We Tested Litter-Robot 5 vs. PetSnowy for a Few Weeks, and Here’s What You Should Know

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

When it comes to automatic litter boxes, cat owners have more options than ever. But a reliable self-cleaning litter box still doesn’t come cheap, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.

We’re here to help you decide between two popular options: the Litter-Robot 5 by Whisker and the SNOW+ by PetSnowy. Keep reading 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 they’re not all designed with the same level of care or concern for cat safety. Both Whisker and PetSnowy have strong reputations for customer service and overall satisfaction.

About Litter-Robot 5

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

Read Our Full In-Depth Review

Buy the Litter-Robot 5 on the Whisker.com

Ratings

Ease of Cleaning – 5/5
Odor Control – 5/5
Appearance – 5/5
Construction – 5/5
Price – 3/5

Overall Score: 4.6/5

Whisker, the brand behind the well-known Litter-Robot is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and has been in operation for over 25 years. The original Litter-Robot set the standard for self-cleaning litter boxes and later iterations introduced many of the safety features that have become standard in such devices today.

About PetSnowy SNOW+

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

Read Our Full In-Depth Review

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View on Petsnowy.com

Ratings

Ease of Cleaning – 5/5
Odor Control – 5/5
Appearance – 4/5
Construction – 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 SNOW+ self-cleaning litter box, became one of Indiegogo’s top campaigns when it launched in 2023. The brand mirrors Whisker’s flair for creativity and has won multiple MUSE Gold Awards for excellence in design and innovation.

Features and Specifications

Released in late 2025, the Litter-Robot 5 is built on the foundation of the beloved Litter-Robot 4 that came before it with a slate of new features and tech upgrades. It’s still a sizable machine with a 22.2” by 27.25” footprint and a height just under 30 inches, making the width of the litter bed about 15 inches round.

Easily recognizable for its globe-like shape and wide, open front, the Litter-Robot 5 has a sleek and modern look to it. The Litter-Robot 5 features an integrated sifter that separates clean from dirty litter, discreetly depositing waste in a large drawer housed in the base of the unit.

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

Here’s a quick overview of the Litter-Robot 5’s key features:

Built-in scale distinguishes between up to 5 cats by weight
Integrated carbon filter helps with odor control
Track usage and data trends via smartphone with the Whisker app
AI-powered WasteID technology differentiates between urine and feces
Large color LCD screen on the top with push-button operation

Aside from its shape, the biggest visual difference between the PetSnowy SNOW+ and the Litter-Robot 5 is that the SNOW+ is fully enclosed. The interior is actually divided between the globe and a small vestibule your cat steps into before entering the litter bed. The vestibule is lined with a textured mat to help catch loose litter and reduce tracking, plus the area provides some extra head room so your cat doesn’t feel cramped.

Here’s a quick overview of PetSnowy’s key features:

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

Enclosed design with a lid on top for easy access to the litter bed
Optional pairing with the PetSnowy app
Large, easy-to-access waste drawer in the base of the unit
Built-in UV light and optional fragrance insert helps with odor control
Simple push-button operation with colored indicator lights

The PetSnowy SNOW+ looks very different from the Litter-Robot 5, but the two models work in much the same way. Instead of round, the SNOW+ is more square in shape with a 20” by 29.5” footprint and a 25.6-inch height. This model also uses an integrated sifter, but the globe rotates front to back, instead of side to side like the Litter-Robot. The waste drawer is just as conveniently located in the base and very generously sized.

Price and Performance

Of these two models, the Litter-Robot 5 is the more expensive. It retails for $799 versus 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 utilize all the Litter-Robot 5’s 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).

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

Both the Litter-Robot 5 and PetSnowy SNOW+ have strong customer satisfaction scores. Though the Litter-Robot 5 is fairly new and still subject to bugs and glitches, the brand’s success largely hinges on its commitment to making improvements based on customer feedback. The SNOW+ has been on the market longer, so PetSnowy has had more time to address firmware issues but it doesn’t appear that any significant changes or upgrades have been made to the design or engineering of the litter box since its original release.

What Did Our Test Cats Think?

We’ve spent months testing both the Litter-Robot 5 and the PetSnowy SNOW+ to be able to offer you our insights based on real-world testing. Here’s a quick summary:

	Litter-Robot 5	PetSnowy SNOW+
Appearance	Thoughtful design with a modern aesthetic Available in white or black Litter bed is fully visible	Fully enclosed design with a divided interior Available in all-white or tan-and-white
Size and Shape	22.2” x 27.25” x 29.9” Globe-like shape with a wide, open entry	29.5” x 20” x 25.6” Rectangular shape with a small, square entry
Cat-Friendliness	Plenty of head room Visibility isn’t obstructed when using the litter box May be difficult for small or senior cats to step into with the litter fence in place Adjustable LED light Quiet operation under 55 dB	Lots of head room No visibility outside the box unless you open the lid Entry ramp is pretty steep and smooth, may be tough for small or senior cats to use No interior lighting Quiet operation under 53 dB
Performance	Fully automatic with manual operation available via app or buttons on top of the unit Device settings only adjustable via Whisker app Flexible weighted liner helps keep litter from sticking to the sides Waste drawer is easy to access and empty Weight sensor is very accurate	Works pretty much the same whether you download the app or not Some device settings are only adjustable in app Sifter has large holes to accommodate a wide variety of litter types Cheat sheet for indicator lights inside the lid Large waste drawer works best with branded liners
Odor Control	WasteID feature adjusts cycle delay based on the type of waste (urine versus feces) Integrated carbon filter (replacements required) Strong seal on the waste drawer helps contain odor	Waste drawer automatically seals after each deposit Integrated UV light helps kill odor-causing bacteria Optional fragrance pods Fully enclosed design helps contain odor

Our test cats had no trouble adjusting to either the Litter-Robot 5 or the SNOW+. Both units performed reliably and offered similar levels of odor control. It’s hard to say whether the integrated UV on the SNOW+ works as promised, but it’s a unique feature.

In terms of accessibility, the Litter-Robot 5 was a little better for our test cats who are old and on the smaller side. The Litter-Robot 5 comes with a fence to help reduce scatter and tracking, but it adds significantly to the height from the step attached to the waste drawer. There’s no step on the SNOW+ and the angled ramp is pretty smooth and steep. However, it’d be easy to place a step outside the box to improve accessibility.

Both units work well and do what they’re designed to do. The stand-out difference with the Litter-Robot 5 is its app integration. The weight scale is much more sensitive, so it can differentiate between multiple cats and sort their data into individual profiles. PetSnowy’s data tracking is more limited but the device is fully functional without the app.

Which One Is Right for Your Cat?

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

It’s a tough choice between the Litter-Robot 5 and SNOW+. We’re big fans of both models but there are a few distinguishing details that might make one a better fit for your household.

If price is your primary concern, the SNOW+ is $100 cheaper (without any promotional discounts). It performs the same core functions as the Litter-Robot 5 with similar levels of consumer satisfaction, reliability, and odor control. Plus, you can enjoy full functionality without the PetSnowy app, which means you’ll never have to worry about features being hidden behind a paywall.

The Litter-Robot 5 is undeniably more expensive (especially if you spring for the Pro model or a Whisker+ subscription), but it’s loaded with smart features like WasteID. The Whisker app is more advanced 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 dislike covered litter boxes may prefer the Litter-Robot 5’s roomy litter bed and open-face design. For cats who like their privacy or generally aren’t picky about litter boxes, the SNOW+ could be an equally solid choice.

Still searching for the perfect fit? Check out our other recommendations in this detailed guide to the best self-cleaning litter boxes.