Neakasa M1 Plus Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Neakasa M1 Plus suits cats that prefer an open-top litter box, with app activity tracking and a large waste bin. Check the weight range, kitten settings and room dimensions before choosing it.
On this page (8 sections)
- The Neakasa M1 Plus review: who is it for?
- How does the M1 Plus open top affect a cat's transition?
- What safety features does the Neakasa M1 Plus include?
- How much litter and waste can it hold?
- What does the Neakasa app track?
- How does the entrance litter guard help?
- What are the main alternatives to the M1 Plus?
- Is the Neakasa M1 Plus worth considering?
The Neakasa M1 Plus is an open-top automatic litter box for buyers who want a visible entry area, app activity tracking and a large waste bin. Its stated range is 3.3–33 lb, and Neakasa says it supports up to 3 cats.
The main fit questions are whether your cat will use an automatic box, whether the unit fits your space and whether you want app features that require 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. This review compares the Plus model's stated features with the needs of open-top litter box shoppers.
The Neakasa M1 Plus review: who is it for?
The M1 Plus is best suited to cats that may prefer an open, visible litter space and households that want activity tracking. Its app can identify different cats and track each cat's bathroom habits, according to Neakasa.
Neakasa M1 Plus Automatic Cat Litter Box: Best for open-top access
- Open-top design
- 11.2 L waste bin
- 7.2 L litter capacity
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi app control
An open-top automatic box with app controls and individual activity tracking for up to 3 cats. It includes a 2-year protection plan.
Pros
- Open-top design gives cats a visible space
- Tracks activity for individual cats
- Large waste bin and litter capacity
- Includes a 2-year protection plan
Cons
- Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for app features
- Cats under 3.3 lb need Kitten Mode
- Measure the 22 x 20 x 26 in unit before setting it up
The 22 x 20 x 26 in unit needs a measured spot with room for your cat to approach and exit. Check the route into the room, too, since the box weighs 22 lb.
When does the Neakasa M1 Plus make sense?
Consider it if your cat avoids covered boxes or appears more comfortable with a visible entry. An open design can make the interior easier for you to see, but it doesn't guarantee that a cat will accept an automatic cleaning cycle.
The stated 3.3–33 lb range and support for up to 3 cats may fit households with cats across a range of sizes. For kittens below 3.3 lb, Neakasa says to enable Kitten Mode in the app.
When should you compare another box?
Look elsewhere if your cat needs a covered space or won't tolerate an automatic unit. An open design also leaves the litter area more exposed to the room, so consider where you plan to place it.
If you are comparing the original M1 and the Plus model, start with our Neakasa M1 litter box reviews. For a wider brand comparison, read Litter-Robot vs Neakasa and compare the features that matter to your cat.
How does the M1 Plus open top affect a cat's transition?
The open top gives cats a visible, less enclosed space, which Neakasa describes as a way to support cats' sense of control. A cat's preferences still determine whether the design is a good fit.
Introduce the box gradually. Place it in the usual litter area, let your cat inspect it while it is off, then follow the manual for setting it up and starting automatic cleaning.
Keep the existing litter box available during the transition. Watch whether your cat enters, uses the box and returns without hesitation, and avoid forcing a cat inside.
For a broader look at this style, see our open automatic litter box guide. It can help you think through the trade-offs of an open entry before choosing a specific model.
What safety features does the Neakasa M1 Plus include?
The M1 Plus combines a limited rotation angle with a 6-array rotary infrared system, according to Neakasa. The sensors are designed to detect a cat's movement, size and position during a cleaning cycle.
Those features are intended to reduce false triggers and add protection, but they don't replace supervision or the instructions in the manual. Read the safety directions before use, especially when introducing kittens or cats that are new to automatic boxes.
Neakasa says cats under 3.3 lb should use Kitten Mode in the app. Confirm the settings are enabled as directed before allowing a kitten to use the box.
How much litter and waste can it hold?
The M1 Plus has a 7.2 L litter capacity and an 11.2 L waste bin. Neakasa says the bin can support 7–14 days of use, though the actual interval depends on household use.
A multi-cat home may need to empty the bin sooner than a single-cat home. Check it regularly at first to learn how quickly it fills, then set a routine that suits your household.
Neakasa describes the waste bag system as a pull-and-wrap design. The litter bed has a brush strip and composite sealing ring that the brand says help contain odors and reduce liquid seepage.
Odor control also depends on litter choice, room airflow and cleaning habits. If you want a step that collects loose litter and filters air around the box, the Neakasa Airstep combines those functions and has three airflow modes.
What does the Neakasa app track?
The app supports remote mode adjustments and activity tracking over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Neakasa says it can identify different cats and track each cat's bathroom habits individually.
That history may help you notice changes in frequency, but it doesn't diagnose a health problem. If you see a concerning change in your cat's habits, contact your veterinarian.
If you don't want another connected device in your home, weigh the app features against the setup and Wi-Fi requirement. The box's physical design and waste capacity may still matter more than remote controls.
How does the entrance litter guard help?
The optional entrance guard adds 2.8 in of height and is designed for the Neakasa M1. Neakasa says the raised edge helps contain kicked litter and reduce the chance of urine going outside the box.
The guard attaches with adhesive and four screws, using a screwdriver. Check the fit and installation directions before adding it, and clean the area as needed.
What are the main alternatives to the M1 Plus?
Compare the M1 Plus with other boxes by entry style, cat fit, cleaning approach and the space each one needs. A feature that suits one cat may be a poor fit for another.
The PETLIBRO Luma automatic cat litter box review covers another automatic option. You can also read our CATLINK Open-X review if you want to compare another open-style design.
Is the Neakasa M1 Plus worth considering?
The M1 Plus is worth considering if you want an open-top automatic box with app tracking and a large waste bin. Check your cat's weight, the Kitten Mode guidance where relevant, Wi-Fi access and available floor space before deciding.
Choose it if the open entry and tracking features match your household. Compare another design if your cat prefers an enclosed box or you need a different setup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Neakasa M1 Plus an open-top litter box?
Yes, the Neakasa M1 Plus has an open-top design intended to give cats a more visible space. That may suit cats that avoid enclosed boxes, but each cat responds differently.
Allow a gradual transition and keep a familiar litter box available while your cat adjusts.
How many cats can use the Neakasa M1 Plus?
Neakasa says the M1 Plus supports up to 3 cats and offers individual activity tracking through its app. Check whether your cats are within its stated 3.3–33 lb range, and supervise use during a gradual introduction so you can see how each cat responds.
Can a kitten use the Neakasa M1 Plus?
The stated weight range begins at 3.3 lb. For kittens under that weight, Neakasa specifies enabling Kitten Mode in the app for safer use; follow the manual's instructions and keep a conventional litter box available while a kitten learns the routine.
Does the Neakasa M1 Plus need Wi-Fi?
The app uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for remote mode adjustments and activity tracking. If you don't plan to connect it, consider whether app-based features matter to you, and check the setup instructions for the connection requirements in your home.
