Best Neato Robotics Botvac D5 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals & Sales 2020:

The BotVac D5 Connected is part of the new range from Californian Neato Robotics. This device was launched at 650 € and could thus democratize connected robot vacuum cleaners.

Presentation

With its Botvac D5 Connected  (and the D3 presented) Neato Robotics has clearly displayed its ambition to democratize connected robots. Indeed, the launch prices are more affordable: € 500 for the D3 and € 650 for the D5. But compared to a model like BotVac Connected , or some even more expensive competitors like iRobot, there were obviously solutions to reduce costs. Neato has chosen to reduce the number of accessories and does not need a screen to deport everything – or almost – on the user’s smartphone. While one of the strengths of Neato robots was their ease of use, served by a clear screen and an ergonomic menu, is such a choice relevant? Response at the end of our test …

Best Neato Robotics Botvac D5 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals & Sales 2020

1. Neato Botvac D5 Connected Laser Guided Robot Vacuum, Pet & Allergy, Works with Smartphones, Alexa, Smartwatches

2. Neato Botvac D3 Connected Laser Guided Robot Vacuum, Works with Smartphones, Alexa, Smartwatches

3. Neato Robotics D6 Connected Laser Guided Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair, Works with Amazon Alexa, Black

4. Neato Robotics D7 Connected Laser Guided Robot Vacuum Featuring Multiple Floor Plan Mapping and Zone Cleaning, Works with Amazon Alexa, Silver/Black

5. Neato Botvac Connected Wi-Fi Enabled Robot Vacuum, Compatible with Alexa

Convenience of use

The D5 inherits the classic D shape from Neato. There is also a prominent laser rangefinder – which makes it a little thicker than other robots on the market. As for its exterior appearance, it is fashionable that the D5 is more inspired by the discreet BotVac Connected than Neato first generation; it is more easily seen in a living room, for example. 

By choosing to control most of the functions via smartphone, Neato makes a very clear choice, which will not be to the taste of all users; not ours in particular. Indeed, at first glance, we imagine that the convenience of use is there, since only a button is present on the shell of the D5.

But is it practical for all that? We immediately regret the absence of the screen with which Neato fitted all its other robots. No more possibility to program the D5 other than through the application or to choose a mode. And for the most basic commands, we must remember how to go about it without going through the smartphone: pressing the button initiates a conventional cleaning, two presses initiate localized cleaning, pressing for 5 s cancels a cycle … In short, by wanting to simplify the controls, Neato has made the use of its robot much less intuitive. It’s a shame to have to take out your smartphone to launch an “all stupid” localized cleaning …  

Interview

The 0.7 l collector – the correct capacity – takes the same shape as that of the BotVac Connected. It also inherits its faults: it has a large opening on the side opposite the filter and you can easily overturn it if you tilt it. We get fucked once or twice, then we pay more attention. 

For maintenance assistance, the Neato Robotics Botvac D5 has a specific tab within the application that makes life easier for the user by sending reminders: changing the filter, changing the main brush and emptying the collector. Unlike the Roomba 980, whose collector filling is monitored in real time, Neato offers to schedule alerts at a recurring frequency.

It is up to the user to program them (every 60 minutes, 90 min or more) according to the environment, the presence of animal hair … The same applies to the change of brush and filter – whose reminders are programmed by default every 6 months and every month, respectively. If practical, this function loses some interest due to the absence of sensors and therefore real-time cleaning advice.

The side brush, simply magnetized, is easily detached. As for the central brush, it necessarily hooks some hair and animal hair. But it is easily dislodged and the debris gets tangled less on the sides thanks to its extended shape up to the edges of the robot,

The so-called “high performance” filter is covered with a very fine “grid” and does not get dirty much, the big dust does not get lodged in the slats. 

Navigation system

No surprise about the navigation system that we know well. It operates a laser rangefinder and ensures complete mapping of the parts on the ground. It is still as effective as ever. The robot navigates in a zigzag systematically, cutting the pieces into zones and starting by going around each piece before cleaning it.

This system is precise, the surface coverage is impeccable, no forgetting. It also operates the robot in the dark, in dark areas or under furniture. In addition, the robot always knows exactly where it is and finds its base with an ease that always seems disconcerting to us. Thus, it is able, as a reminder, to reach its base when its battery is low, then to finish cleaning after recharging. Finally, it also allows him to work with a certain speed, since he does not pass twice in the same place. 

Obstacle management

Neato’s navigation system is efficient. The Neato Robotics Botvac D5 bypasses obstacles by passing them closely. It can therefore evolve in a domestic environment without problem. He goes around the legs of chairs, runs along the baseboards and goes under the furniture that allows him to do so.

Higher than average, it does not pass under our test coffee table or under our library. On the other hand, he climbs on the carpets without hesitation, passes the thresholds of door and his raised wheels allow him to free himself from many situations. It rarely gets tangled in cables, although it is better to tidy them up a bit.

The only obstacles that can cause problems are those whose height reaches the level of the laser rangefinder. Indeed, it does not spot them and tends to hang below. In this case, we can use the famous delimitation strips to deprive him of access. 

Neato’s navigation system has proven to be the smartest and most efficient we’ve tested.

Aspiration

The D5 sucks hard and if its navigation system promises only one passage per zone, it is enough to rid the ground of dust and everyday waste. 

On hard ground, it sucked 94% of waste, most of the remaining test rice grains being located under the test coffee table. If it is removed, the score is raised to 98%, the robot forgetting one or two grains but no zone. 

On fine carpet, without coffee table, it sucks up to 100%; the test surface is immaculate. 

Finally, on thick carpet, it sucks up to 96% of test materials. This excellent result is similar to that of BotVac Connected: to the naked eye, the surface looks flawless. As a reminder, the Vorwerk VR200  does even better, capable of providing up to 98% efficiency.

Noise

Like its predecessors, the Neato Robotics Botvac D5 sucks hard and makes noise – a little less, however. It is preferable to make it work when you are away, either by launching remote cycles thanks to its connectivity, or by programming it (via the application). It is still a little less noisy than its predecessors (61 dB on carpet to 65 dB on hard ground). On some floors (our test linoleum), the blades turning on the surface also produce a kind of not very pleasant squeak. 

Consumption

We measured 37 W in charge and 2.5 W once its battery was charged. Its li-ion battery offers comfortable autonomy and you can vacuum a large area without completely discharging it. In one charge, he almost manages to clean our 70 m² copiously furnished. 

Additional modes and functions

Among the modes, we find on this Neato Robotics Botvac D5 the bare minimum on the robot. To access the additional modes and functions, you must go through the application, for example to choose “extra care”: the robot bypasses obstacles by putting a little more distance; practical if we have identified places where it hangs – which was not the case during our tests in the laboratory or in a home situation.

Finally, regarding accessories, when you buy this D5 (or D3) at a more affordable price, it is with full knowledge of the facts and the number of accessories is reduced. The device is still delivered with a replacement “high performance” filter, a roll of magnetic delimitation beacon – still as practical, functioning without battery and which can be cut – and a small cleaning comb. This time, only one brush is provided, the twisted brush, alternating nylon bristles and rubber blades – as a reminder it was the one we had identified in our previous tests. Last accessory supplied, a micro-USB / USB adapter cable. 

Like its predecessors, the D5 can be updated. The port (unprotected) is installed under the dust bin. We always appreciate this possibility offered by Neato, which was among the first to offer it. Even if this robot connected to Wi-Fi could carry out updates without a wired connection. 

Still no remote control, since it is the smartphone that replaces it. 

The charging base, on the other hand, gets rid of the transformer and is quite discreet. It still has a practical system for winding the electric cable at the rear.

CONCLUSION

Neato Robotics wanted to launch a more accessible connected robot, skipping the screen and the menu so practical that we found on previous generations. The user still glued to their smartphone can get away with this Neato Robotics Botvac D5 Connected, provided they use the application almost every time. The “less connected” will have to go through the user manual a bit to use most of the features without the app. Even if the D5 is not the most complicated to use. We lose a lot in terms of user comfort, especially with a single control button. This Neato remains very skilful and efficient, able to evolve in a domestic environment without getting lost and without getting tangled everywhere.

Related

1. Best Neato Robotics Botvac D6 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals & Sales 2020
2. Best iRobot Roomba e5 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals & Sales 2020
3. Best Electrolux Pure i9 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals & Sales 2020