My cat used the Litter-Robot 3 for six years and I switched to the Litter-Robot 4 in 2022. The Robot 3 was still functioning but I was invited to be a Beta tester for the Robot 4 and that’s why I switched. Using my experience with both units I created a full comparison of the Litter Robot 3 vs Litter Robot 4.
Litter-Robot 4 vs Litter-Robot 3 Comparison Chart
Rating (customers)
Dimensions (assembled)
Footprint
Entryway dimensions
Entry type
Cycle delay
Self-Refilling tech (Hopper)
Safety mechanism
How activates the unit
Types of sensors
Quiet Cleaning cycle
Cat weight
Full drawer Indicator
Cat litter Indicator
Real-time tracking litter & drawer levels
Control panel location
Filter location
Sleep mode
Nightlight
Cat weight tracking
22” W x 27" D x 29.5" H *
22” W x 27” D
15.75” W x 15.75” H
Wide round flat faced
3, 5, 7, 15, and 30 minutes
Motion sensor at the entry
Motion sensor at the entry + inside Globe
Motion sensor & SmartScale™
Cats & kittens weighing 3+ lbs
On top of the Globe
Outer bottom of Globe
Custome schedule
Auto, ON, OFF | High, Med, Low
24.5” W x 27" D x 29.5" H
24.5” W x 27” D
10.25” W x 15.5” H
Oval upward-angled
3, 7, and 15 minutes
Sensor on step + inside Globe
Weight sensor on step + inside Globe
Weight sensor
Cats & kittens weighing 5+ lbs
At the bottom, on the right side
On waste drawer's vents
8 hours from start time
Auto / OFF
*Dimension considered for Litter-Robot 4 with step. There is another version with a handle (no step) with a 23” depth.
Core Features: Litter Robot 3 vs Litter-Robot 4
These upgrades are about the operation and design of the two Litter-Robots.
The Litter-Robot 4 Can Self-Refill with the Litter Hopper Accessory
Now the Litter-Robot 4 features a new accessory that will pour cat litter into the globe every time the unit gets too low on cat litter. This is an excellent upgrade because you won’t worry about forgetting to top the globe off with cat litter anymore. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect doesn’t have this accessory.
The Litter-Robot 4 is Quieter
The new Litter-Robot 4 is way quieter than the Litter-Robot 3. It’s like a mosquito buzz in the next room, super low-key. I recorded both units while rotating with a meter distance in front of the device. Listen to these audios with about 40% volume on your device for a more accurate sound level.
Litter-Robot 3 Rotation Noise Level:
Litter-Robot 4 Rotation Noise Level:
Sensors: Litter-Robot 4 vs Litter-Robot 3
Litter-Robot 4 sensors (2): Infrared motion sensor at the entrance that activates a cleaning delay, and a SmartScale™ weight sensor at the base, which not only registers the cat’s weight but also activates the unit when weight is detected. These sensors work together to ensure safe operation.
Litter-Robot 3 sensor (1): A weight-scale sensor at the base, activating when the cat uses the step or it’s inside the globe.
Location of Nightlight: Safer on Litter-Robot 4
The location of the nightlight electronics in the Litter-Robot 4 is safer and more effective because it’s located at the top entry, inside the Litter-Robot 4’s bezel. The nightlight of the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is located on the bonnet’s underside, exposed through the globe’s opening. Since the Bonnet needs to be removed periodically to clean the Globe, this small electronic piece could be damaged if not careful with the manipulation of the bonnet.
Location of nightlight electronics in the Litter-Robot 3 vs Litter-Robot 4
The Litter-Robot 4 is More Compact And Neater
The Litter-Robot 4’s width is 1.5 inches narrower than that of the Litter-Robot 3, and its depth is 2.5 inches less than the Robot 3, while the height is the same. With the Litter-Robot 4, you can choose a waste drawer with a step or with a handle. The waste drawer with a handle is for cats that jump into the unit and don’t use the step. The handle uses less space because it has shorter depth so it’s a good option for people who have less space to accommodate the device.
Whisker App Features: Litter-Robot 4 vs Litter-Robot 3
The addition of smart sensors to the Litter-Robot 4 is reflected in new features, reports, and functions of the Whisker App in comparison with the Litter-Robot 3 Connect.
Real-time Tracking of Waste Drawer with Litter-Robot 4
The Litter-Robot 4 offers real-time monitoring of the waste drawer’s fill level through the Whisker App. As the globe rotates and the waste opening aligns at the bottom, the three infrared sensors at the entry detect waste dropping into the drawer, accurately gauging waste levels. Additionally, the smart weight sensor located at the unit’s base, tracks the weight increase of the waste drawer. Both sensors collaborate to provide precise waste level information, which is seamlessly relayed to the Whisker App via Omnisense™ technology. With the Litter-Robot 4, as soon as you empty the waste drawer and push the reset button on the panel the new level will update automatically on the App, starting from zero.
The Litter-Robot 3 Connect doesn’t get automatically updated on the App of the new waste level when emptying the drawer. You need to reset the gauge to zero on the App every time you empty the waste drawer. This is because the waste level indicator on the App is calculated based on the number of rotations, not the actual drawer level.
Real-time Tracking of Litter Level with Litter-Robot 4
The Litter-Robot 4 allows you to track in real time the litter level in the globe, it will indicate, Optimal or Low in the App’s status. When you add new cat litter you will see the new level after a cleaning cycle. The Litter Robot 3 doesn’t have this indicator.
Litter-Robot 4 Registers the Cat’s Weight on the Whisker App
The Litter-Robot 4’s weight sensor weighs and records the last cat’s weight detected inside the Globe and sends this information to the Whisker App. You can see the latest registered weights on the daily activity list of the STATUS menu. You can track your cat’s weight this way. This is one of my favorite features as I can control my cat’s weight. Only the Litter-Robot 4 has this feature.
Nightlight Options: Litter-Robot 4 vs Litter-Robot 3
Both Litter Robots have a nightlight to guide cats at night. The Litter-Robot 4’s nightlight illuminates the litter bed precisely, with additional settings available on the Whisker App: ON (constant), OFF, or AUTO mode (activates in darkness). You can also adjust the light intensity (Low, Medium, High). The Litter-Robot 3 Connect offers only OFF or AUTO mode for the nightlight, without intensity adjustment. The intensity level expands the illumination within the globe.
Sleep Mode Schedule: More Flexibility with Litter-Robot 4
Sleep Mode is a feature that allows you to set a schedule for the Litter-Robot so it doesn’t rotate during specific times, such as at night. With the Litter-Robot 4, you have the flexibility to program Sleep Mode for any duration you prefer. For example, you can set it to pause from 10 pm to 8 am only on weekdays, weekends, or both. You can have different schedules for each group of days. In contrast, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect allows you to set Sleep Mode for a fixed 8-hour period, which repeats daily without the option for customization.
My video comparison between Litter-Robot 4 vs Litter-Robot 3
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Odor Control: the Litter-Robot 4 vs Litter-Robot 3
The Litter-Robot 4 added some improvements for better odor control.
Litter-Robot 4 Has a More Strategic Location for the Carbon Filter
The Litter-Robot 4 features a filter compartment at the outer bottom of the Globe. In this compartment, you place the carbon filter that will be sitting right above the waste drawer. This location is strategic because it traps the odors from the waste drawer as it rises. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect, instead, features the carbon filter in front of the waste drawer where the vents are. This helps reduce odors, but odor gases rise and you may smell it when you open the waste drawer.
Carbon filter location on Litter-Robot 3 vs Litter-Robot 4
OdorTrap: You Can Place it on the Globe of the Litter-Robot 4
The OdorTrap Pack together with the filter help to manage odors more effectively. With the Litter-Robot 4, you can place the OdorTrap inside the filter compartment of the Globe without the need to purchase the OdorPack Pod holder. With the Litter-Robot 3 you must purchase the Odorpack Pod holder so you can attach it to the inner wall of the waste drawer by integrated magnets.
A Redesigned Waste Drawer of the Litter-Robot 4
The Waste Drawer of the Litter-Robot 4 is tightly sealed and is deeper. The edges don’t have clips and nooks to tuck the bag in, and instead, they are flat allowing you to simply wrap the bag on top. The Litter-Robot 3’s waste drawer edges are not smooth so it’s less sealed in comparison to the Litter-Robot 4. Still, the litter clumps and odors are still pretty well contained with the Robot 3.
A Better-Sealed Unit with the Litter-Robot 4: Sealing Strips
The Litter-Robot 4 features four types of sealing strips, each serving a unique function. Bezel sealing strips around the upper waste port prevent litter or odors from escaping during operation by creating a secure seal between the globe and the base. Lower globe sealing strips maintain a tight seal between the waste drawer and the globe, while lower waste port sealing strips minimize litter or odors from escaping the waste drawer opening. Additionally, upper waste port sealing strips ensure a secure seal when waste is deposited into the waste drawer. On the other hand, the Litter-Robot 3 features sealing strips on the upper waste port only.
Four types of sealing strips on the Litter-Robot 4
Sealing strips on Litter-Robot 3
Multi-Cat Benefits: Litter-Robot 4 vs Litter-Robot 3
Differences that may tip the balance towards the Litter-Robot 4 if you have multiple cats.
With Litter-Robot 4 You Can Create Pet Profiles For Multi-Cat Use
With the Litter-Robot 4 you can create a pet profile for each one of your cats. Within these profiles, you’ll find a weekly weight chart and a list of recent weight recordings, reflecting litter box usage over the past few days. Each profile includes your cat’s photo, along with details like breed, gender, age, diet, weight, and health information. SmartScale technology automatically records and displays weight data, though it won’t function if your cats have identical weights. The Litter Robot 3 doesn’t have SmartScale technology so it doesn’t record the cats’ weight. Check out a brief video demonstrating how to use the pet profiles on the Whisker App for weight tracking.
More Delay-Time Options with the Litter-Robot 4
The “delay time” is the time between the Litter-Robot activation when sensing the cat’s body inside the globe and the rotation of a cleaning cycle. With the Litter-Robot 3 Connect the settings of delay time are three, 3, 7, and 15 minutes. With the Litter-Robot 4, you can choose between five delay times, 3, 5, 7, 15, and 30 minutes. A shorter delay time is useful when using a fast-clumping cat litter so it won’t attach to the rubber if sitting too long. The 30-minute wait time is good for multi-cat use, this way two cats could use the litter box before a cleaning cycle. This setting is also good if using clumping litter that takes longer to seal. Whether if using a fast-clumping or regular clumping litter, it’s crucial to choose a suitable cat litter for the Litter Robot for best performance.
Why is the Litter-Robot 4 More Expensive?
Litter-Robot 4 is $150 more expensive than the Litter-Robot 3 Connect. The Litter-Robot 4 costs $699 while the Litter-Robot 3 costs $549 (you can apply $50 Off in anyone by visiting this link). The reason for this price increase relies on the fact that more advanced tech was incorporated into the newer model. This technology allows you to enjoy a quieter unit, a less dusty rotation, a smart sensor that “reads” the cat waste and litter level, and so on. The extensive Whisker R&D research is not only reflected in the patented technologies that are built into the machine but also in the development of the Whisker App that offers more features.
How Was the Switching to the Litter-Robot 4 for Me?
My cat smoothly transitioned from the Litter-Robot 3 to the Litter-Robot 4 after six years of using the Connect. My experience of having the Litter-Robot 4 instead of the Connect was slightly improved mostly due the quieter rotation of the Robot 4. So in general the switch didn’t seem like a major difference with both. But now with the Litter Hopper installed on my Litter-Robot 4 I absolutely prefer the Litter-Robot 4 over the Litter-Robot 3.
Bottom line: Which is Better? Litter-Robot 4 or Litter-Robot 3?
Both Robots work very well, but I definitely prefer the Litter-Robot 4. Not only the Litter-Robot 4 has a quieter operation, provides with cat litter indicator, the cat usage tracking and much more, but now by getting the new Litter Hopper accessory, it will also take care of topping the globe off with cat litter for me. It’s almost like having a cat litter box on autopilot! So yes, the Litter-Robot 4 is better in my opinion.
Get the Litter-Robot (4 or 3) and apply $50 Off ➤ here | Great News! Whisker extended the Holiday Saving season until January 3rd, 2025! Get any Litter-Robot bundle and save up to $150 using my exclusive link below:
Apply $150 Off your Litter-Robot Bundle Today!
You can choose a payment plan (Affirm) and still save up to $150 if you grab a bundle! (limited time).
couldn’t get the 25.00 discount to work?
Hi Denise, the $25 off shows at the checkout.
Does the waste drawer of the 4 hold the same amount of waste as the 3? I was hoping for a little more room.
Hi Sondra, according to my experience, I find the waste drawer of the LR4 to be roomier than the Connect. The reason is that when I had to open the waste drawer with the Connect, after a week, the waste drawer looked usually almost full (65%). Now when I open the waste drawer of the Litter Robot 4 the waste looks much smaller inside the drawer after a week of use (about 45%).
Hi Lorena,
wow! This is a really, really good report and comparison! Thanks a lot for that! You really put a lot of effort into it. I’m excited! And now I’m even more looking forward to the market launch of the LR4 in Europe (I live in Germany), which unfortunately won’t be before the beginning of 2023. But then – I’m sure – me and my 3 cats will be very happy about it. :o)
Kind regards, Claudia
Hi Claudia, I am sure you and your cats will love it. I am very happy to help cat owners with my review. Thanks so much for your motivating comment.
This was so helpful!
Thank you!
Great video.
I’ve had my LR3 for 3 years and love it. I will likely add an LR4.
Years ago I had one of the first models. I had 2 cats and terrible back pain that made cleaning litter difficult. It really made life better for me. The LR3 was a huge improvement and the LR4 looks even better.
Hi Michelle, thanks for your comment and I agree with you. I am also a big fan of the Litter Robots. I love both, the Connect and the LR4, but the fact that the LR4 is quieter is much better. Don’t forget to get $25 off your purchase by using my link. Good luck and thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi Lorena,
Awesome review! I’ve had my LR3 for almost 3 yrs, and am starting to have some issues. I travel and sometimes up to a week. The last two times I traveled I had issues and came home to unpleasant surprises. The 1st problem was a pinch detector and the globe was upside down. Poor Kitty had no place to go. And this last time it went offline and I had no way to turn it off and on to get it back on. Kitty wouldn’t go in it because it was was dirty. But my question for the LR4 is, Kitty is a high sprayer, and pees more toward the opening and front of the box. Do you think the LR4 would work for a front high sprayer Kitty or should I stick with the LR3. I sure do like the bigger waste drawer and the ease of changing the litter bag.
Thank you for your input,
Delynn
Hello Delynn, I have read some complaints about the Litter Robot Connect pinch on YouTube, but I have never had that issue (mine is from 2016 as a reference) and I believe the current Litter Robot Connect units don’t have that pinch piece either. I recommend you when you leave for days place a regular cat litter box just in case. To place a backup option is recommended with any type of automatic device such as feeders, fountains, etc. Regarding a high sprayer cat that points in any direction when doing his business, I would suggest sticking with the Connect in that case since the entry of the Litter Robot 4 is wider with a round flat-faced entry. Hope that helps!
Thank you Lorena. I was thinking the same thing about the opening of the LR3, but I so want the new one ..LOL!! I will stick with the one I have. Thanks Again :-)
You are welcome, Delynn :)
Is there a weight limit? I’m adding a main coon to the family. They can get up to 25+ pounds.
Hello Mia, I don’t believe there is a weight limit as long as a domestic cat is using the Litter Robot.
My cat tends to high pee on the back of his current box. Usually resulting in leaks out the back! How easy is it to clean the back of either model?
Hi Sandy, you can see how to wash the globe in the bathtub here https://youtu.be/GmLFIYIjFHM or with a hose outdoors here https://youtu.be/yFL7Y30ruto
Hi, awesome and helpful review. I was wondering how often do you need to hand clean the inside unit and which one is easier to clean.
Hi Diana, in my case, I have one cat and she is not messy and doesn’t pee high like male cats so I clean the Globe every month, especially now that I use a good cat litter that doesn’t let clumps stick into the globe. To me, the LR4 has been easier to clean.
What brand of litter do you use?
Hi Kim, I use Ever Clean, but the last package I have been using is Boxipro, a version of Boxiecat brand that clumps on the surface of the litter bed. I am planning on including it on my post soon. Either one works excellent.
Love these reviews. Could you please tell me if the LR4 seems it’ll fit a large cat better than the LR3 does? My big guy doesn’t fit in the LR3 so I still have a traditional box which I’d love to do away with completely. Thank you!
Hi Melissa, how cats accommodate will depend on their versatility. Large cats can do their business with no issues since they can stick part of their heads out the globe while doing their business. Cats can adapt very well to the Litter Robot, there are multiple testimonies.
Hi, We have been using the LR3 for about 5 years and it is starting to halt mid cleaning cycle. Does the LR4 connect have a wi-fi reset function so that we can remotely reset the dumping function. We are afraid to leave the LR for a day or so because of that problem. ( We deep clean the system often.)
Thank you.
Hi Lauren, yes, you can remotely cycle and reset the LR4 from the Whisker app.