Buying guide · Published

PETLIBRO Dockstream vs Dockstream 2: PLWF105 vs PLWF106

Compare the original Dockstream PLWF105 with Dockstream 2 Plug-In PLWF106 by capacity, Wi-Fi, low-water cues, cleaning and filter guidance. Cordless PLWF116 is separate.

Sam Lazare · Updated 10/16/2026

The short answer

Choose by the job you need done.

Compare exact model numbers. The official specifications document a 2.5 L PLWF105 and a 3 L PLWF106 with broader Wi-Fi support and a low-water indicator, but do not establish that Dockstream 2 performs better or is worth replacing a working fountain.

Exact scope · Original app-monitoring Dockstream Smart Fountain PLWF105 (wireless pump, but corded fountain) versus Dockstream 2 Smart Fountain Plug-In PLWF106. PLWF005 Wireless Pump, PLWF115 Cordless, PLWF116 Cordless and PLWF305 RFID are separate models.

A shortlist for different needs

Two approaches.
Choose the one that fits.

Manufacturer-documented examplePETLIBRO PLWF105

Outside our current review catalogue

Keep or identify the original

Original Dockstream Smart Fountain

PETLIBRO PLWF105

Fits if: Your label says PLWF105 and its capacity, 2.4 GHz connection and care routine meet your needs.
The tradeoff: No listed low-water indicator; although its pump is wireless, the fountain itself must be plugged in.
Choose another approach if: Assuming every fountain called Dockstream shares the same parts or instructions.

[1][2][3]Read maker documentation

Manufacturer image of the white PETLIBRO Dockstream 2 PLWF106 plug-in fountain with power cable and app screen. — Manufacturer image: PETLIBRO

Consider the plug-in second generation

Dockstream 2 Smart Fountain Plug-In

PETLIBRO PLWF106

Fits if: A 3 L reservoir, 5 GHz support or low-water indicator addresses a specific household need.
The tradeoff: Still adapter-powered; only the stainless-steel tray part is listed as dishwasher-safe.
Choose another approach if: Expecting a cordless model or a proven performance/reliability upgrade.

[1][5][6]Read the full review

At a glance

Match the choice to the need.

Household need	Option to consider	Boundary to check
More listed capacity	Option to considerPLWF106 is listed at 3 L; PLWF105 at 2.5 L.	Boundary to checkPublished capacity is not a measured household refill interval.[1]
Wi-Fi compatibility	Option to considerPLWF105 lists 2.4 GHz; PLWF106 lists 2.4 and 5 GHz.	Boundary to checkCheck your router and the exact model; this does not establish better app performance.[1][3][5]
Low-water cue	Option to considerPLWF106 lists a low-water indicator; PLWF105 does not.	Boundary to checkNeither compared model has a visible tank in PETLIBRO’s series table; check the model-specific low-water indication.[1]
Cleaning and accessories	Option to considerCheck the exact model’s care instructions and accessory list.	Boundary to checkOnly the PLWF106 stainless-steel tray part is listed dishwasher-safe; shield compatibility lists PLWF106/116/305.[1][6][8]
Replacement filters	Option to considerCurrent PLWF106 FAQ/listing says old Dockstream and Dockstream 2 filters are interchangeable.	Boundary to checkThe series comparison page’s PLWF106 filter link says unavailable; verify exact package/model before purchase.[5][7][1]
App data and subscription	Option to considerPLWF106 supports app monitoring; PETLIBRO says Care syncs data across fountains, while without Care each fountain tracks separately.	Boundary to checkThe listing does not say basic single-fountain tracking requires a paid plan; check current Care terms for plan features and price.[4][5]

Before buying

A few useful questions.

Is Dockstream 2 worth upgrading to?

The listed changes may matter if they solve a specific need, but official specifications and owner threads do not prove a general performance upgrade.[1][9][10]

Is Dockstream 2 cordless?

No. PLWF106 is the plug-in model. PLWF116 is a separate cordless Dockstream 2 model and is outside this comparison.[1][5]

Do the replacement filters fit both generations?

PETLIBRO currently says they are interchangeable, while its comparison page has an unavailable-filter link for PLWF106. Check the exact model and package listing.[5][7][1]

Can I put the whole Dockstream 2 in the dishwasher?

No. PETLIBRO lists only the stainless-steel tray part as dishwasher-safe; follow the model-specific instructions for other pieces and the base.[1][6]

A closer look

Setup, limitations and related reading.

First check the label, not just “Dockstream”

PETLIBRO uses Dockstream for several distinct fountains. This guide compares only the original Smart Fountain PLWF105—the app-monitoring model whose pump is wireless, but whose fountain is not cordless—and the newer Dockstream 2 Smart Fountain Plug-In PLWF106. PLWF005 is a separately named Wireless Pump fountain without app support; cordless PLWF115 and Dockstream 2 Cordless PLWF116 are different products. PLWF116 is outside this comparison. Match the number on your unit or package to PETLIBRO’s series comparison before applying any support advice.

Documented detail	Dockstream Smart Fountain PLWF105	Dockstream 2 Plug-In PLWF106
Reservoir	2.5 L	3 L
Power	Must plug in; no battery. Its pump is wireless; PETLIBRO says the box includes a 1.5 m USB-A-to-USB-C cable.	Must plug in; no battery. PETLIBRO lists an included adapter and 1.5 m Type-C cable.
App network	2.4 GHz	2.4 and 5 GHz
Water records	App water-intake records listed; not per-pet logging	App water-intake records listed; not per-pet logging
Water-level cue	No low-water indicator listed; tank is not visible	Low-water indicator listed; tank is not visible
Dishwasher guidance	Not dishwasher-friendly	Only the stainless-steel tray part is listed as dishwasher-safe; this is not permission for the whole fountain

Power differs too: PLWF105’s FAQ says its pump is wireless but the fountain must be plugged in, and lists a USB-A-to-USB-C cable; PLWF106 needs its included adapter and cable. “Wireless pump” does not mean cordless operation. This comparison follows PETLIBRO’s published model specifications. PETLIBRO’s PLWF105 product specifications, PLWF105 support answers, PLWF106 product listing, and plug-in support answers identify the model-specific details. Drinking records do not identify each cat: PETLIBRO’s series table says neither PLWF105 nor PLWF106 supports per-pet logging. Petlibro Care is an optional plan: PETLIBRO says it syncs data across fountains; without it, fountains track separately. Its listing does not say basic single-fountain tracking requires a subscription. Check current plan details if syncing or Care features matter.

What changes for daily use?

If your current PLWF105 gives you enough water capacity, its 2.4 GHz connection works in your home, and you do not need a low-water cue, the published feature list alone does not establish a reason to replace it. PLWF106 may fit better if the documented 3 L reservoir, 5 GHz network support, or low-water indicator solves a specific issue in your setup. Both models require an outlet; PLWF106 does not add cordless operation. Choose Dockstream 2 Cordless PLWF116 only if you are intentionally evaluating a battery model, and check its separate guide and manual rather than transferring those features here.

Cleaning is a concrete documented difference. PETLIBRO says PLWF105 is not dishwasher-friendly and recommends against hot-water cleaning. For PLWF106, the maker’s series table permits dishwasher cleaning only for the stainless-steel tray part; follow the Dockstream 2 Plug-In cleaning limits for the rest of the assembly and electrical base. A dishwasher-safe tray is not a dishwasher-safe fountain. See our cat fountain cleaning guide for the broader component-by-component approach.

PETLIBRO currently says its Dockstream 2 replacement filters are interchangeable with the old Dockstream series in its PLWF106 presale FAQ, and the current replacement-filter listing names Dockstream and Dockstream 2 compatibility. The series comparison page, however, still shows a Dockstream replacement-filter link for PLWF105 and “Not Available For Now” for PLWF106. Treat that as a catalog-link gap: check the exact package and fountain model before using older stock or a third-party filter. A filter that looks similar is not proof of fit or suitable operation.

The optional Dockstream 2 splash shield is another distinct accessory. PETLIBRO lists it for the three-liter PLWF106, PLWF116 and PLWF305 models; that page does not list the 2.5 L PLWF105. Confirm the model label before ordering the shield.

What owners ask—and what that evidence can answer

In one owner thread asking about Dockstream 2, the poster says they bought two Dockstreams and asks whether Dockstream 2 is worth upgrading to. Replies raise filter compatibility and cleaning access, but do not identify every unit by its exact model number. A later “Is the Dockstream 2 really an upgrade?” discussion reports one household’s experience after switching; that thread also does not establish PLWF105 and PLWF106 labels. These posts illustrate buyer questions; they do not establish typical results or performance improvement.

A practical replace-or-keep check

Keep the PLWF105 if it still serves your household and its documented features meet your needs. Consider PLWF106 when a listed difference—3 L rather than 2.5 L, 5 GHz support, a low-water indicator, or the tray’s limited dishwasher permission—would materially help your routine. If your concern is noise, a leak, weak flow, or a filter problem, identify the model first and use the matching support sequence; do not assume a generation change will fix it. Our original Dockstream noise guide is for PLWF005, PLWF115 and PLWF105 only; the Dockstream 2 PLWF106 review covers the plug-in version.

Base an upgrade decision on the documented features your household needs. For current prices and retailer offers, see the model’s product profile.

Checked October 16, 2026. Model scope: PLWF105 versus Dockstream 2 Plug-In PLWF106. PLWF116 Cordless, PLWF115 Cordless, PLWF005 Wireless Pump and PLWF305 RFID are distinct models.

Sources & evidence 13 references