Litter Robot 3 Vs 4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
Litter Robot 3 & 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, & design. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Litter Robot 4 rather than the Litter Robot 3.
Why Do I Recommend The Litter Robot 4?
- The Litter-Robot 4 introduces the OdorTrap™ system, significantly keeping your home fresher for extended periods & odor control over the Litter-Robot 3’s carbon filter.
- It has a laser-based sensor system to improve detection accuracy, especially for lighter or multiple cats. In contrast, Litter-Robot 3 uses a weight-based system that may miss very light cats.
- Robot 4 is more compact and has a refined design that better integrates into modern home environments, while Robot 3 is less compact.
- The Litter-Robot 4’s quieter operation is ideal for use in quieter settings, including bedrooms or living rooms, while the Litter-Robot 3’s motor can be loud enough to be heard across a room.
- It provides better real-time tracking and updates through the app, which helps you know exactly when the waste drawer needs to be emptied, reducing the chances of overflow. But Robot 3 lacks real-time tracking and updates.
- The Litter-Robot 4 is faster in cycling (around 3-5 minutes), reducing the overall cleaning time compared to the Litter-Robot 3 (around 7 minutes).
- The increased waste drawer capacity in Litter-Robot 4 means less frequent emptying. While the Litter-Robot 3 needs emptying every 5-7 days, the Litter-Robot 4 can last up to 10 days.
- It features multiple-cat tracking, allowing households with several cats to monitor each one’s litter habits, but Robot 3 doesn’t have this feature.
Maybe the Litter Robot 3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Litter Robot 4. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Litter Robot 4 | Litter Robot 3 |
Design and Aesthetics | Sleeker, more modern design | Bulky, round design |
Entryway Diameter | 15.75″ diameter | 15.5″ diameter |
Waste Drawer Capacity | 11-13 lbs, can last up to 10 days | 9-11 lbs of waste, can last up to 10 days 5-7 days |
Sifting Mechanism | Enhanced sifting mechanism with faster cycle time | Standard sifting mechanism |
Cat Detection Technology | Omnidirectional, laser-based sensor | Weight-based sensor |
Odor Control System | Advanced OdorTrap™ system | Basic carbon filter |
Noise Levels | Quieter operation | Tends to be louder |
App Integration and Features | Enhanced app with real-time notifications, | Litter-Robot Connect app |
Multiple-Cat Tracking | Tracks multiple cats | No built-in multiple-cat tracking |
Waste Drawer Full Indicator | More accurate sensor for detecting the precise level of fullness | Basic full drawer indicator with occasional false alerts |
Nightlight | Adjustable nightlight | Yes, fixed brightness level |
Cycle Start Time (after cat leaves) | Approx. 3 minutes | Approx. 7 minutes |
Safety Features | Advanced safety features | Basic safety shut-off feature |
Firmware Updates | Allows for over-the-air firmware updates | No firmware updates; fixed software |
Price | Check Robot 4 Price | Check Robot 3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Self-Cleaning Mechanism: Both models have the essential feature that defines the Litter-Robot series—automatic self-cleaning. After a cat uses the litter box, the unit automatically starts a cleaning cycle, sifting the waste into the bottom drawer. This feature eliminates the need for manual scooping, which is one of the major selling points for both models.
- Clumping Litter Compatibility: Both Litter-Robot 3 and 4 are compatible with a variety of clumping litters. This similarity ensures that users don’t need to purchase specialized or proprietary litter, providing flexibility and convenience. The choice of litter remains broad, so users can select the most cost-effective or preferred brand.
- Carbon Filter for Odor Control: While the Litter-Robot 4 introduces the OdorTrap™ system, both models rely on a carbon filter to help manage odors. This filter works by absorbing the smells from the waste drawer, keeping the room fresher and reducing the spread of unpleasant odors. The shared carbon filter feature helps maintain a clean-smelling environment, which is important for indoor litter boxes.
- Large Waste Drawer: Both models feature a large-capacity waste drawer designed to hold several days’ worth of cat waste. This reduces the frequency of manual emptying, making both models suitable for multi-cat households or users who prefer less frequent maintenance. The large drawer is a critical convenience factor shared by both models.
- Power Requirements: Litter-Robot 3 and 4 both require standard plug-in power (15-volt DC), making them equally easy to set up in any home. They consume similar amounts of power, and users won’t need special outlets or additional equipment to run either unit. The shared power requirements also mean that transitioning from one model to the other doesn’t require electrical changes.
- Safety Mechanisms: Both models are designed with safety in mind, including a shut-off mechanism that pauses the cleaning cycle if a cat re-enters the litter box. This prevents the unit from operating while a cat is inside, ensuring that the self-cleaning feature is safe for all pets. The safety mechanism is a vital component for any automatic litter box, and both models include this important feature.
- App Connectivity: Both Litter-Robot 3 and 4 can connect to the Litter-Robot app, allowing users to monitor the waste drawer levels, track cleaning cycles, and receive notifications when the waste drawer is full. The shared app integration gives users convenient access to key metrics, regardless of which model they own.
- No Special Liner Requirements: Neither Litter-Robot 3 nor Litter-Robot 4 requires special liners for the waste drawer. Users can use standard trash bags or liners, making it easy to manage waste without needing to purchase proprietary products. This similarity offers cost savings and ease of use for both models.
- Manual Control Panel: Both models feature a control panel for manual operation, allowing users to start a cleaning cycle or adjust settings such as the cycle delay without using the app. This provides flexibility for users who may prefer physical controls or want a backup method to operate the unit.
- Sleep Mode: Both models come with a sleep mode option, which allows users to pause the cleaning cycle during certain hours, such as nighttime. This feature is especially useful for those who may be sensitive to the noise of the cleaning cycle or prefer not to have it operate while they’re sleeping.
- Waste Level Detection: Both Litter-Robot 3 and 4 include sensors that detect when the waste drawer is full. While the Litter-Robot 4 has more advanced sensors, the basic function of alerting users when the drawer needs to be emptied is present in both models, helping to streamline maintenance.
- Adjustable Cycle Delay: Users can adjust the delay between when the cat exits the litter box and when the cleaning cycle starts. Both models allow this customization, providing more control over when the unit operates. This is especially useful for owners who want to ensure that the cat is far away before the cycle begins.
- Health Monitoring: Both models track the number of times a cat uses the litter box through the app. This data can be used to monitor a cat’s health, as changes in litter box habits can indicate health issues. Whether using Litter-Robot 3 or 4, this health monitoring feature can be helpful for
Common Features
Feature | Litter Robot 4 | Litter Robot 3 |
Self-Cleaning Functionality | Yes, automatic self-cleaning after each use | Yes, automatic self-cleaning after each use |
Clumping Litter Compatibility | Compatible with clumping litter | Compatible with clumping litter |
Carbon Filter for Odor Control | Yes | Yes |
Large Waste Drawer | Yes, larger capacity for holding waste | Yes |
Power Requirements | Standard plug-in power requirements, 15-volt DC | Standard plug-in power requirements, 15-volt DC |
Safety Mechanisms | Yes | Yes |
App Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
No Special Litter Liners Required | No special liners needed | No special liners needed |
Control Panel for Manual Operation | Yes | Yes |
Sleep Mode | Yes, sleep mode feature to pause operation at night | Yes, can be set to a sleep mode during certain hours |
Automatic Waste Level Detection | Yes, improved but same fundamental full drawer detection | Yes, sensor detects when the waste drawer is full |
Adjustable Cycle Delay | Yes, offers adjustable delay times for cleaning cycles | Yes, users can adjust the time |
Health Monitoring | Yes, tracks usage data for health monitoring | Yes, tracks litter box usage through the app |
Warranty Coverage | Yes, covered under a 1-year warranty | Yes, covered under a 1-year warranty |
Price | Check Robot 4 Price | Check Robot 3 Price |
FAQ
Q1: What is the main difference between Litter-Robot 3 and Litter-Robot 4? Q2: Are both Litter-Robot 3 and 4 self-cleaning litter boxes? Q3: Do both models require specific types of litter? Q4: How do the odor control systems compare between the two models? Q5: Can I connect both models to the Litter-Robot app? Q6: Is there a difference in the size of the waste drawer between the two models? Q7: Are both models suitable for multiple cats? Q8: Do I need to use special liners in the waste drawer for either model? Q9: What are the power requirements for both models? Q10: How do the safety features compare? Q11: Are both models covered by a warranty? Q12: Can I adjust the cycle delay time on both models? Q13: Do both models have nightlights? Q14: How often do I need to empty the waste drawer on each model? Q15: Is there a difference in noise levels between the two models? |