Neato Botvac D4 Connected is an intelligent robot vacuum cleaner with a D-shaped design. It features laser-guided navigation and can be controlled by intelligent devices such as smartwatches, smartphones, Google Home Assistant, Amazon Alexa, etc.
The Neato Botvac D4 Connected is ideal for apartments and homes of small to medium sizes. You can use it to clean bare floors as well as carpeted areas.
It supports task scheduling, a large dirt bin, wide cleaning paths, recharge resumes, cleaning maps, cleaning history push notifications, etc.
Neato Botvac D4 Connected Specifications
Neato Botvac D4 Connected is distinctive in that it has a ‘D-shaped body’, unlike other robot vacuums that are more round.
Neato Botvac Connected’s ‘D-shaped’ body allows it to reach and clean corners and edges more efficiently, but navigation and maneuvering in tight spaces can be difficult.
Botvac D4 robot vacuum cleaner can be fitted with a wide brush roll measuring 11 inches (28cm) and a large dirt cup measuring 0.7 liters.
Neato Botvac Connected does not include side brushes. This may be useful for cleaning edges. The side brush has Neato Botvac models D5, D6 or D7.
Neato Botvac Connected has two suction modes: Turbo and Eco.
The Eco suction mode can be used for daily cleaning, while the Turbo suction mode can vacuum extra-dirty surfaces.
Turbo mode drains the battery quicker and dramatically increases the unit’s ability to actually clean.
The main cleaning brush is the so-called “Combo Brush”, which can do a great job on both carpeted and bare floors.
Neato Botvac Connected’s wide cleaning path and intelligent, accurate laser navigation system allow it to clean large areas quickly, even when there are not many obstacles.
The laser navigation system is built on Neato’s LaserSmart technology. It creates an accurate map of your home/apartment and helps you locate and dock with the charging/docking stations. This is the basis for the ‘Recharge&Resume’ feature.
Note While the onboard laser navigation system can be pretty accurate, when positioning the charging base, to help it locate and dock with the unit, leave at least 3 feet (1m) of space around the charging station.
Neato Botvac D4 can only create and store a single floor plan. This makes it unsuitable for multi-floor families. Neato D5 and D6 robots support multiple floor plans.
Please note: If there are any wires, toys, and other small objects that the laser navigation system cannot detect, you should remove them from the floor.
Your robot vacuum could get in trouble. For example, wires may get caught around the wheels, jam the brush roll, or get stuck to the brush roll.
After mapping the floor, Neato App offers another feature called ‘No-Go Lines’. The user can draw these virtual lines on the laser-generated map. They are virtual lines that the robot will not cross.
Neato Botvac D4 Connected supports the use of magnetic strips. However, they are omitted as virtual No-Go Lines do a great job.
Neato Botvac D5 and D6 units come with magnetic strips by default.
Botvac D4 can navigate through complex environments and constantly changing settings. Pets are especially interested in robot vacuums, at least initially.
The unit also comes with additional sensors and not only the laser navigation system.
The Botvac can avoid falling from cliffs/stairways by using cliff sensors. With few (if any) false positives on dark/black surfaces, cliff sensors can do their job with little or no problems.
Note While the Neato Botvac DC4 Connected unit is elementary to use and maintain, it’s highly recommended to carefully read the manual before connecting the robot vacuum to the Neato App.
Neato Botvac D4 Connected is a WiFi-enabled unit. The primary method of setting up and controlling the unit’s settings is via the Neato App.
Smartphones, Apple Watch, Amazon Echo, and Google Home, are supported and recommended.
Many features are only available via the Neato app, such as Neato FloorPlanner, instant notifications, battery status, and maintenance alerts, push notifications regarding robot software updates, manageable control and scheduling, and more.
Neato Botvac Connected can only be used with the control buttons located on top of the unit
- Click the start button once to do a complete house clean.
- Press the start button twice to clean the spot (7x7ft).
Neato App is required to exploit the robot vacuum’s features fully.
Neato BotvacD4 has a high-efficiency filter that can filter out 99.9% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns. This is important for anyone who has pets, or children, or is suffering from asthma or allergies.
What’s the Neato Botvac Connected D4?
Robot vacuum cleaners that are cheaper tend to be less powerful, have fewer features, or offer both.
The Neato Botvac D4 Connected is slightly different. It provides high-end features like the Botvac D6 and Botvac D7 connected.
However, there are some compromises: Edge performance is lower than higher-end models, and the older brush bars aren’t as effective as, the newer ones. Even so, budget-conscious users will still find much to love here.
Read More: Dyson DC41 Vacuum Cleaners Reviews
Neato Botvac D4 Connected – Design
The Botvac D4 Connected has a distinctive “D” shape that makes it easy to see why it is a Neato product. The vacuum can fit into corners to provide the best edge performance. It is also the same size as the D6 Connected at 319x336x100mm.
There are advantages and disadvantages to the robot’s size. The robot can fit under most furniture pieces, including sofas.
This is the main advantage. However, the robot’s width can make it difficult for cleaners to pass through obstacles like dining chairs’ legs.
The Neato Botvac D4Connected is lighter than the D6Connected. However, this could be due to the smaller brush bar and older style.
As with other models, this is also removable, so you can replace or clean hair around it using the included razor.
This model does not have a side brush to push edge dirt into its path. The brush’s location is visible, indicating that the chassis of this model is identical to the higher-end models.
For a two-pack, the meeting should be replaced every six months at around PS23. You don’t need the side brushes that come with the kit.
The 0.7-litre bin is revealed inside by the flap at the top. The bin flap is next to the handle that lifts the robot. It’s easy to flip the lid open accidentally.
The Neato Botvac D4Connected is a less expensive model that uses the primary filter. This will trap more dust.
The Botvac D6 or Botvac W7 Connected may be more suitable for allergy sufferers. Filters should be replaced every one to two weeks at around PS18 per pack. The app will notify you when it is time to change the filter.
Neato Botvac d4 Connected – Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, IFTTT
Neato makes some of the most connected robot vacuum cleaners, and the Neato Botvac D4Connected is no exception.
Amazon Alexa supports you to start, stop, and return the robot to its dock. It works flawlessly, and if there are multiple robots, the user is asked which one they want to use the command to.
Google Home support is similar to the Home app. However, you cannot add the Neato Skill via the Home app. You must instead use the Assistant app. This can be a bit frustrating.
It’s great to use IFTTT to control your cleaner when you have other things happen.
You can have the Neato Botvac D4 connected to automatically start a cleaning when you leave or stop it when your smart doorbell rings.
The Neato Botvac D4 connected is far more intelligent than its competitors if you are willing to program some rules.
Neato Botvac d4 Connected – How clean is it?
The one area where cheap models can let down is performance. The Neato Botvac D4 Connected isn’t as efficient as its bigger brothers in this regard. I used flour and carpet cleaner powder to clean hard floors.
The robot could navigate the room well enough to cover most of it, but there was still a faint outline of an X at one end of the room.
The smaller brush bar and the absence of the side brush have an impact. The robot was more efficient in the middle of the room and picked up most of the mess.
Neato Botvac d4 Connected: How does it handle obstacles?
Navigation is Neato’s strength, and the Botvac D4 can get around just as well as its more expensive stablemates.
The cleaner was able to mount my front door mat without any problems. The cleaner did not slip down the small steps into the kitchen.
These issues are typical of the Neato Botvac range. The robot has difficulty with small gaps due to its vast body.
I had to lift and move some dining chairs to clean the tablet thoroughly. All robot vacuum cleaners need to be managed to get the best cleaning.
Why should you buy the Neato Botvac Connected D4?
The Ecovacs Deebot Zumo 930 is the direct competitor at this price. It has similar carpet, hard floor vacuuming performance, and similar navigation skills.
The Ozmo 930 can mop hard floors. It’s the best choice if you have hard floors.
It would help if you spent more to reduce the vacuum amount dramatically. The Neato Botvac D6Connected is an excellent upgrade, offering better pick-up for carpet and hard floors.
The Dyson 360 Eye, which is taller than the Dyson 360 Eye, can be used for more powerful cleaning. However, it won’t fit most sofas due to its higher design.
The Neato Botvac Connected vacuum cleaner is affordable for essential home maintenance. It is excellent because of its intelligent software and many connectivity options.
Neato Botvac D3 vs D4 vs D5 vs D6 vs D7 Connected Robot Vacuum Cleaners
Neato Robotics produces several Neato Botvac units. They differ in their list of features and, of course, price.
Below is a list of the most important specifications and features for Neato Robotics robot vacuum cleaners.
| Model | Neato Botvac D3 | Neato Botvac D4 | Neato Botvac D5 | Neato Botvac D6 | Neato Botvac D7 |
| Max. Maximum Operating Time | 60 minutes | 75 minutes | 90 minutes | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Auto-Recharge | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Time | 100 minutes | 100 minutes | 150 minutes | 150 minutes | 150 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes, up to 2x per cleaning job | Yes, up to 2x per cleaning job | Yes, up to 2x per cleaning job | Yes, up to 2x per cleaning job | Yes, up to 2x per cleaning job |
| Recommended Cleaning Area | 1076 ft2 (100 m2) | 1184 ft2 (110 m2) | 1184 ft2 (110 m2) | 1292 ft2 (120 m2) | 1292 ft2 (120 m2) |
| Main Brush | Combo Brush | Combo Brush | Combo Brush | Spiral Combo Brush | Spiral Combo Brush |
| Side Brush | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air Filter | Standard | High Performance | Ultra Performance | Ultra Performance | Ultra Performance |
| No-Go Lines | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LDS Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Floor Plans | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Zone Cleaning | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Spot cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eco/Turbo Cleaning Modes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| History of Cleaning Tasks and Statistics | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cleaning Task Summary and Coverage Map | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Boundary Strips (2m). | Other Products Not Included | Other Products Not Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Alexa | Supported | Supported | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Google Home Assistant | Supported | Supported | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Apple Watch | Supported | Supported | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Dirt Bin | 700 ml | 700 ml | 700 ml | 700 ml | 700 ml |
| Max. Maximum. | 0.75 inches (19 mm). | 0.75 inches (19 mm). | 0.75 inches (19 mm). | 0.75 inches (19 mm). | 0.75 inches (19 mm). |
| Dimensions | 12.6 x 13.2x 3.9 inches | 12.56 x 13.21x 3.92 inches | 12.56 x 13.21x 3.92 inches | 12.56 x 13.21x 3.92 inches | 12.56 x 13.21x 3.92 inches |
| Weight | 7.37 lbs (3.34 kg) | 7.37 lbs (3.34 kg) | 7.5 lbs (3.4kg) | 7.5 lbs (3.4kg) | 7.5 lb (3.4 kg). |
| Warranty | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months |
| Amazon Link | Neato Botvac D3 | Neato Robotics D4 | Neato Botvac D5 | Neato Robotics D6 | Neato Robotics D7 |
Note that Amazon links open within new windows. Please check them out for the most current offers and prices.
The Neato Botvac DC4 has a long operating time, which is enough to clean small and medium-sized homes.
However, the Resume & Charge feature (available twice during a single cleaning task) can make it more effective in cleaning more extensive areas, making it possible to clean large homes and apartments.
It doesn’t include the side brushes, it can’t support multiple floor plans, it can’t keep the “Find me” feature, and it’s not shipped with magnetic boundary strips.
Neato Botvac D4 Connected – Features
The Neato Botvac Connected has only one button. A single tap will start a regular clean. A double tap will do a spot cleaning (a seven-foot-square area).
This is useful for cleaning up specific spillages without cleaning your entire house.
Only the app can unlock the main features of the robot. Multiple robots can be connected to the app.
When you do a unique clean, the Neato Botvac D4 connected can create a map for your home. The robot can use the floor map to locate it,
You can also draw lines on the map to create no-go zones. Although these maps can block off an area or a whole room, they aren’t precise enough.
This model does not come with magnetic border tape, as the higher-end models do.
The no-go zones work just like the Neato robots. You must start a clean in the app instead of pressing the button.
The D6 Connected only supports one map, while the D6 Connected can support three.
The difference is that the D4 Connected can only move to new areas if it explores and doesn’t follow the best path. The D4 Connected can work in darkness thanks to laser navigation.
The app offers two cleaning modes: Eco and Turbo. The robot was measured at 70.6dB using Eco mode. This is slightly less than the D6 Connected.
Turbo mode increases suction power and brush speeds, and the robot is quite loud.
Battery life can last up to 75 minutes. This is significantly shorter than the 120 minutes for the D6 Connected.
The Neato Botvac D4 Connected is better suited for smaller properties. The D4 Connected can also return to its dock and recharge itself mid-clean.
The robot can use Quick Boost and a floor plan to calculate how much charge it will need to complete the task, reducing cleaning time.
Scheduling allows you to choose when the Neato Botvac Connected cleans your home. It also helps you keep it tidy automatically. You might need to move some furniture first to get the best cleaning.
Conclusion
The Neato D4 would score a B+ if it were a high school student. Although it isn’t the most advanced mapping robot and didn’t score the highest in our test of vacuums, it does a good job.
It created a floor plan in minutes and vacuumed up all the dust and carpet fuzz for $429.
Although the Shark Ion R85 is cheaper ($349), it performs slightly better and offers more mapping. While the Neato Botvac D7 provides room-specific cleaning and multiple floor plans, it will cost you $600.
The Neato D4 is an excellent choice if you want your robot vacuum to be able to tell where it shouldn’t go.
The Neato D4 is a top-of-the-line robot vacuum for its solid cleaning performance and outstanding mapping technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neato a good robot vacuum?
The Good. The Neato Botvac Connected robot vacuum is one of the most efficient we have ever tested. The Neato app, designed and intuitively easy to use, finally adds remote control functionality to Botvac’s line. Amazon’s Alexa voice platform can also control it.
Is Neato D4 equipped with mapping?
Although the Neato Botvac D4 connected is not cheap, it provides virtual borders and custom cleaning maps at a fraction of the cost of other robot vacuums.
How long does Neato Botvac stay?
According to McNair stamping, the batteries last between 100 and 150 recharges. You gradually reduce the battery’s life when you return the Neato to the charging base to recharge.
The batteries usually last 8 Months in my case, which I clean 1-2 times per week (3 charges each).
Which Neato Botvac is best?
The Neato Botvac is an excellent tool for cleaning bare floors. It can wash bare feet well, pick up small and large particles and pet hair.
Although it has excellent build quality, the dirt compartment is not visible, so it must be monitored as it fills up.
How can you get Neato clean one room?
If you only need to clean one room, you can manually position your robot, press the start button, and close the door.
The robot from Neato will clean the room and return it to its original location. After cleaning the robot, please place it on its charging base.
What does Neato do to spot clean work?
The Neato robot will sweep the floor from one level and move seamlessly from room to room. Spot Cleaning can be initiated by twice pressing the Start Button.
The robot will stop if you press the Start Button twice during Spot Cleaning. It will resume if you press the Start Button again.