What is the best Hobot window cleaner for effortless window cleaning

Hobot 268 vs. Hobot 288 vs. Hobot 298 – Which is the best?

Hobot is one of the brand leaders in the window cleaning robot market, and the 268, 288, and 298 models are three of their most popular. In this review, we are going to identify the best Hobot window cleaner of the bunch. If you have been looking for an automated way to clean your windows, then this review may help you find the best choice.

Each of these automatic window cleaners possesses its unique uses, features, traits, and advantages. All three models are great products, but one of them is going to best suited for your purposes.

The three models are designed for medium to large windows, if you are looking for something a little more compact for smaller windows, be sure to check out our comparison of the Hobot 188 against the Hobot 198.

As a premium product, every Hobot window cleaner we are looking at here is at the higher end of the price range, be sure to also look at our best budget robot window cleaners comparison if you find these a little bit north of your budget.

Affiliate disclosure: The links to tours or accommodation in this post are affiliate links. This means if you purchase after following one of these links, I make a small commission at no cost to yourself. Think of it like a win-win.

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Ease of use
Price
Performance
App Connectivity
Water Tank
Hobot 268
Ease of use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
???
Performance
⭐⭐⭐⭐
App Connectivity
Water Tank
Hobot 288
Ease of use
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
????
Performance
⭐⭐⭐
App Connectivity
✔️
Water Tank
Hobot 298
Ease of use
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
????
Performance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
App Connectivity
✔️
Water Tank
✔️

Breaking it Down

Each automatic window cleaner robot in this comparison have their own unique features, characteristics, and qualities.

We are going to break down the models based on four major characteristics, including ease-of-use, quality of build, features, and affordability. With all of the judgment traits laid out, let’s get into the review.

Hobot 268

Hobot window cleaner 268

The Hobot 268 window cleaning robot provides simple, yet dynamic features. The model is small and light, it comes in at a weight of just around 3.0 pounds. The model doesn’t provide everything you may want in terms of features of distinctive traits. However, the 268 is surprisingly strong and is very efficient at doing its job.

First, the 268 features a powerful vacuum motor. This powerful feature allows this model to attach to the surface that it needs to clean easily. Furthermore, the strong vacuum motor ensures that the robot won’t become loose or fall off the surface.

This model includes a microfiber cloth, which it utilizes to get rid of the dirt and grit off the surface. Additionally, the strong motor makes it simple for the fabric to remove all of the unwanted dust from the surface.

The Hobot 268 comes with a laser sensor, which it uses to detect the shape of the surface that it needs to clean. The laser makes the model efficient at identifying the best route to make the model much more efficient than a window cleaning robot that works randomly.

The window cleaning robot uses two “caterpillars,” which are the features that control the movement mechanism of the device. This model can travel at a speed of about 5.0 inches per second. That means that in about 2.5 minutes, the 268 can wash one square meter. This model’s surface cleaning procedure is fast and efficient.

To control and use the different features, the owner must use a tiny remote control device that comes with each purchase of this model window cleaning robot. The Hobot 268 is a basic and simple-to-use automatic surface washing robot that will clean efficiently on most surfaces.

Pros

Pros

  • Uses microfibre cloth.
  • Uses laser sensor to detect shape of window.
  • Capable of cleaning 1 square meter in about 2.5 minutes.
Cons

Cons

  • Must use small remote control to use.
  • Must be powered by cord, no wireless.

Hobot 288

Hobot window cleaner 288

One of the first things that owners notice about the Hobot 288,  when compared to the 268, is that it provides smartphone connectivity. Unlike most automatic window washing robots that require the use of remote control, owners of the 288 can use their smartphones to activate all the different functions that this item provides. Smartphone connectivity makes things simple and convenient for users.

Other than the added connectivity, when comparing the 288 to the 268, there aren’t a massive amount of differences that distinguish the two models from each other. The motor for the Hobot 288 remains excellent. Similar to the 268, the 288 is capable of moving at an average speed of 5.0 inches per second. Additionally, in roughly 150 seconds, this window automatic window cleaner can clean one square meter of window space.

The smartphone connectivity is the primary feature that distinguishes the Hobot 288 from the Hobot 268. Additionally, the cost of the 288 Hobot window cleaner is significantly higher than the 268.

The cost may be one of the main reasons that many automatic window cleaning robot shoppers stick with the 268. The price and the fact that many people don’t consider smartphone connectivity as an essential feature. Do you think that one of the Hobot 268 or 288 is the best Hobot model? We still have one more to review.

Pros

Pros

  • Smartphone connectivity feature.
  • Powerful motor with fantastic cleaning speed.
  • Uses microfibre cloth for cleaning.
  • Capable of cleaning 1 square meter in about 2.5 minutes.
Cons

Cons

  • Must be powered by cord, no wireless capability.
  • More expensive than the Hobot 268, despite not being much different.

Hobot 298

Hobot window cleaner 298

Our final review is of the Hobot 298, which is the last automatic window washing robot in this review. The 298 is going to make a great case to be the best Hobot window cleaner. Out of the three models that we’ve reviewed, the 298 is undoubtedly the most technologically advanced and efficient. Additionally, the Hobot 298 provides customers with excellent value for the cost.

When considering the features of the 298, it includes all the same essential functions as the 268 and 288. The smartphone connectivity is a feature that the 298 shares with the 288, but not with the 268. There is an additional feature of the Hobot 298 that makes this automatic window cleaning robot’s cleaning process even more efficient and effective.

The Hobot 298 comes with a water nozzle feature. When the 298 is working, the ultrasonic water nozzle ensures that more dirt and grit will be washed away from your window. This unique water nozzle feature pulls water from a small attached tank. The nozzle then turns the water into mist, which is then sprayed onto the glass that is being washed.

The ultrasonic water nozzle on the Hobot 298 is a feature that makes this model stand out from the crowd. The majority of automatic window cleaning robots aren’t capable of cleaning or washing each stain or piece of dirt on the surface. This is because dirt and grit build up into multiple layers on the window.

However, water makes the stains and dirt patches wet and much easier to clean off of the window. Therefore, the dirt and gunk are no issue for the microfiber pad to absorb.

Pros

Pros

  • Smartphone connectivity feature.
  • Comes with attached water nozzle and water tank for more efficient cleaning.
  • Uses dual microfibre cloth.
Cons

Cons

  • Expensive compared to the 268 and 288 models.

So what is the best Hobot window cleaner?

 
Hobot 268

Hobot 288

Hobot 298
Ease of UseThe Hobot 268 is a simple, dynamic model of automatic window cleaning robot. It is very easy to install and use.The Hobot 288 provides a compact, simple design that is easy for owners to install and begin cleaning.The fastest automatic surface cleaning robot provides a simple design, easy installation, and will get started cleaning faster than you can turn on your smartphone.
Quality of BuildThis model is a durable, well-constructed automatic window cleaning robot. All Hobot robots come with a one-year warranty.This model of automatic window cleaning robot is powerful, well-designed, and durable. Additionally, the robot comes with a one-year warranty.The Hobot 298 is compact, well-constructed, and built to last. The product comes with a one-year warranty, but the model is sure to last owners much longer than that.
FeaturesOne of the best aspects of the robot is the simplicity. However, it does have all the most desirable features.The Hobot 268 and 288 share a majority of their features. However, the 288 features smartphone connectivity.The 298 is the best Hobot window cleaner in terms of features. It provides smartphone connectivity and a unique water nozzle and attached tank.
AffordabilityThe Hobot 268 is the most affordable model out of the bunch of three. However, shoppers will have to weigh the value of cost with extra features.The Hobot 288 is significantly more expensive than the 268. However, the main additional feature that you’ll get with the 288 is the smartphone connectivity.The model 298 is the most expensive out of the 298, 288, and 268. However, you do get unique, additional features.

In summary, the Hobot 268, 288, and 298 are all excellent automatic window washing robots. These models are well-constructed, dynamic, and effective.

One of the only downsides is that these Hobot devices are expensive compared to other automatic window cleaning robot brands and companies. The main reason this is that Hobot models are built with high-end, new technology.

Due to the features offered, we have determined that the Hobot 298 is the best Hobot window cleaner. We love the onboard water tank which helps it remove dirt that other models will struggle with. If you are tempted by the app connectivity, we would say it is worth paying the extra for the 298.

However, if you’re not fussed about having an app then the 268 is still a great product and certainly more affordable. You should certainly consider what is most important to them when shopping for one of these products.

Which of the three models do you think is the best Hobot window cleaner model for you?

About the author

Matt is the founder of the Little Robot Shop, who has spent much of the last decade hacking home cleaning with various robots and devices to make keeping his home clean as easy as possible. Not an easy task with two young children.

When not working on the Little Robot Shop website or YouTube channel, he works as technical support and product specialist for a fast-growing digital company. He does his best to get his younglings to code, which will be an essential skill in the future.

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