Pet Water Fountain Picks

PETLIBRO Dockstream 1 vs Dockstream 2

By The petwaterfountainpicks team · Updated · How we research

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The two at a glance

Dockstream 1

Models
2 in our database
Capacity
2.5 to 3 L
Bowl / tray
plastic, stainless steel
Pump type
wireless

Dockstream 2

Models
2 in our database
Capacity
3 L
Bowl / tray
stainless steel
Pump type
wireless

Full spec table

The main differences are who the fountain is listed for and what the tray is made of. PETLIBRO lists Dockstream 2 for cats and dogs with a stainless steel tray on both versions, while the original Dockstream models are listed for cats only, and the cordless one has a plastic bowl. Filter (PL-FF005), change interval and claimed noise are the same on both sides.

On this page

Specs side by side

Manufacturer claims, not our measurements. Checked . A row appears only when at least one side publishes the figure.
SpecDockstream 1Dockstream 2
Models in our database22
Made forcatscats and dogs
Capacity2.5 to 3 L3 L
Bowl / trayplastic, stainless steelstainless steel
Bodyplasticplastic
Pump typewirelesswireless
Powerbattery, AC adapterbattery, AC adapter
Battery5000 mAh (1 of 2 models state it)5200 mAh (1 of 2 models state it)
Runs cordlessyes for 1 of 2 modelsyes for 1 of 2 models
Claimed noise23 dB23 dB
Dishwasher-safenot publishedstainless steel water tray
App-connectedyes for 1 of 2 modelsyes
FilterPL-FF005PL-FF005
Filter change interval2 weeks (maker)2 weeks (maker)
SourcesSource · 2 · 3Source · 2

Where a side covers several models, the cell shows the range or the distinct values across them. How we research.

Filters, pumps and change intervals

Dockstream 1

  • Dockstream Replacement Filter PL-FF005 original · change every 2 wk (manufacturer) · Source

Dockstream 2

  • Dockstream Replacement Filter PL-FF005 original · change every 2 wk (manufacturer) · Source

What actually changed between the generations?

Read the table as two product families. In the first, PETLIBRO sells a cordless model with a 2.5 L plastic bowl and an RFID model with a 3 L stainless tray on mains power. In the second, the Dockstream 2 comes as a cordless unit and a plug-in unit, both at 3 L with a stainless tray, and PETLIBRO describes a pumpless design in which a motor in the base spins a rotor inside the tank.

The rows that look different in the table need a careful read. Battery, cordless and app all say "1 of 2 models" on the Dockstream 1 side, because the cordless model has the battery and no app, while the RFID model has the app and no battery. The Dockstream 2 side has an app on both models and a battery on one.

What stays the same?

Not much needs relearning when you move up. Both generations use the same filter, code PL-FF005, and the maker gives a two-week change interval. The claimed noise is 23 dB throughout, which is a manufacturer figure and not something we have checked. So if you already own a Dockstream, your spare filters carry over.

Which known problems should you expect?

The fix list is longer for Dockstream 2 because PETLIBRO documents more of it: a water sensor that needs calibrating, a rotor shaft that needs cleaning, leaks, noise, and rust spots on the stainless tray. A weak-flow note from a clogged filter applies to the RFID model and to Dockstream 2. Treat the lists as a guide to maintenance, not as a failure rate.

Known problems for each side

Dockstream 1

  • Weak flow or no bubbling: Clogged filter, debris build-up or dirty pump Source (faq): Source

Step-by-step fixes: PETLIBRO troubleshooting.

Dockstream 2

Step-by-step fixes: PETLIBRO troubleshooting.

Which one should you choose?

Choose Dockstream 1 if…

  • You only have cats. PETLIBRO lists both original models for cats, and the RFID model is the one that can tell up to 5 cats apart with collar tags in the app.
  • You want the simplest cordless option: the Dockstream Cordless has a 5000 mAh battery and no app, and the maker says none of its parts are dishwasher safe.
  • A 2.5 L tank is enough for you. That is the smaller of the two original models; the RFID version is 3 L.

Choose Dockstream 2 if…

  • A dog drinks from it as well. The maker lists Dockstream 2 for cats and dogs, which the original models are not.
  • You want a stainless steel tray whichever power version you pick. Both Dockstream 2 models have one, and the maker calls the tray dishwasher safe.
  • You want the larger battery. The Dockstream 2 Cordless is listed at 5200 mAh, against 5000 mAh on the original.
  • You can live with a longer maintenance list. We hold six sourced issues for Dockstream 2 and one for the RFID model, partly because Dockstream 2 is better documented.

Dockstream 1

Dockstream 2

All comparisons