Popur X5 Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Review

Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com

Tired of scooping litter and battling lingering odors? The Popur X5 Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box takes a different approach to automatic cleaning, using a split-bin design to separate waste and keep smells at bay. Built with upgraded components and a unique dual-tilt cleaning system, it promises thorough cleaning, better durability, and a roomier experience for your cat.

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Ratings

Ease of Cleaning – 4.5/5
Odor Control – 3.5/5
Appearance – 4/5
Construction – 4/5
Price – 3.5/5

Overall Score: 4/5

To see if it lives up to the hype, we tested the Popur X5 over several weeks. Here’s our full review covering its design, odor control, ease of maintenance, and overall value.

Why Trust Cats.com

At Cats.com, we strive to provide honest, well-researched information backed by hands-on testing and real-life use. Our team has reviewed numerous automatic litter boxes, understanding how much the right one can improve life for both cats and their owners. Our goal is to help you feel confident in choosing the product that best fits your needs.

For this Popur X5 review, I evaluated the full experience—from unboxing and setup to daily use and deep cleaning. I assessed how easy it was to maintain, how well it handled scooping and waste storage, and whether the design felt comfortable and safe for cats. I also paid close attention to odor control, noise levels, and overall build quality.

Litter Box and Brand Overview

Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com

Popur is a relatively new player in the smart pet product market, gaining attention for rethinking the traditional self-cleaning litter box. The brand focuses on designs that prioritize cleanliness, odor control, and cat comfort while simplifying maintenance for owners. The Popur X5 is their flagship model, featuring a category-defining split-bin system that separates the litter tray from the waste container.

The upgraded Popur X5 builds on the original design with improved durability. Now plastic moving parts have been replaced with metal components, and additional position sensors enhance safety and precision.

Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com

Self-Cleaning Litter Box Features

Feature	Specification
Footprint	Approximately 30” L x 22” W x 24” H
Litter Tray Size	24” x 24” spacious open-top cuboid tray
Entryway Size	Open-top design—no enclosed entry; full headroom for cats
Waste Bin Size	Separate rear bin: varies by cardboard or plastic option; holds up to 33 lbs. of waste
Waste Bin Capacity	Up to 30-day capacity for multi-cat households
Unit Weight	Approximately 33 lbs.
Minimum Cat User Weight	No minimum weight; suitable for cats of all sizes
Maximum Cat User Weight	Suitable for large cats; roomy enough for most breeds
Sifting System	Patented DuoTilt Technology—two-stage tilt for sifting and catapult waste disposal
Safety Features	Safety-first mechanism stays open during cleaning; no pinch points; no reliance on sensors
Odor Control System	Enclosed dual-layer waste bag system seals in odors; optional cardboard or plastic bins
Peak Noise Level	Quiet operation; estimated below 40 dB
App Connectivity	Yes

The Popur X5 patented DuoTilt Technology uses a two-stage cleaning method: the first tilt sifts the litter, while the second tilt drops waste into the sealed rear bin. This process removes stubborn clumps, reduces dust, and keeps the litter bed level for the next use.

Odor control is a primary focus. The waste bin is sealed between a layer of plastic/cardboard and a liner bag, keeping smells contained for up to 30 days in multi-cat households. Customers can choose between an eco-friendly cardboard bin for easy disposal or a permanent plastic bin for added durability.

The open-top design offers a spacious 24-inch litter bed, making it perfect for larger cats or those that prefer extra headroom. For added safety, the cleaning mechanism stays open throughout the cycle, eliminating pinch points. Additionally, the design directs urine away from sensitive components to prevent leaks.

Maintenance is pretty straightforward. The litter tray is easy to access for quick wipe-downs, and the bin bags are simple to replace. With its combination of innovative cleaning technology, sturdy construction, and thoughtful safety features, the Popur X5 offers a fresh alternative to the enclosed, rotating litter boxes dominating the market.

What We Liked:

Unique split-bin design effectively separates waste, improving odor control and cleanliness.
Patented DuoTilt Technology ensures thorough scooping and reduces litter mess.
Spacious, open-top litter tray provides comfort for larger cats.
Choice between eco-friendly cardboard or durable plastic waste bins for flexible maintenance.
Safety-first mechanism avoids pinch points and keeps cats safe during cleaning cycles.
Maintenance is straightforward with accessible trays and easy-to-replace waste bags.

What We Didn’t Like:

The unit is relatively large, requiring more floor space than enclosed designs.
While odor control is strong, the waste bags still need regular changing to avoid odors, especially in multi-cat homes.
The option of cardboard waste bins may require frequent replacement compared to plastic.
Higher upfront cost compared to basic self-cleaning litter boxes could be a deterrent.

What Did Our Test Cats Think?

Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com

Our experience with the Popur X5 started off smoothly but with a few quirks. Unboxing was straightforward, though the unit is noticeably heavy and definitely not something you want to move around frequently. The packaging was large, and excessive, and the cardboard bin felt a little cheap, especially considering its price point.

Setting up the system took a moment to figure out, especially the plastic bags and lid mechanism for the waste bin. While it wasn’t initially clear how everything worked, it appeared to be carefully designed to assist with waste disposal and sealing.

As for our two cats, their reactions couldn’t have been more different. One cat was immediately curious and even jumped right in, seemingly ready to give it a try. The other cat hesitated and appeared a bit nervous, likely because he was used to a covered litter box and the open-top design felt foreign.

The open-top litter tray offers plenty of space and headroom, which might be a plus for bigger or more confident cats but could be intimidating for those used to enclosed boxes.

Odor control was okay overall, but we noticed the cardboard waste bin doesn’t trap smells as well as plastic or other materials might.

The Popur X5 includes an app that offers basic monitoring features like waste level alerts and cleaning cycle notifications. While it adds some convenience, the app’s interface is relatively simple and may not be as robust or intuitive as other smart litter box apps on the market.

Compared to less expensive options like the Litter Genie Smart Odor Trap, which offers odor sealing but lacks self-cleaning automation, the Popur X5 delivers a more hands-free experience, but at a higher price point.

Overall, the Popur X5 impressed with its cleaning performance and safety features, but the size, the somewhat unusual setup process, and the variable odor control depending on waste bin choice may be something to keep in mind.

What Do Customers Think of the Popur X5 Self-Cleaning Litter Box?

As a newer product on the market, customer reviews for the Popur X5 are still growing, but early feedback from cat owners has been generally positive. Here’s a snapshot of what real users are saying.

Positive Reviews

Many cat parents appreciate the unique split-bin design that keeps odors contained better than traditional models. Users praise the spacious open-top tray, which accommodates larger cats comfortably. Owners also find the choice between cardboard and plastic waste bins a helpful feature for their preferences and lifestyles.

“Best thing I ever did as a cat guardian! I live in a decent size apartment but I have four cats. After about a year the motor to open the collection box stopped working, but I am able to use it with the lid propped open all the time. I use good Litter (arm& Hammer clump &seal multi-cat) and that prevents the open box from stinking” – by B.F., on Amazon, September 14, 2025

“This self-cleaning litterbox has been a game-changer while I’m fostering 3 five-month old kittens and their mom. I used to scoop 5-6 times a day and the odor was awful if I had to be out of the house for the day. Now, odor control is significantly better and all four foster cats adjusted to it immediately. That said, I have a senior cat who refused to use it – she’s nervous because of the moving parts and she also refused to use the Litter Robot when I tried it last year. I actually feel very safe about the mechanics, even with curious kittens poking around the box and it’s a shame my other cat is too skittish to use it. Assembly was easy after watching a short youtube video. Fitting the bags into the cardboard receptacles is the most inelegant and worst feature of this product, but not enough for me to dock points. I have not connected the app, but the box has been working just fine without it. With four cats using it, I need to empty the receptacle about once a week, which is still preferable to manually scooping every time. Overall I’m very happy with this purchase and glad I made the splurge.” – by Irene, on Chewy, August 27, 2025

Negative Reviews

Some users mention that the cardboard waste bin doesn’t seal odors as well as the plastic option, leading to occasional smell issues. Others find the unit heavier than expected, making setup and relocation more challenging. A few owners have noted that the accompanying app, while useful for notifications, lacks some of the advanced features found in competing brands.

“I was excited to try the Popur X5 self cleaning robotic litter box. When I opened the box I saw a flyer attached to the styrofoam lid with a QR code instructing you to scan for unboxing and set up instructions. I’m so tired of having to scan a code or download an app just to use or buy an item but I digress. I decided to watch a YouTube video showing how to unbox and setup litter box. Much simpler. The litter box was surprisingly heavy. I recommend having a partner when unboxing. I thought the setup was easy especially after watching the YouTube video. The litter box was fairly large, however, I was not impressed with the size of the litter bin. My cat’s litter box is almost 2 ” larger in both the length and width. After set up my cats jumped inside. Their curiosity surprised me. Nigel jumped in smelled and jumped out . I had to help Callie get in the box. She is partially blind and the box was too high for her to jump in and out. The litter bin was a tight fit for my big boy Reilly. Reilly was the only one who actually used it. All 3 of my cats seemed to scatter litter when existing the box possibly due to the height they have to jump entering and exiting the box. My cats were still investigating when the bin lifted and dumped the litter. It scared all 3 cats. They ran so fast. The box has been out about 2 weeks and the cats have just cautiously walked around it and smelled. No activity. I’m going to keep the box up hoping curiosity will prevail and they will try it again. I truly believe if you start a young cat out on this litter box it will be a winner. I do not recommend this box if you have a handicap or older arthritic cat. It’s too high for them to enter and exit.” – by Doggy Mom, on Chewy, April 25, 2025

“App is very buggy, rarely stays connected and info seems to be incorrect most the time. Wi-Fi requires a password to be entered can’t be left blank even if you don’t have a password on your Wi-Fi. Hate the waste container it often misses, or small particles drop between it and machine. I’ve had it two years and it works fine for scooping the litter and my old lady won’t use the drum style I also had so that is a benefit that it is open like a standard litter box. However, with the faulty app, no litter box full warning, and other issues I wouldn’t buy it again.” – by paula matthews, on Amazon, September 15, 2025