Litter-Robot 3 Review: Is It Worth Its Price Tag?

Having pet cats is all fun and games until it's time to clean out the litter box. As any cat owner would know, the chore of scooping out cat waste from litter boxes is NOT FUN.

Fortunately, there are now TONS of self-cleaning litter boxes available on the market to make our lives easier.

One of the most popular options is the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, a high-tech litter box that claims to reduce odors, prevent kitty litter waste, and eliminate mess!

At almost $500, though, is the Litter-Robot worth it? Read our expert review to find out!

Litter-Robot 3 Connect Cat Litter Box: Quick Summary

Key Features

• Weighs 24 pounds
• 8-hour Sleep Mode
• Automatic night light
• 'Drawer Full' indicator
• Adjustable cycle timer
• Control panel lockout
• Wi-Fi connectivity and app functionality
• Comes with a carbon filter, waste drawer liners, and a power supply

Looking for an automatic self-cleaning litter box for your cats?

Well, the Litter-Robot 3 is probably one of the smartest and most advanced options out there! Everything about it—from its futuristic design to its amazing functionality—screams high-tech.

Now, we have to warn you: The Litter-Robot does NOT come cheap.

But Here's What You Get:

You should expect to spend almost $500 on the unit (although it comes with some accessories) plus some more on clumping litter, extra trash bags, and any other add-ons that you might need for cleaning and maintenance [1].

Despite its high price, people still LOVE to use the Litter-Robot because it's so much more convenient than other litter boxes.

The Litter-Robot automatically senses when your cat enters the machine chamber, and depending on your cycle timer settings, it starts filtering out the waste after 3, 7, or 15 minutes.

Once that's done, you can just pull out the waste drawer, tie up the trash bag, and throw it out. Easy peasy!

Don't Forget the App!

Another cool thing about the Litter-Robot is it has its own app. You can control the machine settings from your phone, view important alerts, and even check usage history for insights into your cats' health.

This can even connect to multiple robots, which is great if you have lots of cats at home.

Who knew there were so many ways to improve a basic litter box?

Overall, we consider the Litter-Robot to be a HUGE investment, but a great one if you have the budget for it! It's expensive-looking, convenient, effective, and highly durable—you really couldn't ask for more.

Pros

• Lots of smart features
• High-quality and durable product
• Very easy to use
• It has an efficient and effective filtering system

Cons

• Very pricey
• It's big and bulky, so it may not be suitable for tiny apartments

Should You Buy the Litter-Robot 3 Connect?

Still not convinced? Let's take a closer look at the key characteristics of the Litter-Robot to help you decide if it's the one for you (and your cats):

Quick Set-up and Installation Process

Given the Litter-Robot has so many complicated functions and parts, you'd think it would be a pain to install and use. This couldn't be FURTHER from the truth!!

The Litter-Robot comes pre-assembled, so there is NO set-up required.

Once the machine is connected to a power source, it starts working right away! Just make sure NOT to exceed the max fill line when adding litter, or else it won't be able to filter properly.

What's Next?

All you have to do is customize the settings (mainly the cycle time), which you can toggle through the Litter-Robot app.

The buttons on the machine also allow you to turn on some handy features like the night light, control panel lock, and 8-hour Sleep Mode. Convenient, right?

Lastly, any additional instructions can be found in the user manuals or through the app!

No Scooping Required

Cat owners DREAD scooping out litter boxes, and we totally get why. With Litter-Robot, though, you'll never have to do it again!

Because the robots come with a patented sifting system, the cats' waste and any litter clumps automatically go to the waste bin after each cleaning cycle.

Meanwhile, the clean litter is redeposited in the chamber for your cats to use the next time they enter the Litter-Robot.

How Often Do I Need to Empty It?

Unlike regular litter boxes, the Litter-Robot only needs to be emptied around once a week per cat!

When the waste drawer is full, you'll get a notification on the app, so you won't even need to keep track of when you last cleaned it out.

Just make sure you line the drawer with a garbage bag so you can easily lift the whole thing out when it's time to take out the trash.

Ease of Cleaning

With the Litter-Robot box, it's not just easy to clean up after your cats; it's SO simple to clean the whole unit too!

The brand recommends cleaning the interiors every one to three months and deep-cleaning around twice a year.

All you have to do is take apart the globe and the drawer, and give these a good wash! Make sure to soap it thoroughly, so that every nook and cranny is clean and odor-free.

Odor Control

Speaking of odors, does the Litter-Robot prevent funky smells from escaping outside the box?

Yes, but it's not REALLY as odorless as it claims to be.

Although the Litter-Robot has a carbon filter to mitigate this problem, it might not be enough if you let the cats' waste accumulate for longer than a week.

If you have a lot of cats in your household, this is especially important!

If you want to prevent odors as much as possible, we recommend cleaning out the bin every few days or so. The carbon filter should also be replaced every few months.

Advanced Technology

In terms of tech, though, the Litter-Robot is very advanced, as evidenced by its MANY cool features.

First up is the adjustable cycle timer. The Litter-Robot senses when your cat enters the chamber, and it automatically sets a timer (of 3, 7, or 15 minutes) to start the cleaning cycle.

This ensures the litter box is thoroughly cleaned after each use.

Alternatively, you can manually press the cycle button to begin the filtering process.

If your cat tries to enter the Litter-Robot during the cleaning process, the machine will stop cycling as a safety precaution.

You'll also be notified of a 'cat sensor fault' via the app, so you'll know each time this happens.

Worried About the Noise?

Now, this robot isn't very loud, but what if you're bothered by its noise while it's cleaning late at night?

Just activate the Litter-Robot's sleep setting (which pauses the cycle for 8 hours) so you can get a good night's rest.

If you think that's it, listen to this: All of the usage histories are saved on your phone.

That's right, you can monitor your cats' health and behavior by accessing all of this information on the Litter-Robot application! Handy, right?

Less Waste

Another thing we really appreciate about this product is that cats end up using LESS litter in the long run.

If you use a normal litter box, you'll notice you waste a lot of clean litter while scooping out the dirty parts.

However, because the robot uses advanced technology to sift out the dirt from the clean litter, you'll be able to maximize a pack.

Just make sure to use clumping litter because other types won't be filtered properly by the Litter-Robot's system!

Conspicuous Design and Size

Do note this litter box is NOT something you can subtly tuck away in the corner of your house.

It's BIG and BULKY, so it'll definitely mess with the aesthetics of your home if you're not going for a modern and/or futuristic vibe.

Don't get us wrong, though, it's not an eyesore, and we definitely don't find it tacky. Just be prepared to see a giant, new piece of furniture around your home every day.

High Price

We've talked about this product's price, but we feel it's important to reiterate that it is expensive. 

However, this IS one-of-a-kind, and it really DOES take the hard part out of cat ownership.

If you have the budget for it, we think you'll be very satisfied with the Litter-Robot's performance. In fact, you'll probably find it difficult to go back to regular litter boxes after trying it out!

Self-Cleaning Litter Box Alternatives

Looking for more budget-friendly options? Check these ones out:

PetSafe Ultra Automatic Litter Box

Instead of a cycle, the PetSafe Litter Box uses rakes to dispose of solid particles into the bin 20 minutes after your cat uses it.

Like the Litter-Robot, it's hassle-free and easy to use, but it lacks more advanced functions like Wi-Fi connectivity and timer control settings.

It offers GREAT value for money! This product still effectively solves your cleaning problem, so we consider it to be a STEAL.

However, do note that PetSafe specifically requires crystal litter for the filtering to work.

This material absorbs wetness and dries out solid refuse so that these can be trapped by the metal rakes. After every few weeks, you just have to throw out the tray and replace it with a new one.

These costs may add up over time, but you'll spend a whole lot less upfront.

Little Maid Single Cat Automatic Litter Box

If you've got only one small cat at home, this Little Maid option is perfect for you. Like the PetSafe, it uses rakes for automatic cleaning, so there's really NO scooping required.

To keep odors contained, its receptacles have carbon filters, and to prevent litter scatter and tracking, it even has a paw-cleaning ramp. Now we like the sound of those features!

Best of all, it's less than $80, so you can splurge on toys and treats for your favorite feline instead!

Just know that since this is a budget option, it's not the most heavy-duty. The Little Maid is designed for cats under 15 pounds (which is above average), but you might want to consider a different model just to be safe.

Verdict

Our review of the Litter-Robot 3 Connect summed up in a sentence? It's definitely worth it if you've got the money to spare.

This product makes cleaning up after your cats so ridiculously easy; it won't even feel like much of a chore.

With that said, know that all of its high-tech features are cool add-ons, but they're not TOTALLY necessary for the average pet owner!