Since we're already in the "submarine" sub-thread, make/model please :)
Since we're already in the "submarine" sub-thread, make/model please :)
The Ecovacs died twice, each just after a year (ie just out of warranty) needing to have main board/motor replaced. The bells and whistles didn't seem to be worth it. Self emptying station barely worked in an apartment with two people with long hair. Needed a lot of disposable replacement parts (main brush, side brushes, filters). Mopping feels like a bit of a gimmick.
The much cheaper Roborock so far has been solid but we've only had it for 4 months. Mapping is marginally better (it is FAR less likely to reset the map on you which is a real annoyance). Filter is washable, main brushes need to be replaced less often. Has a better mechanism for collecting long hair off the brushes. Mop attachment still feels like a gimmick.
About two or three years ago my old robot vacuum was finally dying and I did a lot of on and off searching for what was out there. When I started looking almost every competitor was better quality and features than what iRobot had, for around the same price, and they were just starting to play catch-up.
I don't know how much they've improved in the past year, though.