We Tested 17 Automatic Litter Boxes And One Self-Cleaning Model Stands Out (2024)

How We Tested Automatic Litter Boxes

We've tested 17 automatic and self-cleaning litter boxes, both in our New York Lab and in real homes with at least one cat. Our testers were guided by a multi-week methodology, providing detailed thoughts and specific ratings along the way. The scores and reviews provided throughout this roundup are a synthesis of our lab-tested ratings and at-home follow-ups.

Beginning with ease of setup, our testers timed how long it took to get an automatic litter box up and running. If directions were confusing, or an app annoying, our testers let us know. Next, it was time to put the litter boxes to the test, running them through a methodology designed to determine their ease of use. This included evaluations of each box's interface, and putting it through the paces of a manual cleaning cycle.

Using a blue modeling compound dipped in water to simulate solid waste, our testers then rated each box on its performance. Water scented with vinegar was used to test how well a box could contain or eliminate smells. Once each automatic litter box was put through multiple cleaning cycles, filtering several days' worth of waste, we emptied each box of litter and gave each one a thorough cleaning. Testers also evaluated for odor elimination.

Finally, testers were asked to give their overall impressions, rating how they perceived the product's value, both before and after learning the retail price.

In follow-up testing, we put our favorite litter box through a number of additional comparisons and long-term trials. In several testing households, cats had access to multiple automatic litter box models, and chose freely which to use.

We purchased most of the automatic litter boxes ourselves, but we have also noted when review models were provided by the manufacturer.

The Competition

There are several other popular and bestselling litter boxes that you may consider in your search for something better than scooping litter. Here are our quick thoughts on three of the other automatic litter boxes (and their alternatives) that we considered while building this roundup.

• Cleanpethome Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box: This Amazon bestseller bears a resemblance to the Casa Leo Leo's Loo Too. We haven't yet had the opportunity to test it, but our research suggests that this affordable option performs well, but has several weaknesses compared to our favorite automatic litter boxes, including a cylinder that doesn't always align perfectly with the entrance and a slightly louder cleaning cycle. We look forward to leaning more about this product in future testing.
• Purina Tidy Cats Breeze XL Litter System: This is one of our favorite litter boxes for households with multiple cats. It's not an automatic litter box, but has hybrid features that work differently than your standard litter box, combining a specialized pellet litter with a tray underneath that soaks up urine on an absorbent pad. By separating solid and liquid waste, the Breeze XL keeps smells to a minimum. While it won't automate your litter box clean up, it can make the job less smelly.
• Omega Paw Elite Roll 'n Clean Litter Box: It's a clever idea—a litter box that tumbles litter into a waste compartment—but we found it to be more effort than scooping. Our testers had to roll the Omega Paw litter box back and forth multiple times to get all of the waste to filter out, and still had a mess to clean off the internal grate. Plus, we weren't very impressed by the build quality.

What to Consider When Shopping for an Automatic Litter Box

Litter Compatibility

Most of the automatic litter boxes we recommend are compatible with a variety of litter, though there are substantial exceptions. For example, most automatic litter boxes struggle with wood-based pellets, or other litter that gets soft. In general, automatic litter boxes work by filtering hard clumps from a uniform litter, which makes clay, clumping litter an excellent option. Unless testing a litter box that employs non-standard litter, we used Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra litter, which is an affordable clay-based litter that clumps very easily.

In general, we found that cylindrical automatic litter boxes resulted in excess litter tracking because the open design. This might recommend certain types of pellet litter, or coarser-grain litter that's less likely to be picked up on your cat's feet and carried around your house.

We also recommend a litter box that uses silica crystals. This can be an excellent option if you dislike clay dust. It also absorbs smells well. However, you may want to acclimate your cat to crystal litter before springing an automatic litter box on them, since not all cats adjust well to the silica crystals.

Size

Automatic litter boxes tend to have a large footprint. Our favorite overall, the Litter-Robot 4, takes up a lot of space. Measuring your intended space in advance is key, but even a space that will technically fit may look cramped or crowded. Automatic litter boxes tend to come in two basic forms: rotating cylinders and rakes. Cylinder-shaped litter boxes are necessarily tall, and can look quite imposing in a small space. Litter boxes that use electric rakes to clear the box of clumps often have a lower profile.

Additional Costs

Not only are automatic litter boxes a larger up-front investment (prices can range from $150 to $650) than a standard litter box, but they often have recurring expenses. Wherever possible we've noted when a litter box has proprietary bags or other add-ons that will increase their expense over time. While it's often possible to use standard garbage bags or other workarounds, chances are your automatic litter box will work best with the bags designed specifically for its waste reservoir. Other potential maintenance costs can come from odor-absorbing filters or deodorant sprays.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This roundup was written by Andrew Whalen, a senior editor for The Spruce Pets with hundreds of hours of experience testing pet products. While writing this article, Andrew got hands-on with a wide range of automatic litter boxes, testing out their interfaces, apps, and efficacy. He also relied on long-time testing collaborators, including cat owners with extensive experience evaluating products.

Andrew lives with two rescue cats, Church and Wally, who have wildly different litter box habits. Their input and emotional support was crucial to the automatic litter box testing process. However, they've made it clear that they much prefer testing toys, treats, and cozy cat beds.

A previous version of this article was written by Theresa Holland, a freelance writer who has been contributing to The Spruce Pets since 2020. Her work has also appeared on MyDomaine. For this list, Holland considered each litter box's size, price, and features. In addition, product testers tried out several styles with their pets at home and provided real-world insight.