Neato BotVac D85

The robotic vacuum Neato's BotVac D85 got off to a very promising start in ours Vacuum robot test. Unfortunately, while he showed the best suction power, the simplest obstacles made him falter a bit. Due to these small problems, the D85 finally only made it to second place. Starting with the bulky shape and the piano finish on the top, which always causes a deduction when it comes to "cleaning the device" (fingerprints are directly visible), the system was also the implementation is not entirely satisfactory. What the Neato BotVac D2 had to give up first place for, despite the best suction power, is presented in our 85 test below.

A very good vacuum robot that convinces with the different modes and the strong suction power. The lack of thoroughness is a pity.

Why this shape?

Possibly Neato wanted to use the shape of the BotVac D85 to set themselves apart from the competition. We succeeded, but unfortunately not in a positive way. Not only does it look a bit bulky due to its slow speed when sucking, but the shape also gives this impression. A round shape has not been chosen by all other manufacturers for nothing. Unlike the Roomba 615, the D85 doesn't handle obstacles quite as well. The system can be clearly seen in the implementation, but with obstacles such as chairs, cupboards or simply in corners, the shape does the rest. As a result, the BotVac has slight weaknesses in the complete processing of the room, despite the best suction power. That's a shame, because the shape is simply unfavorable and the intended "corner smart technology" doesn't always work. Sometimes he gets into the corners, sometimes not.

Nonetheless, Neato's robot vacuum didn't finish second for nothing. The suction power is unique and the battery life is unmatched. In addition, as with all models, the volume is okay and the installation is very simple.

top value

In our suction test, in which each model received 140 grams of dust to vacuum, the Neato Botvac D85 picked up a whopping 116,8 grams of dust. This is unrivaled excellence. The 41 watt motor explains this phenomenal test result. However, anyone who assumes that the energy-consuming motor can only vacuum for less than one hour per cycle is wrong. The battery lasts for a whopping 90 minutes. Neato promises an area of ​​up to 280 square meters per cycle. We couldn't fully test this in our test scenario, but the fact is that the battery lasts really long and the Neato is therefore best for large areas. The fact that the whole thing could be combined with the best suction power is a strong achievement.

At 66,7 decibels, the volume is in the normal range and gives no reason for criticism. It is somewhat striking that Neato does not use a lithium-ion battery. It does not detract from the performance, but since lithium ions are the most effective, it is not understandable. The nickel-metal hydride battery still manages a strong 4000 mAh, which explains the long performance of the Neato. What is amazing is the short charging time of two to three hours. In this area, the BotVac D85 was completely convincing.

Timer available, operation fiddly

First and foremost, we just didn't like the bulky shape. Despite the announced "corner smart technology", handling obstacles and corners was not convincing and was the main reason for the demoting to second place. But the operation was a bit more difficult than with other models. Sometimes "well intentioned" is the opposite of "well". This also applies to the touch operation of the Botvac D85. Although the possibilities of different modes are very successful, the setting itself is a bit fiddly. You have to click through the menu with arrow keys until you can make the right setting.

But it is positive, especially in comparison to the iRobot Roomba 615, that many modes can be set. The timer in particular is very useful and gives the D85 valuable points. For example, a sport cleaning mode can be set to let the robot focus on a specific area. Or an intensive cleaning, whereby the Botvac D85 cleans an area more often. The timer also works very well if it is set via the operation, which takes some getting used to.

The 0,7 liter dust container is very easy to clean and the installation is completed immediately after connecting the home station. The BotVac can start right away.

After the first cleaning process, it was already apparent that the display causes more problems than just the unwieldy operation. Dust has settled between the touchscreen and protective glass. This is of course a no-go, especially for a vacuum cleaner in this class!

Overall great

Now, after scoring, the Roomba 615 has emerged as the winner. The Neato BotVac D85 also has winning potential. In our opinion, many good approaches, especially in the settings and in the suction power, are somewhat dampened by the shape and operation of the menu. Since no remote control is included, setting the modes is a bit cumbersome and the shape makes the BotVac D85 fail on many obstacles. While he doesn't knock them over or get out of his system as a result, the thoroughness of the cleaning is a bit lax in terms of area. Since this is of course one of the main criteria, the Neato BotVac D85 has to be satisfied with second place, although this is represented very strongly and without competition by third place. Ultimately, the price can be justified by the clever system, if the entire area is cleaned, the successor model may also end up in first place.