10 Best Budget Cat Litter Boxes in 2026 — Reviews & Top Picks

If you are bringing a new cat home for the first time, getting all their supplies can be costly. However, a litter box is a must-have, and this purchase can’t wait. You’ll need it the day that you bring your cat home.

Luckily, the cost of a new litter box doesn’t have to break the bank. You can give your cat a comfortable (and reasonably priced) place to do their business. However, finding the right litter box for your cat can be difficult because there are so many options!

We rounded up our favorites to help you search for the best budget cat litter box. Browse these reviews for all the information you need to choose the perfect one for your cat and home.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2026

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Petmate Basic Jumbo Cat Litter Pan	Durable Affordable Can be used for multiple cats	Check Price
Best Value		Hartz Cat Litter Tray	Affordable Easy for senior cats to use Easy to clean	Check Price
Premium Choice		Nature’s Miracle Hooded Corner Litter Box	Fits in a corner Easy to clean Non-stick, antimicrobial coating	Check Price
		Petmate Small Open Litter Box	Prevents litter scatter Low sides are easy for kittens to maneuver Wide base	Check Price
		SmartCat Corner Litter Box	Fits into a corner Can be used in small spaces Easy to scoop and clean	Check Price

The 10 Best Budget Cat Litter Boxes

1. Petmate Basic Jumbo Cat Litter Pan — Best Overall

The Petmate Basic Jumbo Cat Litter Pan has a wide base to give cats of all sizes plenty of room to move around inside. This enables them to shake excess litter off their paws while still inside the box, keeping your floor clean. Cats can easily navigate around each side of this box without feeling restricted by higher walls or a covered top.

The pan is easy to lift with a comfort-grip rim all around. The plastic material is designed for strength and can easily hold up to 10 pounds of litter. It's also environmentally friendly and BPA-free.

This litter box can fit into any space and is easily accessible on all sides. Placed up against a corner or in the middle of the room, your cat can conveniently enter and exit. It is our best overall choice for a budget cat litter box because of its durability and the fact that it can be used for one cat or placed in a multi-cat household.

The box has lower sides, which work well for cats that normally don’t miss the mark. If your cat’s aim is occasionally off, they may require a box with higher sides.

2. Hartz Cat Litter Tray — Best Value

While all our picks are affordable, the Hartz Cat Litter Tray is the best budget cat litter box for the money. The extra-wide base offers stability, and the low sides make it easy for cats to enter and exit. Senior cats can also benefit from the easy accessibility with nothing to jump into or over, enabling them to walk right in.

The lightweight plastic material is easy to clean between litter changes. Using a liner with this box can make cleanup even easier. The box is comfortable and non-restrictive for cats to use. One or multiple cats can use the box. It may need to be scooped several times a day with more cats using it. The low sides make it easy to scoop daily without removing a cover.

The plastic of this box is somewhat thin but can still hold litter. While the color shown in the description appears to be tan, there are reports of people receiving colors different from what they thought they ordered.

3. Nature’s Miracle Hooded Corner Litter Box — Premium Choice

The Nature's Miracle Hooded Corner Litter Box is our premium choice because it provides several benefits in addition to being affordable. The hood on the box keeps litter contained. The box also fits neatly into a corner of the room.

The plastic material is covered in a non-stick, antimicrobial coating. This reduces buildup, caking, and odors caused by bacteria on the surface of the box. The non-stick feature makes cleaning easy without scraping the sides or bottom.

This litter box also has a charcoal filter for even more odor control. It lasts up to 3 months, and the filters can be purchased separately and replaced when they stop working.

There's no handle on the top of this box, which seems to be an issue for some people. The hood connects to the base of the pan with latches and is removable. It must be removed for scooping and complete cleanings. If the hood becomes damaged, it is not replaceable, so the entire box would need to be purchased again.

4. Petmate Small Open Litter Box

This compact Petmate Small Open Litter Box is our best choice for kittens because it doesn’t give them much extra room to play in the box, kicking and pushing litter out of it. This is ideal for teaching young kittens how to use a litter box. The size of the box is not overwhelming to them either. The low sides make it easy for kittens to jump in and out of it, and the wide base of the box prevents spills.

It is also an option for smaller adult cats that dislike enclosed spaces. The rimmed sides make it easy to lift and move, and the plastic material is durable enough to accommodate multi-cat households.

If you have larger adult cats, this may not be the best option due to the low sides and the box's small size. They would not be able to use this box comfortably.

5. SmartCat Corner Litter Box

The SmartCat Corner Litter Box is a budget-friendly way to keep your cat’s bathroom from being as noticeable. Tucked neatly into the corner, less of your room’s floor space is occupied, and no one has to sidestep the litter box.

The sides are higher than others, which do more to protect against spray, litter scatter, and accidents. The inside of the box has a line indicating how much litter to add. This box is ideal for homes without much extra space, but it still provides your cat a comfortable, private place.

The plastic resin material is durable and designed for long-lasting usage while being easy to clean. The front entrance is low enough for elderly or arthritic cats to use with ease. The SmartCat box doesn’t come in any other colors, making it hard to match a room’s décor. Some large cats may be able to tip the box over by stepping on the side of it. The sides are also too low for large cats to use this box comfortably.

6. Frisco Open Top Litter Box with Rim

The Frisco Open Top Litter Box with Rim is spacious enough for your cat to have privacy. Litter and spray are contained in the box by the rim around the sides. The back wall also acts as a complete privacy shield. The rim detaches from the box for easy cleaning, and the plastic material can stand up to digging cat claws. It’s BPA-free and recyclable.

The litter box base is available in grey or navy, while the rim on both is white. Since the latches to hold the rim in place are only on the sides of the box and not the back, it can be challenging to get the rim to lie flush with the back wall of the box.

If your cat kicks litter around, it can slip through the opening. The rim is easily detached if a cat bumps into it or you accidentally hit it while scooping the box.

7. Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan

Cats that are high sprayers and those that love to dig have met their match with the Van Ness High Sides Litter Pan. Kicking and digging in this litter box will be better contained due to the high sides of this box. Less litter around the box will eliminate the daily need to sweep or vacuum.

The entrance is higher than other boxes, containing the litter better as the cats move in and out. The inside of the box is coated with a high-polished finish, making it easy to wipe clean. The finish is odor- and stain-resistant, and the material is built to last. The eco-friendly plastic is made with 20% recycled materials.

The box is easy to scoop out or empty for a full refresh. It works well to keep out small dogs that may be too interested in the contents. The high sides prevent curious dog noses from being able to check it out. However, this litter box may not be big enough to suit large breeds.

8. Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box — Best Self-Cleaning Budget Choice

The Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box proves you don’t have to spend a fortune for this convenience. No electricity is required. The rounded side of the litter box lets you roll it completely onto the top. Tap on the bottom to release the stuck clumps, and the litter goes through a sifting grate inside the box. All the waste is then separated into a tray.

Roll the box back to the upright position, and you can easily pull out the waste tray and empty it. Tilt the box back to the left to distribute the clean litter evenly, and you’re done! The box is clean without you having to scoop it or even open it.

To clean this box completely, the cover detaches from the base. There are reports of litter leaking from the seam between the cover and the base when you roll the box over for sifting. The space inside the box has to allow for the waste tray and sifting grate, which means the usable litter area for your cat is smaller than the size of the box.

9. Petmate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan

The Petmate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan lets you say goodbye to scooping and scraping by doing all the work for you. The three-pan design is efficient and does not take up much space. With the sifting pan in the center, you can stack the pans on top of each other.

Your cat uses the top pan like a regular litter box. When it's time to scoop, remove the top pan and pour the contents into the sifter pan. Then, lift and shake to capture the clumps to be discarded. Once the sifter pan waste has been removed, place it into the now-empty box and stack the filled box on top of it. Add more litter if necessary.

The reinforced bottom of the sifter pan can hold larger, heavier amounts of litter at a time. The pans are coated with antimicrobial protection to keep odors and stains away. However, the sifting pan holes may get clogged with litter and waste clumps and must be cleaned regularly to keep working correctly.

This will depend on the litter you use and how often you use the sifter.

10. Petco So Phresh Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box

 The Petco So Phresh Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box is made of durable plastic that guards your walls and floors with high sides. The sides capture litter scatter and spray while being comfortable for your cat. The lowered front entrance is easily accessible for cats of all ages. The Petco box is large enough for bigger cat breeds and can be used in multi-cat households.

If you have a cat that loves to kick and dig in the litter box, this does a thorough job of keeping the litter inside. However, there are reports of some people needing a litter-catching mat under the box to keep litter from scattering around the home. Other reports mention that the box arrived in a different color than what they expected.

Buyer's Guide: How to Pick the Best Budget Cat Litter Boxes

Cats are selective about their litter boxes. Some refuse to use one that isn't acceptable to them. The good news is that you can find a litter box that will suit your cat's needs and does not cost a fortune.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right litter box. Once you’ve decided on your budget, you can find the box within your price range. Here are a few things to remember when deciding on the best one for your cat.

Types of Litter Boxes

Knowing your cat’s habits will help you decide which type of box they prefer. Most cats like to have privacy when using their litter boxes. If your cat is suffering from chronic pain or arthritis, a box that they can easily step into without having to jump is ideal.

Open Pans

Open litter pans are easy to use. Some have high sides that provide privacy while containing litter and spray. Cats can access the pans easily, but so can others. There is no barrier to deter dogs and children.

Cleaning the pans is simple. The open design makes it easy to scoop. Since there is only one piece, it can be easily dumped out and washed with soap and water when it’s time to change the litter.

The open concept is convenient but doesn’t do much to trap odors. You may notice the odor more with this type of box, so scooping daily is recommended to reduce odors.

Covered Boxes

Covered boxes capture and control odors better than open pans and give your cat more privacy. They usually have a ventilated top with a charcoal filter to neutralize odors. The filter can be replaced when necessary.

While cleaning can be a little more difficult because covered boxes come in two pieces, they provide more protection around your walls and floors by trapping all the litter debris and urine spray.

The boxes also may be more difficult to scoop because the top cover must be detached from the base so you have access to the litter. Overall, if your cat is messy in the litter box, the covered box can provide control.

Self-Cleaning

Self-cleaning litter boxes include a built-in sifter or can be electric and rake the litter for you. Regarding budget boxes, built-in sifters are more affordable and can save you the time it would take to scoop daily. Even though the scooping and sifting may be done for you, this box will still require a thorough cleaning when it’s time to change the litter.

How Many Litter Boxes Do You Need?

A common rule is one litter box per cat plus an extra one. For one cat, you need two litter boxes. For two cats, you need three litter boxes, and so on. Cats like to have options, and some cats prefer to urinate in one box and use another for solid waste.

It seems like a lot to scoop every day, but you can resolve many of your cat’s litter box issues if they have multiple, clean boxes to choose from.

Size

The litter box should fit your cat comfortably. If the box is covered, they should have enough room to walk in without crouching, turn around, and be able to dig. They should be able to stand in the box without their head touching the top.

If the box is an open litter pan, it should be large enough for your cat to turn around and access all areas of the surface without hanging out of the box.

Important Features

Cleaning the litter box is something you’ll have to do often, so it’s best to make it as easy as possible. Some boxes have non-stick coatings that let clumps slide right off as you scoop, reducing your need to scrape.

Others are sprayed with antimicrobial coatings to reduce the buildup of odors and stains. Charcoal filters in the tops of covered boxes help neutralize odors. When they stop working, they can be replaced.

Cleaning

Whichever litter box you choose, it should be scooped daily for your cat's comfort and for odor control. Depending on the number of cats, the boxes may need to be scooped more than once daily. Once a week, the boxes should be completely emptied and thoroughly washed. Refill them with fresh litter.

Liners can make this process easier. When it’s time to change the litter, you'll slide the liner off the box and throw the ready-made trash bag full of litter away. The box should be clean enough to add a new liner and fill it with litter.

If your cat is a digger, the bag can be punctured, and some litter might leak through. Even so, liners reduce the need to scrape out clumps and wash the box every week. Washing the box occasionally is vital to remove built-up odors and bacteria.

How We Selected Our List of Budget Cat Litter Boxes

Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat litter boxes. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

Why Trust Catster?

A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat litter boxes. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

Conclusion

Our best overall choice for a budget litter box is the Petmate Basic Jumbo Cat Litter Pan. We like the size, affordability, and BPA-free plastic. For the best value, we chose the Hartz Cat Litter Tray. It’s a simple, durable pan that’s easy for cats to use and easy for you to clean.

The Nature’s Miracle Hooded Corner Litter Box is our premium choice. We like that it fits in the corner and doesn’t take up much space. We hope our reviews have helped you decide on the best budget litter box for your cat.