# Neakasa M1 Review (2026): Safety, Pros & Cons > Neakasa M1 review: open-top self-cleaning box for cats 2.2–33 lb. Safety sensors, running costs, pros, cons and our 8.3/10 verdict, with sources. - Source: https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/neakasa-m1/ - Markdown version: https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/neakasa-m1.md - Last updated: 2026-11-12 --- - [Home](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/) - [Compare litter boxes](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/) - Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box 8.3 ![Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/_astro/neakasa-m1.BQlFduq4_AF0yO.webp) Neakasa · Mid-range # Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Review Large cats and cats that refuse hooded boxes: no hood, no weight ceiling to speak of. - Open-top - Cats 2.2–33 lb - Clumping litter - Entry stays open $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range price tier · see Amazon for today's price [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP8XYYKC?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20)[Safe for my cat?](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/tools/cat-safety-checker/#model=neakasa-m1) Opens Amazon in a new tab. By [Self-Cleaning Litter Box Guide Editorial Team](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/about/) · Updated November 12, 2026 · [How we score](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/how-we-research/) We haven't tested this box ourselves. Our score comes from maker specs and manuals, named hands-on reviews and owner reports; where a test result appears, we name the outlet. ## The verdict The Neakasa M1 is the open-top box to buy, and the one we'd pick for a very large cat on a mid-range budget. There's no hood to squeeze through, the range runs to 33 lb, and Tom's Guide's cats preferred it over three hooded rivals. Budget for a litter mat, and buy the M1 Plus or a listing sold by Neakasa itself, since the original M1 had sensor complaints and counterfeits. ### What we like - Open top with a 2.2–33 lb range; big cats fit easily - Tom's Guide's cats used it 51 times in a week, more than any of the other three boxes - Large 11.23 L bin, up to 14 days for one cat (Neakasa) - Kitten Mode pauses automatic cleaning ### Watch out for - Open sides fling litter; plan on a big mat (Tom's Guide, WIRED) - App poorly translated, no multi-cat history (WIRED) - The original M1 drew safety and faulty-sensor complaints, and counterfeit M1 listings exist (WIRED, Neakasa) - Wet litter stuck to the back grate in WIRED's test ## Score breakdown Cat safety 8.5 Cleaning & odor 8 Ease & reliability 8 Value 8.6 Open-top · cats 2.2–33 lb · Infrared, Weight ## Neakasa M1 specs | Brand | Neakasa | | --- | --- | | Mechanism | Open-top | | Cat weight (automatic mode) | 2.2–33 lb. Neakasa recommends 2.2–33 lb and says the open top has almost no hard weight limit. | | Cats per box | The maker gives no number | | Kittens & small cats | Under 2.2 lb: turn off automatic cleaning and use Kitten Mode (Neakasa). | | Safety sensors | Infrared, Weight. M1: 5 pairs of infrared sensors and 4 weight sensors. M1 Plus: 6 infrared pairs (Neakasa). | | Entrance during cleaning | Stays open. Open-top design: there's no hood or door to close. | | Litter | Clumping. Bentonite or clay clumping litter (WIRED); Neakasa sells its own mineral litter. | | Waste drawer | 11.23 L. up to 14 days for one cat (maker claim) | | Entry | 17 × 16.5 in. Open top; WIRED measured the M1 Plus opening at 17 × 16.5 in. | | Footprint | 23 × 21 in | | Unit weight | 22 lb | | Noise | 50 dB (maker claim) | | App / Wi-Fi | Yes | | Odor control | Sealed waste bin; WIRED could smell waste after about five days. | | Consumables | Drawstring bin bags (Neakasa or third-party 27 × 13 in) and clumping litter. | | Warranty | The base M1 listing gives 1 year; the M1 Plus listing title advertises a 2-year protection plan | | Price tier | $$ Mid-range ($300–$549). M1: $379.99 on Amazon (listing snapshot), $359.99 in Tom's Guide's price box. M1 Plus: $429.99–$450 (Amazon table, WIRED Nov 2026). | - Noise: Neakasa lists about 50 dB; a bundle page says 48 dB. - Neakasa lists the entry height as 13.86 in (352 mm). WIRED's 17 × 16.5 in figure is for the M1 Plus opening. - Neakasa published a notice (updated June 22, 2026) warning about fake M1 listings; check the seller before you buy. Running costs: with our defaults, consumables for one cat come to about $4.30 a month plus litter. See the full breakdown in the [cost calculator](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/tools/litter-box-cost-calculator/). ### Versions and bundles Each option is a separate Amazon listing. Prices, where shown, are dated snapshots, not live prices. | Option | What's different | Price | | --- | --- | --- | | Neakasa M1 Lite (about $332) | No bottom gate, no mat included | [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK6RSFG2?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) | | Neakasa M1 (about $380) | Our pick: 5 IR pairs + 4 weight sensors, 11.23 L bin | [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP8XYYKC?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) | | Neakasa M1 Plus (about $430) | 6 IR pairs, upgraded odor-sealing brush strip, improved app (WIRED's best open-top) | [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSKBWBF6?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) | Specs are compiled from manufacturer pages, Amazon listings and independent reviews and can change between production runs. Confirm the weight range and what's in the box on the Amazon page before buying. ## Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box video review [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/U8GiX6N0r_I/hqdefault.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8GiX6N0r_I) Video by Mark's Tech Vlogs on YouTube. Independent creator content, shown as a reference. It is not part of our scoring. We haven’t tested the Neakasa M1 ourselves. This review draws on Tom’s Guide, whose cats used the M1 more than three hooded rivals over a week, and on WIRED, which named the M1 Plus its best open-top box but declined to recommend the original M1. Specs come from Neakasa and the Amazon listings. The Neakasa M1 is an open-top bowl that rotates to sift clumps into a large sealed bin. Without a hood, a big cat never has to squeeze through an entry, and Neakasa rates it for 2.2–33 lb. The M1 sells for about $380 on Amazon (a listing snapshot showed $379.99 against a $399.99 list price), and Tom’s Guide’s price box had it at $359.99. [Check the price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP8XYYKC?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20), and make sure Neakasa is the seller. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) It’s for very large cats and for cats that refuse hooded boxes. Neakasa says the open top has almost no hard weight limit. In Tom’s Guide’s test, the cats used it 51 times in one week, more than the Litter-Robot 4, Leo’s Loo Too or ELS PET Orbitie. Skip it if litter on the floor bothers you. Both Tom’s Guide and WIRED found the open sides fling litter. Skip it if you need multi-cat history in the app, too, which WIRED says it lacks. If you want an enclosed box with an open entrance and a strong track record, compare the [Litter-Robot 4](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/whisker-litter-robot-4/) in [Neakasa M1 vs Litter-Robot 4](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/neakasa-m1-vs-litter-robot-4/). For a cheaper open-top, see the [Lesure](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/lesure-open-top/). ## The original-M1 controversy, and counterfeits Be clear about this before you buy. WIRED says the original M1 drew controversy over safety, faulty sensors and counterfeit models, and it didn’t recommend that version. Its pick is the M1 Plus, with an improved app and Kitten Mode. Neakasa itself published a notice, updated June 22, 2026, warning about fake M1 listings from fraudulent sellers. The video on this page, “Important Neakasa M1 Safety Announcement” from Mark’s Tech Vlogs, covers the same subject. Weigh it alongside WIRED’s verdict and Neakasa’s notice. In practice, buy from Neakasa’s own Amazon storefront, check the seller name at checkout, and keep your receipt. ## How it cleans, and how safe it is The M1 uses five pairs of infrared sensors and four weight sensors, according to Neakasa. The M1 Plus has six infrared pairs. Because it’s an open-top design, there’s no hood or door that could close while it cycles. When the bowl rotates, Tom’s Guide found it flips the container to dislodge stuck clumps. The minimum is 2.2 lb, lower than the Litter-Robot’s 3 lb or PETKIT’s 3.3 lb. Under that, Neakasa says to turn off automatic cleaning and use Kitten Mode. Check your cat’s numbers with the [cat safety checker](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/tools/cat-safety-checker/#model=neakasa-m1), and read [are self-cleaning litter boxes safe?](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/are-self-cleaning-litter-boxes-safe/) for the wider picture. ## Living with it ### Litter and mess Use bentonite or clay clumping litter (WIRED). Neakasa also sells its own mineral litter. The bowl holds 7.17 L of litter. WIRED found wet litter stuck to the back grate, so plan to scrape it now and then. Tom’s Guide noted the netted mat that comes with the M1. The M1 Lite doesn’t include one. ### Emptying and odor The 11.23 L bin holds up to 14 days for one cat, according to Neakasa, and Tom’s Guide called it a large container. WIRED could smell waste after about five days, so in practice you may empty it sooner. Our [odor fixes guide](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/self-cleaning-litter-box-odor-fixes/) covers ways to stretch it. ### App, noise and size WIRED found the app poorly translated, with no multi-cat history, though it credits the M1 Plus with an improved app. Neakasa lists about 50 dB, and a bundle page says 48 dB. The footprint is about 23 × 21 in, the unit weighs 22 lb, and Neakasa gives the entry height as 13.86 in. ## Running costs The M1 takes standard drawstring bags, Neakasa’s or a third-party 27 × 13 in size. Our cost model uses Whisker’s $1-per-liner price as a stand-in at about one bag per cat per week, plus Dr. Elsey’s Ultra at $22.99 for 40 lb from Chewy, at 10 lb per cat per month. That’s about $10 a month, or roughly $121 a year, for one cat. Over five years, with the box at $360, we estimate about $963 for one cat and about $1,566 for two. A 120-count roll of third-party bags will usually cut the bag cost. Change the inputs in the [cost calculator](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/tools/litter-box-cost-calculator/). ## What you’ll need beyond the box - **Litter:** [Neakasa mineral litter, 17.6 lb](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DD7K98WS?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20), sized for the M1’s grate, or [Dr. Elsey’s Ultra unscented](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009X29WK?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) clumping clay. - **Bags:** [27 × 13 in bags for the Neakasa M1, 120 count](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1MVCSX5?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20). The fit claim comes from the bag seller, so measure your bin first. - **Mat:** a [Gorilla Grip 40 × 28 in mat](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QNCB6YF?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20). Open-tops throw more litter, so go big. The tiers matter. The [M1 Plus](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSKBWBF6?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) (about $430) is WIRED’s pick, and its listing title advertises a two-year protection plan. The base M1 listing gives one year. The [M1 Lite](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK6RSFG2?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) (about $332) drops the bottom gate and the mat. ## Bottom line The Neakasa M1 is the open-top box to buy, and the one we’d pick for a very large cat on a mid-range budget. There’s no hood, the range runs to 33 lb, and Tom’s Guide’s cats chose it over three hooded rivals. The trade-offs are litter scatter, a weak app and the original M1’s history. Spend the extra on the M1 Plus if you can, buy from Neakasa directly, and put a big mat down. More options in [best open-top self-cleaning litter box](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-open-top-self-cleaning-litter-box/) and [best for large cats](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-box-for-large-cats/), or [check the Neakasa M1 price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP8XYYKC?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20). Ready to buy? · 8.3/10 Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range · Open-top · cats 2.2–33 lb [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP8XYYKC?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) ## Litter and supplies for the Neakasa M1 Litter, liners, odor refills and mats sold on Amazon that fit this box. Check the listing confirms your exact model before you buy. - Litter**Neakasa mineral cat litter, 17.6 lb, for the M1**Official NeakasaNeakasa's own clumping mineral litter, sized for the M1's sifting grate.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DD7K98WS?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - Litter**Dr. Elsey's Ultra unscented clumping clay cat litter, 40 lb**Compatible, third-partyUnscented, hard-clumping, standard-weight clay: the type Whisker recommends and most globe and drum boxes are tuned for. Not for ScoopFree crystal trays. Check your box's sifter: PETKIT asks for granules under 0.5 in.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009X29WK?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - Liners & bags**Cat litter box bags for Neakasa M1 and PetPivot AutoScooper, 27 × 13 in, 120 count**Compatible, third-partyA 120-count roll costs less per bag than branded refills for the M1's large bin. Third-party fit claim; measure your bin before buying.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1MVCSX5?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - Litter mat**Gorilla Grip cat litter mat, 35 × 23 in**Universal fitBig enough to catch scatter from most globe boxes; textured backing stays put.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HKN7HMP?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - Litter mat**Gorilla Grip cat litter mat, extra large, 40 × 28 in**Universal fitThe size we'd put under open-top boxes, which both WIRED and Tom's Guide found fling more litter.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QNCB6YF?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - Litter mat**iPrimio jumbo cat litter trapper mat, 32 × 30 in**Universal fitHoneycomb two-layer mat with a waterproof layer, for cats that kick litter far.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AUU90IW?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) Compatibility checked November 2026. More in our [litter and supplies guide](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/accessories/). ## Featured in our guides - [The 8 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes of 2026, Ranked for Safety and Value](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-boxes-2026/) - [The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Large Cats in 2026](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-box-for-large-cats/) - [The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Small Spaces, by Real Footprint](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-box-for-small-spaces/) - [The Best Budget Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Under $400 (2026)](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-budget-self-cleaning-litter-box/) ## Neakasa M1 FAQ ### Is the Neakasa M1 safe? The open-top design has no hood or door to close, and the M1 uses five pairs of infrared sensors plus four weight sensors (the M1 Plus has six infrared pairs). The original M1 drew complaints over safety and faulty sensors, and WIRED didn't recommend it for that reason. WIRED's open-top pick is the M1 Plus. Whichever version you buy, buy it from Neakasa's own storefront, because counterfeit M1 listings exist. ### Can kittens use the Neakasa M1? Neakasa recommends it for cats from 2.2 lb. Under that, turn automatic cleaning off and use Kitten Mode, in which the box won't clean itself. Scoop by hand until the kitten passes 2.2 lb. ### What's the difference between the M1 Lite, M1 and M1 Plus? The M1 Lite (about $332) has no bottom gate and no mat. The M1 (about $380) has five infrared sensor pairs, four weight sensors and an 11.23 L bin. The M1 Plus (about $430–$450) adds a sixth infrared pair, an upgraded odor-sealing brush strip and an improved app, and it's the version WIRED picked. ### Does the Neakasa M1 scatter litter? Yes. Both Tom's Guide and WIRED found that the open sides fling litter. Neakasa includes a netted mat with the M1, but plan on a large mat and regular sweeping. ## Sources - [amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP8XYYKC?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - [neakasa.com](https://neakasa.com/products/neakasa-m1-cat-litter-box) - [wired.com](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-automatic-cat-litter-boxes/) - [tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/home/smart-home/my-cats-have-tested-these-robotic-litter-boxes-for-months-heres-the-one-they-use-the-most) - [neakasa.com](https://neakasa.com/blogs/news-and-events/important-notice-beware-of-fake-neakasa-m1-listings) Not sold yet? ## Alternatives to the Neakasa M1 ### [Lesure Open-Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/lesure-open-top/) 8.0 - Open-top - 3.3–18 lb - Entry stays open A first automatic box on a budget, for cats who like an open pan. $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget typical street price; check Amazon for today's [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GJ5BMVFS?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/lesure-open-top/) ### [PETKIT PuraMax 2](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/petkit-puramax-2/) 8.5 - Tilting drum - 3.3–22 lb - Entry stays open Most one- to three-cat homes with average-size cats: the best value among the well-reviewed boxes. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range typical street price; check Amazon for today's [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFYF2D7D?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/petkit-puramax-2/) ![PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin Self-Cleaning Litter Box](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/_astro/petsafe-scoopfree-smartspin.BIyzfviQ_Z2dYtaz.webp) ### [PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin Self-Cleaning Litter Box](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/petsafe-scoopfree-smartspin/) 7.9 - Tilting drum - 2.5–25 lb Owners who want a big-brand globe box with app tracking under $400. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range typical street price; check Amazon for today's [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4GHS7V6?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/petsafe-scoopfree-smartspin/) [Compare all 14 litter boxes →](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/) ## Helpful guides [Top picks ### The 8 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes of 2026, Ranked for Safety and Value The best self-cleaning litter boxes of 2026, ranked: Litter-Robot 4, PETKIT PuraMax 2, Purobot Max Pro 2, Neakasa M1 and more, with safety and cost notes. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-boxes-2026/)[Multi-cat ### The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Multiple Cats in 2026 The best self-cleaning litter boxes for two to five cats: maker cat limits, real drawer capacity, weight-based cat ID, and why the n+1 box rule still applies. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-box-for-multiple-cats/)[Large cats ### The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Large Cats in 2026 The best self-cleaning litter boxes for big cats, compared on what matters: maker weight limits, entry size, interior height, step-up height and open tops. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-box-for-large-cats/) Neakasa M1 $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP8XYYKC?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20)