Of course, Ecovacs’ Deebot T9+ is more than just a vacuum. It offers air freshener and mopping abilities too. Swapping between the two functions is as simple as putting in a different component. It registers immediately, and you can send the device on its way. Note that the dust box can be manually emptied – although, as we’ve already mentioned, this does require the lid to be removed first. However, with that done, we simply had to raise the handle and carry the dust box straight to the garbage. We liked that the handle kept the dust box upright, so no debris could fall from it. If the station is placed on a deep-pile carpet or rug, DEEBOT will have more difficulty returning to charge.

During emptying, a small amount of the garbage smell will be driven out by the high-power fan, but this does not affect normal operation.The mopping function is a bit more impressive. You fill the small tank with just water – you don’t add any cleaning solution, so don’t expect it to deliver a deep clean. Next, slap on one of the provided disposable microfiber cloths. During cleaning, DEEBOT can receive signals from the station. When it receives a signal, the manual emptying icon will be displayed on the main control screen, and you can select manual emptying (OTA).

The Deebot T9+ is about the same size as the Deebot N8+, measuring 3.75in / 30cm tall and 13.9in / 353cm in diameter, which leaves a good amount of space for it to fit under and around furniture. However, it probably won’t clear most couches and tighter spaces.The Deebot X1 Omni isn’t the quietest robot vacuum we’ve tested. Our decibel meter measured a maximum of 60dB when it was cleaning hard floors, rising to 70dB on Max+, and a few decibels quieter on carpet. This is the equivalent level of noise made by a shower. With the top LiDAR sensor now moved, the X2 Omni has a flat top cover with a brushed-silver finish and a single button to start and stop cleaning. Open the lid up and you’ve got easy access to the robot’s dustbin which holds 14.2oz / 420ml of debris, making it a bit bigger than the X1 Omni’s 13.5oz / 400ml canister. A retractable bumper surrounds the front half, and it contains the robot’s camera along with some of its sensors. When you pop open the top of the Auto-Empty Station, you’ll find the preinstalled 2.5-liter dust bag isn’t massive, but should last a month or two. In addition, your first dust bag replacement is provided. Under the station is a large tube into which the dust bin is emptied, adding to the Auto-Empty Station's overall size. Nevertheless, it’s on a par with rival vacuums, and not an eyesore by any means.