Comparing the Neato BotVac D3 Connected and the Neato BotVac D5 Connected may seem like comparing eggs with eggs, but there are some subtle differences between the two, and it is not only about price this time. Actually, this comparison may be for those looking to pick up a bargain second hand and they are weighing their options up or it could be to decide which one you ought to choose brand new.
Here at Vacuum fanatics we are concerned with getting value for money and as I noted in a previous post (See Neato Vacuum Series Review) the Neato BotVac is a triumph and innovator in the automatic vacuuming world.
Its D-shape is unique and I think a far better solution than the round shape so commonly seen in automatic vacuums. It is also only 10cm tall! Yes, that is pretty small for an automatic robot to clean under your bed and sofa, let alone the sideboard and dining room table.
So, is there any discussion required on the Neato in relation to comparing similar models?
Indeed, and one feature I think will make all the difference in your decision.
Table of Contents
In the Box
Before we get too carried away with our comparison, let’s see what you can expect to receive in the box:
| Neato D3 | Neato D5 |
|---|---|
| Wifi Enabled Robot Vacuum - D3 | Wifi Enabled Robot Vacuum - D5 |
| Integrated Charge Base | Integrated Charge Base |
| Power Cord | Power Cord |
| Combo Brush | Combo Brush |
| Standard Filter | Ultra Performance Filter |
| Instruction Manual | Side Brush |
| 12-month warranty | Boundary Marker (78 inch/2m) |
| Brush and Filter Cleaning Tool | |
| Instruction Manual | |
| 12-month warranty |
All pretty standard, and should get you up and running with the minimum of fuss.
Side by Side Comparison of the Neato BotVac D3 and BotVac D5
How do they compare to one another in terms of features? Can you spot the key feature difference from the list below?
| Neato BotVac D3 Connected | Neato BotVac D5 Connected | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Length 13.2 inch Width 12.6 inch Height 3.9 inch | Length 13.2 inch Width 12.6 inch Height 3.9 inch |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Home Base Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Return | Yes, and resume function | Yes, and resume function |
| Boundary Marker | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-surface Brushes | Yes | Yes |
| Edge Sweeping Brush | No | Yes |
| Drop Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Turbo Mode | No | No |
| Battery | Lithium-Ion Battery | High-Capacity Li-Ion Battery |
| Battery Life | 60 mins | 90 mins |
| Filter Type | Standard Filter | Ultra Performance Filter |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| WIFI Connected | Yes | Yes |
| App Available | Yes, with Coverage Map | Yes, with Coverage Map |
| Alexa and Google Assistant Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Remote | No | No |
| Warranty | 12 Months Warranty | 12 Months Warranty |
| Price |  | |
The Neato BotVac really is a capable automatic vacuum, and with their large bin and great suction, perhaps this is convincing you they really are something rather special.
What are the Major Differences?
Okay, okay, the major difference is the filter!
Did you get it?
The major difference between the Neato D3 and the Neato D5 is its ability to remove more allergens and pollens from the air than the D3. This is a big point for me and one I am always looking out for when it comes air purification after my little friendly vacuum has been around the house.
Consider that on average an automatic vacuum may run for up to 2 hours. Now that is a lot of time that air is being sucked from the floor through the vacuum and then back out into the air. What is between that exhaust and you is the filter, and for me, a quality filter is paramount.
Perhaps if you live in a climate where you can keep your windows and doors open at all times this is not such an issue, but for those who have homes that are in the colder climates of the world, this is a major issue.
The Neato BotVac D5 Connected markets itself as a pet and allergy-specific automatic vacuum and aims to appeal to owners of pets. Retrieving hair and dander needs to be done in a manner which not only results in a clean floor, but also clean air, or else the result is fruitless.
The other differences that you will have noted are the battery types, The D3 only has a normal Lithium-ion Battery, but the D5 has the High Capacity Lithium-Ion battery for greater suction and up to 30 minutes extra run time.
Finally, the addition of a side brush to the Neato D5 makes this the ideal automatic vacuum which scoops debris into the Combo Brush which is then deposited into the larger bin. The filter filters the air and your room is left cleaner for having it.
It’s worth noting the other incredible features that both these model have too.
The Multi-room navigation which cleans a room methodically and then navigates to the next room. Using Laser-guided technology, the BotVac Series is technologically advanced in finding the best cleaning pattern for your home. No random running around found here!
The addition of Wifi on both models is superb, which can be linked to an app on your phone and be voice controlled by Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Not to mention that Neato has even integrated Facebook Chatbot into their software, so you can have your automatic vacuum run for you without leaving the ecosphere of Facebook too.
The other important feature we just have to mention is the self-charging AND resume function. What a stroke of genius. Not only does the BotVac return to base and charge, but when it is ready it will head on out and back to where it left off to complete it’s cleaning.
Considerations
I think the major consideration is the filter for the majority of us and since both have Wifi connectivity and are able to be voice controlled it would seem that the Ultra Performance filter found in the Neato D5 is a vast improvement over the air quality that of the D3 offers.
The extra battery life is important too, with the D5 running for an additional 30 minutes and covering an area up to 4500 sq foot, so you should really be able to have your home clean and tidy most of the time.
The D5 also comes with the Boundary Marker strip in the box that allows you to keep your automatic robot away from certain areas or rooms. Both the BotVac D3 and BotVac D5 are able to function with it, just bear in mind you will need to purchase the boundary marker additionally with the D3 model.
Having the Boundary marker is handy for keeping your BotVac away from areas where there are lots of cables or pet food and water bowls so don’t think it won’t be a useful addition to have.
The D5 Connected is also fitted with a Side Brush. Now, this seems to be standard on a lot of automatic vacuum cleaners, but it is not found on the D3. We think that this is a great touch to add that tiny bit more cleaning power to an excellent automatic vacuum anyway.
How Do I Choose Between the Neato D3 and D5?
I think when it comes to choosing between them there is little reason to choose the D3 over the D5 if you are purchasing a new automatic vacuum. The Ultra Performance Filter and Boundary Marker strip alone are worth the extra dollars.
Both have the integrated app, voice control and laser-guided mapping and are equally brilliant at cleaning your floors, but it is those small features which make the difference.
On the other hand, if you are thinking about purchasing a second-hand machine, you may opt for the Neato D3 as the D5 is still fairly high priced. But I don’t recommend this! You won’t have the luxury of a 12-month warranty and I would certainly suggest purchasing new filters for any previously own vacuum.
When you consider that there is wear and tear, hygiene, lack of a warranty and the filter issues, it almost makes no sense to purchase second hand either, so opting for the Neato BotVac D5 Connected to clean your home seems like the only alternative.
Teething Troubles
All automatic vacuum cleaners will have settling in issues that a new user needs to be aware of.
Don’t be alarmed at all the dirt your new vacuum finds for the first week or two. It will seem you are forever emptying the bin, but this will settle and you will fall into a routine. Just think of it as a great way of watching your home getting cleaner with less and less dirt and debris on the floor.
The Filter will need cleaning and replacing. They don’t last forever and a quick check on a weekly basis will ensure that your vacuum is running optimally.
Try to ensure your vacuum knows where your big drops are or at the very least install the Boundary Marker to stop it falling down stairs or hitting into your grandmother’s heirloom. You will thank me later for telling you this and avoid some horrible mistakes some users have had to endure.
Conclusion
I am sure you can see that I am thoroughly impressed by the Neato Connected range, and with each new model the automatic vacuum gets better and better. I have to admit that the Neato D3 Connected seems almost redundant in the face of the improved BotVac D5 Connected, due to the filter and the additional Boundary Marker being added as standard to your purchase. Let me know what you think.
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