The eternal quest for a cleaner, more hygienic cat bathroom experience has been solved by the latest in automatic litter box technology. From compact designs to spacious options, WIRED's cats have tested a dozen of the most advanced models available on the market.

Among our favourites is the Purobot Max Pro 2, which boasts a sleek design and comes with built-in camera surveillance for peace of mind. The Litter-Robot 4 follows closely behind, thanks to its handy litter refill system via LitterHopper. For those seeking value over frills, the Petkit PuraMax 2 remains a solid choice.

However, while these models may tout their innovations, they're not without quirks. The Litter-Robot 5, for instance, is plagued with frequent and often incorrect error codes that halt its operation until physical troubleshooting, according to our reviewer. Meanwhile, the Petcove PurrTek Covered Self Cleaning Litter Box, despite offering a sleek appearance and easy setup, suffers from an app interface that's hard to navigate.

Less expensive options like the Els Pet Orbitie prove that you don't need to break the bank for quality, with its generous opening and ability to cater to larger felines. Yet even these models face challenges, such as inaccurate volume measurements and delayed cleaning cycles. Nonetheless, they offer a step forward in reducing the laborious task of maintaining a clean litter box.