3 Best Automatic Litter Boxes, Cat-Tested For Odor Control And Safety

Any feline owner will tell you that cats are practically perfect in every way—but the one thing that would actually make them perfect is if they could scoop their own litter. While that’s never going to be a reality—truth be told, even if they were capable of doing it, my cats would probably refuse the task—there is a just-as-great solution: self-cleaning litter boxes. To find the best automatic litter boxes worth investing in (and yes, they are an investment), I enlisted my three favorite felines to put seven top contenders to the test. In our collective opinion, the smart and spacious Litter-Robot 4 is the best option for most, though the significantly lower-priced PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro came in a close second. Meanwhile, the Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too is a winner in its own right for its minimalist design.

The following is a list of the winners from my testing process:

As you’ve probably gathered, these futuristic devices run pricey and are considered once-every-decade investments. But what self-cleaning litter boxes have to offer—namely, they “sense” when your cat has finished their business and then seamlessly rake and sift the waste away—may very well justify the steep cost to busy cat parents for whom daily scooping is a challenge. “Some cats require their boxes to be so clean that they won’t use them if there’s any amount of urine or poop in them,” says certified cat behavior specialist Joey Lusvardi. “A self-cleaning box makes it easier for you to keep up with the cleaning requirements of these cats.”

Testing Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes: My Methodology

To determine which litter boxes to test, I researched several popular top-rated models, gauging reviews, ratings, price points and my own needs as a cat owner to narrow my list down to the top seven contenders worth testing. To determine the three winners, my three cats and I initially spent five months testing these litter boxes, evaluating each one’s performance, odor control, extra features, ease of maintenance, noise, cat comfort and safety, and overall value. Two years later, my kitties still use the Litter-Robot 4 and Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too on a daily basis. Below, find my full testing process, four models I plan to test next, and a glance at how to introduce your cat to these devices and how to keep them comfortable and safe.

Is the Litter-Robot 4 worth it? After testing both the Litter-Robot 3 and 4 (believe it or not, I owned both models prior to beginning this official testing process), I can answer that question with a definitive, confident “yes.” I know that spending $699 on a litter box can feel ridiculous—I’m not even sure I’d spend that on a toilet for myself. But I consider the Litter-Robot 4 to be more of a “cat poop assistant” than a “passive kitty bathroom.” If you want a top-of-the-line smart machine, there’s simply no comparison.

Litter-Robot 4: A Larger Opening And The Smartest, Quietest Pick

While either Litter-Robot model is, in my opinion, worth it, the latest Litter-Robot 4 is the best choice for several reasons. First, this newly redesigned automatic litter box has a much bigger opening. According to Jacob Zuppke, president and CEO of Whisker, the company that makes the Litter-Robot line, this decision was really about making the cat’s experience better. “What if you went into a porta-potty that was too small for you to get in and turn around? You wouldn’t want to touch anything in there,” he says. “Why would we not make a cat’s litter box large enough for the cat to get in and turn around?”

It was also far and away the “smartest” of all the devices I tested. It connects to a free app that monitors litter and waste levels, and it will send you notifications when it finishes a cycle and the drawer needs emptying. The device can even track your pets’ weight so it can identify which cat is using the box in a multi-cat household. Finally, this self-cleaning litter box was also the quietest of all the models I tested; you can barely hear it when it’s running through a cycle.

A Responsive Sensor, More Room To Move And A Focus On Safety

What’s more, the Litter-Robot 4 has an appropriately roomy interior and an upgraded sensor, which gave me peace of mind that my cats were comfortable and safe. Not only could these big boys get in and turn around, but they were also able to back up and cover their waste with litter when they were done doing their business. (And note that I’m not exaggerating when I call them big: My largest cat is 15 pounds.)

The upgraded laser-sensing system in the Litter-Robot 4 works unbelievably quickly. I have curious kitties who like to watch their poop disappear, so I appreciated how fast the new sensor system reacted—it shut the rotation cycle off immediately.

It’s also worth noting that the Litter-Robot devices are manufactured in the U.S., and Whisker has full control over the supply chain. Zuppke tells me there’s a testing protocol for each litter box, so you know you’re getting a machine that’s safe for your cat. The brand also employs its own engineers who are constantly working on and deploying firmware updates to improve the way the litter box works.

Excellent Odor Control, But Deep Cleaning Is A Pain

And the Litter-Robot 4 has an extra-large waste drawer—meaning you won’t have to empty it as often as its predecessor—that’s designed with better odor control, thanks to the built-in carbon filter and an extra-tight seal. (Plus, Whisker also offers optional OdorTrap packs, which uses natural, pet-friendly oils to trap and eliminate odors.) The roomy interior of the Litter-Robot 4 also had the additional benefit of helping with odor, as well: In some of the other self-cleaning litter boxes, I tested, turning around wasn’t an option, so my cats just left their waste uncovered, which I can assure you didn’t result in a great smell.

So, what’s not to love about the Litter-Robot 4? Well, it’s quite big. As far as litter boxes go, it’s not inconspicuous in the slightest. But if you have the extra space (and the extra budget), the Coastal Credenza is a great way to hide the entire device. Deep cleaning is a pain here, too, but that’s par for the course when it comes to automatic litter boxes, and you only need to do it once every few months. You’ll have to take the pieces apart and wash them; I took them outside and used my pressure washer. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, but you’ll also need to let the components dry completely before putting them back together.

Two Years Later: Still Worth It Despite Drawer Sensor Issues

Cleaning the Litter-Robot 4 has become much easier over time; I’ve got a system down. While the task is still a bit of a nuisance, this litter box’s performance and odor-fighting design make it worth it. That said, I’ve run into some issues with the drawer sensor showing the drawer as full when it’s actually not. This requires a recalibration of the sensor (which is easy to do, but kind of an inconvenience), because when the drawer sensor reads as full, the machine won’t cycle.

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The Leo’s Loo Too by Casa Leo is larger than your traditional litter box, but the design is actually quite appealing, and it hardly looked out of place in my home. Available in four modern hues (gray, green, blue and pink), you can choose the one that blends in best with your décor.

The litter box cycled like clockwork, and I never received a single error message in the accompanying app. The cycle time is also faster than the Litter-Robot’s—it cycles in one direction, while the Litter-Robot rotates one way and then has to reverse direction to complete its cycle. The Leo’s Loo Too also has an odor-resistant design, which includes carbon filters, a UV sanitizing light and a tight-fitting lid. While its odor control was reasonably effective in my early testing of this model, after long-term testing I’ve found it requires more frequent cleaning to keep smells at bay (see the Deep Cleaning section below).

Convenient Wi-Fi Control And Advanced Safety And Health Features

The connected app here lets you control the rotations per cycle and automatic time delay (you can set it for anywhere from six seconds to 20 minutes after your cat leaves). You can also turn off automatic rotations and schedule cleaning sessions instead, which is a good option if you’re worried about it running while you’re not home. The app tracks how often your cats use it and, like the Litter-Robot, it can differentiate between cats in a multi-cat household by judging their weight. This feature can be helpful at alerting you of any bathroom issues or weight fluctuations. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls.

Leo’s Loo Too also features three types of sensors to ensure your cat’s safety: a radar sensor that forms a “protective wall,” four weight sensors that detect when your cat is inside and an anti-pinch sensor located at the top of the weight drawer.

A Smaller Entry And A Slightly Louder Operation Than Litter-Robot

All that said, the Leo’s Loo Too is louder than the Litter-Robot. It’s not obnoxiously loud, but you can definitely hear it when it’s running. Note, too, that the chamber entrance is considerably smaller than the Litter-Robot models, and the size did present a problem in that it was slightly trickier to fill the box with litter.

Deep Cleaning Can Be A Challenge, Even Two Years Later

Deep cleaning it is pretty much the same process as it is with the Litter-Robot models: You have to take apart all the components, wipe them down, then wait for them to dry before putting them back together. Casa Leo recommends deep cleaning every four weeks.

Admittedly, the Leo Loo Too’s waste drawer compartment has been really difficult to clean. There are a lot of nooks that are tricky to get into, especially if waste or litter spills out of the drawer. Further, it doesn't contain smell as well as it used to; over time, it has started to require more frequent cleanings.

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PetSafe’s ScoopFree Crystal Pro litter box does not compare with the bells and whistles of the more advanced Litter-Robot 4 or the Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too—but it’s not meant to. It’s really intended to be more of an upgrade from the traditional litter box.

Easy To Use, With Reliable And Safe Operation

To operate the PetSafe ScoopFree, you load the pre-filled disposable tray into the bottom of the litter box and plug it in. From there, the safety motion sensor clocks when your cat has finished using it. An auto-cleaning cycle only kicks in exactly 20 minutes after your cat leaves, which helps to keep your cat safe and not startle them. The rake sweeps waste into a covered trap that sits at the front of the machine. During testing, the whole operation’s timeline was incredibly reliable.

Excellent Odor Control And Ease Of Cleaning

Note that this litter box is compatible only with crystal litter, which doesn’t clump together like clay litter. Because of this, the rake often moved through the urine, and the litter absorbed it rather than pushing a clump of it into the waste drawer (note that this is, in fact, what’s supposed to happen per the device’s manual). That being said, the odor control was great—I could see the urine in the box, but I couldn’t smell it.

And cleaning this box was a breeze compared with the others I tested; all I needed to do was lift the unit to access the waste drawer and scoop out the piled-up waste, which takes just a few minutes and only needs to be done every few days. To make cleaning even easier, you can grab a bundle of refill trays, which are disposable and pre-portioned with crystal litter. This way, when you need to clean it, you simply have to lift up the top, pull the disposable tray out and toss it.

There’s A Smart Version, Too

There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles to speak of here, but there is a smart, app-connected option available as well (I tested the regular version). That model retails for about $90 more, and it gives you feedback on your cat’s bathroom habits via a litter-cycling tracker. If you’re looking for more of a middle-ground option, it could be worth checking out.

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Other Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes I Tested

After a lengthy research period, I considered nine automatic litter boxes, then narrowed these down to the seven I felt were worthy of testing. The following is a list of all the non-winning models I tested.

• Litter-Robot 3 Connect ($549): Although the Litter-Robot 3 Connect earned high marks during testing, it ultimately got pushed out by the upgraded Litter-Robot 4. Its smaller waste capacity required more frequent changing, and it doesn’t contain odors quite as well. But if you want to save a little cash, you’ll be perfectly happy with this version. (Check out my in-depth comparison of the two Litter-Robot models for more details.)
• Catlink Self-Cleaning Litter Box (Young Version) ($340): This didn’t hold up as well as the similarly designed Litter-Robots in performance or convenience. The small waste drawer needed frequent emptying, especially with multiple cats. I also found that waste got stuck on the top of the chamber.
• Petkit Pura Max Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box ($270): I thought this litter box’s design was cool, but my cats simply didn’t take to it like the others. The opening is a lot smaller, and my big boys looked a bit cramped and uncomfortable when using it. If you have smaller cats, this could be an option.
• Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Cat Litter Box ($166): This potential value pick left me unimpressed during testing. It’s a messier option all around, requiring near-constant emptying, especially with my multiple cats. In fact, it almost felt like more of a hassle than just scooping a regular litter box.

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Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes I Plan On Testing Next

As the automatic litter box market continues to expand, I plan on testing another crop of models to see if any are worth their salt. Here are the four self-cleaning litter boxes I intend to try out next.

• CatGenie A.I. Deluxe ($499): This is a highly coveted, well-reviewed model that flushes waste through your plumbing so you don’t have to empty a waste drawer.
• Neakasa M1 ($480): This highly rated model stands out with its open-top design, which creates a more spacious entrance that some cats may prefer. Its large capacity holds up to 14 days’ worth of waste, and its “pull and wrap” disposal system traps waste in an odor-blocking bag before you dispose of it. (Editor’s note: Neakasa’s support team recently released a response on Facebook regarding two safety incidents with the M1, saying the litter box’s firmware was recently updated to fix the issue. We’ll keep an eye on developments to see if it’s still worth testing this model.)
• Petsnowy Snow+ ($599): The modular, magnetic design of this automatic litter box is designed for easy cleaning and regular maintenance. It also earns points for its sleek aesthetics and neutral color options, which include cream, gray and beige.
• ScoopFree By PetSafe Smartspin ($400): This self-cleaning litter box is priced lower than other models with a similar design, so I’m curious to see how it holds up against its more expensive competition. Assembly and disassembly for this unit appear to be simple, too.

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How I Tested The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

Since I couldn’t actively test the self-cleaning litter boxes myself (that would be weird, no?), I enlisted the help of my furry crew. Here’s how I set up the testing process:

• Testers: Alfred, Harvey and Bruce are three feline brothers who have no problem vocalizing their disdain for certain litter boxes or, well, anything else for that matter. If anything wasn’t up to their standards, I assure you—I would know immediately.
• Timeframe: I allowed the cats to use each litter box for three weeks total. I also made sure to test several at once, placing multiple models in my house during the same three-week period so I could monitor whether one was preferred over another.
• Location: For each three-week-long round of testing, I set up two of the three to-be-tested litter boxes upstairs and one downstairs. (Because I have three cats, this is how many litter boxes I normally have in my house, so the cats weren’t being deterred by a box in an unusual place.)

During testing, here are the determining factors that we—meaning my cats and I—looked at:

• Performance: I monitored how well the litter box worked after my cats used it, considering whether or not it successfully removed waste, if it got stuck during a cycle and if it properly connected with the app (when applicable). I also considered whether or not litter got thrown from the box and onto the floor (my pet peeve) or if clumped waste stuck to the roof of the chamber and had to be scraped off.
• Odor control: For this test, I left waste in the drawer for one week to see how well the litter box contained the odor. The only exception here was if the waste drawer was not big enough to accommodate this, as was the case with the value picks. I used the same litter in all the boxes I tested, with the exception of the PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro, which requires crystal litter, to create somewhat of a controlled experiment. After two years, I’ve noticed the odor control in all the litter boxes definitely diminishes over time and you have to keep up with the filter changes or you’ll notice it. Also, the deep cleaning is important for controlling odor too, and it’s generally recommended to do this every one to three months. That said, with three cats, waiting three months would definitely be pushing it.
• Safety: I noted the safety features of each design that ensure that my cats don’t get startled or trapped in the box as it’s operating. These include a delay in when the cleaning cycle starts and automatic shut-off if it senses a cat entering during a cleaning cycle.
• Ease of cleaning: I gave the litter boxes daily wipe-downs with litter box wipes, noting how easy they were to clean and whether or not I could reach all of the machines’ parts. After the testing period, I followed deep-clean instructions for each box, timing how long the process took and noting how convenient (or inconvenient) it was to go through all the steps.

• Litter usage: I filled each litter box up to its max fill line, noting when each needed a refill and how long it took to go through a full box of litter. Each litter box is a different size, so this isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison, but this was a good way to factor litter usage into the overall cost of the machine.
• Extra features: When applicable, I tested each machine’s extra features and noted how well they worked. Some of these features included connecting to an app and setting up alerts, or using automatic cleaning functions on the less tech-heavy machines.
• Subjective cat tests: Cats are finicky, and they aren’t always willing to use every litter box. Granted, every cat is different, but I paid attention to whether or not my cats took to the litter box or if they tried to avoid it and/or were scared of it. After all, they are the ultimate judges of which litter box they think is best.
• Size: I also took size into consideration. I didn’t think it was fair to judge a self-cleaning litter box on this alone because they’re all really large, but it’s something to keep in mind, generally.
• Investment: I factored price and warranty into my final decisions. If you’re going to be investing several hundred dollars into a litter box, you want to make sure that investment is protected.
• Long-term use: Two years after the formal testing process, we continue to use (and love) the Litter-Robot 4 and the Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too, securing their spots on this list.

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How To Choose A Self-Cleaning Litter Box

While self-cleaning litter boxes can help make your life easier, it’s also important for your cat to like the model you choose; otherwise, they likely won’t use it. Here’s everything you should consider when picking an automatic litter box.

Size Of The Box

Size consideration is twofold here since you have to think about both your human needs and your cat’s needs. Self-cleaning litter boxes are significantly larger than your typical litter box, unless you’re opting for a value model. They also need access to a power source, which means you have to be more strategic with where you put them. Because of this, you really need to think about how big the litter box’s overall footprint is and where you can put it in your home.

“Generally, cats prefer larger boxes and a larger surface area to do their business on,” shares Lusvardi. “They may also like to bury their waste after using it, which, while unnecessary in self-cleaning boxes, is a normal instinct for cats. Many self-cleaning boxes (and actually, many commercially available regular litter boxes) are a bit too small for what cats prefer. Picking a larger box will be better for your cat.”

Many companies make litter box furniture that’s large enough to accommodate an automatic litter box, but this makes the footprint even larger, so it’s something to think about. You’re definitely not going to be hiding these away as easily as other litter boxes.

Size Of The Opening And Waste Drawer

If you have larger cats, you want to make sure the opening and chamber are large enough to comfortably accommodate them. Jacob Zuppke, president and CEO of Whisker, likens it to using a porta-potty that’s too small for you: If you walk in and you’re touching the walls, you’re probably going to turn around and get right out.

The size of the waste drawer determines how often you’ll have to empty it. If you have one cat, you’ll probably only have to empty a small waste drawer twice a month. If you have multiple cats, you’ll want a larger waste drawer, unless you’re planning to empty it at least once a week.

However, there’s odor to consider, too. “Keep in mind that boxes that require less frequent emptying will allow odors to build up, so it may be less pleasant to empty the waste container if you wait too long,” says Lusvardi.

Litter Compatibility

Some of the magic of a self-cleaning litter box is in the litter. According to Zuppke, clumping litter is superior because the clumping process is what effectively traps odor. Non-clumping litters often use fragrances and heavy scents to try to cover the smell, but this can only go so far (as you may know if you’ve ever used an inferior litter).

Further, clumps are also more easily removed from an automatic litter box. When the Litter-Robot 4 rotates, for example, it passes the chamber’s contents through a grate that sifts out smaller particles and directs the clumps to the waste drawer. If the litter doesn’t clump effectively, then liquid waste can get left behind. All said, ideally, you’ll want an automatic litter box that’s compatible with a clumping litter or a litter that you use now and are comfortable with.

Most automatic litter boxes call for regular clay clumping litter, with the exception of crystal-based boxes. While the crystal litter was effective at trapping odor during my testing, it doesn’t clump, so liquid waste isn’t as effectively removed as with the clumping litter.

Cat Safety And Health

Since self-cleaning litter boxes are automated machines, you also want to think about safety. “Robotic litter boxes do carry a risk of injury to your cat. If it goes off at the wrong time, your cat could be hurt either physically or psychologically,” says Lusvardi. “Pay close attention to what features it has so your cat doesn’t get caught in the box as it’s operating. This may include a delay in starting a cleaning cycle or an auto shut-off feature, should it detect a cat has entered the box during a clean cycle.” Certified cat behavior consultant Heather Alvey agrees. “[Automatic litter boxes] are prone to malfunctions, and when they do clean, waste can become smeared on the sides or caught in the mechanisms, creating hygiene issues,” she notes.

Self-cleaning litter boxes in both the high-end and affordable categories can be susceptible to malfunctions, so it’s very important to do your research. For instance, the $480 Neakasa M1 had two reported safety incidents, according to the company’s response on Facebook; there are several also several affordable models like the Amztoy (and similar devices under various generic-sounding brand names) that have been linked to serious injuries or death in cats. In general, it’s good practice to avoid products from non-established brands.

And even if you choose a self-cleaning litter box with a stellar safety track record, that doesn’t mean they’re totally hands-off devices. “One of the disadvantages of self-cleaning boxes is you don’t get to observe your cat’s waste for changes that may indicate they need to go to a veterinarian,” says Lusvardi. “You could miss something like blood in their waste or a change in frequency of using the litter box. Self-cleaning boxes that alert you when they do use the box can help mitigate at least some of this, so it’s better to find a bx that has these features built in.”

App And Connectivity

A corresponding app and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity aren’t a requirement when buying an automatic litter box, but it’s something to think about if you’re looking for a smart machine. The Litter-Robot app can alert you when the waste drawer is full, when the litter level is low and when your cat uses the bathroom—but it does so much more than that, too. It helps you identify patterns in your cat’s bathroom behavior, so you’re more likely to notice if something’s off and your cat needs to go see the vet. There have been many anecdotal reports of pet owners who were able to identify issues like urinary tract infections or blockages with the help of the litter box’s app. In my opinion, it’s worth the upgrade to a machine that has a useful corresponding app. If you decide you don’t want to use it, you can always turn it off and operate the litter box manually from its control panel.

Noise

All self-cleaning litter boxes make some noise—they are electronic devices, after all. But Lusvardi recommends quieter options for skittish cats. “Louder boxes are going to scare cats, making it less likely that they’ll want to use them. Cats have more sensitive hearing than us, so even if it’s not overwhelmingly loud to you, your cat may not like a noisy machine,” he says.

Warranty

At the end of the day, automatic litter boxes are electrical appliances that can break down over time. They’re also hefty upfront investments, so you want to make sure you’re covered should anything go wrong prematurely. Check the warranty on the model you’re considering and make sure you’re covered for at least a year. Often, manufacturers will give you the option to purchase extended warranties that increase the coverage period to three years or more. If you want the added peace of mind, this might be a good option for you.

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How Do Automatic Litter Boxes Work?

While there are slight variances among models, self-cleaning litter boxes have several features in common that make it easier for cat parents to clean up after their pets. These automatic devices use either motion or weight sensors (or both) to detect when your pet goes inside so they don’t get caught in a cleaning cycle. Some advanced versions, such as Whisker’s Litter-Robot 4 and the Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too, have added safety features like anti-pinch software and can also monitor litter usage, waste levels and health metrics (like your pet’s weight) using a mobile app.

Motion sensors also detect when your cat exits the automatic litter box, which then initiates a cleaning cycle. This process typically uses a self-cleaning mechanism like a rotating globe or drum, or a sweeping rake, to sift through the litter and capture clumps. Those clumps are then disposed of in a sealed waste drawer or bin, which may have added odor control using carbon filtration and/or a UV light. Most self-cleaning litter boxes work with regular clumping cat litter, but a few, like PetSafe’s ScoopFree Crystal Pro, work with specific types of litter (in this case crystal litter).

How Often You Should Clean An Automatic Litter Box

While one of their biggest selling points is the “self-cleaning” aspect, there is still some maintenance involved with automatic litter boxes. We recommend deep cleaning the litter box once every two to four weeks. Just like you would with a regular litter box, try to stick with warm water and mild, unscented soap, says Warner—especially because feline noses are more sensitive than those of humans. She adds: “Strong disinfectants (bleach or ammonia) should only be used if completely rinsed out. The box needs to be dry before adding new litter to prevent clumping and odor.”

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

I’m Lindsay Boyers, Forbes Vetted’s executive strategy editor, and I’ve been an expert product tester for five years. Before landing at Forbes Vetted over four years ago, I tested pet and home products for publications like The Spruce, The Spruce Pets, CNET, CNN Underscored and Insider. But perhaps more importantly, I’m cat obsessed: I currently have three Siberian cat mixes, and I have owned and loved cats my whole life.

• The rest of the Forbes Vetted home team has vast experience conducting firsthand (...firstpaw?) research and testing on a slew of cat-specific products. We’ve covered the best cat litters, cat water fountains and cat trees; all the products featured in these stories are feline approved.
• Many of our staffers are also pet parents and can lend firsthand insights for related stories. The top pick in this story was also tested by Forbes Vetted’s features director, Kim Peiffer, a cat mom who wrote a review on the Litter-Robot 4.
• This story was reviewed by our resident pet expert, managing editor Emmy Favilla; she has several cats (and dogs) and relatedly has also covered peeing outside the litter box in her series called Pet Peeves.
• To help gain some insight into specific product features and things to look for, I spoke with Jacob Zuppke, president and CEO of Whisker (the parent company of Litter-Robot), and Joey Lusvardi, an IAABC-certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Class Act Cats, a cat behavior and training service in Minneapolis.
• The Forbes Vetted home team also tapped Dr. Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian with U.K.-based pet insurance provider Waggel; and Heather Alvey, certified cat behaviorist and owner of Felidae Behavior Consulting, to answer some top questions around self-cleaning litter boxes.
• We regularly revisit this story for freshness, accuracy and to add long-term testing insights. This story was last updated in June 2025 by lifestyle updates writer Fran Sales.

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