Litter Robot 3 Vs 4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Technology

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 appwhich 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?
A1: The main differences between Litter-Robot 3 and Litter-Robot 4 include improvements in design, cat detection, odor control, noise reduction, and app integration. Litter-Robot 4 offers a sleeker, more compact design, a laser-based cat detection system, enhanced odor control with OdorTrap™, quieter operation, and a more advanced app with multiple-cat tracking capabilities. These enhancements make the Litter-Robot 4 more convenient and efficient, especially for multi-cat households.

Q2: Are both Litter-Robot 3 and 4 self-cleaning litter boxes?
A2: Yes, both Litter-Robot 3 and Litter-Robot 4 are automatic, self-cleaning litter boxes. After each use, they sift the cat’s waste into a sealed drawer, minimizing the need for manual scooping and keeping the litter fresh for longer periods.

Q3: Do both models require specific types of litter?
A3: No, both Litter-Robot 3 and 4 are compatible with standard clumping litter. You do not need to use any special or proprietary litter with either model, providing flexibility in choosing the type of litter that works best for your household.

Q4: How do the odor control systems compare between the two models?
A4: While both models use carbon filters to reduce odors, Litter-Robot 4 has an enhanced OdorTrap™ system that offers improved odor management. The OdorTrap™ system is more effective at trapping smells and keeping the surrounding area fresh compared to the standard carbon filter in Litter-Robot 3.

Q5: Can I connect both models to the Litter-Robot app?
A5: Yes, both Litter-Robot 3 and 4 can connect to the Litter-Robot app. Through the app, you can monitor the waste drawer level, track cleaning cycles, and receive notifications. Litter-Robot 4 offers more advanced app features, such as real-time notifications and multi-cat tracking, but both models support basic app connectivity.

Q6: Is there a difference in the size of the waste drawer between the two models?
A6: Yes, Litter-Robot 4 has a larger waste drawer compared to Litter-Robot 3, holding 11-13 lbs of waste versus 9-11 lbs. This means that Litter-Robot 4 requires fewer emptying cycles, which is particularly beneficial for multi-cat households or busy users.

Q7: Are both models suitable for multiple cats?
A7: Yes, both Litter-Robot 3 and 4 are designed to accommodate multiple cats. However, Litter-Robot 4 offers more precise tracking for multiple cats through its app, using dual sensors to monitor different cats’ usage patterns, making it easier to manage in multi-cat households.

Q8: Do I need to use special liners in the waste drawer for either model?
A8: No, neither model requires special liners. You can use standard trash bags or liners for the waste drawer, making it easy to dispose of the waste without needing proprietary liners.

Q9: What are the power requirements for both models?
A9: Both Litter-Robot 3 and 4 have similar power requirements, operating on a 15-volt DC power supply. You can plug them into a standard electrical outlet, and there is no difference in power consumption between the two models.

Q10: How do the safety features compare?
A10: Both models have built-in safety features that pause the cleaning cycle if a cat re-enters the litter box. Litter-Robot 4 has an enhanced laser-based detection system that improves the accuracy of detecting the presence of a cat, making it slightly safer and more reliable for households with curious or multiple cats.

Q11: Are both models covered by a warranty?
A11: Yes, both Litter-Robot 3 and Litter-Robot 4 are covered by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, which protects against defects and ensures that the product functions properly during that period.

Q12: Can I adjust the cycle delay time on both models?
A12: Yes, both models allow you to adjust the delay time between when the cat exits the litter box and when the cleaning cycle starts. This feature ensures that the cleaning cycle doesn’t begin prematurely, allowing your cat time to fully leave the area.

Q13: Do both models have nightlights?
A13: Yes, both models feature a nightlight for improved visibility in darker areas. However, Litter-Robot 4’s nightlight is adjustable, allowing you to customize the brightness, whereas Litter-Robot 3’s nightlight has a fixed brightness level.

Q14: How often do I need to empty the waste drawer on each model?
A14: The frequency of emptying the waste drawer depends on the number of cats using the litter box and the size of the waste drawer. Litter-Robot 3 generally requires emptying every 5-7 days in multi-cat households, while Litter-Robot 4’s larger drawer can last up to 10 days under similar conditions.

Q15: Is there a difference in noise levels between the two models?
A15: Yes, Litter-Robot 4 operates more quietly than Litter-Robot 3. The noise level during the cleaning cycle has been reduced in the Litter-Robot 4, making it less disruptive, especially if placed in a living area or near bedrooms.

 

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