Neato Botvac D5 Connected is a high performance, self-navigating, wireless connected robot vacuum cleaner. Robot vacuums require more maintenance than ‘ordinary’ vacuums, Neato Botvac D5 included, but they do offer features that other vacuums lacks. And one doesn’t have to be a ‘geek’ or a ‘nerd’ to use them efficiently 🙂
Date: January 26, 2017.
Neato Botvac D5 Connected is a high performance, self-navigating, wireless connected robot vacuum cleaner. Robot vacuums require more maintenance than ‘ordinary’ vacuums, Neato Botvac D5 included, but they do offer features that other vacuums lacks. And one doesn’t have to be a ‘geek’ or a ‘nerd’ to use them efficiently 🙂
Date: January 26, 2017.
Robot vacuums are not just expensive toys – they do excellent job in cleaning various floor types and come with many, very useful cleaning and safety features. When compared with ‘ordinary’ vacuums, robot vacuums are also high-maintenance units.
It is highly recommended to thoroughly read the manual before first use. Personally, I would advise any potential buyer to read the manual before buying this or any other similar unit – better safe than sorry. Latest manuals and updates can be found on the official Neato Robotics web site (link opens in the new window).
Thus, if you need some other type of vacuum cleaner, please check ‘Most popular vacuums’ list to your right.
– Length 13.2 inches (33.6 cm),
– Width 12.6 inches (31.9 cm),
– Height 3.9 inches (10 cm),
– Weight 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg).
Due to its dimensions, Botvac D5 can crawl under the furniture and beds and clean corners and edges easily. Also, it is light enough to be easily carried around, if required.
Warranty conditions are 1-year limited warranty for a robot and 6 months for battery. This is slightly disappointing warranty, at least for the battery.
Recommended replacement schedule depends on use, but generally, it is:
– Filters – change them every 1 to 2 months,
– Batteries – change them every 12 to 18 months.
However, when battery starts to show signs of age, replace it with original replacement battery, not some cheap copy.
Other accessories and parts also have limited operating life and should be changed periodically.
Most important accessories and parts of the Neato Robovac D5 are boundary marker, combo brush, side brush, ultra performance air filter and of course, the battery.
Neato Botvac D5 includes combo brush, suitable for cleaning various surfaces and the new ultra performance mechanical air filter. Air filter is easy to remove and clean – it includes extra filter screen making it easier to clean. It is recommended to clean the dirt bin and filters after each cleaning. Also, be sure to check brushes periodically, especially if you have long hair pets. Since the air filtration is improved over earlier models, Neato Boatvac D5 is excellent choice for homes with pets and people having issues with asthma and allergies.
Boundary Marker
Use of boundary markers is rather simple – magnetic strip is cut to the required lengths and positioned to fit doorways, around pet bowls, cords, under furniture or beds etc. Magnetic strip acts like a barrier for Neato Boatvac. Or simply close the room’s door 🙂 Magnetic boundary markers are compatible with Neato Botvac Connected, Neato Botvac D Series, Neato Botvac Series and Neato XV Series robot vacuums. For more info, check Neato Boundary Markers |
Combo Brush
Combo brush is compatible only with Neato Botvac D Series and Botvac Connected Robot Vacuums. When cleaning dirt bin and air filters, it is good practice to check the brush and if required, clean it, especially from long human or pet hair. |
Side Brush
Note that there is slight gap between the main brush (14 mm, slightly more than half of an inch) and the edges of the robot vacuum, and that is where side brush does its job the best – no spot is left uncleaned, except perhaps the corners. Side brush is compatible with Neato Botvac Connected, Neato Botvac D Series and Neato Botvac Series robot vacuums. |
Ultra High Performance Air Filter
Ultra high performance air filter is not advertised as true HEPA air filter, but it gets its job done well. Air filter is very easy to remove and clean. It also includes a filter screen, which helps keeping the dirt in the dirt bin. Ultra high performance air filter is compatible with Neato Botvac Connected, Neato Botvac D Series, and Neato Botvac Series robot vacuums. |
Lithium-ion Battery
Replacement battery also comes with 6 months warranty. Since battery is so important for cordless vacuums, although this battery is not cheap, don’t go for non-oem replacement batteries. Note: Neato Botvac D80 uses NiMH type of battery! For more info, check Neato Botvac Li-Ion Battery |
Neato Boundary Markers let the user limit where robot vacuum can clean and what areas it should avoid.
Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Neato Boatvac D5 uses very good all-around brush, suitable for various surfaces (hard floors, low and medium high pile carpets), but also for various dirt and debris, like pet hair, dust, pet food etc.
The Neato Botvac D5 Series comes with the side brush, which helps the robot to clean deep into corners and right up against the walls and the base boards.
Ultra high performance air filter captures very small particles (down to 0.3 microns), which is very important form allergy sufferers and people having issues with asthma and similar health issues.
Neato Botvac D5 uses lithium ion rechargeable battery. Battery voltage is 14.4 V, capacity 4.2 Ah and energy capacity ~61 Wh.
Amazon link (link opens in the new window).Neato Botvac D5 comes with ‘LaserSmart’ technology, which provides robot vacuum with methodical navigation for room-to-room cleaning, and recharging automatically when necessary. Robot is sensing room constantly to avoid bumping into the furniture, people or pets, even when they move while robot is nearby. Nonetheless, best cleaning results are achieved when there are no changes in configuration of the cleaned room.
Unit works on all floor types and can traverse with ease from carpets to hard floors and back. If there is height difference between floors in various rooms up to the 3/4 of an inch (19 mm), Neato D5 can successfully master it.
Note: high-pile carpets and similar soft floor types can cause issues with moving around and especially can prevent drop (stair) sensors from detecting stairs and similar areas where robot vacuum can fall down.
To Neato D5, one doesn’t need smartphone, tablet or any similar device. However, to exploit its potential fully, it is highly recommended to use the Neato App, which works with both iOS and Android devices.
The Neato App is used to control the robot vacuum. It can be used to start the robot vacuum, to stop it, to schedule the cleaning 7 days a week, receive various status notifications, and to easily locate the robot, no matter where you are. Or where it is – this ‘Find Me’ feature is sometimes underestimated feature, but your robot vacuum can get stuck under the bed or somewhere else where it is hard to find, and in situations like this ‘Find Me’ can be very helpful and save some time 🙂
Neato Boatvac Robot Vacuums Comparison
Neato Boatvac robot vacuums are very similar in appearance, but they differ in several very important features and details. Following table lists some of those differences:
| Model | Neato Botvac D3 Connected | Neato Botvac D80 | Neato Botvac D5 Connected | Neato Botvac Connected |
| Photo |  |
 |
 |
 |
| Neato App – WiFi | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Charging, Auto Charge & Job Resume | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-room Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Job Scheduling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Main Brush | Combo Brush | Combo Brush & Spiral Blade Brush | Combo Brush | Combo Brush & Spiral Blade Brush |
| Side Brush | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air Filter | Standard | High performance | Ultra Performance | Ultra Performance |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Nickel-Metal Hydride | High Capacity Lithium-ion | High Capacity Lithium-ion |
| Max Area Cleaned in 1 Cycle | Up to 1800 sq. ft. (60 min / 180 min) | Up to 3000 sq. ft. (60 min / 180 min) | Up to 4500 sq. ft (90 min / 270 min) | Up to 5000 sq. ft. (120 min / 360 min Eco) |
| Find Me | No | No | Yes | No |
| Manual Drive | No | No | No | Yes |
| Cleaning Summary with Coverage Map | No | No | No | Yes |
| Cleaning History | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| 2x Spot Clean | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Smartwatch Support | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Link | Neato Botvac D3 Connected |
Neato Botvac D80 |
Neato Botvac D5 Connected |
Neato Botvac Connected |
Few Notes:
– Amazon affiliate links open in the new windows, feel free to check them,
– Max Area Cleaned in 1 cycle equals to 3 cleaning runs.
– We have really tried to verify all the details in this table, but the things change over time. New software updates can enable current features and even introduce new ones.
Neato Robovac D5 is very good robot vacuum cleaner and it will help you keep your home clean.
Can such unit replace main vacuum cleaner? In many situations, yes, but I would also recommend a nice cordless or corded stick vacuum cleaner, preferably with two-in-one option, just as emergency vacuum or for areas where Neato can’t reach.
For more reviews and recommendations, check Neato Botvac D5 Connected
With a degree in engineering, Kathryn Hansen loves to write about how things work. Having her own dilemmas on how to pick the best vacuum cleaner for her large family (with a handful of furry four-legged members as well), Kathryn decided to help others in the same situation. After all, vacuum cleaners are critical to a healthy lifestyle and people have a hard time choosing the best one for their needs.
