Amazon Basics Pee Pads Review: Are They Actually Worth It?

The Amazon Basics Puppy Pee Pads are the #1 best-selling product in all of dog supplies on Amazon — not just pee pads, but all dog products. With 222,104 ratings at 4.4 stars, they've been tested by more dog owners than almost any other product on the market. But are they actually good, or are they just popular because they're cheap?

I've tested them extensively with Mochi during her puppy training phase and during a recent illness that required indoor bathroom access. Here's my honest assessment.

What You Get

Each pad measures 22"x22" — the standard size for most dogs. The 5-layer construction includes:

1. 1Quick-dry top layer — keeps your dog's paws dry after use
2. 2Absorbent core — holds up to 1.3 cups of liquid
3. 3Leak-proof bottom layer — prevents seepage onto floors
4. 4Adhesive strips — keeps the pad in place on hard floors
5. 5Odor-neutralizing layer — reduces smell (somewhat)

The Good

The quick-dry surface is genuinely effective — Mochi would walk across a used pad without getting wet paws, which is important for encouraging repeat use. The leak-proof bottom layer held up well even with multiple uses before replacement.

The adhesive strips work on hardwood and tile, though they're less effective on carpet (but you probably wouldn't use pads on carpet anyway).

At $17.45 for 100 pads, the value is excellent — $0.17 per pad for a product that does its job reliably.

The Not-So-Good

The odor control is adequate but not impressive. After a few hours, used pads do start to smell, and the "odor-neutralizing" claim is a bit generous. If odor is a major concern, you'll want to change pads more frequently than you might with premium alternatives.

The adhesive strips occasionally leave residue on floors, particularly on hardwood. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it's worth knowing.

How They Compare to Premium Alternatives

Premium pads (like Wee-Wee Pads or Bulldogology) cost 2-3x more per pad and offer better odor control and slightly higher absorbency. For most dog owners, the Amazon Basics pads are more than adequate. The only situation where I'd recommend spending more is if you have a large dog who produces significant volume, or if odor control is critical (e.g., you work from home and the pads are in your office).

Verdict

4.4/5 stars. The Amazon Basics Pee Pads are genuinely good products that earn their #1 best-seller status. They're not the best pee pads on the market, but they're the best value — and for most dog owners, that's what matters. Buy them.