The Best Automatic Litter Box of 2026: Petkit and Litter-Robot

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I can confidently say that having an automatic litter box has been the biggest game changer for me when it comes to cat ownership. I can't recommend them enough. They can be pricey, but never having to scoop poop again is priceless. One of the biggest complaints against cats is that litter boxes are stinky, and you don’t want another creature’s poop just hanging out in your house. Naysayers be gone! Because thanks to ever-evolving and growing pet tech, automatic cat litter boxes have provided a hygienic, low-labor solution to the smelly litter box problem.

We at WIRED—well, our WIRED cats—tested a dozen of the highest-rated and most technologically advanced automatic litter boxes on the market for at least a week, often more (using standard clay clumping litter unless otherwise indicated), to see if they were really worth the money—or the hype. Our new favorite automatic litter box is the Purobot Max Pro 2 because of its compact design and camera to monitor. The Litter-Robot 4 is a close second, mostly because of its LitterHopper attachment that easily refills litter for you. Plus, we still love the more basic Petkit PuraMax 2 (and think it's a great option for most people).

Check out our related guides, like the Best Automatic Feeders, Best Cat Water Fountains, Best Pet Cameras, and Best Cat Toys. More of a dog person? We've got you covered; see our Best Dog Accessories.

Updated April 2026: We've added the Litter-Robot 5 and Petcove PurrTek Covered Self Cleaning Litter Box, and updated links and prices throughout.

Compare Our Picks

| Connected to an app? | Entry size | Footprint size | Compatible litter | Suitable cat size | Special features | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Petkit Purobot Max Pro 2 | Yes | 10.7 x 10.5 inches | 21.2 x 25.9 inches | Any clumping litter with granules shorter than 0.5 inches | From 6 months old or weighing 3.3 to 22.1 pounds | AI-powered camera; deodorizing cartridges | | Whisker Litter-Robot 4 | Yes | 15.75 x 15.75 inches | 22 x 27 inches | Clumping or scoopable clay litter | 4 pounds minimum, no maximum | LitterHopper auto-refill attachment | | Petkit PuraMax 2 | Yes | 7.87 x 8.85 inches | 24.4 x 21.2 inches | Clay, tofu, mixed, and bentonite litters | 3.5 to 18 pounds | Odor eliminator attachment; deodorizing spray | | PetPivot Autoscooper 11 | No | 16.3 x 15.4 inches | 21.5 x 21.5 inches | Benonite and mineral litters | 3 to 22 pounds | No | | Petkit Purobot Ultra | Yes | 8.58 x 9.84 inches | 20.9 x 32.2 inches | Clay, tofu, mixed, and bentonite litters | 3.3 to 22 pounds | Camera; two-way audio; AI cat identification; auto-sealing waste bag | | Homerunpet CS106 | Yes | 10 x 10.5 inches | 27.4 × 23.6 inches | Tofu, bentonite, clay, and mixed litters | Up to 20 pounds | Self-filling litter reservoir | | Whisker Litter-Robot 5 Pro | Yes | 15.75 x 15.75 inches | 22 x 27 inches | Clumping or scoopable clay litter | 3 to 30 pounds | AI-powered camera; WasteID smart detection |