Contixo R3 Smart Puppy Robot Dog vs WowWee Dog-E

Buy the WowWee Dog-E for kids 6 and up who want a robot pet that feels unique and grows with them. It has 200-plus sounds and reactions, a tail that spells words with persistence-of-vision lights, and an app for tricks, needs tracking and multiple profiles. The Contixo R3 is the better pick for younger kids: it is simpler, lighter, works with a remote and needs no phone. Owners rate Dog-E higher, but it costs more and has no edge sensors, so it can run off a table.

• Choose the Contixo R3 if your child is 3 to 5, you want remote-control play without a phone, and you want a light toy that is easy to carry.
• Choose the WowWee Dog-E if your child is 6 or older, you want a robot pet with real personality, app training and tricks, and you can supervise tabletop play.