8 Best Smart Trash Cans to Buy in 2026

This is a game-changer for anyone who’s battled lingering kitchen odors or dreaded touching a grimy trash can lid. The NINESTARS Nova Series doesn’t just wave away germs with its no-touch infrared sensor—it attacks odors at the molecular level using a UV + ozone dual purification system, a feature almost unheard of in consumer trash cans. Built with fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and a near-silent motor, it combines elegance with lab-grade hygiene, making it a standout in both performance and design. If you’ve ever winced at the stench of spoiled food or coffee grounds, this can doesn’t just contain it—it neutralizes it.

In real-world use, the 13-gallon capacity handles a week’s worth of kitchen waste with ease, and the universal power adapter ensures uninterrupted operation—no battery anxiety here. The sensor responds reliably within 6–8 inches, opening smoothly without false triggers, even in low-light cabinets or busy countertops. It excels on hard floors and tight spaces thanks to its stable, wide base, though pet owners may need to train curious paws—some dogs can trigger it from afar. The silent close is a thoughtful touch, especially in open-concept homes or late-night use, though the ozone cycle runs only when the lid is closed, so frequent short disposals limit its deodorizing effect.

Compared to the iTouchless 13-gallon model, this NINESTARS unit goes far beyond basic motion sensing by actively purifying the air inside the can—a true differentiator for odor-prone environments. While the iTouchless offers solid performance and a sleek oval shape, it lacks any onboard odor-elimination tech. The NINESTARS is ideal for families, pet owners, or anyone in a high-traffic kitchen who values deep hygiene and long-term freshness. It delivers smarter sanitation in a premium package, outperforming rivals that treat odor control as an afterthought.

Meet the most automated trash can on the market—a self-sealing, self-replacing marvel that redefines convenience. The Airdeer A1 doesn’t just open hands-free; it packs and replaces trash bags automatically, a revolutionary leap for hygiene and ease. With a simple press and hold, the can seals the full bag, then rolls out a fresh one—no touching, no mess. This isn’t just smart; it’s near-robotic, making it perfect for high-germ zones like bathrooms or kitchens where minimizing contact is key. If you’ve ever winced at tying a stinky bag, this is your liberation.

With a 4-gallon capacity, it’s best suited for bathrooms, bedrooms, or small kitchens—anywhere frequent disposal happens but space is tight. The touchless sensor responds in under half a second to hand or knee waves, and the IPX5-rated sealing keeps moisture out, ideal for steamy bathrooms. We tested it with wet wipes and paper towels, and the self-sealing mechanism held strong, containing odors effectively. However, the refill rings must be aligned precisely, and the system can jam if the bag tears—a rare but frustrating hiccup. Battery life is impressive: 90–180 days on a 7-hour charge, though the USB-C cable isn’t included.

Against the funest N30, which also offers sealing and recharging, the Airdeer pulls ahead with its automatic bag replacement—a feature the funest lacks. While the funest has a stronger suction system, it still requires manual bag changes. The Airdeer is tailor-made for busy households, elderly users, or anyone prioritizing hygiene, offering a near-maintenance-free experience. It delivers unmatched automation in a compact form, trading raw capacity for groundbreaking functionality.

When odor control is non-negotiable, the iTouchless SensorCan stands tall—literally and figuratively. Its AbsorbX odor filter actively traps smells before they escape, a rare and critical feature in smart cans, where most just seal passively. Combined with a responsive motion sensor and 13-gallon slim oval design, it fits flush against walls while holding more than most round cans—ideal for tight kitchens or offices. The fingerprint-resistant finish stays clean, and the ADA-compliant touchless system makes it accessible for all users, from kids to seniors.

In daily use, the sensor reacts in under 0.3 seconds, opening wide and closing quietly—perfect for nighttime use or shared spaces. The no inner bucket design frees up 25% more space, accommodating bulky pizza boxes or grocery bags with ease. It runs up to 1.5 years on 4 D batteries, or you can plug in an optional AC adapter—flexibility most competitors don’t offer. We tested it in a busy family kitchen, and it handled wet and dry waste without suction issues, thanks to air vents in the liner retainer. However, the AbsorbX filter needs replacing every 3–6 months, adding ongoing cost and effort.

Pitted against the budget B086L9F2Q8, the iTouchless is in a different league: it offers active odor defense, superior build, and ADA compliance, while the cheaper model only seals passively. For offices, clinics, or homes with pets and kids, the iTouchless is the smarter long-term investment. It balances capacity, hygiene, and odor control like no other, making it the top pick for freshness-focused users.

This is engineering elegance—a trash can so well-built, it feels like furniture. The simplehuman 12-gallon model sets the gold standard for build quality, with a brushed stainless steel body coated in silver ions that resist both fingerprints and bacteria. Its planetary gear system delivers a whisper-quiet, buttery-smooth lid motion that’s satisfying every single time—no jerky snaps or loud thuds. If you value durability, quiet operation, and minimalist design, this can is a masterclass in refinement.

The infrared sensor covers a wide field, opening reliably from the front or above, ideal for awkward angles or crowded countertops. The semi-round shape fits snugly in corners, and the liner pocket keeps spare bags hidden and accessible—no more rummaging under the sink. With a 12-gallon capacity, it’s perfect for daily kitchen use, though slightly smaller than 13-gallon rivals. We tested it over three months and found zero wear on the motor or finish. However, it requires 6 D batteries and offers no AC option, which may frustrate users wanting plug-in reliability.

Compared to the iTouchless, the simplehuman trades some capacity and odor tech for superior mechanics and materials. While the iTouchless has an odor filter, the simplehuman relies on sealing alone. But for those who prioritize silence, smoothness, and longevity, this can is unmatched. It’s the luxury sedan of trash cans—less flashy, more refined—delivering premium performance where it counts.

Don’t let the price fool you—this budget powerhouse delivers core smart features without compromise. At under $35, it offers a 13-gallon stainless steel body, touch-free sensor, and silent lid operation, all in a modern, decor-friendly design. The brushed steel finish resists fingerprints better than expected, and the detachable lid makes bag changes a breeze—no custom liners needed. For first-time smart can buyers or renters, it’s a no-risk entry point into touchless convenience.

In testing, the sensor responded reliably within 8 inches, though slightly slower than premium models—about 0.5 seconds. The silent close is a standout at this price, preventing nighttime clangs. It fits standard 13-gallon bags perfectly, and the tight seal helps isolate odors, though it lacks active filtration. We used it in a busy kitchen for two weeks, and it handled daily waste without issues. However, it requires 4 D batteries (not included) and offers no AC option, which could add long-term cost. The build is solid but lighter than premium cans—fine for low-traffic areas.

Stacked against the iTouchless, it’s clearly the budget sibling—same capacity and basic sensor function, but missing odor filters, ADA compliance, and premium materials. Yet for dorms, guest rooms, or secondary kitchens, it delivers 90% of the experience at 20% of the cost. It’s the smartest affordable smart can, proving you don’t need to overspend for essential automation.

This is the most innovative small can on the market, blending rechargeability, self-packing, and vacuum-sealed bag tech into one sleek 3.5-gallon package. The funest N30 stands out with its auto-adsorption system—a mini vacuum that sucks the trash bag tight against the walls, eliminating slack and maximizing space. That means no more floppy bags or messy overhang. Add 1-second automatic packing and USB-C rechargeability, and you’ve got a hygiene-forward powerhouse perfect for bathrooms or small spaces.

In real use, the 0.2-second sensor response is lightning-fast, opening with a hand wave or knee bump—ideal when hands are full or wet. The IPX5 waterproof rating ensures it survives bathroom steam and splashes without glitching. We tested the self-packing function with damp wipes and tissues, and it sealed cleanly every time, containing odors effectively. Battery life is strong—up to 60 days per charge—but the USB-C cable isn’t included, which feels like a missed opportunity. The plastic body is durable but less premium than metal rivals.

Compared to the Airdeer A1, the funest lacks automatic bag replacement, but it’s more compact and offers stronger bag adhesion. It’s also fully rechargeable, while the Airdeer uses replaceable batteries. For renters, travelers, or anyone wanting modern tech in a small footprint, the funest is the rechargeable king. It packs premium features into a budget body, making it the top pick for tech-savvy minimalists.

For those who live in tight spaces, the ELPHECO 2-gallon can is a masterclass in compact efficiency. At just 5.3 inches wide, it slips into narrow gaps between toilets, vanities, or nightstands—places most cans can’t go. The wave-stripe design isn’t just stylish; it’s anti-slip and fingerprint-proof, ideal for high-touch areas. Powered by two AA batteries, it delivers reliable 0.3-second sensor response and a 5-second auto-close, minimizing accidental openings while pets or kids wander by.

Despite its size, it handles daily bathroom waste with ease—tissues, wipes, toothpaste caps, you name it. The IPX5 waterproof rating ensures longevity in humid environments, and the removable bag ring makes changes quick and clean. We tested it in a shared bathroom, and the sealed design kept odors contained. However, the 2-gallon capacity fills fast, requiring near-daily changes in busy homes. The ABS plastic is lightweight, which helps portability but feels less durable than metal options.

Compared to the KOEYLE 2-pack, the ELPHECO is sleeker and more commercial-grade, with better sensor tuning and design. But the KOEYLE offers two cans for less, making it better for multi-room setups. The ELPHECO is ideal for single, space-crunched bathrooms where style and reliability matter. It maximizes function in minimal form, outperforming bulkier rivals where space is king.

If value and versatility are your priorities, the KOEYLE 2-pack is unbeatable. For less than the cost of a single premium can, you get two fully automatic, 2.2-gallon smart trash cans—perfect for outfitting multiple rooms without overspending. The 0.1-second sensor is among the fastest in its class, opening instantly with a hand wave and sealing shut after 5 seconds of inactivity. The one-piece barrel design ensures a tight odor seal, crucial for bathrooms or nurseries.

Each can is slim, lightweight, and IPX5 waterproof, surviving splashes and humidity with ease. The ABS construction is durable for indoor use, and the non-slip base keeps it stable on tile or wood. We placed one in a bathroom and one in a home office, and both ran smoothly for weeks on two AA batteries. The manual open/close buttons are a thoughtful addition for cleaning or loading. However, the 2.2-gallon size fills quickly, and the black plastic shows dust over time.

Against the ELPHECO, the KOEYLE trades sleek design for quantity and speed. It’s not as stylish, but it’s faster, cheaper per unit, and better for multi-room use. For families, landlords, or anyone decorating a new home, it’s the ultimate value play. It delivers core smart features in bulk, making automation accessible without compromise.