Whisker Litter-Robot 4 vs Whisker Litter-Robot 5
Researched by Riley Hart · prices checked Oct 26, 2026
As of Oct 26, 2026, the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 costs $699 and the Whisker Litter-Robot 5 costs $799, so the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is $100 cheaper. Pick the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 for one to four average size cats. Pick the Whisker Litter-Robot 5 for large cats and multi cat homes.
- Cat weight
- 3 to 25 lb
- Max cats
- Up to 4
- Litter
- Clumping clay
- Waste drawer
- Sealed
A well tested globe box with a long track record and a large parts and support network, now $100 cheaper than the Litter-Robot 5. Owners of big cats over 25 lb, or anyone who wants urine vs stool detection, should look at the 5 instead.
Full Whisker Litter-Robot 4 review →- Cat weight
- 3 to 30 lb
- Max cats
- Up to 5
- Litter
- Clumping clay
- Waste drawer
- Sealed
The sensible pick in the Litter-Robot 5 family: same globe, drawer and weight tracking as the Pro without the cameras. It suits larger cats and multi cat homes better than the Litter-Robot 4, but the LitterHopper add on is listed separately and settings live only in the app.
Full Whisker Litter-Robot 5 review →Side by side
| Whisker Litter-Robot 4 | Whisker Litter-Robot 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $799 |
| 3 year cost | $1,035 | $955 |
| Our score | Not scored yet | Not scored yet |
| Rank in Litter box | #16 | #18 |
| Status | on sale | on sale |
| Warranty | 1 year (WhiskerCare), extendable to 3 years; 90 day in home trial | 1 year (WhiskerCare), extendable to 3 years; 90 day in home trial |
| Cat weight range | 3 to 25 lb (kittens under 3 lb need semi automatic mode) | 3 to 30 lb |
| Max cats | Up to 4 | Up to 5 |
| Waste drawer | Sealed drawer with carbon filter, as little as once every 8 days (maker claim) | Sealed drawer with carbon filter, up to 10 days for one cat (maker claim) |
| Sensors | Laser and weight sensors, SmartScale cat weight tracking, SafeCat system | Multiple lasers, weight sensing, SmartScale, WasteID urine vs stool detection, SafeCat system |
| App | Whisker app (2.4 GHz WiFi); free 7 day view, Whisker+ optional | Whisker app (2.4 GHz WiFi); free tier shows 7 days of visits and weights |
| Litter type | Clumping clay recommended; crystals only if they pass the screen; plant based and pellet litters not recommended | Clumping clay recommended; plant based, non clumping, paper and pellet litters not recommended |
| Size | 22 x 27 in footprint, 29.5 in tall, 15.75 x 15.75 in entry, 24 lb empty | 22 x 27 in footprint, 29.9 in tall, 15.75 x 15.75 in entry, 28.7 lb empty |
| Noise | No dB rating published; QuietSift motor | No dB rating published; QuietSift motor |
| Best for | one to four average size cats | large cats and multi cat homes |
| Skip if | your cat is over 25 lb | you want the lowest price from Whisker |
Specs are maker claims unless a reviewer is named. Prices from the stores we link, checked daily.
What reviewers found
Whisker Litter-Robot 4
- Cats.com: Runner Up in the October 2026 roundup; reliable and well built, but the smaller litter bed may not suit large cats. Source
- The Irish Times: Quiet, no smells and a clean tray in a home test; sensors stopped the drum when a cat entered; app cat ID was less accurate for cats of similar size. Source
- CNN Underscored: Drawer needed emptying about once a week with two cats; quieter than the Litter-Robot 3; cats took about a week to adjust. Source
Whisker Litter-Robot 5
Pros and cons
Whisker Litter-Robot 4
Pros
- Long track record and wide parts availability
- Laser plus weight sensing with SafeCat
- Free app weight tracking
- 90 day in home trial
Cons
- Smaller litter bed than the 5 series
- Fine grain clumping litter only, not tofu
- Early units had sensor complaints
- Bulky, needs a 22 x 27 in spot
Whisker Litter-Robot 5
Pros
- Rated for cats up to 30 lb and up to 5 cats
- WasteID tells urine from stool
- Free app tracking without a subscription
- 90 day in home trial
Cons
- $799 is still a high entry price
- No camera
- Large footprint at 22 x 27 in
- Reviewers prefer the Litter-Robot 4's raised buttons
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 or the Whisker Litter-Robot 5?
Pick the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 for one to four average size cats. Pick the Whisker Litter-Robot 5 for large cats and multi cat homes.
Which is cheaper?
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 at $699, versus $799 for the Whisker Litter-Robot 5, checked Oct 26, 2026. Over 3 years with running costs: $1,035 vs $955.
What is the difference between the Litter-Robot 4 and the Litter-Robot 5?
Cat weight range: 3 to 25 lb (kittens under 3 lb need semi automatic mode) on the Litter-Robot 4, 3 to 30 lb on the Litter-Robot 5. Max cats: Up to 4 on the Litter-Robot 4, Up to 5 on the Litter-Robot 5. Waste drawer: Sealed drawer with carbon filter, as little as once every 8 days (maker claim) on the Litter-Robot 4, Sealed drawer with carbon filter, up to 10 days for one cat (maker claim) on the Litter-Robot 5.
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