Neato has been putting out quality robot vacuums for several years now. Fun fact – My first robot vacuum was actually an old school Neato that still runs fine to this day, almost 5 years later.
Both the Neato BotVac D5 and the D7 are very capable machines. There are a few differences between the models, but either robot vacuum will work well for most homes.
Let’s talk about some of those differences along with features and characteristics that the models share.
D5 And D7 Appearance And Design
Neato was a pioneer in the D-shaped robot vacuums and the still continue to use that design. Why mess with something that works awesome, right? We have actually seen other brands, like iRobot, use this shape on recent models as well.
Both the Neato D5 and D7 share the classic D-Shaped design. This design allows the Neato, regardless of model, to get up close to edges, clean under furniture better, and get into corners where round vacuums cannot reach.
Underneath, you’ll find a similar look for each model. There is a full-length brush along with a side spinning brush on each model.
The measurements and specs of the Neato D5 and D7 are almost exactly the same. The D7 has a .1″ advantage in depth.
I found both models extremely modern and attractive. There really aren’t a lot of noticeable differences when looking at the D5 and the D7.
The D5 comes as a classic and sleek all black model, where as the D7 is a stylish silver on black mix. I kind of prefer the all black look, but both are very aesthetically pleasing.
Which Neato Performs Better?
When we talk about the cleaning power and performance of the D5 Vs the D7, it is important to point out that the D7 received a new motor. This new motor helped improve power and run time.
With the D7 you also get 2 modes: Eco Mode and Turbo Mode.
What Is The Neat Turbo Mode? Turbo mode on the D7 is like much like “carpet boost” mode on a Roomba. The D7 detects when it moves from a hard flooring surface to a carpet and automatically increases the suction power.
As you can guess by the name, the Eco Mode on the D7 is a less powerful, but more quiet operating mode. This mode does a great job on hardwood floors, laminates, and tiles.
The Neato D5 still does an amazing job on hard surface as well, but it is rather lacking when it comes to carpet. If you have thick or high-pile carpets it can really struggle.
The Gen2 motor of the D5 is very quiet and has more than enough suction for hardwood floors, but I can’t recommend it for carpets.
When we talk about the brushes, the D7 has the advantage again. While the D5 uses a more standard, straight and softer bristle brush, the D7 comes with an improved design. The spiral brush of the D7 is more firm and does a better job and picking up dirt and debris, especially on carpets.
Performance Winner: The Neato BotVac D7 Connected is the clear winner when it comes to cleaning and performance.
Navigation For the D5 and D7
Like most Neato BotVacs, the D5 and the D7 share the same form of navigation and mapping technology, known as LaserSmart Technology.
Both the D5 and the D7 use a methodical cleaning pattern as they move around your home. I find this to be more appealing then the common sporadic cleaning patterns of other, more basic robot vacuums.
Boundaries
You have the option of using physical boundaries or the Neato “No-Go” digital boundaries. This is the same for both models.
The physical boundaries are actually what they sound like. They are a thing strip that you lay down, which prevents the robot vacuum from crossing over them. You can place them in doorways, to keep the vacuum out of certain rooms, or place them around your dog’s water bowl or other areas you want the BotVac to avoid.
The Neato No-Go Lines are a digital barrier that you draw on the Neato App.
The No-Go Lines work very well and are really simple to set up in the Neato App. You do have to be connected to your home’s WIFI for this feature to work.
Navigation Winner: I’d have to call it as a tie. Both the D5 and D7 using the same navigation and mapping technology. However, I’d say going with a new model will always give you a slight edge, just because anything in technology improves with time.
Which Has A Better Run Time?
When you have several rooms to clean, run time is always a consideration when purchasing a robot vacuum. So which one is better between the D5 and the D7?
The D7 comes with an impressive 120 minute run time, where the D5 clocks in at only 90 minutes.
Keep in mind that both the D5 and the D7 are able to auto charge when the batteries start to get low, so that does make run time less of an issue.
Auto and Quick Charge
Both the D5 and D7 come with Auto Charge capabilities. This means that when the battery gets to around 50%, the vacuum will stop cleaning and make its way back to the charging station. There it will fully charge and then head back out to finish the job. This way, you’ll Neato will never die in the middle of a room.
Quick Charge is when the Neato determines that it only needs a little extra juice to finish a job. It will head to the docking station for a quick boost and then finish the remaining areas.
Run Time Winner: The D7 is the clear winner with 30 minutes of extra run time vs the D5.
Usability And Connectivity
The Neato app is pretty impressive and makes using the both the D5 and the D7 very easy.
From The App You Can…
- Schedule Cleaning
- Select Rooms
- Draw No-Go Lines
- Start and Stop Cleaning
- See Missed Areas
One nice thing about the Neato brand is that all models get updated with the latest technology and software through the mobile app. Do your D5 will have the same software updates that the D7 or newer models come with.
Usability Winner: It is a tie between the D5 and the D7 since it is all app based and they share the same software.
Price Of The D5 Vs D7
Currently it is hard to find a D5 for sale on Amazon or other sites. If you can get one, it should be priced under $350.
Looking on Amazon at the time of this article and you can grab the D7 for $400.
The D5 has the edge, if you can find it, but for a few buck more I’d probably go with the D7 and get a newer model.
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Which Neato Should You Buy – D5 or D7?
Both the D5 and D7 are very efficient when it comes to clean hardwood floors, tile and laminate floorings. On carpet flooring, the D7 is the better option.
Both models have similar suction power and performance numbers. If you don’t have a lot of carpet, then the D5 is a better value.
Both models share the same great app platform and have impressive navigation and mapping.
If money is your main deciding factor, then the D5 is less expensive. However, the model is harder to find now days, so pricing won’t be consistent. So the D7 may be a better value.
If It Were My Money…
I’d spend a little extra cash and get the newer D7 model. I don’t think it is worth saving a little money for an older model that doesn’t clean as well on carpet. But, then again, my home has a lot of carpet.
