Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro: Affordable Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum-Mop That Delivers Value with a Few Caveats

Ecovacs also promotes its TrueDetect 3D and TrueMapping technologies, claiming they enhance navigational efficacy. I generally encountered no navigation issues with the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro, as it navigated my home effortlessly while avoiding significant contact with furniture and walls. In fact, the N8 Pro typically stopped before contacting obstacles and only once partially drove over a small ledge and got stuck.

Mapping accuracy was satisfactory with the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro. Room designations were clear, rugs were automatically detected and included in cleaning schedules, and minor adjustments to the layout, such as moving chairs and coffee tables, did not hinder the device’s performance. The map quickly adapted to more permanent alterations, as shifting the dock caused no navigational problems.

Although its speed isn’t drastically different from devices like the 360 S7, the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro was somewhat slower to traverse and complete cleaning tasks, especially when switching between rooms. While this slower pace wasn’t a major inconvenience, it wasn’t particularly ideal either.

Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro App Features

The Ecovacs Home app is employed to control and manage the Deebot N8 Pro and the Auto Empty Station functionality while the robot is docked. Available on both Android and iOS, the app allows multiple devices to log into the same account and control the same unit. Furthermore, you can integrate the app with Google Assistant and Alexa for limited voice control.

Setting up the app is relatively straightforward and took me around ten minutes. It enables management of multiple homes and robots if you possess several Ecovacs products in different locations. After setup, the app’s home screen displays essential information, including the robot’s connectivity and battery level, and provides options to quickly initiate an automatic cleaning task or return the Deebot N8 Pro to its charging dock.

The app for the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

A Smart Cleaning section encompasses most of the app’s features. This includes the map (showing real-time positioning and cleaning progress during tasks), cleaning statistics and preferences, as well as map customization settings such as virtual walls and no-go zones. You can also adjust preferences for the Auto Empty Station, TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance, and scheduling for automatic operations, among other options.

The app is quite comprehensive, offering significant control over Deebot N8 Pro operations. It performed reliably under heavy usage, although I did encounter some bugs with map generation and connectivity on occasion. This stands out as one of the better apps I’ve interacted with for robotic cleaners, achieving a good equilibrium between usability and detailed control.

Cleaning Performance of the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro

In contrast to the iRobot Roomba j7+, the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro can perform sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping concurrently. This renders it a more versatile cleaning appliance, as it offers all these features (along with self-cleaning capabilities) at significantly lower prices compared to the iRobot lineup.

Indeed, the Ecovacs Deebot N8 is more comparable to my preferred cleaning robot, the 360 S7. However, it notably includes compatibility with the reasonably priced Auto Empty Station, enhancing its overall appeal as it simplifies maintenance. Do consider, though, that the cost of consumables, like dust bags, on Ecovacs models can be relatively high.

When comparing cleaning capabilities, the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro theoretically exceeds the 360 S7 in power, boasting a peak suction of 2,600pa. Yet, this power level is only reached in the notably loud ‘Max+’ setting, which consumes significant energy; the more moderate settings do not perform as well for vacuuming. Often, I found myself needing to run the device twice over the same spot to achieve a genuinely clean floor.

The mopping efficiency mirrored this trend — typically requiring two passes to accomplish what other vacuums could do in one. Moreover, as indicated earlier, the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro operates at a slower pace than rival devices, extending the time needed to finish tasks.

For the Auto Empty Station to function with the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro, you must attach the specific dustbin.

On average, it took about 40 minutes to clean my 900-square-foot apartment in a single cycle, and running the device twice with separate vacuuming and mopping sessions extended the total time to about two hours a day. This is manageable if you plan to automate its operation or run it when you’re not home; however, it could be somewhat disruptive (and noisy) if you’re present during cleaning sessions.

The Auto Empty Station can automatically clear the dustbin after each task, but I opted to do this manually instead, which was as easy as tapping a button on the app when the robot was docked. The suction mechanism of the Auto Empty Station is quite loud and runs for a few seconds to clear out the dustbin. While most dust and debris were removed, a bit tended to linger until I manually brushed it out every few weeks.

The dust bag is designed for 30 days of use, though this can vary based on individual household conditions and usage levels. I didn’t have to replace the dust bag during my testing period (which was just under 30 days), suggesting that it could last as indicated or even longer.

Charging and Battery Life of the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro

While Ecovacs doesn’t specify the battery capacity of the Deebot N8 Pro, it is equipped with a robust battery that supports extensive cleaning operations or multiple cycles on a single charge. I managed to clean my entire home once, followed by a mopping run at silent mode, with the battery level dropping to around 35%. Two sequential vacuum cycles would leave about a 20% charge remaining.

This is quite impressive, indicating that the device could potentially clean up to 2,000 square feet in a single charge. Similar to competing models, the Deebot N8 Pro can pause its task to return for recharging if it runs low on power, and it will pick up where it left off once recharged. Charging via the Auto Empty Station took about three hours from a 20% charge, suggesting it may require around four hours to completely recharge a fully depleted battery.

Conclusion

Ecovacs has established a presence in India, and the Deebot N8 Pro notably stands out as a compelling option worth considering. Its compatibility with the Auto Empty Station makes it one of the more affordable products offering such functionality currently available. The strong companion app, decent navigation, and good battery performance add to its appeal.

The primary downside of the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro lies in its somewhat inadequate cleaning efficiency, necessitating multiple cycles to achieve similar results to some competitive offerings. This isn’t a major drawback, and the extra time may be justifiable given the ease of maintenance provided by the Auto Empty Station. Overall, the Deebot N8 Pro and the Auto Empty Station present excellent value and a robust feature set.

Price: Rs. 36,900 (Deebot N8 Pro), Rs. 17,900 (Auto Empty Station)

Rating: 8/10

Pros:

• Long-lasting battery
• Exceptional app interface
• Effective navigation and mapping
• Auto Empty Station functions efficiently
• Great value for the price

Cons:

• Slower movement
• Requires multiple passes for thorough cleaning
• Expensive consumables