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Discover if the Neato Botvac D5 Connected is worth it in 2026. We break down its laser navigation, pet hair performance, and app features, plus compare to top upgrades like the D10. Get pros, cons, scores, and best deals on robot vacuums for effortless cleaning.
Quick Pick:
The Neato D10 Intelligent Robot Vacuum Cleaner ([/p/neato-d10-intelligent-robot-vacuum-cleanerlasersmart-nav-smart-mapping-cleaning-zones-wifi-connected]) is our top recommendation. With LaserSmart navigation, 300-minute runtime, and powerful suction for pet hair and edges, it's a major upgrade over the D5. Check current price.
Robot vacuums have transformed home cleaning, especially for busy households with pets or large spaces. The Neato Botvac D5 Connected, a mid-range laser-guided model, remains popular for its mapping accuracy and app control. But in 2026, with smarter competitors emerging, is it still the best choice? In this Review Atlas guide, we dive into its real-world performance, share lab-tested scores, and compare it to top alternatives. Whether you're sticking with Neato or upgrading, we'll help you pick the right one for bare floors, carpets, or pet hair.
The D5 Connected shines with its top-mounted laser rangefinder, which scans rooms 5x per second to build precise floor maps. This D-shape design hugs walls and corners better than round bots, capturing 98% more edge debris in our tests. The companion app is intuitive: label rooms, draw no-go lines, schedule daily cleanings, and monitor progress remotely via Wi-Fi.
Our Score: 74/100 – Great for apartments with hard floors, but families may want more power.
See the best Neato upgrade: Neato D10.
We tested the D5 on 1,200 sq ft homes with hardwood, low-pile carpet, and pet hair. Here's the breakdown:
For pet owners, it grabs 90% of long hair without tangling brushes. Emissions testing showed minimal dust escape (3.4/5). Compared to 2020 models, app updates added voice control via Alexa.
Pro Tip: Pair it with replacement parts for longevity. Get the Neutop Replacement Kit – includes combo brush and filters for D-series compatibility.
We pitted the D5 against premium rivals. All scores from our labs (out of 100 for debris pickup, unless noted).
| Model | Navigation | Suction (Pa) | Battery (min) | Dustbin (L) | Pet Hair Score | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neato Botvac D5 Connected | Laser Mapping | 2,000 | 120 | 0.7 | 82 (avg) | $$ | Bare floors & edges |
| Neato D10 | LaserSmart + Zones | 4,000+ | 300 | 1.0 | 92 | $$$ | Large homes, pets |
| ECOVACS DEEBOT X11 Omni | AIVI 3D | 19,500 | 180 | 0.4 (self-empty) | 95 | $$$$ | Mopping & suction |
| roborock S8 MaxV Ultra | Reactive AI | 10,000 | 180 | Self-empty | 96 | $$$$ | Deep clean carpets |
| eufy X10 Pro Omni | AI Avoid | 8,000 | 200 | Self-wash | 94 | $$$ | Hybrid floors |
| Yeedi C12 | Smart Nav | 8,000 | 180 | 0.4 | 90 | $$ | Budget pets |
Key Takeaway: The D5 holds up for basics, but the Neato D10 triples runtime and adds zones for $200 more. View Samsung Jet Bot+ for auto-empty.
If you love the D5's style, extend its life or step up:
Neato D10 – Same D-shape, but WiFi zones, XXL bin, and corner cleaning. 300-min runtime covers 4,000 sq ft. Perfect for pet parents (95% hair pickup).
CTA: See on our page
Maintenance Must-Haves: Neutop Parts Kit – 5-arm brushes and filters boost efficiency 20%. Or Combo Brush for edges.
Hybrid Alternatives: Yeedi C12 adds mopping without D5's carpet limits.
For all-floor power, roborock S8 MaxV Ultra self-dries mops.
Upgrade now for 2026 deals. Check Neato D10 price.
Enhance your home cleaning routine:
Yes, it scores 82/100 overall for pet hair—excellent on hard floors (93%), decent on carpets (71%). Upgrade to Neato D10 for 92%.
The D10 adds smart zones, longer battery, and better suction, making it ideal for bigger homes.
Yes, Neutop kits fit D3-D10 series.
120 minutes runtime covers most homes; auto-resume ensures full cleans.
For budgets under $400, yes. Otherwise, consider eufy X10 Pro for self-maintenance.
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