The WINBOT NEO is a brand new window cleaning device by Ecovacs, available exclusively through Aldi's September 17th Special Buys, although it sure looks a lot like the WINBOT W1 Pro.
Released in Q1 last year, the WINBOT W1 Pro shares pretty much all the same specs as the new NEO. Both have 2,800pa suction power to keep the cleaner connected to the window, both utilise WIN-SLAM 3.0 for smart navigation, both use a microfibre cleaning cloth and a dual direction spray, and they both integrate directly into the ECOVACS app. Apart from some cosmetic differences I am finding it hard to see the difference between the two devices.
Even if this new robot window cleaner isn't exactly like last year's Pro, there are enough similarities to draw on our review of the WINBOT Pro. In our testing we found that this new kind of cleaning robot shares many similarities with early robot vacuum models. WIN-SLAM 3.0 seemingly uses a similar bumper-style navigation technology. As the cleaner hits the side of the window it will redirect itself until it hits another edge. It uses a removable microfibre cloth like we have seen in earlier robot mopping - which in all fairness is much better suited to window cleaning.
Most importantly however, the cleaning device does indeed clean windows pretty well. Provided that they aren't absolutely disgusting to begin with that is. As is the case for earlier robot vacuums, the WINBOT functions best as a maintenance device. It does a decent job creating a streak-free clean, but you'll want to make sure you're touching it up yourself in between cleans.
When we reviewed the WINBOT W1 PRO, our main qualm was about the price. Regularly retailing for $799, it is an expensive maintenance solution - but at the discounted $399 Aldi price that equation changes. For half the asking price, this device could be an excellent solution for people with big windows, looking to cut back on the perpetual cleaning cycle.
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