powered
How it scores
We rate every product in this category on the same criteria, weighted by how much they matter in daily use. Each score is out of 10.
| Criterion | Weight | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition accuracy and reliability | 25% | 8.5 | Reliable microchip and collar-tag recognition |
| Security and stray exclusion | 20% | 8.5 | Registered-pet access with good stray exclusion |
| Weatherproofing and seal | 15% | 8.0 | Good weatherproof seal |
| Response speed | 10% | 7.5 | Adequate response speed |
| Pet capacity and compatibility | 10% | 8.0 | Stores multiple pets; microchip and tag compatible |
| App and access control | 10% | 9.5 | Best app control here without a separate hub: remote lock, per-pet scheduling, push alerts Confirm on your exact model before relying on it. |
| Installation and fit | 5% | 7.5 | Door and wall fitting |
| Value | 5% | 7.0 | Pricey, but the no-hub app convenience justifies it for some |
| Weighted total | 8.25 |
How we score: each rating combines the manufacturer specification with the weight of feedback from owners and independent reviewers. We do not copy other reviews. The score is our own synthesis, and we show the reasoning so you can judge it yourself.
See how the PetSafe SmartDoor Connected ranks against other smart pet doors
Key specifications
| Recognition | Microchip and collar tag |
|---|---|
| Smart | App built in, no separate hub |
| Control | Remote lock, per-pet scheduling, alerts |
| Fitting | Door and wall |
| Power | Batteries |
| Best for | App control without a hub |
Common questions
Does the PetSafe SmartDoor need a hub?
No, and that is its main advantage. It offers remote lock and unlock, per-pet scheduling and push notifications through the app without buying a separate hub, where the SureFlap Connect needs one.
How is recognition compared to SureFlap?
Solid and reliable, though SureFlap's read-zone is wider, so it catches a pet approaching off-axis a little sooner. For most homes the difference is small.
What can I do from the app?
Lock and unlock from anywhere, set per-pet entry schedules and curfews, and get a notification when each registered pet uses the door.
Looking at something else? See our pet cameras