Buying a fully featured Robotic Vacuum Cleaner can set you back well over the $900 margin, but what about a sub $400 model that offers great value for a substantial reduction. Today we are going to compare the Eufy RoboVac 11 vs the ILIFE A6 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners.
To give a bit of history we need to understand the companies behind these automatic vacuum cleaners. Eufy is a branch of Anker Innovation Limited, a global leader in charging technologies that have diversified into Smart Home appliances. ILIFE on the other hand, began in 2010 working to develop intelligent robotic vacuums and made some great innovative strides leading up to the ILIFE A6 release in February 2017.
Both are relatively new companies, but as more and more companies enter the Robotic Cleaning market, so too does the competition to bring great value to the customer.
Before we examine the differences of the Eufy RoboVac 11 and ILIFE A6 in detail, let’s look at what’s you get in the box.
Table of Contents
What’s in the Box?
Here is what you receive with each model:
Now let’s examine the differences between these models.
What are the differences between the Eufy RoboVac 11 and ILIFE A6?
Let’s look at the table below:
Dual Mode ElectroWall Barrier
Dual Mode ElectroWall Barrier
Both models have very similar specs, but there are differences and those may just be the deal breaker for you when considering either one of these Robotic Vacuum Cleaners.
Let’s Review the Differences
The first difference to note between the Eufy RoboVac 11 and the ILIFE A6 is the height of each model. This difference is 0.3 of an inch (or 7.62 mm) but that is significant when you want your automatic friend to clean under your low sofa or bed.
This does mean that the bin is slightly different on each model too. The ILIFE A6 is large compared to other models, but the opening clips do not allow easy removal of the collected debris from the bin. On the RoboVac 11 though, the bin top opens wide to allow the debris to fall out easily.
Each model offered decent filters which they claim filter the air too. The Eufy RoboVac 11 though offered a HEPA-style filter which will improve the air quality even further removing allergens from the exhaust air possibly leaving your home a little cleaner and easier for allergy sufferers.
The ILIFE A6 comes with robust wheels which are spring loaded making most obstacles mountable or at least easier to climb over or get away from. This also allows the A6 the ability to run smoothly over deep pile carpets too without struggling too much.
Both models return to base when their batteries are almost spent, and many reviewers spoke about the long run time of the huge battery life each model has. Being able to run for up to a 160 minutes on the ILIFE A6 is incredible.
It needs to be noted though that these robotic cleaners will continue to clean until the battery is almost depleted, as they do not have mapping software as some of the more expensive models on the market has. This shouldn’t be a problem but is worth considering should you start a cleaning cycle and wonder why it hasn’t returned after it has cleaned a room.
The noise level from both of these vacuums is remarkably quiet. This is a major plus point for budget machines as you are at least able to have a conversation while the vacuum is running.
The ILIFE A6 comes with a Dual Mode ElectroWall which can be set up to tell the A6 not enter a room. Creating an invisible barrier across doorways or even around pet bowls, this is a handy addition to have. The Eufy RoboVac 11 does not offer this feature and you would be wise to pick up any items that may cause it to run into the water!
The ILIFE A6 and the Eufy RoboVac 11 come with a scratch resistant glass top to keep them looking and feeling smart and in great condition. This is a simple but innovative solution to enhance the appearance of your Robotic cleaner more than other more expensive models neglect.
Both models come standard with a remote which can be used to guide the automatic vacuum cleaner around the room, select cleaning modes and to even schedule a weekly cleaning cycle so they work autonomously. That just leaves you to empty the bin and remove any of the tangles from the brushes with the supplied brush cleaning tools.
Considerations of the Eufy RoboVac 11 and ILIFE A6
These robotic vacuum cleaners are excellent value for the money you can pick them up for, but they are slightly lagging behind with current technology that is coming as standard on newer models.
Wifi enabled robotic cleaners may seem to be gimmicky, but with the advent of more Smart Homes on the horizon, this may be a very big deal breaker.
If you are already using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, then you may just want to consider controlling your robotic vacuum via voice activation or at the very least be able to control it through your phone. Neither the RoboVac 11 nor the A6 have this function!
The Eufy and ILIFE also do not offer an easy to use App to check on progress, see reports or allow for repeat ordering of filters and brushes straight from your phone.
Smart room mapping is also non-existent. Both the RoboVac 11 and the ILIFE A6 have excellent sensors to avoid drops, like stairs, and obstacles but they are unable to work around a room and once complete return to base.
This means that both will continue to clean regardless of progress until the battery is nearly flat!
How to choose between the Eufy RoboVac 11 and ILIFE A6?
Let’s be straight here, both are budget robotic vacuum cleaners, and both are excellent at their job. You only need to read some of the many reviews both have received on Amazon to realize that.
However, if it came only down to price then you would ultimately choose based on your budget. There is more to consider though.
Do you have lots of uneven floors and different types of flooring? If so the ILIFE A6 may be a better consideration due to the RoadRover™ wheels, which are able to climb up and over obstacles with ease. This feature is also set against the lower height of the A6 meaning you have a vacuum which can move between room and carpets and get under items with ease.
The CyclonePower™ System of the ILIFE A6 combines to form a very versatile vacuum with its Gen 2 Brushless motor and huge dust box. The only downside it the way the dust box opens and this really should require a bit more thought.
If it comes down to better air quality, then the Eufy RoboVac 11 will be the better choice here with its Triple filtration system and HEPA-style filter. As both vacuums run very quietly, it may be more of a consideration on the allergens that are left in the air while cleaning is taking place that sways your decision.
The bin is also far easier to empty on the RoboVac 11, with the whole lid opening and the debris able to fall straight out. That also makes handling the debris far less awkward and allows for less contact with dust and mites that have been collected, ideal for allergy sufferers.
Of course, the ILIFE A6 comes with a final secret weapon in the form of the Dual Mode ElectroWall. An invisible barrier to shut off areas you do not wish your A6 to clean and as stated previously that may be worthwhile should you have pet food and water on the floor that your automatic vacuum does not need to ‘knock’ over!
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eufy RoboVac 11, High Suction, Self-Charging Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Drop-Sensing Technology and... | 3,814 Reviews | Check Price |
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ILIFE A6 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner | 724 Reviews | Check Price |
Teething Troubles
As expressed many times before on this website, there is always a settling in period and for the next week or two you should expect to empty the bin more frequently and you will be more accustomed to picking up all those pesky items that get in the way of an automatic vacuum that you wouldn’t want to be destroyed.
Don’t let that deter you from buying one though. Once you understand the way an automatic vacuum cleans this will be far quicker and your home cleaner as they clean when scheduled and wait for your return home. Now that is a time saver.
As with most electronic devices water is the enemy, so pick up pet bowls or prepare tables with vases and fish stands accordingly.
In Summary
The Eufy RoboVac 11 and the ILIFE A6 are very capable automatic vacuum cleaners. They are excellent value for money within their budget range and to get your home clean again, freeing up much needed time for you and the family. The ILIFE A6 seems like the slightly better deal, in our opinion, when choosing between these two vacuums.
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