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Whisker Litter-Robot 4
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As the pet tech writer here on the Reviews team at WIRED, I have a lot of opinions about which automatic litter box you should get. I’ve tested nearly 20 models, but I still go back to one of the first models my cats ever used, the Litter-Robot 4. Among all the brands I’ve tested, Whisker’s connected phone app is leagues above the rest. The app design is clean, easy to use and understand, allows you the ability to monitor usage and control settings while away, and keeps you connected to your cat’s important health metrics.
In fall 2025, Litter-Robot released a whole new line of upgraded automatic litter boxes, and we have tested them all. From the technologically advanced Litter-Robot 5 Pro with dual cameras and AI-powered insights to the pared-down, compact Litter-Robot EVO, there’s a Litter-Robot model for every home and budget. All models below are available in black or white. (Though if you’re keeping the litter box in an enclosed area, note that black will show litter dust.)
After years of testing, here are our thoughts on the Litter-Robot automatic litter box models.
If You Want All the Bells and Whistles
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Whisker
Litter-Robot 5 Pro
This is the Litter-Robot model to pick if you are a helicopter pet parent like me, have concerns about your pet’s health, or just want to get the most luxe model on the market. It has dual AI-enabled cameras that capture activity both outside and inside the litter box. The new AI technology can recognize up to five cats to determine which one has used the box when, and WasteID technology to determine what type of visit your cat had based on weight—Litter-Robot is the only brand on the market with this capability. If you decide to go with this model and have multiple cats, I recommend springing for the Whisker+ paid subscription plan ($80/year) to unlock this feature and enable the system to reliably and consistently differentiate among them.
The connected app also charts trends over time to help you better understand your cats’ health and habits, so you know if anything is amiss (a valuable tool for keeping tabs on your cats’ health). Using the WasteID technology, the 5 Pro automatically adjusts odor control based on the type of waste, cycling immediately for solid waste and waiting longer after urination to ensure it clumps completely for a more effective clean. The drawer is also more tightly sealed and larger than previous Litter-Robot models, with up to 10 days of waste storage per cat so you can empty less frequently.
Along with the new built-in camera, the LR 5 Pro employs a more contemporary touchscreen rather than physical buttons for manual control; a wider, shallower drawer than previous models; and a taller, removable lip at the entryway. With AI-enabled recognition to monitor multiple cats, a camera to observe their habits, and WasteID technology to identify visit types and adjust cleaning, the 5 Pro is an invaluable tool for tracking pets’ health right from your phone.
Best for Most People (and Cats)
The Litter-Robot 5 is the latest iteration of my beloved Litter-Robot 4, now with WasteID to identify waste types based on weight (if you have a Whisker+ subscription), easier assembly and waste removal, and a new LCD control panel instead of buttons. Rather than using an AI-enabled camera like the above 5 Pro model (because it doesn’t have one), this machine determines which cat is using the box using the built-in scale. The 5 model works for up to five cats and can store waste for 10 days for a single cat, and the connected app provides insights into cats’ usage habits and weight changes. It also has a slightly larger interior globe space than the LR 4. Plus, when you order from Whisker directly, you get a 90-day in-home trial, one-year warranty, free shipping, and HSA/FSA eligibility.
