Neakasa M1 Plus vs Litter-Robot 4: The Ultimate 2026 Comparison

The smart litter box market has exploded in recent years, with two names dominating conversations: Neakasa M1 Plus and Litter-Robot 4. Both promise to eliminate the daily chore of scooping, but which one truly delivers the best value, performance, and reliability for your feline companion?

This comprehensive comparison examines every aspect of these industry leaders so you can make an informed decision.

Design & Build Quality

• Neakasa M1 Plus: Features an open-top design with a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly into any home. The construction uses high-quality polycarbonate and stainless steel components, delivering durability without excessive weight. The innovative waste compartment design ensures minimal odor escape.
• Litter-Robot 4: Boasts a spherical design that has become iconic in the market. Made from durable plastic and reinforced polymers, it's built to last. However, some users report that the enclosed design can feel bulky in smaller spaces.

Automatic Cleaning Mechanism

• Neakasa M1 Plus: Employs a proprietary raking system that automatically sweeps waste into a sealed compartment after each use. The cycle initiates 10 seconds after your cat leaves, minimizing odor immediately.
• Litter-Robot 4: Uses a rotation-based system where the globe rotates to sift waste through a screen. The process takes about 10 minutes, which means odors can linger in the bowl area during this period.

App & Smart Features

• Neakasa M1 Plus: Offers Wi-Fi connectivity with a mobile app that tracks your cat's bathroom habits, provides usage reports, and sends notifications for maintenance needs. The app includes health insights based on usage patterns.
• Litter-Robot 4: Also features app connectivity but with more limited tracking capabilities. It monitors litter levels and box status but lacks the detailed health analytics that pet owners increasingly expect.

Litter Compatibility & Maintenance

• Neakasa M1 Plus: Works with standard clumping cat litter, offering maximum flexibility. The sealed waste container requires weekly emptying, and the box itself needs monthly cleaning.
• Litter-Robot 4: Requires their proprietary carbon-filtered litter or compatible alternatives, which increases ongoing costs. The disposal process is slightly more complicated.

Noise Level & Operation

• Neakasa M1 Plus: Operates at approximately 60-65 dB during the cleaning cycle, comparable to a normal conversation. Most cats barely notice the sound.
• Litter-Robot 4: Slightly louder at 65-70 dB, with a more pronounced mechanical sound that some anxious cats find startling initially.

Price & Value

• Neakasa M1 Plus: Premium option at $399-$499 range, but offers exceptional features for the price.
• Litter-Robot 4: Higher price point at $550-$700+, though it's established its market presence.

Multi-Cat Household Performance

• Neakasa M1 Plus: Handles multi-cat homes excellently, with the app's ability to distinguish between cats (up to 3) and track individual usage patterns. The capacity supports up to 33 lbs of cat weight.
• Litter-Robot 4: Also suitable for multiple cats but lacks the individual tracking capability that makes management easier.

Customer Satisfaction & Reliability

• Neakasa M1 Plus: Recent reviews highlight reliability, with an average 4.6/5 rating. The brand offers excellent customer support and a 1-year warranty.
• Litter-Robot 4: Established product with loyal following, averaging 4.5/5 stars. However, some long-term reliability concerns have emerged.

Eco-Friendly Considerations

• Neakasa M1 Plus: Supports eco-friendly litter options and has an energy-efficient design. The long-term sustainability makes it an environmentally conscious choice.
• Litter-Robot 4: While eco-friendly in operation, the proprietary litter requirement reduces environmental flexibility.

Health & Safety Features

Both boxes prioritize cat safety with automatic pause features if your cat doesn't exit properly. However, the Neakasa M1 Plus provides health monitoring capabilities that alert owners to potential urinary tract infections or kidney disease through changes in usage patterns.

The Verdict

Neakasa M1 Plus emerges as the superior choice for 2026, offering:

• Better value for premium features
• Superior app and health tracking
• More flexible litter options
• Faster odor control
• Better multi-cat capabilities

Choose Litter-Robot 4 if: You prefer an iconic, spherical design or have brand loyalty to the established market leader.