Eufy by Anker is a brand that's best known for its home security. But did you know they also make robot vacuum cleaners?
Read my in-depth Eufy Robovac X8 review to find out what I made of this little household helper.
Eufy Robovac X8, £399.99 349.99
Eufy is actually one of the biggest manufacturers of robot vacuum cleaners on the market, alongside the likes of Roomba, Shark and Proscenic.
The brand's robot vacs use modern tech and intelligent new features like laser mapping and LiDAR sensors (this is the same sensor that is in self-driving cars, by the way).
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The Robovac line is a pretty expansive one, with models that cover a range of budgets - the X8 falls somewhere right in the middle, neither budget-friendly nor high-end and premium.
The Robovac is available to buy from Amazon and the Eufy website but before you go making any impulse decisions, it's worth working out if the mid-range X8 is the right one for you.
Read my in-depth, hands-on Eufy Robovac X8 review to find out more - I go through everything, from performance to price to design to battery life.
Overall rating: 4/5
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Handles rugs and door thresholds well
- Google Assistant and Alexa integration
- Four suction levels
Cons:
- The first charge takes a while
- Charging dock requires a metre either side clearance
- Will not fit under some low furniture
Eufy Robovac X8 review: How we tested
Ah, the joys of home cleanliness: it’s like having two jobs, except one of them never seems to end.
For an entire month, I decided to play guinea pig with the Eufy Robovac X8, putting it through its paces across the ground floor of my home.
A daily clean (sometimes even twice-daily) of a high-traffic hallway (the Grand Central Station of my abode), a kitchen, a downstairs cloakroom, and a living room, plus the less trodden paths of my conservatory and study.
All in all, we're talking about a 419-square-foot adventure zone.
Now, let's add a bit of spice to the mix: a two-year-old black Labrador, who sheds so much fur it’s a miracle he has any hair left at all, who loves to bring in all manner of items from outdoors.
Floor-wise, my home is decked out in LVT floors (Amtico, for those in the know) with various tiled surfaces in the kitchen and cloakroom. No carpets for me in this lifetime.
The thought of them slowly morphing into a dust mite's paradise over the years just doesn't sit well with my clean home ethos.
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So, how did the Eufy Robovac fare in this domestic jungle? Read on.
Eufy Robovac X8 review: At a glance
This Eufy RoboVac X8 is the robo-pet that you never knew you needed.
With a battery life of up to three hours and intelligent space-age features to ensure a good clean, it’s perfect for those time-poor or pet-rich amongst us.
My particular favourite features of the X8 RoboVac are the useability of the app and being able to send it to any room that needs a quick whizz around.
The cons are far and few between, but if you have low furniture or a particular mountainous room (think dining-room table bases and floor cushions, etc) then it may struggle to navigate due to its taller physique.
The only other con that I found, to be honest, was that it can’t do the rest of my housework.
Eufy Robovac X8 review: First impressions
Unboxing
The vacuum arrived in a neatly stored box and without an abundance of unnecessary packaging - compact, neat and with a handy carry handle.
Each piece was individually wrapped and it didn’t take long to unpack it and put it all together.
It even comes with a spare filter and brush - handy, so that you don’t have an immediate meltdown on the day your little friend loudly announces that it needs some new parts (apparently it keeps track of these kinds of things).
Setup
Upon opening the box and taking a quick glance at the instructions I was immediately taken on a nostalgic trip back to the era of the Nokia 3310 - a time when waiting for your device to charge before its inaugural journey was the norm.
I was surprised when I discovered that this little marvel of cleaning technology wasn't ready to go straight out of the box.
So we let the RoboVac charge for a leisurely six hours - only then did it grace us with a green light signalling it was ready for domestic duties.
Getting the app up and running was a breeze, coming with instructions clear enough to make even the most tech-averse user feel like a Silicon Valley insider.
I did have to create an account on the Eufy Clean app but it was all relatively easy.
I could even invite my boyfriend into the fold so that we could control it from two phones and he could do some of the housework for a change (err, kind of anyway).
It's this mix of old-fashioned prep and modern ease that sets the stage for the RoboVac X8's home debut.
The first voyage was the little guy mapping my space (for this, you may want to ensure that all doors are open and anything that doesn’t usually live on the ground is up and away, lest it be swallowed up).
Eufy Robovac X8 review: Price and availability
The Eufy RoboVac X8 has an RRP of £399.99 on the brand's website.
You can snag this dust-busting companion directly from Eufy or Amazon and as there are newer models out, you can usually find this with a discount.
At the time of writing this review, I found it available for £349.99 at Amazon.
For those who dream of a gadget that not only sucks up dust but also mops away grime, the Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid is the glamorous upgrade.
This dual-threat cleaner is on the market for £499.99. It's like getting two devices in one, saving you the hassle (and space) of owning separate gadgets for vacuuming and mopping.
Whether the extra mopping feature is worth the additional cash is a dance between your cleaning needs and the capacities of your wallet.
In my case, if I trust it with how many rugs I have (spoiler alert: it’s more rugs than any one person ever needs).
Eufy Robovac X8 review: Design and build
Laying eyes on the Eufy RoboVac X8 for the first time after unboxing, one thing's for certain: it's got style.
Actually, it's the kind of chic, well-constructed gadget that you'd display with a hint of pride, almost like a tech trophy on your living room floor.
Sure, it's a tad chunkier than some of its rivals, but we're not talking about a deal-breaker size difference here.
It blends into the home without shouting for attention – a subtle presence, if you will.
Now, about its height: yes, it's a bit taller, which means it plays a game of "can I fit under here?" with some lower-slung furniture.
That said, it navigates under our sofa and armchair with the finesse of a limbo champion. It's a small compromise for a device that otherwise looks and acts like it's ready to take on the world of domestic dust and debris.
It feels sturdy and well made with subtle blue and red lines on a piano black base.
As well as the app, there is a control panel on board that allows for a few options for when you’re in a pinch: start auto-clean, return to base for charging, plus a quick spot clean.
There's also a handy Wi-Fi light that tells you that it’s tapped into the internet and ready to fire on all cylinders.
Eufy Robovac X8 review: Features and performance
Suction strength
I'll be candid: my floors, at the very best, are a museum exhibiting how much fur my dog can shed in one singular day and at worst, well... downright disgusting.
The X8 snagged about 90% of the dog hair in the first round. Interestingly, it preferred rugs, whereas with the dog hair it often just blew it around rather than consuming it.
Yet, when it comes to the daily dust and dander derby, this vacuum is a champ - the proof is there, filling the container.
It's a departure from the once-a-week, arm workout of traditional vacuuming, instead, the real winning formula for this X8 is the "little and often" cleaning philosophy. We were shocked at how much dirt it managed to pick up day after day, even when the house was seemingly spotless.
Another little gripe I have is its insatiable hunger for the laces of running shoes, which sit in my shoe rack -even there, elevated, they're still found by the X8 who manages to chew at them. Not ideal.
It promptly goes into what can only be described as a ‘tizzy’ and, once again, it needs rescuing.
Maintenance is required, but it's minimal. A bit of sensor-cleaning, filter-washing, and brush-replacing - this is all standard robot vacuum care that's a small price to pay for reclaiming your time from the shackles of regular vacuuming.
Container capacity
The dust container is a mixed bag. On one hand, its 0.15-gallon capacity is decent, and Eufy's UltraPack technology compacts debris, meaning fewer trips to the bin for you.
However, Eufy recommends emptying it after every use, which sounds a bit high maintenance for something supposed to simplify life.
Plus, regular washing of its filter is necessary to keep it in tip-top shape. It does comes with a little built-in brush that clips directly to the dust container so it’s easy but definitely something to keep in mind.
We found that giving the filter a little tap inside the bin freed up the majority of the dirt, but ran the risk of sending some unwelcome dust particles into the kitchen airspace.
Mapping and manoeuving
Now, let's talk smarts: this vacuum is not just about aimless wandering.
It's got laser mapping and route planning that's more methodical than my approach to the weekly food shop.
This means it systematically covers your rooms, leaving fewer hideouts for dust bunnies - but it's not perfect.
In terms of manoeuvrability, the X8 is like a polite guest at a crowded party, weaving through obstacles with a grace that's honestly surprising for a robot.
Though, if you're a fan of low-slung furniture, you might find its height a tad inconvenient.
At 3.7 inches tall, it's not going to be squeezing under very low-profile sofas. So, if your furniture kisses the floor, this might not be the droid you're looking for. That being said, watching it conquer a thick pile rug with the determination of a mountaineer? Quite frankly, it was admirable. With a diameter of 13.8 inches, it's got a compact footprint. It's not going to be bumping into your ankles constantly or demanding too much storage space, unlike the dock it lives in which needs a metre clearance on either side. This can be a struggle to find, if like me are you a maximalist who just likes owning things or if you’re lacking in wall real estate.
On some of the lesser traditionally shaped furniture it did struggle, for the first week it proudly mounted the base of my dining table but by week two it had enough and started shouting about its wheels being air-bound so I had to come and save it by picking it up, moving it to a safe space and gently patting it on the head (pressing the power button so that it started again). After all, isn’t that what we all need when times get rough?
Noise levels
When it comes to noise, let's just say the X8 isn't exactly the quietest whisper in the library.
On its lowest setting, it's akin to overhearing a distant conversation: noticeable, but easy enough to tune out if you're not paying attention.
Crank it up to turbo power, and it resembles the background hum of a typical office chat.
It's not the stealth ninja of vacuums you might have hoped for during those midnight cleaning sprees, but for me it's hardly a deal-breaker.
After all, a little noise is a small price to pay for a home free from dust and debris, right? It’s employed for its cleaning capabilities, not its discretion.
Eufy Robovac X8 review: App
RoboVac X8 doesn't just sit there waiting for formalities. It's ready to leap into action even before you've introduced it to your Wi-Fi network.
Whilst the app set-up does allow for more personalisation options, it’s not a requirement if you are desperate to get started.
I installed the app on my iPhone 15 Pro with the latest IOS and found the right app with a quick search on the app store (hint: It’s called eufy Clean).
I set up an account with my email address and after the mandatory email verification, I was good to go.
The app is where you get to play mission control, directing your robotic buddy to specific rooms, or telling it which areas are off-limits—a feature that's particularly handy if you've got chaos zones you'd rather it avoid.
You can choose a few different cleaning functions; whole floor clean which is what it says on the tin; individual room clean which is perfect if you’ve just finished cooking or have taken your dog in from a lunchtime walk; spot clean which is handy if you’ve been a bit overzealous with your breakfast oats or tamped a bit too vigorously with your morning coffee beans.
It's like playing a real-life video game where the prize is a cleaner home.
We forgot to mention the best part, you can set it to clean from anywhere which means if you’ve invited a friend back for a coffee on the fly, then you can get the cleaning started on the sly, before you ever even enter your postcode.
And for those moments when you're not there to oversee the cleaning? No problem.
Set cleaning schedules so your RoboVac X8 knows when to spring into action, whether you're home or not. It's like having a responsible house-sitter who doesn't raid the fridge.
The real magic, however, might be in the real-time tracking. Watching your vacuum's journey around your home, you can see the areas it's cleaned, making it feel like you're on a reconnaissance mission.
It's oddly satisfying and reassuring to know exactly what's been cleaned and what hasn't.
Adjusting the suction power and keeping an eye on the battery status is also a real treat.
And if you're the type who enjoys a little voice command action, the integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant means you can boss your vacuum around with just your voice.
"Hey Google, tell RoboVac to clean the living room." This is lazy living at a whole new level.
In essence, the Eufy RoboVac X8, combined with the Eufy Clean app, offers a cleaning experience so tailored and interactive, that it almost makes you want to spill something just to see it in action. Almost.
Eufy Robovac X8 review: Battery life
With up to three hours of cleaning prowess on a single charge, this robot vacuum is like a marathon runner in the world of home cleanliness.
But let's face it unless you're living in a castle or a particularly labyrinthine estate, the chances of it running out of battery mid-mission are slim.
It zipped through our ground floor in less than an hour, making it a nimble navigator as well as an efficient cleaner.
On average, I found it took 45 minutes to clean our humble 419 square feet.
You can check the battery life on your phone so you're always in the know about how much cleaning time you have left before a pit stop is needed.
And speaking of pit stops, this RoboVac has the smarts to hustle back to its charging dock when it senses the battery getting low, which is another thing that it will loudly announce.
It's pretty much the equivalent of a self-care guru, knowing exactly when to recharge its batteries without being told.
The charging dock is where our little robotic friend takes a well-deserved rest.
It’s found it every time so far bar one which was when we accidentally unplugged in favour for a table lamp without realising. It takes about five hours to fully charge, which sounds like a lot, but considering it's usually doing this while you're not using it, it's hardly a concern.
Eufy Robovac X8 review: Verdict
The Eufy RoboVac X8 emerges as a chic, tech-savvy cleaner ready to tackle the dust wars with gusto. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of vacuums, armed with laser mapping and navigation to dodge your furniture like a seasoned spy.
However, its ambition to reach under low-hanging furniture is thwarted by its height – a minor hiccup in its otherwise smooth operations.
Another reason you may choose another option is the lack of self-emptying or mop dual-action which is a feature many newer models on the market now offer.
The vacuum packs a punch with its 0.15-gallon dust bin, using some clever compaction technology to squeeze more dirt in, given the compactness you probably don’t have to empty it every day but instructions say that you still should.
It's got a side brush that acts like it’s on a solo mission to keep your edges spotless, and the suction settings are like having different gears for different dirt levels – including a BoostIQ for when it needs to kick it up a notch on those pesky carpets or under the shoe rack (why is this always messy?).
Hooking it up with the Eufy Clean app was easy, turning your phone into a remote control for your new cleaning buddy.
It's all about customisation here; directing traffic with no-go zones, scheduling surprise cleaning parties when you're out, and even whispering sweet nothings (commands) through Alexa or Google Assistant.
Battery-wise, this little trooper can keep going for up to three hours, making it overkill for smaller abodes but just right for those mansion owners among us.
And if it ever starts running low on juice, it smartly scurries back to its dock to recharge before heading out again – no supervision required.
In the grand scheme of things, if you’re in the market for a vacuum that's more tech-savvy companion than a simple dustbuster, the Eufy RoboVac X8 is a strong contender.
As a proud pet owner, it’s really made my life easier and eased the burden of feeling like I am always surrounded by pet hair.
It's got a few quirks, like its height and a longing for regular maintenance, but its blend of smart features, robust battery life, and app-based controls make it a little champion in the world of clean.
So, if your home is crying out for a futuristic touch to tackle the tidying, the Eufy RoboVac X8 might just be the droid you're looking for.
Eufy Robovac X8, £399.99 349.99
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