Sony aibo ERS-1000 vs Unitree Go2
Researched by Riley Hart · prices checked Oct 26, 2026
As of Oct 26, 2026, the Sony aibo ERS-1000 costs $3,200 and the Unitree Go2 costs $1,600, so the Unitree Go2 is $1,600 cheaper. The Unitree Go2 has a published review score and ranks #3 in our robot pets and companions ranking; the Sony aibo ERS-1000 is not scored yet. Pick the Sony aibo ERS-1000 for robot fans who want the most lifelike dog. Pick the Unitree Go2 for adult tech enthusiasts and STEM tinkering.
- Type
- Robot dog
- Interaction
- Voice
- Subscription
- Required after 3 yrs
aibo is the most lifelike robot dog you can buy in the US, with real legs, a personality that grows over years and Sony's support behind it. It is for devoted fans and households that can absorb a $3,200 final sale price plus $300 a year after the third year. Everyone else, especially families wanting a durable toy for kids, should skip it.
Full Sony aibo ERS-1000 review →- Type
- Robot dog
- Interaction
- App
- Subscription
- None
- Ages
- 18+
Go2 is the most capable robot dog an individual can buy, a good fit for adult tech fans, makers and educators who want mapping, stair climbing and follow mode. Skip it if you want a cuddly pet, have small children around, or are uneasy about its documented security flaws and data reporting; Unitree rates it for ages 18 and up.
Full Unitree Go2 review →Side by side
| Sony aibo ERS-1000 | Unitree Go2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,200 | $1,600 |
| 3 year cost | $3,200 | $1,600 |
| Our score | Not scored yet | 5.8/10 |
| Rank in Companions | #16 | #3 |
| Status | on sale | on sale |
| Warranty | n/a | Not published on the Unitree US store; US dealer Maverick Drone lists 1 year |
| Type | Robot dog with OLED eyes and 22 degrees of freedom | Four legged robot dog; consumer Air and Pro versions (Pro listed at $2,800) |
| Interaction | Voice commands, touch sensors on head, chin and back, paw pads, face recognition, My aibo app (phone and web) | Phone app, optional handheld controller, voice commands on Pro, follow mode |
| Ai features | Cloud AI through the aibo AI Cloud Plan stores memories and develops personality; learns tricks, recognizes people and can take photos | Cloud LLM chat on Pro: spoken commands answered by ChatGPT in a synthesized voice; no two way live audio (New Atlas). Air has no voice function (RobotShop) |
| Camera | Yes, a front camera and a SLAM camera for mapping; photos viewable in the My aibo app; no physical shutter published | Yes, HD wide angle camera plus 4D LiDAR L2 for mapping; privacy controls not published |
| Mobility | Four legs; indoor use only, operating range 41 to 95 F | Four legs; stairs and uneven ground; top speed 2.5 m/s on Air, 3.5 m/s on Pro |
| Battery runtime | About 2 hours in standard mode (Sony); walks back to its charger | About 1 to 2 hours on the 8,000 mAh pack; optional 15,000 mAh pack |
| Charge time | About 3 hours (Sony) | Not published |
| Size weight | About 7.1 x 11.5 x 12.0 in (W x H x D), about 2.2 kg (4.9 lb) | 70 by 31 by 40 cm standing, about 15 kg with battery |
| Subscription | Required: aibo AI Cloud Plan, 3 years included, then $300 per 12 month renewal on the Sony US store | None published |
| Age range | Not published | 18+; Unitree says it is not a toy and should be kept away from children |
| Best for | robot fans who want the most lifelike dog | adult tech enthusiasts and STEM tinkering |
| Skip if | you balk at $3,200 plus a yearly cloud fee | you have young kids or privacy worries |
Specs are maker claims unless a reviewer is named. Prices from the stores we link, checked daily.
What reviewers found
Sony aibo ERS-1000
- Engadget: Impressive sensors and cloud AI, but setup and the mobile app were slow, it struggled with floor transitions, its servos were loud at night and it took about two weeks to show personality. Concluded a shelter dog is a better choice for most people. Source
- Tom's Guide: Adorable and fun with a personality that grows, but the reviewer got about 1 hour 10 minutes of continuous activity, the app was sluggish and it often ignored commands during training. Source
Unitree Go2
- New Atlas: Go2 Pro handled curbs and uneven ground and offered ChatGPT voice commands, but needed a flat surface to start, once fell down front steps, struggled to start on grass or sand, and its purpose beyond novelty was unclear; got 1 to 2 hours per charge. Source
- Fauxhammer (4/5): Impressive movement and terrain handling with useful lidar mapping, about 2 hours of battery, but inconsistent voice recognition, overcautious obstacle avoidance and limited practical use. Source
- iFixit: Teardown found a hand removable battery built from standard 18650 cells and separately connected motors, but parts are sold only by contact form and stair testing cracked the neck. Source
Pros and cons
Sony aibo ERS-1000
Pros
- Four legged movement with 22 degrees of freedom
- Personality develops over months and years
- Self charging on its mat
- Three years of cloud plan included
Cons
- $3,199.99 and sold as final sale with no returns
- Cloud plan costs $300 a year after year 3
- About 2 hours per charge; Tom's Guide got about 70 minutes
- Not sold in Illinois or Baltimore, Maryland
Unitree Go2
Pros
- Agile on stairs, grass and uneven ground
- 4D lidar mapping and follow mode in the app
- Removable battery and fairly repairable design (iFixit)
- Air model starts at $1,600
Cons
- Shipping adds $399 to $1,000
- Documented security flaws and telemetry concerns
- About 15 kg with motors that can pinch
- Only 1 to 2 hours per charge
- Spare battery costs $500
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, the Sony aibo ERS-1000 or the Unitree Go2?
The Unitree Go2 has a published review score and ranks #3 in our robot pets and companions ranking; the Sony aibo ERS-1000 is not scored yet. Pick the Sony aibo ERS-1000 for robot fans who want the most lifelike dog. Pick the Unitree Go2 for adult tech enthusiasts and STEM tinkering.
Which is cheaper?
The Unitree Go2 at $1,600, versus $3,200 for the Sony aibo ERS-1000, checked Oct 26, 2026. Over 3 years with running costs: $3,200 vs $1,600.
What is the difference between the aibo ERS-1000 and the Go2?
Type: Robot dog with OLED eyes and 22 degrees of freedom on the aibo ERS-1000, Four legged robot dog; consumer Air and Pro versions (Pro listed at $2,800) on the Go2. Interaction: Voice commands, touch sensors on head, chin and back, paw pads, face recognition, My… on the aibo ERS-1000, Phone app, optional handheld controller, voice commands on Pro, follow mode on the Go2. Ai features: Cloud AI through the aibo AI Cloud Plan stores memories and develops personality; learns… on the aibo ERS-1000, Cloud LLM chat on Pro: spoken commands answered by ChatGPT in a synthesized voice; no… on the Go2.
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