Litter-Robot 5 vs Litter-Robot 4 – Full Comparison Based on Real Testing

Overview: Key Changes in the Litter-Robot 5

After extended use of the Litter-Robot 4 for over three years and now running the Litter-Robot 5 side by side, the new version feels more refined and deliberate in daily use.

It follows the same core design and footprint, but improves in the areas that impact owners most, setup efficiency, capacity, data tracking, and overall ease of cleaning. The internal system has also evolved, providing more advanced sensor readings.

Key Differences

Feature	Litter-Robot 5	Litter-Robot 4	My Observation
Setup & Assembly	Solid, reinforced bonnet	Flexible bonnet	LR5 allows one-hand closure
Noise	Low hum	Lower hum	LR4 is only barely quieter
Technology & Operation	Enhanced integrated technology, LCD screen	Weight & laser sensors, no screen	LR5 offers more data + real-time status display on unit
Cleaning	Hang-on bonnet, smoother litter chamber	Lift-bonnet, bumpy rubber liner	Less physical effort with LR5
App Features	Waste ID Recognition	No Waste ID Rec.	Tracking & prevention

Setup and Assembly Updates: Litter-Robot 5 vs 4

• Setup Time: The setup of the Litter-Robot 5 requires to attach the waste drawer with the step, which the Litter-Robot 4 doesn’t need. Other than that, they both come fully assembled and don’t take more than 5 minutes to be setup, excluding the unboxing.
• Location: With the Litter-Robot 5 choosing the location of where to place the unit is not limited to the type of floor anymore. This makes the setup more flexible.
• Cat litter Needed: When pouring cat litter into the Litter-Robot 5 the larger litter capacity is evident, so you will need more. This model refined the interior design using the space more efficiently, without altering the footprint. So if you have the Litter-Robot 4 and want to replace you can put the Litter-Robot 5 in the same place.

Stability and Daily Handling

The Litter-Robot 5 features an anti-tip stable base, ready to hold the Litter-Hopper accessory, plus a better calibrated weight sensor that allows to place the unit directly on carpets. Instead, the Litter-Robot 4 requires to install a anti-tip part on the base to use the Litter Hopper and can’t be placed on carpeted floors without the carpet tray accessory.

Noise & Performance: Litter-Robot 5 vs 4

• Noise Test Results: I measured both models using a basic free decibel app to get a sense of the real sound difference, not exact lab numbers. Readings averaged around 44–50 dB on the Litter-Robot 4 and about 46–53 dB on the Litter-Robot 5. The difference was small, roughly 2 to 3 dB higher on average, and barely noticeable in daily use. These figures reflect the range I observed most often during several tests.
• Performance: The self-cleaning process of the Litter-Robot 5. from the moment the cat enters to the end of the cycle. maintains the same standard as the Litter-Robot 4.
  The Litter-Robot 5 has a wider waste opening on the globe. This reduces the chances of clumps not dropping into the drawer, or bouncing on the further edge and soil it before being dumped into the drawer.

Technology & Sensor System Updates

The new Litter-Robot 5 enhances its technology by adding a smart sensor and upgrading the weight scale. This allows it to recognize the cat’s shape and identify the type of waste left in the litter area, whether feces or urine, sending that data to the app. The improved weight sensor can now activate with kittens as light as 2 lb and detect obstructions inside the waste drawer.

By contrast, the Litter-Robot 4 relies on a hard-surface weight sensor combined with curtain laser sensors. With a minimum activation weight of 3 lb and a system that depends mainly on the laser sensor, it can occasionally leave small detection gaps, making it slightly less precise.

Control Panel with LCD Screen

The new Litter-Robot 5 features a LCD screen on the control panel. The screen displays the status of the unit as it happens in real time. The status, litter level, waste level and others notifications are shown on the screen. This makes the Litter-Robot 5 not only a cat litter box located in a corner but a useful tool to check information when needed while being around the device. The screen also helps with troubleshooting, it shows all what’s happening with litter box in case a restart is needed.

App Data Upgrade

What changed in the App for the Litter-Robot 5 is the History menu. Now includes a summary of visits and the activity log, including details of what type of waste the cat did, measured in cups. This could be a tool to recognize irregular bathroom visits and take action. The rest of the App all keeps the same than the Litter-Robot 4.

Cat Acceptance: Behavior Differences Observed

My cat reacted differently to each version. She hesitated with the Litter-Robot 4 before using it. With the Litter-Robot 5, she used it right away.

Behavior Aspect	Litter-Robot 4	Litter-Robot 5	What This Shows
Time to accept	Took around 3 days before she used it normally	Used it right away after setup	Faster trust response → less stress and better initial comfort
Why she liked it	Wider Entry and quieter	Similar to the LR4 but friendlier, neater look.	Exterior design influences the feline trust level
Accessory dependency	Needed the ramp to use it confidently	Used the new one without ramp at all	Indicates stronger environmental comfort and better design acceptance.

Odor Control Performance: Litter-Robot 5 vs 4

Same Carbon Filtration System

Both the Litter-Robot 5 and 4 use the same carbon filter setup to reduce odors in the waste drawer.
In real use, odor control performance remains similar between the two models, assuming proper maintenance and regular filter replacement.

During early testing, the LR5 has kept odors well under control, though results can vary depending on litter type, cleaning frequency, and room conditions such as heat or humidity.

I’ll continue monitoring odor performance over the coming months to confirm if results remain consistent.

Odor Performance in Real Use

Using the Litter-Robot 4 in hot weather can lead to odor buildup if the waste drawer isn’t emptied frequently. During my testing with the Litter-Robot 5, I haven’t noticed any smell outside the unit or when getting close to it. For a more complete comparison, I’ll need additional testing under higher temperatures. As a note, I empty both units at the same frequency — every seven days.

Cleaning & Maintenance: Easy of Access & Reassembly

Disassembly and Access

The Litter-Robot 5 disassembles in the same way as the Litter-Robot 4, but the first introduced improvements. Now with the Litter-Robot 5 is easier to access the globe. With more effective clips, hang-on bonnet that doesn’t need alignment, the process requires less physical effort now. On the other hand, the Litter-Robot 4 with a more flexible bonnet and recessed type clips made it a litter harder to remove the bonnet and access the globe.

Durability Over Time

Since the Litter-Robot 5 is still new, it’s too early to evaluate long-term durability. I’ll update this section once I have more months of use to share real-world results.

Final Verdict: Litter-Robot 5 vs Litter-Robot 4

While both models share the same core self-cleaning design, the Litter-Robot 5 introduces several meaningful upgrades. The globe can now be removed more easily, the internal structure provides better stability, and the addition of more advanced sensing technology brings unique insights into your cat’s health data.

The Litter-Robot 5 also features a larger litter and waste capacity and can accommodate a wider variety of cats, including kittens from 2 pounds, to adult cats weighting up to 30 pounds.

Overall, the Litter-Robot 5 represents a more advanced and versatile version, combining better tech and capacity with broader usability, a clear improvement for multi-cat households up to 5 cats, or owners seeking higher efficiency.

For a deeper look at how the Litter-Robot 5 performs in daily use, cleaning, and noise — including its odor performance — you can read my detailed hands-on Litter-Robot 5 review.

More details, availability, and shipping estimates can be found on Whisker’s product page

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Editor’s Note — October 21, 2025:
Early promotional visuals showed a lighted compartment described as a multi-layered carbon filter, which appeared to suggest an additional filtering system. After launch, it became clear that this area actually serves as a balancing component that stabilizes the globe during rotation. All other observations and test results in this review remain accurate to my hands-on experience.