When it comes to the automatic litter boxes market, Whisker’s Litter-Robot 4 and PetSafe ScoopFree are two of the most trusted names in the game—both praised for their innovation, convenience, and strong consumer following. Each caters to a different type of end user, offering its own blend of features, functionality, and brand experience.
But let’s zoom out and look at the bigger picture. According to Technavio, the global self-cleaning automatic litter boxes market is growing at nearly 8% CAGR, expected to reach $680 million by 2029. As demand for hygienic, hands-free pet care continues to rise, more brands are stepping up—not just to resell popular models, but to create their own private-label products that stand out in a competitive market.
So here’s the question:
Litter-Robot 4 vs. PetSafe ScoopFree—are those your only real options?
The answer is: not if you’re a B2B buyer and need OEM/ODM to start your pet business 2025.
Enter the Petrust® CB002 Smart Automatic Litter Box—a product built not just for cat parents, but for pet brands and retailers who want customization, flexibility, and control over their offerings.
Let’s dive in and explore which solution makes the most sense for your market—and how Petrust®’s OEM & ODM services for pet brands can help you bring your vision to life.
What is Litter-Robot 4?
Litter-Robot 4 (Whisker) is a premium, high-tech self-cleaning litter box with a rotating globe design. It works with standard clumping litter, automatically sifts waste into a bottom drawer, and connects to a smartphone app for monitoring. It’s known for near-silent operation, excellent odor control, and multi-cat suitability – but comes with a high price tag.
What is PetSafe ScoopFree?
PetSafe ScoopFree is a more affordable automatic litter box using disposable crystal litter trays. It employs a rake mechanism that sweeps solid waste into a covered trap after each use. Great for odor absorption and low daily maintenance, ScoopFree is popular among cat owners who want to “set it and forget it” for weeks. However, it requires proprietary crystal refills and is limited to smaller cats
What is Petrust® CB002?
Petrust® CB002 is smart cat litter box with built-in camera, designed by OEM manufacturer Petrust® for B2B clients (pet brands, retailers, etc.). It features automatic cleaning cycles (rotating or scooping mechanism), scheduled and on-demand cleaning via a mobile app, plus advanced extras like 1080p night-vision video monitoring.
Petrust® CB002 is OEM/ODM-ready, meaning partners can customize the unit’s branding and even certain features. It aims to combine the tech sophistication of Litter-Robot with the user-friendly design of other leading litter boxes – all while leveraging Petrust®’s manufacturing and supply chain expertise.
Litter-Robot 4 vs PetSafe ScoopFree vs Petrust® CB002: Which Is Right for You?
To facilitate quick insights, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the three automatic litter boxes, highlighting features important to both end-users and B2B decision-makers:
If you’re looking for a broader overview of the latest innovations in smart pet care, don’t miss The Ultimate Guide to Smart Pet Supplies of 2025.
| Feature | Whisker Litter-Robot 4 | PetSafe ScoopFree | Petrust® CB002 |
| Cleaning Mechanism | Rotating globe sifts clumping litter after use. | Rake pushes waste into covered trap 20 min after use. | Rotating self-clean cycle (app-controlled); manual & scheduled modes. |
| Litter Type | Clumping clay (any brand; unscented recommended). | Crystal litter trays (proprietary disposable cartridges). | Clumping litter (multiple types). Optional deodorizing additives for odor. |
| Waste Storage | Drawer with liner; lasts 1 week for 2 cats. | Covered waste compartment in tray; empty weekly per cat. | Sealed waste bin with odor filter; large capacity (72L internal volume). |
| Cat Size Compatibility | No size/weight limit (kittens >5 lbs trigger sensor). Entrance 16” diameter. | Cats under 15 lbs; not for kittens <6 mo. Tray area 14” x 14”. | Supports most cats up to large breeds (20 lbs). Spacious interior (50 cm diameter opening). |
| Odor & Dust Control | Excellent – closed waste bin + optional OdorTrap® filters. Minimal dust (depends on litter). | Good – crystals dehydrate waste (5× odor control vs clay). No dust tracking. | Excellent – built-in odor neutralizer (replaceable) and enclosed design. Low dust with proper litter. |
| Noise Level | Very quiet operation (almost silent motor). | Low noise (soft rake sound). | Whisper-quiet (<35 dB motor) for minimal disturbance. |
| Smart Features | WiFi App: usage logs, waste level alerts, multi-cat tracking by weight. | No app (standard model); a separate Smart version with app/cover is available. | WiFi App: remote control, cleaning schedule, live camera feed, usage stats (frequency, duration, cat weight). |
| Safety Sensors | Multiple SafeCat™ sensors: weight, anti-pinch, cat entry detection (auto-stop mid-cycle). | Infrared sensor to detect cat presence and delay rake; rake auto-stops if resistance is met (to avoid harming a cat). | Multi-sensor safety: weight sensors (x4) to detect cats, infrared motion, anti-pinch system. Cleaning stops if cat approaches. |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 27″ x 22″ x 29.5″ (very large unit). Weight 24 lbs. Requires space for rotation. | 28″ x 20″ x 7″ (tray box). Weight 11 lbs. Low profile, similar to standard litter pan size. | 52 × 48 × 51 cm (approx. 20″ × 19″ × 20″). Moderate footprint, freestanding design. Weight 10 kg. |
| Power & Setup | AC power (outlet); simple setup (comes assembled, just add litter). | AC power; place unit on crystal litter tray cartridge. Minimal assembly. | AC power. Ships assembled; connect to app for full features. |
| Price (USD) | High-End: $699 – $899 retail. Significant upfront cost. | Budget-Friendly: $150 – $200 for base unit. Refill trays ~$20 each (monthly). | OEM Pricing: Competitive wholesale rates for bulk orders. Estimated <$500 retail equivalent (varies by customization). |
| Ideal For | Premium buyers, multi-cat households, tech-savvy owners who want hands-off cleaning and data insights. Also luxury pet product brands. | Cost-conscious owners, those who want low daily maintenance and don’t mind buying refills. Great for odor-sensitive homes. | Pet brands/retailers seeking a customizable smart litter box. Also tech enthusiasts – e.g. a connected litter box with pet camera for monitoring. |
As shown above, Litter-Robot 4 and PetSafe ScoopFree take very different approaches to automated litter cleaning, each with pros and cons. Litter-Robot offers a premium, feature-rich solution with no recurring consumable costs (using regular litter), while ScoopFree provides a simpler, lower-cost system but locks you into purchasing its crystal litter refills.
Petrust® CB002, on the other hand, is positioned as a versatile newcomer that blends many of the premium features (like an app, multi-cat sensors, and even a camera) with the flexibility of an OEM offering – meaning business buyers can brand it or tailor it as needed.
Get Closer: What Are These Automatic Litter Boxes?
Litter-Robot 4: High-End, Tech-Forward Litter Box
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is often dubbed the “Rolls-Royce” of litter boxes – and for good reason. This premium unit offers an almost hands-free experience for pet owners and robust features appealing to multi-cat households and gadget lovers alike. Key highlights:
Fully Automatic Cleaning: After a cat uses the Litter-Robot 4, the unit waits a few minutes (default ~7 minutes) then quietly rotates its inner globe. Clumps and waste fall through a sifter into a lined waste drawer below, which remains closed to trap odors. Owners typically only need to empty the drawer roughly once a week for 1–2 cats.
Any Clumping Litter: Unlike some competitors, the Litter-Robot isn’t tied to a specific litter brand. It works with most clumping clay litter (Whisker recommends standard unscented clay for best results). This gives users freedom and low ongoing costs – just refill litter as needed.
Excellent Odor Control: The globe enclosure and closed waste drawer keep smells minimal. LR4 also introduced an OdorTrap® system (optional odor absorbing packet in the waste compartment) to neutralize odors. Testers in one review praised that it “hides odors well”, making it suitable for indoor use without stink.
Smart App & Insights: A major selling point of Litter-Robot 4 is its WiFi-connected app (Whisker app). Through the app, users get real-time alerts (e.g. when the waste drawer is full or when the unit cycles) and can view a log of usage.
Impressively, the LR4’s built-in scale weighs each cat every time they enter. Over time, the system can even attempt to identify individual cats by weight and track their bathroom habits (useful for health monitoring in multi-cat homes). Note: In practice the cat identification via weight isn’t always perfect, but it’s an innovative feature.
Safety and Reliability: The Litter-Robot 4 includes multiple safety features under the SafeCat™ system. If a cat re-enters or even approaches the entrance during a cleaning cycle, sensors detect it and automatically pause the rotation. The unit will retry after a brief interval until the area is clear.
This prevents any risk of a cat being tumbled. There are also anti-pinch sensors to ensure nothing gets caught between moving parts. Overall, the machine is designed to be very cat-friendly – many cats acclimate quickly to it (though a timid cat may need a gradual introduction, as with any new litter box).
Size and Aesthetics: The Litter-Robot 4 is large, measuring about 2.5 feet tall and deep. It has a modern, sphere-on-pedestal look (available in white or black) that some find futuristic and others find conspicuous.
In a home setting, it’s not subtle, but it’s visually striking in a way that signals “high-tech appliance” rather than a dirty litter pan. For businesses, the noticeable design can be a selling point for premium pet retailers (it certainly draws attention in showrooms).
Cost: With a retail price around $699 – $799 (depending on configuration and sales), the Litter-Robot 4 is one of the most expensive litter boxes on the market. For B2B buyers, Whisker (the manufacturer) does not typically offer white-label/OEM—Litter-Robot is a proprietary product.
Thus, a pet brand can carry it in their store, but cannot rebrand or modify it. This high cost and closed branding is exactly why some business customers look for alternatives like Petrust®.
The Litter-Robot 4 represents the top-of-the-line in self-cleaning litter box tech for 2025 – ideal for cat owners willing to invest for convenience, and a benchmark for other designs to match. Its strengths lie in automation, data, and odor control, while its weaknesses are the high price and large size.
PetSafe ScoopFree: Affordable, Low-Maintenance Solution
The PetSafe ScoopFree is a well-known self-cleaning litter system that prioritizes simplicity and odor control. It’s often considered the “best value” among automatic litter boxes due to its reasonable upfront cost and ease of use. Key characteristics include:
Rake Cleaning Mechanism: ScoopFree’s design looks like a traditional rectangular litter pan, but with an automated rake. After a cat uses the box, sensors trigger a countdown (typically 20 minutes) then the metal rake slides across the litter, pushing solid waste into a covered waste trap at one end.
Urine is absorbed by the special litter. This means no rotating parts and an open-top format, which can be less intimidating for skittish cats. The rake action is fairly quiet and slow; testers report the mechanical noise is minimal.
Crystal Litter Trays: A defining feature (and ongoing cost) of ScoopFree is its use of disposable crystal litter trays. The unit is designed to sit on top of a cardboard tray pre-filled with blue silica crystal litter. The crystals are highly absorbent: they dehydrate solid waste and soak up urine, significantly reducing odor and virtually eliminating urine clumps.
In fact, crystals provide 5× better odor control than typical clay litter and produce no dust or tracking – a big plus for cleanliness. For one cat, a tray can last around 20–30 days before the crystals are saturated; with two cats, you might get 10–15 days. PetSafe recommends replacing the entire tray at least once a month per cat.
Maintenance Requirements: Day-to-day, the ScoopFree is hands-off. The owner doesn’t scoop clumps (there aren’t any – urine doesn’t clump in crystals) and typically doesn’t even see the waste, since it’s raked under the trap compartment. However, periodic maintenance involves removing and discarding the used litter tray (which contains all the absorbed urine and solid waste) and sliding in a fresh one.
This is an easy task – the tray has a lid you can put on to avoid spillage. The downside is the recurring cost: PetSafe’s branded replacement trays cost roughly $15–$20 each, adding up over time. Some savvy users find ways to refill trays with cheaper crystals or buy third-party reusable trays to cut costs, but officially it’s a recurring purchase model.
No App (Standard Model): The base ScoopFree doesn’t have any WiFi or app connectivity – which some consider a benefit. It’s literally “plug and play” with no additional setup or tech integration. For owners who don’t want another device to manage on their phone, this simplicity is welcome.
(For those who do want smart features, PetSafe released a ScoopFree Smart version with WiFi and an app, as well as a hood, which costs about $100 more. The Smart model sends usage data and waste alerts, but the core cleaning mechanism is the same rake system.)
Cat Comfort and Suitability: ScoopFree is roughly the size of a standard large litter box (about 28″ x 20″ footprint), and the open design might be more approachable for many cats. However, it’s officially rated for cats up to 15 lbs.
Very large cats (Maine Coon size) might find the bed of crystals a bit small to turn around in, and the sensor might not reliably trigger if a cat is too light (kittens under 6 months should not use it for that reason). Most adult cats, though, adapt easily. The crystals are gentle on paws, and because they are virtually dust-free, cats with respiratory sensitivities benefit too.
Odor Performance: When functioning as intended, ScoopFree keeps odor low. Testers often note that the crystal litter dries out feces and hides the smell well initially. If used within capacity (single-cat or diligent tray changes for multi-cat), many owners report their homes don’t smell like a litter box anymore.
However, the odor control can falter if a tray is overused. As the crystals become saturated with urine, a distinct ammonia odor can appear (since the urine isn’t locked away, just desiccated). In reviews, some users with multiple cats mention that odor became an issue before the month was up.
The covered waste trap keeps poop smells down, but urine smell will eventually seep once crystals are exhausted. The key is timely tray changes. For a busy owner of one cat, it’s possible to forget for weeks – which is exactly the appeal, but also the risk.
Cost and Accessibility: The initial cost (around $170 for the ScoopFree “Ultra” or “Complete” model) is much lower than a Litter-Robot. This makes it an attractive entry-level automatic litter box. For B2B (like a retailer), it’s a popular item to stock because it hits a comfortable price point for consumers and comes from a reputable pet brand (PetSafe).
However, from a business perspective, PetSafe controls the product and the recurring revenue of tray refills, so there’s no OEM angle with ScoopFree; a store can sell it, but cannot customize it. PetSafe’s brand is front and center, and they benefit from tray sales post-purchase.
PetSafe ScoopFree offers a convenient, lower-cost alternative to the Litter-Robot, ideal for cat owners who value low effort and odor control without a huge upfront expense. It trades off fancy smart features and infinite litter choice for a contained system that does require proprietary refills. It’s a proven product for the consumer market.
Petrust® CB002: Smart Litter Box with OEM/ODM Flexibility
If you are a B2B-focused reader, you might be especially interested in the Petrust® CB002 – a smart cat litter box that not only competes with the likes of LR4 and ScoopFree on features, but is specifically offered for OEM and ODM partnerships (OEM vs ODM, not sure which is best for your pet product brand?).
Petrust® is a manufacturer (not just a brand) specializing in smart pet products, and the CB002 model is a showcase of their capabilities in the automatic litter box arena. Key features and differentiators of CB002 include:
Automatic Cleaning Modes: The CB002 can clean itself in multiple ways. It performs auto-clean cycles after each use (similar principle to LR4, using a rotating mechanism to separate waste from clean litter), but it also supports scheduled cleanings (e.g. you can set it to refresh at specific times) and on-demand manual start via the app.
This flexibility is great for demonstrating to end-users that the litter box will stay fresh with minimal intervention. Petrust®’s system ensures the litter is raked or rotated to remove clumps shortly after each visit, keeping the pan consistently ready for the next use.
Clumping Litter & Large Capacity: Unlike ScoopFree, Petrust® CB002 uses regular clumping litter (clay or other clumping varieties). This means no proprietary refills – a plus for end-users. The internal design is spacious, with roughly 72 L of interior volume and about 7 L litter capacity, comparable to other globe-style boxes. The waste container is integrated and sealed to lock in odors.
Thanks to an efficient waste packing design, users might only empty the waste bin every 7–10 days, depending on number of cats. For B2B buyers, the use of standard litter means you can market the product without tying customers to a specific consumable, or you could even supply your own litter as an add-on sale.
Built-In HD Camera: A standout feature of the CB002 is its 1080p HD camera with night vision. Mounted at the front opening, this camera allows pet owners to monitor their cat’s litter box activity in real time – they can check in via the app to see if their cat is using the box, or even watch a short clip of the latest cleaning cycle.
The camera can serve multiple purposes: not only peace of mind and a bit of pet-tech novelty, but also health monitoring. For instance, if a cat is straining or exhibiting unusual behavior in the box, the owner could observe it remotely. The night vision ensures it works in low light (since cats are often nocturnal bathroom-goers).
According to one review of a similar camera-equipped unit, the camera system records short clips whenever it senses motion (cat entering or leaving). While this is an advanced feature that even LR4 doesn’t have, it’s worth noting for our B2B readers that user feedback on such cameras is mixed – some love the insight, others might find it gimmicky.
Petrust® has implemented it in a way that the camera is discreetly integrated (no awkward arms sticking out significantly), striving to avoid the “tight entrance” issue seen in some competitors where the camera housing can get in the way.
Smartphone App & Analytics: The CB002 comes with a dedicated mobile app (with likely support for both iOS/Android). Through the app, users can:
- Receive notifications (e.g. when the litter box has been used, when the cleaning cycle runs, or if the waste bin is full).
- View live video or recent video clips from the litter box camera.
- Manually control the unit – for example, initiate a cleaning cycle remotely or adjust settings.
- Access analytics similar to LR4: number of uses, duration of use, and thanks to weight sensors, the app can log the weight of the cat using it. Petrust®’s design includes four weight sensors in the base, which can detect when a cat enters, and measure its weight (this can potentially identify multiple cats or at least track changes in one cat’s weight over time).
- The app can also allow firmware updates, meaning the litter box’s software can be improved over time – an advantage of having a connected device.
Safety & Cat-Friendly Design: CB002 is built with multiple safety mechanisms. It has weight sensors and an infrared motion sensor to detect a cat’s presence. If a cat re-enters during a cleaning cycle, the unit will stop immediately (just like others).
It also features anti-pinch protection to ensure that if any resistance is detected (say litter clump stuck or a tail at the edge), the motor stops. The entrance is a wide opening to accommodate larger cats, and the interior is smooth to prevent litter from sticking to walls (many modern designs emphasize an easy-to-clean interior coating).
Additionally, the entire globe or litter drum is removable for cleaning – Petrust® designed it so that periodic deep-cleaning (washing out the litter basin) is straightforward, which is important for hygiene. One advantage noted on a similar model was that the globe was fully removable and washable, a feature many customers appreciate.
Odor Control: Petrust® CB002 tackles odor with a multi-faceted approach. First, the waste is contained in a sealed compartment. Second, the unit includes an automatic odor eliminator module. In practical terms, B2B sellers can highlight that CB002 keeps homes smelling fresh without needing proprietary litter – a direct competitive point against ScoopFree’s reliance on crystals for odor control.
Physical Specs: The CB002 is more compact than Litter-Robot 4, with dimensions roughly 20×19×20 inches. This makes it easier to fit in smaller homes or apartments – a consideration for markets like Asia or Europe where living spaces can be tighter.
Despite the smaller external size, the internal space is optimized to be comfortable for cats up to around 18–20 lbs (which covers the vast majority of domestic cats). The unit’s look is modern and sleek – typically white or light grey with a smooth curved exterior.
Because Petrust® is the manufacturer, they can adapt color or cosmetic design elements for large OEM orders (for example, a partner brand could request a different color finish or a logo badge on the unit).
OEM/ODM Customization: Here’s where Petrust® really shines for B2B clients. Petrust® offers the CB002 platform to partners who want to launch their own branded automatic litter box. This means:
- You can get the device with your logo and branding on it.
- You could potentially request software customizations (for instance, the app could be skinned or even a custom app could be provided for your brand).
- Minor hardware tweaks might be possible for large orders (for example, a different camera spec, or integration with a specific smart home system).
- Petrust® welcomes OEM orders, meaning if you have a pet supplies brand, you can add this product to your lineup without having to invent it from scratch – Petrust® has done the R&D and can manufacture it for you.
- They also support ODM, which goes a step further: if you have ideas for a unique litter box design, Petrust®’s engineering team could develop a new model in collaboration with you, leveraging their existing tech and experience.
In essence, partnering with Petrust® gives businesses access to a high-end product similar to Litter-Robot in functionality, but with the freedom to brand and market it as your own. This is a significant advantage if your goal is to build your brand’s reputation in the pet tech space or to have a product that competes in the market segment of smart litter boxes.
Manufacturing Quality and Experience: Petrust® isn’t a household name to consumers, but in the B2B sphere, they have a strong background. The company operates two state-of-the-art factories in China and specializes in smart pet product manufacturing (from litter boxes to feeders and fountains).
They carry international certifications (FCC, CE, etc.) which any product like a smart litter box would need for global distribution (as evidenced by their FCC filings for models CB001-CB004).
Their supply chain experience means scalability – they can handle large orders and have quality control in place (ISO9001 certified, likely, given industry norm). For a buyer, this translates to confidence that you can get, say, 1000 units produced on schedule with consistent quality, and compliance documents ready for import.
Pricing & Value Proposition: While exact pricing depends on order quantity and customization, Petrust® CB002 is generally more affordable than Litter-Robot when comparing similar feature sets. For example, some versions of Petrust®’s litter box (under various partner brands) retail in the ~$400–$600 range – still premium, but slightly less than LR4’s $699+.
As a B2B buyer, you would get wholesale pricing that allows healthy margin if you retail it. Moreover, because you aren’t forcing customers to buy consumable refills (just regular litter), you can focus your sales angle on the product’s excellence and perhaps sell accessories (like a Petrust® odor filter pack or extended warranty) rather than litter subscriptions.
The conversion potential here is strong if you build trust: you’re offering a high-tech solution on par with the market leader, under your own brand, potentially at a better price or with unique features (like the camera).
Petrust® CB002 is a compelling option for both C-end consumers who want a feature-rich litter box and for B-end clients who want to add such a product to their portfolio. It combines many of the best aspects of Litter-Robot 4 (automatic cleaning, app, multi-cat use) with some of the odor advantages of ScoopFree (through its design and optional deodorizer), and then goes a step further by adding a camera and offering OEM customization.
From a cat owner’s perspective, CB002 would mean no scooping, flexibility to use their preferred litter, and cool extras like checking on their cat remotely. From a business perspective, partnering with Petrust® could mean a fast track to having a competitive product in the growing smart litter box market – without investing millions in R&D.
Final Thoughts
Litter-Robot 4 vs PetSafe ScoopFree: Which Automatic Litter Box is Best in 2025
Both Litter-Robot 4 and PetSafe ScoopFree have proven themselves among the best automatic litter boxes of 2025, catering to different segments of the pet market – one to premium tech aficionados, the other to convenience-seekers on a budget. Now, Petrust® CB002 emerges as a powerful contender that not only matches many of their strengths but also offers something extra for businesses aiming to make a mark.
For B2B customers – whether you are a pet supply chain looking to expand your product line, a brand exploring innovative pet tech, or an entrepreneur wanting to launch your own smart litter box – Petrust® provides an opportunity to OEM/ODM a top-tier automatic litter box with confidence. The combination of advanced features (smart app, camera, multi-safety) and Petrust®’s manufacturing backbone means you can enter this growing market quickly and credibly.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Petrust® to discuss OEM/ODM opportunities or to request a quote. We encourage you to reach out for a consultation – Petrust® can provide details like pricing tiers, customization options, and even assist with marketing materials for your new product.
