Best For
- Exceptional cleaning performance with 97.6% overall debris removal
- Perfect for a small room / dorm / or home office with its extra small size
- SwitchBot App allows the user highly customizable options with other SwitchBot products
Considerations
- Requires more manual maintenance tasks than others we have tested
- Small debris collection bin and base station docking bag
- Failed to completely avoid all obstacles
Our Verdict
While the SwitchBot Mini K10+ is smaller than other cleaning robots, it packs a big cleaning punch. It had excellent results in our debris tests, removing 97.6% of dry debris in its path. For the edge cleaning test and crevice testing, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ had exceptional performance, removing 100% of the debris. In addition, its powerful suction and effective side brush give this little robot exceptional debris performance.
However, there are a few drawbacks to such an outstanding small robot. This robot does require more manual maintenance frequency. Its mopping feature is essentially a wet wipe attached to the back. Lastly, its small collection bin means that it might not be able to collect all the debris in one cleaning cycle. Overall, we recommend keeping this robot for small-scale cleaning.
Type: Robot Vacuum / Mop Combo
Bagless: No; 4L Docking Station Bag
Self-Empty: Yes; Vacuum Only
In This Review
Cleaning Performance | Navigation | Build Quality | Noise Test | Usability | Maintenance | Size | Specs | Product Evolution | Comparison | FAQs
Performance Summary
At Modern Castle we test 14 different factors that impact the performance, build quality, and usability of the vacuum. Below is a complete list of our testing categories and their performance.
| Test Type | Test Data |
|---|---|
| Overall Debris Tests | 97.6% |
| Hardwood Floor Test | 99.5% |
| Low Pile Carpet Test | 97.2% |
| High Pile Carpet Test | 96.2% |
| Long Hair Test | 36.7% |
| Pet Hair Test | 65.0% |
| Crevice Test | 100% |
| Edge Cleaning Test | 100% |
| Mop Test | Good |
| Cleaning Speed | 90 min. |
| Obstacle Avoidance | No |
| Build Quality Test | Exceptional |
| Noise Test | 66 dB |
Cleaning Performance
The cleaning performance shocked us during the testing. For such a small robot vacuum, it packs a powerful cleaning performance that can capture even some of the largest debris we test.
Debris Removed
97.6%
Long Hair Tangled
36.7%
Pet Hair Removed
65.0%
Edge Cleaning
100%
Crevice Cleaning
100%
Mop Cleaning
76.0%
Overall Debris Test
To test the debris removal performance of the SwitchBot Mini K10+, we put it through a series of 12 different cleaning tests, consisting of 3 different floor types and 4 different debris types.
We measure 0.5 oz. of each debris type, laying it in rows on the floor for the vacuum to clean. Next, we run the SwitchBot Mini K10+ over the debris on the highest suction power, letting it perform 2 complete cleaning cycles. After, we measure how much of the debris remains by weight and compare it to the starting amounts to determine cleaning performance.
Here are the overall results for the SwitchBot Mini K10+:
Overall
97.6%
Hardwood
99.5%
Low Carpet
97.2%
High Carpet
96.2%
In our debris tests, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ was able to remove 97.6% of debris by weight. This is 5.2% more debris than the average of 92.4%, based on all of our debris tests to date.
What shocked us about the debris tests was how much the SwitchBot Mini K10+ was able to capture in such a compact robot vacuum. The only drawback it faced throughout the entire testing was that the onboard debris bin was fairly small, requiring it to be emptied more frequently.
Hardwood Floor Test
During the testing, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ showed zero struggle in navigating and collecting debris over this floor type.
In our hardwood tests, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ was able to remove 99.5% of debris by weight. This is 2.2% more debris than the average of 97.2%, based on all of our debris tests to date.
The only issue we saw was that the debris collection bin filled up fast and couldn’t fit anymore. It wasn’t until it had finished its cleaning cycle that it was able to empty the collection bin into the base station, and then get cleaned again.
Low Pile Carpet Test
The SwitchBot Mini K10+ was able to traverse across the low pile carpet, collecting debris in its path.
In our low pile carpet tests, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ was able to remove 97.2% of debris by weight. This is 7.6% more than the average of 89.6%, based on all of our debris tests to date.
Again, the Mini K10+ had the issue of a small collection bin – unable to collect all the debris within the first cycle. After it had a chance to empty, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ was back at it, collecting all the debris without issue.
High Pile Carpet Test
We began to see signs of struggle with the high pile carpet. It wasn’t a struggle to collect the debris, but the movement across the higher / deeper carpet.
In our high pile carpet tests, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ was able to remove 96.2% of debris by weight. This is 6.1% more debris than the average of 90.1%, based on all of our debris tests to date.
Even though it continued to have exceptional results in collecting debris, it struggled and found itself stuck on the carpet multiple times. After the robot adjusted and moved itself a bit, it was able to free itself. We also noticed that it took significantly longer to complete a cleaning cycle, most likely because of the thicker carpet.
Long Hair Test
To test how well the SwitchBot Mini K10+ manages long hair and avoids tangles, we pit it against 1.0 grams of long hair. We lay the strands of hair on hardwood flooring and run the vacuum over it on the maximum suction power completing 2 cleaning cycles. After cleaning, we check the floor for hair and the brush roll for tangles.
Amount Removed
100%
Amount Tangled
36.7%
In our long hair tests, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ had 63.3% long hair tangle by weight. This is 12.7% more long hair than the average of 50.6%, based on all of our long hair tests to date
The SwitchBot Mini K10+ struggled to collect long hair. While the amount tangled was higher than our testing average, this might be caused by the limited amount of space available in the robot collection bin.
Pet Hair Test
For our pet hair test, we embed 1.0 grams of pet hair into a high-pile carpet. Next, we run the vacuum over the carpet completing 2 cleaning cycles on the highest suction power. Finally, we measure the amount of remaining pet hair on the carpet and compare it to the starting amount to determine performance.
Amount Removed
65.0%
Amount Tangled
0.1%
In our pet hair tests, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ removed 65.0% of pet hair by weight. This is 8.0% less hair than the average of 73.0%, based on all of our pet hair tests to date.
The pet hair surprised us since the SwitchBot Mini K10+ was doing so well throughout all of our tests. Unfortunately, the robot vacuum was unable to capture the hair that was on our high-pile carpet.
Edge Cleaning Test
For our edge cleaning test, we test to see how close to the edge the SwitchBot Mini K10+ can clean. To test this, we place 0.3 oz of debris (sugar, kitty litter, and a little bit of rice) directly along the edge of the wall, about 4.0″ away from the wall. We let the vacuum complete 2 cleaning cycles in our enclosed testing lane.
Finally, we measured in inches how close the vacuum was able to clean in proximity to the wall and how much of the debris remained by weight.
Amount Removed
100%
Edge Cleaning Proximity
0.0″
In our edge cleaning tests, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ was able to remove 100% of debris by weight. This is 18.7% more debris than the average of 81.3%, based on all of our edge cleaning tests to date.
Because of its small size and exceptional suction power, it got right up against the wall and used its brushes to move all the debris into its collection bin. This is the highest score we have tested to date for a robot vacuum edge cleaning test.
Crevice Cleaning Test
To test the crevice-cleaning capabilities of the SwitchBot Mini K10+, we fill 3 crevices in our tile testing lane with 0.1 oz of sugar each, totaling 0.3 oz. We then let the robot complete a single cleaning cycle on the highest suction power and check how much of the sugar remains by weight to determine performance.
Amount Removed
100%
In our crevice tests, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ was able to remove 100% of debris by weight from the crevices. This is 2.0% more debris than the average of 98.0%, based on all of our crevice tests to date.
It’s no surprise here that it had the highest score possible on the crevice test. Since this test was done on our tile surface, it was able to traverse the testing lane without a problem, collecting all the debris.
Mop Test
To test the mopping capabilities of the SwitchBot Mini K10+, we check how well it can remove small-scale stains and dirt on a broader scale.
Stain Removal
Good
Overall Performance
Good
In our mop test, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ showcased good performance. On average, based on all of the robot-mop devices we’ve tested to date, we find they have excellent performance. The SwitchBot Mini K10+ is worse.
This was a first for us here at Modern Castle with the disposable wipes for a mopping head. The best way to describe this is that the robot vacuum essentially has a wet wipe attached to the bottom, and it “cleans” with the wipe. No water tanks and you’ll need to remove the wet wipe immediately after it’s done with its cleaning cycle.
Overall, we just weren’t impressed with the mop implementation or its performance.
Navigation Test
How well a robot vacuum can navigate and clean the home can greatly impact the overall user experience. To check how well the SwitchBot Mini K10+ navigates, we focus on these key factors.
Cleaning Speed
90 min.
Obstacle Avoidance
Yes
Cleaning Efficiency
Exceptional
Cleaning Speed
Our cleaning speed test showed the SwitchBot Mini K10+ was able to clean our ~1,000 sq. ft. office space within 90 minutes.
Cleaning Area
~1,000 sq. ft.
Cleaning Speed
90 min.
The average cleaning speed we find, based on all robot vacuums we’ve tested to date, is 63 minutes. The SwitchBot Mini K10+ is 27 minutes slower than the average.
To be fair, this is a mini robot vacuum. The robot size and debris bin are both smaller than a standard-sized robot vacuum. This means it’s going to take longer to clean our office than a full-sized robot vacuum.
Obstacle Avoidance
The SwitchBot Mini K10+ comes with a LiDAR sensor on top that helps map and detect objects in its path.
To test the obstacle avoidance of the SwitchBot Mini K10+, we placed 4 objects in an area on the floor and sent the robot to clean around them. We observe the cleaning cycle, checking to see how well the robot vacuum navigates the space and avoids objects.
Shoe
Partially
Mug
Yes
Cord
Partially
Pet Waste
No
The SwitchBot Mini K10+ had fair obstacle avoidance. During our testing, it would fall short of recognizing the objects in its path until the front bumper would be triggered, diverting the robot elsewhere. Even during the initial mapping, it would bump into furniture, run over cords, and almost get stuck trying to get behind chairs / shelves / etc.
Cleaning Efficiency
We also test how well the SwitchBot Mini K10+ cleans on a broader scale. We have the robot perform multiple cleaning cycles in our office and studio space, focusing on 3 core requirements: can it fully clean the space, can it not get stuck, and can it return to the base?
Return to Base?
Yes
Fully Cleaned?
Yes
Stuck?
No
The SwitchBot Mini K10+ had very good navigational performance in our tests. It was able to completely navigate the office and complete a full cleaning cycle with only minor issues navigating around our office space. That said, the poor performance in the obstacle avoidance test has me concerned that it could struggle to navigate in more typical homes.
Build Quality Test
Our build quality test is a subjective test where we examine and assess the major material and design components of the robot vacuum. Specifically, we are looking for build and design issues that are more likely to break and be difficult to use.
Overall the build quality of the SwitchBot Mini K10+ does not disappoint. Its properly weighted robot, study docking station, and glossy plastic finish give this mini-robot vacuum high scores in build quality.
| Part | Build Quality |
|---|---|
| Overall | Exceptional |
| Body | Excellent |
| Dustbin | Exceptional |
| Display / Controls | Excellent |
| Spinning Side Brush | Exceptional |
| Wheels | Excellent |
| Brush Roll | Excellent |
| Charging Dock | Excellent |
The only slight issue we found with the build quality was the color option. Its bright white finish means that every piece of dirt / dust / debris / etc. shines on the body and gives it a dirty appearance.
Noise Test
Vacuums are loud while in operation. To measure how loud, we run them on high pile carpet on each power mode and measure the noise generated with a sound meter. Before the test, we take a measurement of the ambient noise in the room to use as a baseline comparison to the vacuum.
| Power Level | Noise Level |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 40 dB |
| Quiet | 55.1 dB |
| Standard | 58.3 dB |
| Strong | 63.3 dB |
| Max | 65.9 dB |
| Self Empty | 82.6 dB |
In our noise tests, the SwitchBot Mini K10+ generated 65.9 dB of noise in the max power mode. This is 2.96 dB lower than the average of 68.86 dB, based on all of our noise tests to date.
The noise test that surprised us was the self-emptying noise levels. For such a small cleaning system, it reached a noise level of 82.6 dB. That is 4.2 dB louder than our testing average of 78.3 dB, and 3.4 dB quieter than our loudest self-emptying robot.
Usability
The SwitchBot Mini K10+ is a strong robot for its size. While I wouldn’t recommend it for a solo whole house device, this mini robot would be perfect for small to medium apartments or even a college dorm room.
Setup
The setup is straightforward and user-friendly. The robot comes pre-assembled with a small battery charge. We recommend giving the SwitchBot Mini K10+ a full charge before its first cleaning cycle so it gets a proper and complete mapping.
App
The App is informative but can be challenging to navigate. Unlike normal apps that refer to a room in a house as a “room”, the SwitchBot app refers to rooms as scenes. So for creating automated cleaning, you must create “scenes” to direct the robot to perform certain functions.
With the app you can:
- Manage maps
- Adjust cleaning settings
- Adjust mopping settings
- Adjust cleaning sequence
- Change smart settings
- Create a custom cleaning schedule
- View cleaning history
- View through the camera and speak through the device
- Manually control the robot
- Turn on do-not-disturb settings
- Accessory Usage Life
Since SwitchBot offers a wide range of home automation products, you can sync the “scenes” and automation with other SwitchBot products. For example, say if at 7:00 a.m. you want your blinds to open, security disarmed, and the Mini K10+ to start cleaning, you’ll be able to set that all up with one single automation scene.
Controls & Display
Like most robot vacuums, there are two buttons on the robot itself that allow the user limited control of the system.
The SwitchBot Mini K10+ has:
- Power Button – This allows the user to power the Mini K10+ on to start and stop cleaning.
- Home Button – This returns the SwitchBot Mini K10+ to the docking station.
In The Box
- SwitchBot Mini K10+ Robot
- Docking Station
- Disposable Mop Wipes
- 2 x Side Brushes
- 2 x Debris Bags
- Mopping Plate
Maintenance
The SwitchBot Mini K10+ has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $22. The following are the major maintenance tasks for the SwitchBot Mini K10+.
| Task | Description | Est. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dock Debris Bags(4 Pack) | Replace As Needed | $15 |
| Filter (4 Pack) | Replace as needed or every 3 months | $7 |
| Disposable Mopping Wipe (Pack of 30) | Replace after every mop | Unknown |
The SwitchBot Mini K10+ has a few maintenance requirements that do bring down the score. Its disposable mopping wipes, plus the need to attach the mopping head each use reduce the level or autonomy of the SwitchBot Mini K10+.
Additionally, the small debris bag means frequent disposal and replacement maintenance.
Size & Dimensions
This is certainly a smaller-sized robot vacuum compared to other robot vacuums we have tested. For reference, the average robot vacuum we test is 14.7” in diameter. By comparison the SwitchBot’s 9.8” diameter is 4.9” smaller. Additionally, the K10+ weighs 5.07 lbs., which is 3.2 lbs less than the average robot vacuum, based on all of our tests to date.
| Size | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Dustbin Capacity | Unknown |
| Water Tank Capacity | N/A |
| Dock Debris Capacity | 1.1 gal. (4.0 L) |
| Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity | N/A |
| Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity | N/A |
| Height | 4″ (9 cm) |
| Diameter | 10″ (25 cm) |
| Weight | 5 lbs. (2 kg) |
Specifications
The following table details the product specifications according to the manufacturer.
| Manufacturer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Robot Vacuum |
| Manufacturer | SwitchBot |
| Model | K10+ |
| Height | 4″ (9 cm) |
| Diameter | 10″ (25 cm) |
| Weight | 5 lbs. (2 kg) |
| Floor Type | all (indoor) |
| Sensors | LiDAR |
| Dustbin Capacity | Unknown |
| Water Tank Capacity | N/A |
| Dock Debris Capacity | 1.1 gal. (4.0 L) |
| Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity | N/A |
| Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity | N/A |
| Run Time | 90 min. |
| Suction Power | Unknown |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Yes |
| Zone Cleaning | Yes |
| Room Cleaning | Yes |
| Digital Mapping | Yes |
| Bagless | No |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price | Check Price |
Product Evolution
SwitchBot has a wide range of home automation products to simplify your home life. They offer remote switches, automated curtains, smart thermostats, security systems, and robot vacuums. They all sync together with their app offering you a whole home automated solution.
At the time of this writing, SwitchBot is currently in a funding phase for their S10 robot which will be an automated fill and empty mopping robot. It will directly connect to a water source, allowing a hands-free robot vacuum/mopping combo.
How does SwitchBot Mini K10+ compare?
Below is a complete list of our vacuum tests and critical product data compared side by side to the average based on all of our vacuum tests to date.
| Test Type | Test Data | Avg. Data |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Debris Tests | 97.6% | 92.4% |
| Hardwood Floor Test | 99.5% | 97.2% |
| Low Pile Carpet Test | 97.2% | 89.6% |
| High Pile Carpet Test | 96.2% | 90.1% |
| Long Hair Test | 36.7% | 49.4% |
| Pet Hair Test | 65.0% | 73.0% |
| Edge Cleaning Test | 100% | 81.3% |
| Crevice Test | 100% | 98.0% |
| Mop Test | 76.0% | 88.8% |
| Cleaning Speed | 90 min. | 63 min. |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Yes | Yes |
| Cleaning Efficiency | Exceptional | Exceptional |
| Build Quality | Exceptional | Exceptional |
| Noise Test | 66 dB | 69 dB |
| Type | Robot Vacuum | Robot Vacuum |
| Bagless | No | Yes |
| Self-Empty | Yes | No |
| Auto-Wash | No | No |
| Dustbin Capacity | Unknown | 15.2 oz. (449.1 mL) |
| Weight | 5 lbs. (2 kg) | 8.3 lbs. (3.8 kg) |
For the SwitchBot Mini K10+ size, it packs a punch when compared to other robot vacuums we have tested. It’s a small robot that wants to clean more debris than it’s capable of holding. However, it fell behind in hair performance, struggling with managing long hair tangles and removing pet hair from carpet.
Other Vacuums to Consider
For Maintenance
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is a robot vacuum that had excellent performance across our tests.
That is the majority of the more frequent maintenance tasks handled automatically by the dock. Of course, you will need to replace the dust bag, refill the clean water tank, and empty the dirty water tank. But that can happen every few days, as opposed to daily.
For Dry Debris Cleaning Performance
Shark Detect Pro Robot
The Shark Detect Pro is a self emptying vacuum only robot.
The Shark Detect Pro would be best for homes that require only a vacuum and has low maintenance requirements.
For Mopping Cleaning Performance
Eufy X9 Pro
It has excellent cleaning capabilities with both vacuum and mopping features.
The X9 Pro has downward-pressure mopping pads, extra large clean and dirty water tanks, and self-cleaning mopping pads.
FAQs
Yes! It works on both high and low-pile carpets. However, high-pile carpet cleaning cycles did take longer to navigate.
Yes! After your first cleaning cycle and mapping, you’ll be able to set up boundaries and specific cleaning zones for the Mini K10+.
Yes! The K10+ has a mopping head that needs to be manually attached for each use. Instead of a mopping pad, it comes with disposable wipes that attach to the mopping head.
About Derek Hales
Derek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.