If you play Pokemon GO with any regularity, an auto catcher will change how you experience the game. Instead of staring at your phone every time a Pidgey spawns, these Bluetooth devices catch Pokemon and spin PokeStops in the background while you walk, commute, or do literally anything else. I’ve tested every major auto catcher on the market, and the differences between them matter more than most buyers realize. Here are the best Pokemon Go auto catchers you can buy right now, ranked and compared.
MEGACOM DuoMon 3
Auto-reconnect, dual account, IPX7 waterproof.
Pokemon GO Plus+
Zero ban risk. Pokemon Sleep integration.
Go-tcha Evolve
True hands-free auto-catch with OLED screen.
Brook Pocket Auto Catch
Simple, reliable, cheapest option from a trusted brand.
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In This Guide
Quick Picks
| Need | Pick | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | DuoMon 3 | ~$50 | Auto-reconnect, dual account, waterproof |
| Zero ban risk | Pokemon GO Plus+ | ~$54 | Official Nintendo device, Pokemon Sleep |
| Best wearable | Go-tcha Evolve | ~$40 | Watchband form factor, OLED screen |
| Cheapest option | Brook Pocket Auto Catch | ~$35 | Simple, reliable, no-frills |
How Auto Catchers Work
Every auto catcher connects to your phone via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). When a wild Pokemon or PokeStop enters range, the device sends a catch/spin signal to the app automatically. Your phone can be in your pocket with the screen off. As long as Pokemon GO is running in the background and Bluetooth is on, the device works.
Here’s the catch (literally): auto catchers throw one regular Poke Ball per encounter with no berries, no curveball bonus, and no Nice/Great/Excellent throw bonus. If the Pokemon breaks free, it flees immediately. No second chances. The catch rate formula is straightforward:
Catch Rate = Base Capture Rate x Ball Modifier (1x for Poke Ball) x Medal Modifier
In practice, common Pokemon have roughly a 50-70% auto-catch rate. Rare or high-level spawns can drop below 10%. You’ll grind tons of Stardust and XP from commons, but you’ll miss plenty of rares. That’s the trade-off for not having to look at your phone.
One more thing every buyer should know: all auto catchers disconnect after about 1 hour. This is a server-side limitation from Niantic, not a device defect. How each device handles reconnection is one of the biggest differentiators, and it’s something most buyer’s guides skip over. If you’re new to Pokemon GO entirely, check out our Pokemon GO beginner guide for a broader overview of the game.
Best Pokemon Go Auto Catchers Ranked
1. MEGACOM DuoMon 3 (Editor’s Choice)
Price: ~$50 (Amazon) | Battery: 500mAh USB-C + wireless charging | Weight: 29g
The DuoMon 3 solves the single biggest annoyance with auto catchers: the hourly disconnect. Its companion app (MEGACOM Center) automatically reconnects to the game every hour without you touching anything. On iOS 16+, it’s truly hands-off. Set it and forget it for an entire day. That feature alone puts it ahead of everything else on this list.
The dual-account support is the other standout. Two independent Bluetooth ICs let you connect two phones simultaneously, which is great for couples, families, or players with alt accounts. Add IPX7 waterproofing (safe in rain or a puddle drop) and a 65-foot Bluetooth range (double the standard 30 feet), and you’ve got the most capable auto catcher available.
Setup can be a bit confusing. The initial Bluetooth pairing through the MEGACOM Center app takes some patience, and a few users on Reddit report needing a couple of attempts to get auto-reconnect configured properly. Once it’s working, though, it’s remarkably stable.
Pros
- Automatic hourly reconnect (iOS 16+)
- Dual account support (2 phones)
- IPX7 waterproof
- 65ft Bluetooth range
- USB-C and wireless charging
- Only 29g
Cons
- Initial setup is confusing
- Auto-reconnect needs iOS 16+ (Android limited)
- Poke Balls only (no Great/Ultra)
- No screen, just LEDs
Verdict: The best auto catcher for anyone who wants the most hands-off experience possible. The auto-reconnect alone justifies the price.
2. Pokemon GO Plus+ (Best Official)
Price: ~$54 (Amazon) | Battery: USB-C rechargeable, ~1 week | Weight: 50g
The Plus+ is the only auto catcher officially supported by Niantic. Zero ban risk, period. It auto-catches previously encountered Pokemon species with regular Poke Balls. New Pokemon (ones you haven’t caught before) flash a yellow LED and require a manual button press, which is actually nice because it forces you to pay attention for Pokedex entries.
You can configure it to use Great Balls or Ultra Balls, but here’s the fine print: those higher-tier balls require manual button presses too. The auto-throw feature only fires red Poke Balls. Some sellers on eBay and Etsy offer modified Plus+ units ($80-120) that auto-throw Ultra Balls, but those void your warranty.
The Pokemon Sleep integration is a genuine bonus if you’re into that side of the franchise. Place it on your mattress at night and it tracks sleep for the Pokemon Sleep app, unlocking exclusive rewards like Nightcap Pikachu. Two devices in one.
Pros
- Official device, zero ban risk
- Great/Ultra Ball support (manual press)
- Pokemon Sleep tracker built in
- Solid build quality from Nintendo
- USB-C rechargeable, ~1 week battery
Cons
- Auto-throw only uses regular Poke Balls
- Won’t auto-catch new species
- No auto-reconnect
- Single account only
Verdict: The safest pick. If the idea of any ToS risk bothers you, this is the only option that eliminates it entirely. The Pokemon Sleep bonus adds real value.
3. Go-tcha Evolve (Best Budget Wearable)
Price: ~$40 (Amazon) | Battery: ~3-5 days casual use | Weight: ~35g
The Go-tcha Evolve does something the Plus+ doesn’t: it auto-catches every single Pokemon, including new species. No button presses, no yellow light interruptions. Toggle auto-catch and auto-spin on the color OLED touchscreen and walk away. This is the closest thing to truly passive catching.
The wristband form factor is another selling point. It looks like a fitness tracker, which means you can wear it in public without advertising that you’re playing Pokemon GO. Built-in step tracking and a clock display let it double as a basic smartwatch.
The big downside is reliability. Multiple reviewers (including Nintendo Life) report units dying after 6-12 months. The USB-A charging design is awkward too. You have to pop the top part of the strap off to reveal a full-size USB connector, and it always feels like you’re about to break something. If you accept that you might need a replacement within a year, it’s still excellent value at $40.
Datel also makes a newer Go-tcha Evolve Pro+ (~$60) with an aluminum case and toughened glass screen, which addresses some of the durability complaints.
Pros
- Fully automatic, catches ALL Pokemon
- Wearable design with OLED touchscreen
- Step tracking and clock
- Affordable (~$40)
Cons
- Units often die after 6-12 months
- Terrible USB-A charging design
- Disconnects every 30-60 min (worse than standard)
- Not waterproof
Verdict: Best wearable auto catcher, best true auto-catch at this price. Just don’t expect it to last forever.
4. Brook Pocket Auto Catch (Budget Entry)
Price: ~$35 (Amazon) | Battery: USB rechargeable, several days | Weight: 16.8g
Brook Gaming is a well-known gaming accessory brand, and this is their entry-level auto catcher. It does exactly what you’d expect: auto-catches Pokemon, auto-spins PokeStops, runs for several days on a charge. No screen, no dual account, no auto-reconnect. Just a small, light clip-on device that works.
At 16.8g, it’s easy to forget it’s even attached to your bag or keychain. The Brook “Pocket Center” companion app handles firmware updates, which is a nice touch for a budget device. If you just want something cheap and reliable from a brand with a track record, this is the pick.
That said, Brook’s newer models are significantly better. The Auto Catch Light ($75) is the size of an AirTag and supports dual accounts. The Watchic Plus ($65) adds IPX7 waterproofing and a color touchscreen. If budget allows, those are worth the upgrade. This original model is best for someone who wants the lowest entry price.
Pros
- Cheapest reliable option (~$35)
- Trusted brand (Brook Gaming)
- Ultra-lightweight (16.8g)
- Firmware updates via app
Cons
- No screen or display
- Single account only
- No auto-reconnect
- Newer Brook models are better in every way
Verdict: The cheapest way in. Gets the job done without any frills. Consider Brook’s newer lineup if you can spend $20-40 more.
Other Options Worth Knowing
Brook Pocket Auto Catch Light ($75) is the smallest auto catcher on the market at 32x32mm and 7 grams. Barely larger than an AirTag. Supports dual accounts and charges via USB-C, but the LED indicator is hard to see in daylight. Nintendo Life gave it a 7/10. Best for players who want maximum discretion.
Brook Watchic Plus ($65) is Brook’s answer to the Go-tcha Evolve. IPX7 waterproof, color touchscreen, dual account support. If you want a wearable auto catcher with better durability than the Go-tcha, this is the move.
MEGACOM Catchmon X ($60-70) connects four accounts simultaneously, which is unmatched. Great for families. Uses AAA batteries (lasting 1-2 weeks active) and has a 65ft Bluetooth range. The downside: it’s frequently sold out on the official MEGACOM store.
PhotoFast 247 Catcher (~$90). I’ll be direct: skip this one. It uses a suction cup cable to physically tap your phone screen, which means the screen must stay on the entire time. The suction cup falls off constantly (it’s the #1 complaint in every review), and at $90 it’s the most expensive option here. The 120-hour battery is impressive on paper, but the user experience is rough.
Pokemon GO Plus (original). Also skip. It’s discontinued, requires a manual button press for every catch (not a true auto catcher), and costs $40-90 on eBay. The Plus+ is better in every way for the same price or less.
Will You Get Banned?
This is the question everyone asks first. The short answer: no one has been confirmed banned for using a hardware auto catcher.
Third-party auto catchers communicate via the same Bluetooth Low Energy protocol as the official Plus+. They identify themselves as a “Pokemon GO Plus” device. The game literally cannot tell the difference between an official Nintendo device and a $35 Brook clip-on. The catching behavior is identical too: one ball, no berry, standard catch attempt. There’s nothing anomalous for Niantic’s anti-cheat to flag.
Technically, using third-party accessories violates Niantic’s Terms of Service. In practice, enforcement against hardware auto catchers has been essentially zero. This is very different from GPS spoofing or modified clients (like PGSharp or iPogo), which Niantic actively detects and bans.
Hundreds of thousands of players have used third-party auto catchers daily for years without a single issue. If you want absolute peace of mind, the Pokemon GO Plus+ is the only device with zero risk. For everyone else, the community consensus is that hardware auto catchers are safe to use.
Full Comparison Table
| Feature | DuoMon 3 | GO Plus+ | Go-tcha Evolve | Brook Auto Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$50 | ~$54 | ~$40 | ~$35 |
| Auto-catch | All Pokemon | Previously caught only | All Pokemon | All Pokemon |
| Auto-spin | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ball types | Poke Ball only | Poke Ball auto / Great+Ultra manual | Poke Ball only | Poke Ball only |
| Dual account | Yes (2) | No | No | No |
| Auto-reconnect | Yes (iOS 16+) | No | No | No |
| Waterproof | IPX7 | No | No | No |
| BT range | 65 ft | ~30 ft | ~30 ft | ~30 ft |
| Battery | 500mAh, USB-C + wireless | ~1 week, USB-C | ~3-5 days, USB-A | Several days, USB |
| Display | LED only | LED only | Color OLED touch | LED only |
| Weight | 29g | 50g | ~35g | 16.8g |
| Ban risk | Very low | None | Very low | Very low |
| Extras | Voice alerts, app customization | Pokemon Sleep, exclusive research | Step tracking, clock | Firmware updates via app |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will auto catchers catch shiny Pokemon?
Yes. Auto catchers attempt to catch every Pokemon that spawns, including shinies. They use one regular Poke Ball with no guarantee, though. Many players turn off auto-catch during Community Days so they can manually catch shinies with better balls and berries.
Do auto catchers work with the screen off?
Yes, as long as Pokemon GO is running in the background and Bluetooth is enabled. Your phone can be locked and in your pocket. The one exception is the PhotoFast 247 Catcher, which physically taps the screen and requires it to stay on.
What happens when my bag is full?
Auto catchers can’t catch Pokemon when your Pokemon storage is full, and can’t spin PokeStops when your item bag is full. Most devices flash a different color or vibration pattern to alert you. You’ll need to manually transfer Pokemon or delete items to free up space.
Do auto catchers work while driving?
Pokemon GO has a speed cap of roughly 25 mph for wild spawns. At highway speeds, very few Pokemon will spawn. At lower speeds (city driving, stop-and-go traffic), the auto catcher can still catch spawns that appear. Distance tracking for eggs and buddy candy caps at about 6.5 mph.
Why do auto catchers disconnect every hour?
This is a server-side limitation imposed by Niantic, not a device defect. All auto catchers, including the official Plus+, disconnect after about 1 hour. Only the DuoMon 3 has a true auto-reconnect feature that handles this automatically. Other devices require you to manually tap the GO Plus icon in the app to reconnect.
Does Adventure Sync work with auto catchers?
Adventure Sync tracks walking distance separately using your phone’s health data. It works independently of auto catchers. Having the Pokemon GO app running in background with an auto catcher connected does count distance via normal in-game tracking, but Adventure Sync adds distance even when the app isn’t running.
Which Auto Catcher Should You Buy?
| Need | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best overall | DuoMon 3, Auto-reconnect + dual account + waterproof |
| Safety and simplicity | Pokemon GO Plus+, Official device, zero ban risk |
| Maximum automation | Go-tcha Evolve, True hands-free catching of all Pokemon |
| Budget option | Brook Pocket Auto Catch, Reliable at the lowest price |
| Multiple accounts | DuoMon 3 (2) or Catchmon X (4, when in stock) |
| Most portable | Brook Auto Catch Light, AirTag-sized at 7g |
If you want the best all-around auto catcher and don’t mind a third-party device, get the MEGACOM DuoMon 3. The auto-reconnect feature alone makes it worth the price, and dual-account support plus IPX7 waterproofing seal the deal.
If ban risk keeps you up at night (it shouldn’t, but I get it), the Pokemon GO Plus+ is the only officially supported option. The Pokemon Sleep integration adds genuine extra value. Just accept that you’ll be reconnecting manually every hour.
For budget buyers who want a wearable, the Go-tcha Evolve offers true hands-free catching in a watch form factor for about $40. And if you just want the cheapest thing that works, the Brook Pocket Auto Catch at $35 is simple and reliable. Either way, any auto catcher beats staring at your phone all day. For more Pokemon GO tips, check out our Eeveelution naming trick guide for one of the game’s most popular shortcuts.