When it comes to automatic litter boxes, cat owners have more options than ever. But a reliable litter box still isn’t cheap, so it’s important to do your research before buying.
We’re here to help you decide between two popular options: the Litter-Robot 5 by Whisker and the SNOW+ by PetSnowy. Read on for an in-depth comparison of these two models based on real-world testing.
The market has been flooded with automatic litter boxes over the past few years but not all are designed with the same level of care or concern for cat safety. Both Whisker and PetSnowy have strong reputations for customer service and total satisfaction.
About Litter-Robot 5
Read Our Full In-Depth Review
Measurements
- Easy Cleaning – 5/5
- Odor Control – 5/5
- Appearance – 5/5
- Building – 5/5
- Price – 3/5
Overall Score: 4.6/5
Whisker, the successor to the popular Litter-Robot is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and has been in business for over 25 years. The original Litter-Robot set the standard for self-cleaning litter boxes and recent iterations have introduced many of the safety features that are commonplace in such devices today.
About PetSnowy SNOW+
Read Our Full In-Depth Review
Measurements
- Easy Cleaning – 5/5
- Odor Control – 5/5
- Appearance – 4/5
- Building – 5/5
- Price – 4/5
Overall Score: 4.6/5
PetSnowy was founded in 2020 and is currently based in Irvine, California. PetSnowy’s flagship product, the self-cleaning SNOW+ litter box, was one of Indiegogo’s top campaigns when it launched in 2023. This product showcases Whisker’s creative genius and has won multiple MUSE Gold Awards for design excellence and innovation.
Features and Specifications
Released in late 2025, the Litter-Robot 5 builds on the foundation of the popular Litter-Robot 4 that came before it with a slate of new features and technological improvements. It is still a large machine with a footprint of 22.2” by 27.25” and a height of less than 30 inches, making the width of the litter bed 15 inches around.
Easily recognizable by its globe-like shape and wide, open front, the Litter-Robot 5 has a sleek and modern look to it. The Litter-Robot 5 has a built-in filter that separates dirty litter, cleverly depositing litter into a large drawer placed at the bottom of the unit.
Here’s a quick overview of Litter-Robot 5’s key features:
- A built-in scale separates up to 5 cats by weight
- An integrated carbon filter helps with odor control
- Track smartphone data usage and trends with the Whisker app
- AI-powered WasteID technology differentiates between urine and feces
- Large color LCD screen on top with push button operation
Apart from its shape, the main visual difference between the PetSnowy SNOW+ and the Litter-Robot 5 is that the SNOW+ is completely enclosed. The interior is divided between a globe and a small balcony that your cat enters before entering the litter box. The vestibule is lined with a quilted mat to help catch loose litter and reduce tracking, and the area provides plenty of headroom so your cat doesn’t feel cramped.
Here’s a quick overview of PetSnowy’s key features:
- Enclosed design with lid on top for easy access to waste bed
- Optional pairing with the PetSnowy app
- A large, easily accessible trash drawer located under the unit
- A built-in UV light and optional deodorizer help with odor control
- Easy push button operation with colored indicator lights
The PetSnowy SNOW+ looks very different from the Litter-Robot 5, but the two models work in the same way. Instead of being round, the SNOW+ is more square in shape and measures 20″ by 29.5″ and 25.6-inches tall. This model also uses an integrated filter, but the globe rotates front to back, instead of sideways like the Litter-Robot. The litter box is conveniently located on the base and is very large.
Price and Performance
Of the two models, the Litter-Robot 5 is the more expensive. It costs $799 compared to the PetSnowy SNOW+ at $699. Both Whisker and PetSnowy offer a free smartphone app where you can adjust device settings, track usage, and monitor performance.
Whisker also offers a premium model, the Litter-Robot 5 Pro, with two integrated cameras for $899. You can use all the Litter-Robot 5 features right out of the box but if you want access to advanced data insights and long-term trends, you’ll need to pay $7.99/month for a Whisker+ subscription (or $79.99/year).
Both the Litter-Robot 5 and the PetSnowy SNOW+ have strong customer satisfaction scores. Although the Litter-Robot 5 is still new and subject to bugs and errors, the product’s success depends largely on its commitment to making improvements based on customer feedback. The SNOW+ has been on the market for a while, so PetSnowy has had more time to work out the firmware issues but it doesn’t appear that there have been any significant changes or improvements made to the design or engineering of the litter box since it was originally released.
What Do Our Test Cats Think?
We’ve spent months testing both the Litter-Robot 5 and the PetSnowy SNOW+ so we can give you our insights based on real-world testing. Here’s a quick summary:
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Our test cats had no problem adjusting to the Litter-Robot 5 or SNOW+. Both units performed reliably and provided similar levels of odor control. It’s hard to say if the integrated UV in SNOW+ works as promised, but it’s a unique feature.
In terms of accessibility, the Litter-Robot 5 was slightly better than our older test cats and on the smaller side. The Litter-Robot 5 comes with a wire to help reduce spillage and tracking, but it adds significantly to the height from the step attached to the litter box. There is no step on the SNOW+ and the angled ramp is smooth and steep. However, it can be easy to step outside the box to improve accessibility.
Both units work well and do what they are designed to do. The standout difference with Litter-Robot 5 is its app integration. Weight measurement is very sensitive, so we can distinguish between many cats and organize their data into individual profiles. PetSnowy’s data tracking is very limited but the device is fully functional without the app.
Which Is Right for Your Cat?
It’s hard to choose between Litter-Robot 5 and SNOW+. We’re big fans of both models but there are a few differentiating details that could make one a better fit for your family.
If price is your main concern, the SNOW+ is $100 cheaper (without any promotional discounts). It performs the same core functions as the Litter-Robot 5 with the same levels of customer satisfaction, reliability, and odor control. Plus, you can enjoy full functionality without the PetSnowy app, meaning you’ll never have to worry about features hidden behind a paywall.
Litter-Robot 5 is undoubtedly more expensive (especially if you start with the Pro model or Whisker+ subscription), but it is loaded with smart features like WasteID. The Whisker app has improved significantly as well. So, if you want access to more detailed information about your device, your cat’s usage, and long-term data trends, the Litter-Robot 5 is the way to go.
Whichever way you think you’re leaning, take a moment to consider your cat’s preferences before making a commitment. Very large cats and those who don’t like covered litter boxes may prefer the Litter-Robot 5’s open litter bed and open-face design. For cats who like their privacy or are generally not picky about litter boxes, the SNOW+ can be an equally solid choice.
Still searching for the perfect fit? Check out our other recommendations in this detailed a guide to the best self-cleaning litter boxes.