In this article, we are going to discuss two mid-range robot vacuums Neato D3 and D5.
So let’s get started…
The Botvac D3 is at the lower side and D5 lies somewhere between D3 and D7.
Let’s discuss in details to find out the similarities and differences.
Neato Robot Vacuums: D-Series
Table of Contents
Neato is a big name known for making robotics since 2005, and they have their headquarters in Newark, California, and they started manufacturing robot vacuums back in 2010.
The very first robot vacuum by Neato launched was XV-series, which slowly developed into the Neato Botvac. The Botvac was officially announced in 2014 with eight models being produced and after that Neato started Botvac Connected series.
- Neato Botvac 70e
- Neato Botvac 75
- Neato Botvac 80
- Neato Botvac 85
- Neato Botvac D75
- Neato Botvac D80
- Neato Botvac D85
The Botvac Connected series is a collection of advanced robot vacuums with advanced features like Wifi-connectivity to provide the convenience of smartphone control. These are the vacuums in Connected line:
All of these vacuums are impressive and different in features and capabilities.
But, in this comparison article, we are going to compare Neato Botvac D3 vs. D5.
Neato D3 vs. D5 vs. D7 Comparison Chart
The comparison chart below shows features of the three distinct models of D-series Connected line.
| Model | D3 | D5 | D7 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-charge & Resume | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cleaning Summary | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage Maps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control | No | Yes | Yes |
| Boundary Markers | Not Included; Optional | Markers Included | Digital ‘No-Go’ Lines |
| Brushroll | Combo | Combo | Spiral Combo |
| Filter | Standard | Ultra-Performance | Ultra-Performance |
| Run Time | ~60 minute | ~90 minute | ~120 minute |
| Width | 12.7″ | 12.7″ | 12.7″ |
| Depth | 13.2″ | 13.2″ | 13.2″ |
| Height | 3.9″ | 3.9″ | 3.9″ |
| Weight | 8 lbs. | 8 lbs. | 8 lbs. |
| Dust Bin Capacity | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Maintenance Costs | $138 / year | $174 / year | $174 / year |
| Buy | Buy It Now | Buy It Now | Buy It Now |
Design
In terms of look and design Neato Botvac D3 and Botvac D5, both are identical and even feature buttons are stylings are similar.
Botvacs navigate smoothly, thanks to the central Neato “Botvision” camera. Both the D3 and D5 navigate in straighter, more methodical patterns rather than a random, zig-zag pattern of competitive models.
The lower left side contains three function buttons:
Starting/pausing a cleaning
Checking battery life
Spot-cleaning
A rubberized bumper on the sides is for furniture protection and vacuum body, in case of bumps.
How it Cleans
Fortunately, both the D3 and D5 are similar in cleaning as well. They are equipped with edge-to-edge combination brushroll that removes dirt, debris, by combining soft bristles with rubberized blades without causing tangles.
Similarly, both of these robot vacuums move on two large wheels to transition easily from various floor types and over cords, etc.
A difference between D3 and D5 is that the D5 robot boasts a side spinning brush on the underside of the robot, while the D3 doesn’t.
A downside to all these models (D3, D5 or D7) is that they lack full dust bin indicator. Although it has nothing to do with cleaning performance, it can be important for some users.
Size & Dimensions
In terms of size and Dimensions, both vacuums are also the same. They are both:
Length – 12.7″
Width – 13.2″ (at the widest point in the back)
Height – 3.9″
Weight – 8 lbs.
Accessories & Parts
Both of these vacuums come with a range of accessories or parts. Also, similar design means similar parts. Both the Botvac D3 and D5 has a charging base and cords, including the following accessories.
Combo Brushroll: Helps to agitate, and suck up all dirt, dist, and debris from various floor types.
Standard Filter: It’s the basic filter that is similar to Neato but it’s less costly when you replace it.
Ultra Performance Filter: This filter exists in D5 and it’s better than High-Performance filter which is usually available in Botvac D80 / D85. Similarly, the Botvac D3 comes with a Standard filter.
Lithium-Ion Battery: The Neato Botvac D3 can run for 60 minutes with the standard Lithium-ion battery, while the Botvac D5 with high-capacity Lithium-ion battery can run for more than 90-minutes.
Side Brush: The D5 is equipped with a side spinning brush to capture dirt and debris from the edges, especially in tight corners.
Cleaning Tool: Both the D3 and D5 have this tool which is used to clean the brushroll or filters for regular maintenance.
Choosing one of these vacuums depends on which vacuum can handle a variety of debris like cereal, kitty litter, rice, and sugar as well as different floor types, hardwood floors, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet.
Is Botvacs Easy to Use?
Yes, both vacuums are user-friendly and fairly easy to set up.
Both of these robotic models have some buttons on their body which are used for different functions. The power button is located at the most left side and is the largest button. The “info” LED light and “battery” LED light is located at the right side of the power button and provide additional information about vacuum status.
Here’s how to control the D3 Connected:
- Physical buttons on the vacuum
- Using a smartphone or tablet
- Through voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
Here’s how to control the D5 connected:
- Physical buttons on the vacuum
- Physical remote control
- Using a smartphone or tablet
- Through voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
The D3 sometimes breaks wifi connection, so it involves reconnecting but this was a customer complaint. Not a constant problem.
Maneuverability
Both of these vacuums almost move similar moving pattern because of the same D-style body, weight, and height. Furthermore, the 3.9″ small height allows these bots to sneak under most furniture.
Don’t take these as the thin vacuums, because the thinnest vacuums to date are Pure Clean robot vacuum at 2.9″.
Maintenance
Maintenance is the biggest are of different in both of these vacuums. Between the D3 vs. D5, but the decision is not easier as both have an excessively high annual maintenance cost.
Let’s have a look at the maintenance cost schedule by the manufacturer. Sometimes you can get parts directly by the manufacturer and sometimes a third party is an alternative with a lower price.
The table below shows projected annual maintenance costs for the Neato Botvac D series:
| Replacement Part | Replacement Frequency | Neato D3 | Neato D5 | Neato D7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filter | 1-2 months | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Combo Brushroll | 6-8 months | Check Price | Check Price | NA |
| Battery | 1-2 Years | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Spinning Side Brush | 6-12 months | NA | Check Price | Check Price |
| Boundary Marker | Optional | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
This replacement frequency can be excessive as well as aggressive by any robot vacuum manufacturer which can cost you $138/year for D3 and $174/year for D5.
Conservative Replacements
To keep your Neato well maintained you can be a little conservative about it and will spend much less. You can replace the filter every 3-6 months, brushroll every 2-3 years, battery every 2 years, and you will see cost drops instantly.
So with the conservative replacement schedule, the prices mentioned above will be reduced to half.
Battery
Both of these vacuums are equipped with Lithium-ion batteries but of different type. The D3 comes with a standard type that lasts for only 60 minutes and the D5 comes with a high-capacity type that lasts for up to 90 minutes in a single charge.
The automatic recharge feature allows the bot to head back to the charging station for recharge and starts from the exact same point where it left. The Botvacs can recharge twice, for up to three full run time cycles.
As far as the battery life is concerned, the battery should last for average 1-3 years but it totally depends on the usage. Let’s have a look at the table below for more information about batteries.
| Battery | D3 Connected | D5 Connected | D7 Connected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 2,100 mAh | 4,200 mAh | 4,200 mAh |
| Charging Time | 5-6 hours | 2-3 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Run Time | ~60 minutes | ~90 minutes | ~120 minutes |
| Replacement Cost | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Are Neato Botvacs A Good Value?
So, which Neato is right for you that provides better value?
The similarities between the Neato Botvac D3 and Neato D5 are navigation, software, design, and wifi-connectivity.
These are the differences between them:
- Overall run time
- Filters
- Boundary Marker
- Battery
- Price
According to the importance of these features, the value may vary.
Note that, the D3 has room for upgradation. The “Ultra-Performance” filters of the D5 can also be used for the D3. Similarly, the boundary markers can also be used because of the same software.
Neato Botvac D3 Robot Vacuum
Dimensions: 12.7″ x 13.2″ x3.9″
Run Time: ~60 minutes
Maintenance: ~$138 / year
Weight: 8 pounds
The Neato Botvac D3 is the base model of this latest series, which includes all of Neato’s wifi-enabled vacuums.
The D3 has a sleek D-style design, simple user interface, and some extra parts. With that in mind, the parts it does need to add up to pretty substantial annual maintenance costs.
Pros
Affordable price than the Botvac D5
60-minute run time
Voice control compatibility through Alexa, Google Home, or Neato Chatbot.
Cons
No included boundary markers limit capabilities for custom cleaning.
Lacks remote control, either control through physical buttons or smartphone.
The standard filter may leave dirt particles behind.
Neato Botvac D5 Robot Vacuum
Dimensions: 12.7″ x 13.2″ x 3.9″
Run time: ~90 minutes
Maintenance: ~$171 / year
Weight: 8 pounds
The Neato Botvac D5 is not a lower priced vacuums but its also not expensive. It’s a mid-range model that shares similar look, design, size, combo brushroll, and many other accessories with the D3.
The D5 not only uses combo brushroll to capture dirt and debris, but a small spinning brush on the sides is also used to lift dirt particles sprinkled on the sides along edges.
The D5 boasts an advanced ultra-performance filter which can remove particles small as 0.3 micros similar to Dyson vacuum cleaner filters with their cyclone system. The D3 lacks a remote control, the D5 comes with one for enhanced cleaning options.
The Botvac D5 allows you to customize the cleaning area using physical boundary markers which is similar to Shark Ion robot vacuum boundaries.
Pros
Gives 90-minutes longer run time
An advanced filter is capable to suck even the smallest particle
Come with physical boundary markers and remote control
Cons
Expensive price tag
Lacks digital boundaries like D7
Maintenance costs are high
So…Which is Better? Neato Botvac D3 vs. D5
So now you have seen both the D3 and D5 offers great features that you are looking for.
We also discussed the similarities and differences between these machines.
Let’s discuss it more to help you make a better decision.
Run Time
The major difference between both these robots is that the D3 gives 60 minutes run time while the D5 gives 90 minutes run time. But, both vacuums are capable to recharge mid-cycle and get back to finish the cleaning job once refilled.
Battery
The D3 comes with a standard Lithium-ion battery, while the D5 comes with a high-capacity Lithium ion-battery and battery decides the overall run time for a robot that how much area it will cover in a cycle.
The D3 can clean up to 1800 sf, while the D5 can clean up to 4500 sf per cycle.
Filters
The Botvac D3 has a standard filter, the D5 has advanced ultra performance filter which is great for allergies and removes pollutants in the air.
Similarly, the Ultra Performance filter comes with a new latch design that not only makes capturing debris a breeze but also easy to take in and out but this facility costs more than the standard filter.
Boundary Markers
The Botvac D5 brings boundary markers in the package, while the D3 doesn’t, so you buy them separately. If you wanted to restrict bot to go in certain areas and divide space, then D5 may be the nice option.
Similarly, the Neato Botvac D7 that not only brings unlimited barriers but the digital “No-Go” lines allowing you to draw lines using your finger on your smartphone or tablet.
Despite the differences, there’s a lot common in both of these models and let’s quickly recap for both of these models.
Should You Buy the Neato Botvac D3 Connected?
The Neato D3 is recommended for those:
- Want a lower price
- 60-minutes run time is enough
- Live in a small apartment or home where 1800 sf. is enough to clean
- Are interested in upgrading certain parts over time
If you want the Botvac D3 for yourself, check what the real buyers are saying.
Should You Buy the Neato Botvac D5 Connected?
The Neato D5 is recommended for those:
- Have deep pockets and don’t hesitate to spend for premium features
- Want a longer run time
- Want to clean larger spaces
- Want advanced filtration for allergy sufferers.
If you also want to get the D5, check what real D5 buyers are saying.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning
D5 is more powerful and have advanced filtration system for ultra-fine debris and particulate
most debris types
fine sugar debris
excellent performance for rice, cereal, and kitty litter
debris sprinkled on the carpet
all debris types like large debris
cleaning path on hardwoods
corners to clean tight edges
estimate
agitate
suck up debris
subtle
progressively
In this article, you will find out the difference between Neato Botvac D3 and D5. We discussed both of these vacuums in great details to help you to make the best decision.
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