I don’t know about you, but I find vacuuming one of the most tedious chores to do. I understand the need to perform this chore, but the amount of effort I have to put forth to get it done doesn’t seem worth the result.
While my kids still enjoy using the upright, it’s only a matter of time before they feel the same way. A lot of work goes into getting out an upright, vacuuming, and then putting it back. Fortunately, there are options available to make this tiresome chore much, much easier.
One great option comes in the form of a robot vacuum cleaner. These handy little devices move around your home, gathering dirt, dust, debris, and hair, keeping your floors looking good. But with so many options available, how do you know what works best for you?
Two manufacturers in the world of robot vacuums include Neato and Ecovacs. Do either of these companies have the device that works best for you and your needs?
Let’s take a closer look at how these manufacturers differ from one another, what features and technologies they offer, along with a quick rundown of some of the more popular robot vacuums for each.
Main Differences Between Neato Botvac vs Ecovacs Deebot:
The Main Differences Between Neato Botvac vs Ecovacs Deebot are:
- Neato Botvac is compatible with all kinds of floors, whereas Ecovacs Deebot includes four different modes and three cleaning stages.
- Neato Botvac features a “D Shape”, whereas Ecovacs robots have a standard Round shape.
- Neato Botvac App lets you create boundaries, whereas Ecovacs Deebot mobile app lets you tell your robot vacuum to clean certain rooms or areas first.
- Neato Botvac comes with a combo brush, whereas Ecovacs Deebot can automatically switch to maximum power.
Neato
After Roomba, Neato might be the most recognized brand of robot vacuums on the market. If you choose a Neato device, you know you’re getting a quality unit that includes excellent features and capabilities. This is what makes purchasing a robot vacuum from Neato worth the price tag.
In 2010, Neato entered the robot vacuum market as a company known for producing high-quality devices. This almost immediately placed Neato close to the top of the industry. With solid products that offer high-quality features, it’s tough to go wrong with a Neato Botvac robot vacuum.
Design
If you’re over at a friend’s house and you notice their robot vacuum is shaped like the letter ‘D’, then you know they probably have a Neato Botvac. This unique shape is on purpose, as Neato believes that it gives its robot vacuum the ability to access corners and edges easier than other smart vacuums.
For the most part, Neato Botvac robot vacuums are black. However, many come with an additional brush, which allows it to gather up dirt as it goes about vacuuming the floors in your home.
Technology
Its technology is one of the main reasons Neato ranks near the top of robot vacuum manufacturers. If you want to keep your floors clean with minimal effort, Neato robot vacuums offer plenty of features that will do just that.
The following are the technologies you’ll use on a regular basis if you select a Neato Botvac to handle your vacuuming needs.
WiFi Support
With Neato, you’ll have a more difficult time finding a device in their lineup that doesn’t support wifi. The Botvac Connected, Botvac D3, Botvac D4, Botvac D5, Botvac D6, and Botvac D7 are just a handful of their robot vacuums that will connect to your wireless network.
Wifi support allows users to control their robot vacuum via their smartphone. Just download the mobile app through the iOS or Android app store, then guide your robot vacuum wherever you need it to clean.
Smart Home Compatibility
Along with wireless connectivity, many of the Neato Botvac robot vacuums also support smart home assistants like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, IFTT, and Neato Chatbot. There are also a handful of smart home systems these incredible devices will work with.
If you already have a smart home network in place, then there’s a chance one of the Neato Botvac units that support wifi might work with it.
Vacuuming Technology
You’ll notice how well your Neato Botac cleans thanks to its great suction power. Plus, most of the robot vacuums from Neato also come with a combo brush. This type of brush picks up any debris or hair that the vacuum itself might have missed.
Neato uses its “SpinFlow” technology to get your floors looking good. SpinFlow is available through all vacuums in the Neato Batavc lineup. Basically, any of the options we listed that support smart home and wifi will offer this technology.
In addition to offering Neato’s SpinFlow feature, these models also include Turbo and Eco cleaning modes. In Turbo mode, your robot vacuum will divert all its energy to suction power. So if you have heavily trafficked areas, this is a great feature.
In Eco mode, your robot vacuum will run quieter and focus on using less battery. If your floors need cleaning but you don’t want a lot of background noise, Eco mode is the ideal option.
Navigation
Your Neato Botvac robot vacuum will clean your home from top to bottom. However, to do so, they need to build a floorplan of your entire house. As your robot vacuum goes about its initial cleaning, it scans the rooms in your home using infrared lasers.
Once the device has all the necessary information, it will determine the best path to clean your home. That means you’ll get your floors cleaned by a vacuum that won’t waste time on needless spinning or revisiting the same area multiple times.
Mapping and navigation are included with all the Botvac Connected units. Plus, since they are wifi capable, you can connect your mobile phone to your device using the Neato smartphone app. Then you can see where your robot vacuum has already cleaned, as well as a few additional stats about usage and battery life.
Filtration
Neato uses high-performance filters with its Neato Botvac units. These filters are also anti-allergen, however, they are not HEPA certified. Still, they work well enough to remove the pet hair, dirt, and other allergens that roam about your home.
If you have allergies or pets, the Neato Botvac robot vacuums will do help remove some of the contaminants associated with both.
Brushes
You’ll get the following brushes with your Neato Botvac: a combo brush, a side brush, a spiral combination brush, and a blade brush. These types of brushes are created to help pick up dirt and hair from all the hard to reach corners and edges of your home.
Recharge and Resume
Another great feature you get with your Neato Botvac robot vacuums is their ability to recharge and resume. With this feature, your unit will automatically detect when it begins to run low on juice. At that point, it will return to its dock to charge.
Once it completes charging, your Neato Botvac will return to where it was before it headed back to its dock, continuing on its cleaning path until it finishes.
Floor Types
It doesn’t matter what type of floor you have in your home, your Neato Botvac robot vacuum can clean it. Whether it’s hardwood, carpet, tile, vinyl, or marble, your Botvac will have no trouble getting it clean.
A few models have trouble transitioning from hard floors to carpet, however, for the most part, owning a Neato Botvac means having clean floors in your home.
Scheduling
You’ll also get the ability to schedule cleanings with a Neato Botvac robot vacuum. No matter where you are, if you suddenly remember that you need your floors vacuumed, you can get it done. Just log into your Neato smartphone app and tell your robot vacuum to get to work.
That means whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just out running some errands, you can have your robot vacuum clean when you need it to.
Boundaries
Neato Botvac robot vacuums come with boundary markers, which are strips you lay down in your home to keep the unit from entering areas you don’t want it to go. People usually place these in doorways or around specific items.
If you don’t want to mess with boundary strips, Neato also has a feature in its smartphone app called “No-Go Lines” which allows you to create virtual boundaries. Just draw lines on the map of your home, which will tell your robot where it can and cannot go.
Control
You can control your Botvac robot vacuum in a few different ways. Every Botvac Connected robot vacuum will work through both Google Home and Amazon Alexa with voice commands. So when your floors are filthy I need to be vacuumed just tell your Google Assistant and your robot vacuum will get to work.
Current Neato Models
Neato offers a wide variety of high-quality robot vacuums. Listed below are some of the models currently available.
Neato Botvac Connected
When it comes to features Neato’s Botvac Connected has some of the most advanced options on the market. This Robot vacuum supports wireless connectivity which means you can control it with either your smartphone app or your voice.
With the Neato smartphone app, you can also create boundaries in your home. You can also use the app to start a cleaning cycle or tell your robot vacuum where to spot clean.
The Neato Botvac Connected is expensive, but it comes with a lot of features that other robot vacuums don’t offer. An example of this is the area in which you can clean on a single charge. The Botvac Connected can vacuum up to 5000 square feet before it needs to recharge.
There’s also a map in the Neato app which allows you to see all the places your robot vacuum has already cleaned. If there are areas in your home where it might be tough for your robot vacuum to clean you can also control it like a remote control car.
Along with these features, you also get high capacity lithium-ion battery, ultra-performing filter, eco and turbo cleaning modes, and boundary markers. You can also control the vacuum through voice commands with your Amazon Alexa Neato Chatbot or Google Home.
Pros:
- Ultra performance filter included.
- Control with your voice through Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Neato Chatbot.
- Needle mobile app lets you see where the vacuum has cleaned, schedule cleanings, and kickoff cleaning cycles.
- Will clean nearly 5,000 square feet on a single charge.
Cons:
- More expensive than other Neato robot vacuums.
- Reports that wifi drops unexpectedly.
Neato Botvac D3 Connected
For those who want an entry-level robot vacuum, the Neato Botvac D3 Connected is a great option. You’ll get all the basic features you’ve come to expect from Neato, which includes wifi support, navigation, and recharge and resume.
Plus, since the D3 has wifi connectivity, you can control it through smart home assistants like your Google Home or Amazon Alexa. You’ll also get a standard filter and a combo brush with the unit, which is ideal for those who prefer to keep things simple.
Pros:
- Affordable entry-level robot vacuum for those just getting started.
- Use voice controls with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Neato Chatbot.
- Floors get clean with high-powered suction.
- Define schedules for cleaning through the Neato smartphone app.
Cons:
- Wifi signal dropped sporadically.
- Only one hour of battery life.
- Unit may become lodged under obstacles or low furniture.
Neato Botvac D4 Connected
Another solid model available with Neato Botvac is its D4 Connected robot vacuum. This high-quality device includes features like mapping and navigation, virtual boundaries, and smart assistant voice commands.
No products found.The Botvac D4 Connected offers wifi compatibility, so you can download and use the Neato smartphone app to access even more features. However, when fully charged, you only get 60 minutes worth of cleaning from the Botvac D4.
For those who live in a small home or apartment, the Botvac D4 is a great robot vacuum.
Pros:
- Neato smartphone application available on iOS and Android.
- Create virtual barriers within mobile app.
- Mapping and navigation technology.
- Recharge and resume features.
- Control through voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Cons:
- Only 60 minutes of battery life.
- Noisy when compared to other robot vacuums.
Neato Botvac D5 Connected
One of the best mid-tier robot vacuums you’ll find on the market today is the Neato Botvac D5 Connected. You’ll get more suction power from this robot vacuum than you will from some of the lower Botvac options.
If you have kids or pets, the D5 Connected offers more power without spending a lot more money. This additional power directly translates to cleaner floors, as the D5 Connected will gather and suck up all the pet hair, dirt, and debris that hangs out in your home.
Another feature with the D5 Connected is its “Find Me” functionality. If you can’t find your robot vacuum, just use this button to track it down. Plus, the D5 Connected has wifi support, so you can tell your robot vacuum when you want it to start cleaning.
Pros:
- Locate your robot vacuum with the “Find Me” feature.
- Can clean up to 4,500 square feet on a single charge.
- High-quality filter included.
- Begin a cleaning cycle with voice commands.
Cons:
- Navigation cover may get hung up on lower furniture occasionally.
- Sometimes drops wireless connectivity.
Neato Botvac D7 Connected
If you want a powerful robot vacuum, then look no further than the Neato Botvac D7 Connected. This device will take care of all the dirt and hair littered throughout your home. The D7 Connected comes with fantastic suction power, a high-quality filter, and wifi connectivity.
The Neato smartphone app allows you to use voice commands to tell your D7 Connected to start a cleaning cycle. No matter where you are, you can control your robot vacuum. This is really helpful if you’re at work and want your floors clean before you get home.
You’ll get nearly two hours out of one charge with the Botvac D7 Connected. If that’s not enough time to get the floors looking good, the robot vacuum will return to its dock, charge, then head back out to clean the rest.
Pros:
- Cleans for two hours on a single charge.
- Use the mobile application to create virtual barriers.
- Advanced navigation allows for cleaning in the dark.
- Supports both 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz wireless network.
- See cleaning summary as device cleans your home.
Cons:
- Costs more than other Neato robot vacuums.
- Makes a lot of noise while cleaning.
Oher Options to Consider:
Ecovacs
Ecovacs Robotics is another well-recognized name in the world of smart robot vacuums. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Ecovacs is known for producing many in-home robotic appliances in use today.
The one many people are most familiar with is the Deebot robot vacuum. This automated floor cleaner gets the floors in your home looking good. There are several models available in the Deebot lineup, some of which we’ll discuss further below.
Design
Like a lot of other robot vacuums out there, the Ecovacs Deebots are usually round in shape. Typically they are a little more than three inches tall and come in black, silver, and white colors. On top of the robot vacuum is its power button, which allows you to stop and start a cleaning cycle whenever you want.
Under some Deebot models are twin spinning brushes, which gather up dirt and debris and suck it up into its dustbin. It’s driven by a strong pair of wheels and has a short tower that pops up for mapping and navigation purposes.
Technology
While Ecovas may not carry the cache that Neato or Roomba do, it’s still a brand that offers plenty in the way of technology. You can get your floors clean with little effort on your part when you use your Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuum.
Listed below are some of the technology areas you might encounter on a regular basis. You can see how Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuums can address getting your floors clean.
WiFi Support
The vast majority of the robot vacuums in the Ecovacs Deebot lineup support wifi. As a matter of fact, the only one on the market that does not is the M82. With wifi connectivity, you have much more control and access to your robot vacuum that other units don’t offer.
Smart Home Compatibility
There are several units in the Ecovacs Deebot lineup that will work with your Google Home are Amazon Alexa. Plus, there are a few select devices that you can control using an already installed smart home system.
Vacuuming Technology
The vacuuming technology for the Ecovacs Deebot includes four different modes and three cleaning stages. However, these modes don’t occur in any specific order. Just select the one you need and use it.
The first choice is auto cleaning mode. This mode does just what it says. The robot vacuum cleans your floors based on its own decisions. It will clean the floors it can reach using its own discretion and patterns.
Next is single-room mode. With this mode, your vacuum will clean up one room, then shut off when it’s done. The third mode is an edge cleaning option. Upright vacuums have trouble with edge cleaning, so let your robot vacuum take care of it for you.
Last, but definitely not least, is spot cleaning. You don’t always need to vacuum your entire home. Sometimes there are small areas that need special attention. Your Ecovacs Deebot can help take care of that for you.
Plus, your Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuum can automatically switch to maximum power depending on what type of flooring its cleaning. On carpet, it can increase by as much as 50%, which means you’ll get a deep, thorough clean.
Navigation
Robot vacuums like the Ecovacs Deebot use this feature to map and navigate its way through your home. You can view your home in the Ecovacs smartphone app, which allows you to set up virtual walls to keep your unit out of specific rooms.
You can also use the app to control your robot vacuum, check on its cleaning progress, and create a schedule for cleaning.
Filtration
Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuums all come with high-efficiency filters. That means you know it’s filtering out many of the allergens and a lot of the pet hair and dirt that gather in your home. Unfortunately, the filters that come with these robot vacuums are not HEPA certified.
Brushes
Every Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuum is equipped with a primary brush that rolls beneath the device to get to deep-seated dirt. This brush helps get to hard to reach areas, like on carpets. If you want direct suction, Ecovacs will allow you to remove the brush to get better suction on bare floors.
Recharge and Resume
Almost all robot vacuums have the ability to automatically recharge. Even the cheapest options on the market will return to their dock when the battery begins to run low. However, not all devices have the ability to resume cleaning after charging.
That means, if your robot hasn’t finished cleaning your floors before its battery was low, it’ll pick up right where it left off and complete the job. Most Ecovacs Deebots have a runtime of about an hour and a half, so if you have a small or medium-sized home, there’s a good chance it will complete its cleaning cycle.
Also keep in mind, that the Deebot models that do support recharge and resume charge slowly. It could take up to four hours before your robot vacuum returns to finish its job.
Floor Types
Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuums are designed with cleaning hard surfaces in mind. If you have hardwood, tile, or marble, then a Deebot might be the right robot vacuum for you. They’ll also work pretty well on low-pile carpets, but if you have a lot of shag or deep pile carpet, you may need to find another option.
Scheduling
With your Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuum, you can choose which days you want your unit to clean, along with what time. So if you want it to run while you’re away at work, you can set it to do so.
Plus, if you have a model that connects to wifi, you can change or adjust the schedule through the mobile app. Something Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuums offer that others don’t is the ability to specify that you want certain rooms cleaned on certain days of the week.
Boundaries
If you don’t want to mess with putting down physical boundary markers, the Ecovacs mobile app allows you to create virtual boundaries. This prevents your robot vacuum from going into certain rooms.
You can also set zoned cleaning, define restricted rooms, and tell certain models to clean certain rooms first through the Ecovacs app. So if you have a high traffic area like your kitchen or front hallway that you like to have clean first, you can tell your robot vacuum to do so.
Control
You’ll have wifi connectivity with any Ecovacs Deebot you select. So you can connect your smartphone to your robot vacuum and control it no matter where you are. To do so, just download the Ecovacs app. It’s available on both iOS and Android.
Through the app, you can stop and start your Deebot, specify a cleaning mode, check out its cleaning process, and modify or set its cleaning schedule. Some Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuums have a standard IR remote that comes with the unit. This is handy if you don’t like using the mobile app.
Current Ecovacs Deebot Models
There are plenty of Ecovacs Deebot models from which you can choose, from basic offerings to high-end options. Here are a few of the current models available in the Ecovacs Deebot lineup.
Ecovacs Deebot 901
One of the most advanced robot vacuums available from Ecovacs is the Deebot 901. This device includes laser navigation technology, which gives the Deebot 901 the ability to clean more efficiently. It also allows it to adapt quickly if any changes in the layout occur.
With its advanced navigation, the Deebot 901 will create a map, then let you define virtual boundaries or select specific zones to clean. There is also a remote in the app that allows you to control the robot vacuum through Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice controls.
Pros:
- Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration.
- Advanced navigation for room mapping.
- Create virtual boundaries.
- Customizable configuration.
- Create a cleaning schedule through the mobile app.
Cons:
- The design leaves a little to be desired.
- Could improve performance along baseboards.
- Mapping is only for a single room at a time.
Ecovacs Deebot 711
If you have a larger home, then you should consider the Deebot 711. Its long-lasting battery makes it an excellent choice if you have a lot of square footage to clean. Not only does it have a solid battery, but it also offers intelligent mapping and navigation for more efficient vacuuming.
Like other Deebot robot vacuums, you can create virtual boundaries within the app to keep the 711 out of certain areas or rooms. It also offers Max mode, which is great if you need to deep clean your carpet after entertaining or waiting for a while to vacuum.
Pros:
- High-quality mapping and navigation features.
- Smart home integration.
- Mobile app allows for voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
- Various cleaning modes for use as needed.
Cons:
- Suction isn’t as good as with other Deebot robot vacuums.
- Smaller dustbin requires emptying more often.
Ecovacs Deebot M80
The Ecovacs Deebot M80 is a great robot vacuum if you’re on a budget. With a roller brush and two side brushes, this robot vacuum picks up debris, dirt, and pet hair throughout your home. If you have low pile carpeting, the roller is very nice to have.
If your home has mostly hard flooring like marble, tile, or hardwood, the Deebot M80 is a solid option. It supports wifi connectivity and can be controlled through the smartphone app or through your Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Pros:
- Large and easy to remove dustbin.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Isn’t very noisy when cleaning.
Cons:
- Has challenges with corners and edges.
- Is known to get stuck under low-sitting furniture.
Ecovacs Deebot N79S
The Deebot N79s is another excellent option from the Ecovacs robot vacuum lineup. With its roller brush and two side brushes, you know the Deebot N79S is going to pick up all the pet hair, dirt, and debris in your home.
You won’t get as thorough of a clean on the carpet as you will on hard floors, but you can still run it on low pile and medium pile rugs if need be. To counter this drawback, you can put the Deebot N79S in Max Mode, which will increase the suction power but significantly decrease the battery life.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use.
- Powerful suction capabilities.
- Control through mobile application.
- Integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Cons:
- Not as thorough as other Deebot robot vacuums.
- Minor navigation problems when running.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many square feet can Neato clean?
The Neato is capable of cleaning an average of 2000 sqft in a row.
How can I make sure my Deebot is on?
To be able to charge your Deebot Robot, make sure the unit is on. The robot will display a “|” if it’s on and an “O” if it’s off.
How long do Neato vacuums last?
By buying a Neato Vacuum, you can expect it to run perfectly for 4 to 6 years. Keep in mind that maintenance is a big factor when it comes to your robot’s life.
Conclusion:
Both Neato Botvac and Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuums have a lot in common. They both offer wifi support and voice control capabilities. You can access a map of your home and create virtual boundaries with the Neato and Ecovacs smartphone applications as well.
Ecovacs robots are known to be cheaper than Neato overall, however, what you’re saving in money, you’re giving up in performance. Regardless, both robot vacuum manufacturers provide quality devices that are sure to keep your floors clean.