'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
The best robot litter boxes that clean up after your cat (so you don't have to)
We love our cats dearly. And as much as we enjoy their company and cuddles, cleaning up after them is a less enjoyable task, which is why a robot litter box can be an effective solution for both you and your feline friend.
The robot litter boxes on the market today have self-cleaning technology, odor control, compatible apps, and even built-in features to keep track of your kitty's health.
Also: Missing your fur baby while at work? These pet cameras can help
I compiled this list by extensively researching and testing some of these suggested robot litter boxes. My top pick is the Whisker Litter-Robot 4, based on my own experience using it for my cat, Norbert. However, I also included other robot litter box options at different price points so you can quit scooping up after your kitty and let a robot do the work for you.
The best robot litter boxes of 2023
- Quiet
- Built-in smart scale
- Compatible app
- Expensive
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 tech specs: Dimensions: 29.5 x 22 x 27 inches | Power: 15 Volt DC | Weight: 24 pounds | # of cats: Up to 4
This robot litter box changed the game for me after using it, and I will never go back to a regular litter box. It's much quieter than other robot litter boxes I have seen, and the free compatible app provides great insights into your cat's health and routine.
The Whisker app lets you know when your cat is in the box, when a cleaning cycle is happening, and when a cleaning cycle is complete, as well as an entire history and your cat's average usage. I also love the smart scale built into the Litter-Robot 4, which automatically records your cat's weight each time they use it so that you can keep track of any concerning weight gain or weight loss.
I also noticed I smell my cat's litter much less--if at all--with this litter box, which is refreshing, to say the least.
Read the review: Tired of scooping cat litter? The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 does it for you
- Excellent odor control
- Automatic cleaning
- Eco-friendly
- Noisy
- Not recommended for multiple cats
Catgenie AI Automatic Cat Box tech specs: Dimensions: 19.25 x 17.5 x 21 inches | Power: 120-volt AC | Weight: 35 pounds | # of cats: 1
If you're looking to ditch litter altogether, the Catgenie AI Automatic Cat Box is a great option.
Instead, the device uses septic-safe Washable Granules that never have to be changed. This means you won't find random pieces of litter around your home.
The litter box has a three-step process that includes flushing, washing, and hot-air drying after each use. To clean, simply choose between automatic or manual settings depending on your preferences.
- Smart capability
- Variety of colors
- UV sanitation
- Limited money-back guarantee
- Narrow design
Smarty Pear Leo's Loo Too tech specs: Dimensions: 24 x 22 x 27.5 inches | Power: N/A | Weight: 27.5 pounds | # of cats: Up to 2
When you have a smart home, Smarty Pear's Leo's Loo Too is the best solution for your robot litter box. It allows full control of the device with the mobile app, or you can ask Alexa or Google to start a cleaning cycle. It uses UV sanitation to remove bacteria. Like the Whisker model, this robot litter box also has an accompanying app and activity and weight tracking.
It comes in fun colors like green, blue, and pink to match your home's aesthetic. Plus, bamboo filters keep odors inside the litter box's built-in waste drawer, so you don't have to worry about unfavorable smells filling up the room.
- Accessory additions to choose from
- 1-year warranty included
- Can be used with up to 4 cats
- Not ideal for cats under 5 pounds
Whisker Litter-Robot 3 tech specs: Dimensions: 24.25 x 27 x 29.5 inches | Power: 15 Volt DC | Weight: 24 pounds | # of cats: Up to 4
This model from Whisker is a little cheaper than the Litter-Robot 4, but still has much of the same technology. Plus, Whisker offers tons of accessories for your litter box, such as stairs to help older cats reach the box, a litter trap mat, a camera mount to keep an eye on your kitty, and even cleaning spray and wipes.
Like the Litter-Robot 4, the automatic sifting process removes dirty litter from the clean, keeping foul smells out of your home. You also have the option to control the litter box from the Whisker app.
The main difference between the Litter-Robot 3 and the Litter-Robot 4 is that the 4 has an enlarged waste drawer and a wider opening, as well as a quieter sifting cycle.
- Automatic cleaning
- 10-piece set
- Affordable
- Some complaints about durability
- Limited lifetime
LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box tech Specs: Dimensions: 27 x 18 x 10 inches | Power: AC Adapter | Weight: 14.11 pounds | # of cats: 2-3
The LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box is ready to take on your cats, and you'll be paying less than the other options on this list. This model is a 10-piece set that includes everything you need to get started. The paw cleaning ramp and automatic rake will take care of things from there, automatically scooping waste to keep things fresh.
This means you won't have to worry about cleaning the litter for up to seven days. In addition, its design includes high walls to prevent litter scatter as well as a paw cleaning ramp to help prevent tracking around the box.
What is the best robot litter box?
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is the best overall robot litter box, thanks to its thoughtful and quiet design and smartphone capabilities. To see how it compares to the other options on our list, here's an overview of size and price.
Robot litter box | Price | Dimensions | # of cats |
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 | $699 | 29.5 x 22 x 27 inches | 4 |
Catgenie AI Automatic Cat Box | $479 | 9.25 x 17.5 x 21 inches | 1 |
Smarty Pear Leo's Loo Too | $650 | 24 x 22 x 27.5 inches | 2 |
Whisker Litter-Robot 3 | $549 | 24.25 x 27 x 29.5 inches | 4 |
LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box | $132 | 27 x 18 x 10 inches | 2-3 |
Which is the right robot litter box for you?
The best robot litter box for you depends on your preferences, number of cats, amount of space, and price point. Here we offer expert suggestions to help you find the right robot litter box for your budget and needs.
Choose this robot litter box... | If you want... |
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 | The best overall option. It is super quiet and has a large opening for cats of all sizes. |
Catgenie AI Automatic Cat Box | A litterless robot litter box option. Instead of litter, it uses septic-safe Washable Granules that never have to be changed. |
Smarty Pear Leo's Loo Too | A robot litter box that's compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant. It also has a UV sanitation cleaning cycle. |
Whisker Litter-Robot 3 | An alternative option from Whisker. You can add different accessories to the litter box to make it easier for your cat to access it. |
Littermaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box | A budget-friendly robot litter box. The 10-piece set comes with everything you need to get started. |
How did we choose these robot litter boxes?
When choosing the best robot litter boxes, I considered my own experience with some of the products while keeping the following factors in mind:
- Size: Robot litter boxes are often larger than traditional ones, and can take up a decent amount of space in your home. Be sure to check measurements and consider the footprint that your robot litter box may leave.
- Sifting process: The best robot litter boxes incorporate an advanced sifting process that can separate the dirty litter from the clean, saving you precious time.
- Budget: We keep cost at the forefront when weighing the best robot litter box. Not only is there an upfront investment in the machine itself but there are also maintenance costs like waste bags and special litter.
What are robot litter boxes and how do they work?
Robot litter boxes, also known as automatic litter boxes, are a type of litter box for cats that uses technology to automatically clean and dispose of waste. They are designed to make the process of cleaning a cat's litter box more convenient and less time-consuming. They are also helpful for people who travel frequently, or for those who have physical limitations that make cleaning a traditional litter box difficult.
These litter boxes use sensors to detect when a cat has used the box, and then activate a cleaning mechanism, such as a rake or a scoop, to remove the waste and deposit it into a sealed compartment. Some models also have self-cleaning mechanisms, such as using UV light to sanitize the box. Some of the newer models also come with a phone app that allows you to monitor the box and schedule cleaning times.
How often should I clean my robot litter box?
Cleaning periods may vary from one machine to the next, so be sure to check the manufacturer's manual to see what kind of litter is recommended for your robot litter box. It also depends on how many cats are using the litter box.
Usually, the robot litter box will indicate when the waste bin is full, and on average, it'll take about a week to get full, so you'll have to empty out the waste about once a week.
Do robot litter boxes smell?
Even the best robot litter boxes are subject to foul odors, but many incorporate features to help reduce or eliminate bad smells, whether it's an advanced sifting process or a certain kind of litter that's used.
Most of the litter boxes on this list have odor-reducing technology, but we'd still recommend placing your litter box in a more secluded area of your home since smells can get out.
Are there alternative robot litter boxes worth considering?
There are other options out there aside from our top picks. In our search, we also found these great robot litter boxes that may also be worth a second look.
Best alternative for larger cats
Petkit Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
This robot litter box can accommodate cats up to 18 pounds, and can even weigh your cat using its built-in sensors.
Best affordable alternative
Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box
At just $146, this robot litter box has a smart sensor that triggers cleaning cycles after your cat uses it.