Neato D8 Review
Introduction to the Neato D8
The Neato D8 is a powerful robot vacuum designed to deliver exceptional cleaning performance for homes with a mix of hard floors and carpets. Featuring LaserSmart navigation, 2,000 Pa of suction power, and a D-shaped design, the D8 is engineered to clean efficiently around edges and corners, areas where traditional round robot vacuums may struggle. With Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant integration, the Neato D8 provides an advanced, hands-free cleaning solution that’s ideal for busy households.
While it may not be as high-end as the D7 or D9 models, the D8 offers a solid combination of features, performance, and value. Let’s take a closer look at the key features, performance, and overall value of the Neato D8.
Key Features of the Neato D8
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2,000 Pa Strong Suction
The Neato D8 provides 2,000 Pa suction, delivering powerful cleaning performance on hard floors and low-pile carpets. This suction power ensures that dust, dirt, pet hair, and debris are effectively picked up, even in high-traffic areas. -
LaserSmart Navigation
The D8 is equipped with LaserSmart technology, which uses lasers to map and navigate your home. This allows the robot to create an accurate map of your space, plan the most efficient cleaning path, and avoid obstacles. The LaserSmart navigation also enables the D8 to clean systematically, avoiding random bumping and overlapping paths. -
D-Shape Design for Edge Cleaning
One of the standout features of the Neato D8 is its unique D-shaped design. Unlike round robots, the D8 is designed to clean more effectively along edges and in corners. This design allows it to get closer to walls and furniture, ensuring that dirt and debris in hard-to-reach areas are cleaned up. -
Multiple Cleaning Modes
The D8 offers several cleaning modes, including Eco, Turbo, and Max modes. Whether you need a quieter, more energy-efficient clean, more suction power for deep cleaning, or a quick clean, the D8 adapts to your needs. -
App Control & Voice Assistant Integration
The Neato D8 connects to the Neato app, allowing you to schedule cleaning sessions, track the robot’s progress, and customize settings. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, so you can start, stop, or pause cleaning with simple voice commands. -
Long Battery Life
Powered by a 2,700 mAh battery, the D8 provides up to 120 minutes of cleaning on a single charge. When the battery runs low, the robot will automatically return to its charging dock and resume cleaning once fully charged, ensuring a thorough clean.
Performance and Efficiency
The Neato D8 offers excellent performance, particularly on hard floors and low-pile carpets. The 2,000 Pa suction is effective at picking up dust, crumbs, pet hair, and small debris, leaving floors clean. Its LaserSmart navigation allows it to clean systematically, covering large areas without wasting time or missing spots.
On hard floors, the D8 performs well at picking up fine dust, pet hair, and other debris. On low-pile carpets, it delivers strong suction and efficiently removes dirt and pet hair. However, on high-pile carpets, the suction may not be as effective as higher-end models like the Neato D9, making the D8 better suited for homes with primarily hard floors or low-pile carpets.
The D-shaped design allows the D8 to clean corners and edges more effectively than round robot vacuums. This design is especially useful for cleaning along walls and in tight spaces, ensuring a more thorough cleaning of areas that other vacuums may miss.
Battery Life and Charging
The Neato D8 provides up to 120 minutes of cleaning on a single charge in Eco mode, making it suitable for medium-sized homes. When the battery runs low, the robot automatically returns to its charging dock to recharge. A full recharge typically takes 2-3 hours, which is standard for robot vacuums in this category.
Pros of the Neato D8
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Strong Suction: 2,000 Pa suction ensures effective cleaning on both hard floors and low-pile carpets.
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LaserSmart Navigation: Uses lasers to map and navigate your home, ensuring efficient and systematic cleaning.
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D-Shape Design: Cleans along edges and in corners more effectively than round robots.
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Customizable Cleaning Modes: Eco, Turbo, and Max modes offer flexibility for different cleaning needs.
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App Control & Voice Integration: Schedule, monitor, and control cleaning via the Neato app or voice commands.
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Long Battery Life: Up to 120 minutes of cleaning on a single charge.
Cons of the Neato D8
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Limited Suction on High-Pile Carpets: The 2,000 Pa suction is effective for low-pile carpets but may struggle with high-pile carpets.
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No Self-Emptying Dustbin: The D8 requires manual emptying of the dustbin after each cleaning session.
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No Multi-Floor Mapping: Unlike the D9, the D8 does not support multi-floor mapping, which could be a drawback for homes with multiple levels.
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Higher Price for the Features: While offering great value, the D8 may still be priced higher than simpler robot vacuums with fewer features.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Neato D8
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Use the App for Scheduling: Take advantage of the Neato app to set up automatic cleaning schedules for hands-free operation.
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Clear Obstacles for Efficient Navigation: Ensure the cleaning area is free from cords, small objects, or other obstacles to help the D8 navigate smoothly.
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Use Max Mode for Deep Cleaning: Use Max mode when you need extra suction power, such as in high-traffic areas or on carpets.
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Empty the Dustbin Regularly: Empty the dustbin after each cleaning session to maintain optimal suction and prevent clogs.
Conclusion
The Neato D8 is a great robot vacuum for users seeking a powerful, efficient, and affordable cleaning solution. Its 2,000 Pa suction, LaserSmart navigation, and unique D-shaped design make it particularly effective for cleaning along edges and in corners. While it may not be ideal for high-pile carpets or large homes with multiple floors, it provides excellent value for homes with hard floors and low-pile carpets. If you’re looking for a reliable robot vacuum with strong performance and smart features, the Neato D8 is a top contender.