10 Best Litter Boxes for Odor Control of 2026

Odor control is one of the most, if not the most, important factors to consider when outfitting your cat’s litter box set up. While the litter you use has a huge impact on the resulting smells, the litter box itself can also do a lot to reduce the stench that comes from your kitty’s bathroom area. The material used as well as the design can have an effect on how clean and fresh their area is, especially when you’re accommodating multiple cats. 

When it comes to investing in a litter box for your cat, there are tons of factors to consider. While most litter boxes are made of plastic, there are other materials that can help reduce odor, such as stainless steel. The design can also impact the amount of stink coming from the box, with hooded options with or without doors, some that come with their own built-in filters, and more.

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There are a lot of options out there, and luckily we’ve done the searching for you to recommend some of the best on the market.

Our top litter boxes for odor control picks

We’ve searched for the best litter boxes that help minimize odor in the home. Read on to see which options are best for your kitties. 

• Best overall: iPrimio XL Stainless Steel Litter Box with Lid

• Best robot: Whisker Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

• Best top entry: Modkat XL Litter Box

• Best hooded: Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box

• Best self-cleaning: PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Classic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

• Best open top: Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Open Top

• Best for large cats: Van Ness EZ Clean Enclosed Cat Litter Box

• Best corner design: Nature's Miracle Hooded Corner Multi-Cat Litter Box with Charcoal Filter

• Best high-sided: Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box

• Best built-in tools: Tuft & Paw Cove Litter Box

How to choose the litter box that is right for you:

• As a general rule, it is recommended that you have one litter box per cat plus one for the best results. So, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. However, not all homes are large enough to accommodate so many boxes, so we’d recommend at least getting one per cat, if you can. 

• Size is a big factor when searching for litter boxes for odor control. We generally recommend getting larger litter boxes to accommodate more litter to minimize odors. 

• The material your litter box is made of is also a factor to consider. Most litter boxes are made out of plastic for easy cleaning, but you can also find stainless steel options which usually help control smell.

• The side height is another factor to consider. There are litter boxes with low sides and high sides, with high sides helping contain mess and low sides good for accommodating cats with mobility issues. There are also top entry litter boxes or open top litter boxes, which also help further contain mess. By minimizing mess, you’re also minimizing odor. 

• A covered litter box vs. an open top is another decision to make when purchasing a litter box. Covered litter boxes are good for when the litter box has to share a common space, as it helps contain mess and smell, whereas open litter boxes are good for when you can have a dedicated room or space (such as a covered litter cabinet). 

Our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best overall

iPrimio XL Stainless Steel Litter Box with Lid

$77

$55

This XL stainless steel litter box from iPrimio is a great stainless steel option that really helps mask odors. It’s resistant to odor, stains, and rust, also very easy to clean. This box is also a lot more durable than plastic litter boxes and comes with an open-top enclosure, which helps prevent spray and tracking. A litter scoop is also included with purchase. 

$55 at Amazon

Pros

• Large size (23.5 x 15.5 x 6 inches)

• Made with durable stainless steel

• Stainless steel resists odor, rust, and stains

• Open-top enclosure included

• Scoop included

Cons

• Price is higher at nearly $80

• It’s heavier and more difficult to maneuver than a plastic litter box

Overall review

This stainless steel litter box is a great option to help minimize both mess and smells in your home. We love that this also comes with an open-top shield to help prevent too much spray while in use. It’s also a nice bonus that a scoop is included, and it’s nice and big for both large cats and multi-cat homes. However, it is on the pricier side and can be a bit bulkier and takes more effort to move around while cleaning. 

Review rating: 5/5

Best robot

Litter-Robot 4 Supply Bundle by Whisker

$700

Automatic litter boxes are well-known for being great at reducing odor, and the Litter-Robot 4 is no exception. This litter box automatically separates waste from clean litter into a waste drawer that you can empty once full, and uses OdorTrap packs that minimize smell. It also comes with a smart app that allows you to monitor litter levels, activity, and weight tracking for your cats.

$700 at Chewy

Pros

• Large size (27 x 24.25 x 29.5 inches)

• Automatically separates waste from clean litter into a waste drawer, eliminating scooping

• Smart app control that allows you to monitor litter levels, activity, and weight tracking

• Can accommodate up to four cats

Cons

• High price tag at over $700

• Not compatible with non-clumping litter

• Not suited for multi-cat homes with more than four cats or for cats who weigh less than 3 pounds

Overall review

While this litter box comes with a big price tag, the convenience, odor control, and health monitoring it provides is hard to argue with. We love that not only do you not have to personally scoop the litter, the frequent and automatic waste removal helps significantly cut down on smells. We also love that the app can help track litter levels so you know when it’s time to refill, as well as your cats’ use frequency and weight, allowing you to keep up to date on your cat’s health. Just note that it is not compatible with non-clumping litter, and that you shouldn’t use it for cats and kittens less than three pounds. 

Review rating: 4.5/5

Best top entry

Modkat XL Litter Box

$190

Top entry litter boxes are great at both containing litter and odor, and this Modkat XL litter box is great at doing both. It’s also a versatile option with the ability to be configured with either top or side entry, so accessing this litter box can be easily tailored to your cats’ needs. It comes with both a scoop and two different liners (tailored to entry preference) that last up to three months. Plus, it has a full height base that helps prevent leaks.

$190 at Amazon

Pros

• Large size (21 x 16.3 x 17 inches)

• Can be configured for both top entry and front entry 

• Full height base helps prevent leaks

• Scoop included

• Two liners included, lasting up to three months each

Cons

• Price is high at over $150

• Might be too difficult to access for older cats or cats with mobility issues

Overall review

We love that this Modkat box offers both top and side entry options, and that it comes with long-lasting liners that accommodate each configuration. It’s also a great option when you have more limited space in your home and need to incorporate them into common spaces. However, we recognize the price is a bit high, and that it might be too high for older cats or cats with mobility issues to access. 

Review rating: 4.5/5

Best hooded

Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box

$33

This Frisco Hooded litter box is a simple and efficient option for helping control odor. Its covered design helps contain both odors and spray, and its lid has a charcoal filter that further combats odor. It’s also made with BPA-free, recyclable plastic, and the ventilated top is also removable, all of which makes cleaning super easy.

$33 at Chewy

Pros

• Large size (26 x 18.1 x 19.3 inches)

• Charcoal filter in lid that combats odors

• Ventilated panel and removable top

• Made with BPA-free, recyclable plastic

Cons

• Hooded design might not be preferred by all cats

• Large size might not be best for all homes

Overall review

Sometimes the simple option is the best option, and we really do love how efficient this litter box is. Its charcoal filter and its hooded design are great for minimizing odors in your home, and it’s also super easy to clean. However, the hooded design might not be preferred by all cats, which is why it’s also nice that both the top and the door are removable to adjust to your cat’s preferences. 

Review rating: 4.5/5

Best self-cleaning

PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Classic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

$290

$220

Self-cleaning litter boxes are also great at minimizing odor, and this PetSafe option even uses its own crystal litter formula to do so. It uses both a raking system to scoop away solid waste into a separate covered section, as well as its own crystal litter tray that absorbs urine and dehydrates solid waste to remove odor (lasting up to 30 days depending on how many cats are using it at once). There’s also a health counter and motion sensor that tracks how often your cat uses the litter box so you can monitor their health.

$220 at Chewy

Pros

• Uses a disposable scoop-free crystal litter tray system (one tray included) that requires zero scooping

• Crystal litter absorbs urine and dehydrates solid waste to remove odor

• Rakes away waste into separate covered section

• Crystal litter is low-tracking and dust-free

• Health counter and motion sensors track frequency of use to help monitor your cat’s health

• Litter trays last up to 30 days with one cat, 15 days for two cats, and 10 days for three or more

• Available with no cover, top entry cover, or front entry cover

Cons

• Price higher at around $100

• Requires separate purchase for additional crystal tray refills, and you aren’t able to substitute for your own preferred litter

Overall review

While still a bit on the pricey side, this self-cleaning litter box is still one of the cheaper options on the market. We love that you can purchase the entry design that your cat prefers, whether that’s top, front, or no entry at all. Its joint disposable tray and raking system that ensures minimum maintenance for up to 30 days at a time as well as ultimate odor control is also a huge plus. However, the tray refill cost will also be higher than standard litter refills, making this even more costly than other litter box options. 

Review rating: 4.5/5

Best open top

Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides

$16

This low-budget option is great for cats who prefer an open-top design while still helping reduce odor. The high sides help minimize litter spray as well as smell, and the open front provides easy access for cats. It’s also made of BPA-free, recyclable plastic, which is easy to clean and also helps minimize odors. Plus, it comes with a litter scoop that can be stored directly on the litter box.

$16 at Amazon

Pros

• High sides help minimize litter spray

• Open front provides easy entry access

• Made of BPA-free and recyclable plastic

• Comes with a litter scoop that can be stored on the litter box

• Low price of under $20

Cons

• Entry might still be too high for older cats or cats with mobility issues

• Open-top design still subject to more odors than covered litter boxes

Overall review

This is a great litter box to try out without a huge initial buy-in, as it’s less than $20. We love that the high sides help contain mess while still being easily accessible for entry and exit. It’s also a plus that it comes with its own litter scoop and storage. However, because it has an open top it won’t be able to minimize odors to the same degree as a covered litter box. 

Review rating: 4/5

Best for large cats

Van Ness EZ Clean Enclosed Cat Litter Box

$45

This jumbo enclosed litter box is great for containing both mess and odor. It’s hooded design has an EZ flip-top door that both contains smell and offers your cat privacy while doing their business. It also has a zeolite filter that further reduces odors, and it’s big enough to accommodate large cats and/or multi-cat households.

$45 at Chewy

Pros

• Large size (24 x 19.5 x 18.5 inches)

• EZ flip-top odor door that reduces smells

• Enclosed design that minimizes litter spray and odors

• Zeolite filter that reduces odors

Cons

• Hooded design might not be preferred by all cats

• Large size might not fit in all spaces

Overall review

We love just how big this covered litter box is, which is great for accommodating large cats and multi-cat homes as well as minimizing odor. Being able to use more litter will help manage the smells, and the box’s zeolite filter is also great at further reducing odors. However, the large size might not be best for all spaces. 

Review rating: 4.5/5

Best corner design

Natures Miracle Hooded Corner Multi-Cat Litter Box with Charcoal Filter

$60

$45

This large, corner-fitting litter box is great for saving space and reducing odor. Its large hood helps minimize litter spray and tracking, and it also has a charcoal filter built in that absorbs odor for up to three months before it needs replacing. The box itself is also made with Ionpure® Antimicrobial product protection that inhibits odors caused by bacteria, as well as being mold- and mildew-resistant. Plus, its nonstick surface helps prevent litter caking. 

$45 at Amazon

Pros

• Large size (23 x 26 x 20 inches)

• Large hood with a charcoal filter that absorbs odor for up to three months

• Ionpure® Antimicrobial product protection that inhibits odors caused by bacteria 

• Mold- and mildew-resistant box

• Nonstick surface that prevents litter caking

• Corner design for space saving

Cons

• Bulky design might not fit in smaller homes

• Hooded litter box not preferred by all cats

Overall review

We love how much this litter box is tailored to cutting down on odor, with both the material it’s made out of as well as the charcoal filter that lasts up to three months. We also love the corner design that helps save space while still being able to have a larger litter box in your common spaces. However, it still may be too bulky for some homes, so make sure to measure your space before purchasing. 

Review rating: 5/5

Best high sided

Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box

$23

This high-sided litter box from Frisco is great at limiting the amount of mess from digging and covering waste while your cats are using it, and it still has a lower front access so cats can still easily walk into the box without needing to jump in. It’s made from BPA-free, recyclable plastic that’s easy to clean, and its high sides will also help minimize the amount of odor coming from the area.

$23 at Chewy

Pros

• Large size (24 x 18 x 10 inches)

• High sides and back limit litter scatter and spraying out of the box

• Low front allows easy access 

• Made with BPA-free, recyclable plastic that’s easy to clean with soap and water

Cons

• Opening may still be too high for older cats or cats with mobility issues

Overall review

We love just how big this litter box is, perfect for accommodating a lot of litter and reducing the amount of odor. The high sides are also great for managing mess, and it’s very easy to clean, which is a huge plus. And while it does have a lower access point at the front, some reviewers have mentioned it still might be too high for older cats or cats with mobility issues to access. 

Review rating: 4/5

Best built-in tools

Tuft Paw Cove Litter Box High Sided Open Top

$200

This is a great all-in-one open-top option that still helps reduce the amount of litter box odor in your home. This comes with an integrated and storable scoop, dustpan, and brush that make cleanup super easy. It also has a removable litter wall that helps contain litter spray while in use. It has an anti-slip base, and is made of durable plastic that resists odors and litter sticking, and it’s also easy to clean.

$200 at Amazon

Pros

• Integrated cleaning tools that include a scoop, dustpan, and brush that can be stored within litter box

• Removable walls that help catch litter spray while maintaining open-top design

• Anti-slip base

• Made with durable, matte plastic that resists odors and litter sticking

Cons

• Price is high at around $200

• Open-top design still subject to more odors than covered litter boxes

Overall review

While this is definitely a pricey litter box option, the convenience of having all your cleaning tools stored for easy cleanup is a huge plus. We also love that it’s made with durable, easy-to-clean plastic that also resists odors and litter sticking, which also greatly helps with minimizing smells. However, it might be more expensive than many are willing to pay, especially because open-top litter boxes are inherently still smellier than enclosed ones. 

Review rating: 4.5/5

FAQs

What litter box design is best for reducing odor?

Answer: In general, covered or high-sided litter boxes will be best for containing odor, especially as many covered litter boxes also come with built-in filters. Stainless steel is also a good material for masking odor, and a lower-sided stainless steel option might be a good alternative for cats who don’t like hooded litter boxes.  

How many litter boxes should I have in my household?

The general rule is that you should have one litter box per cat plus one more. So if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. However, not all homes are large enough to accommodate so many boxes, so we’d recommend at least getting one per cat, if you can.

How often should I clean my litter boxes?

Ideally, you should try to scoop your litter box every day, if you can. You should replace your litter at least once a week, if possible. And you should fully wash your litter box about once a month. Just make sure not to use any cleaning products with ammonia, as this can irritate your cat.