Are you considering a robot vacuum but you don’t have the budget for top-tier models? The ILIFE V3s Max might be the one you’re looking for. This budget-friendly robot vacuum does remarkably well on hard surfaces and it also doubles as a mop to keep your floors squeaky clean.
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At a glance
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1-Minute Review
The ILIFE V3s Max is a robot vacuum hybrid utilizing gyroscope navigation. This purple bot maneuvers well underneath furniture, and it approaches large obstacles very gingerly so that it doesn’t bump delicate decor.
For a robot vacuum under $250, it is among the cheapest robot vacuums in the market that offers simple functionality and operation.
This ILIFE V3s Max might not be the brightest, but this little robot transforms into a beast capable of releasing 2000 Pa of suction power during Spot mode. Its cleaning prowess on hard floors makes you forget that it’s a budget option.
- delivers exceptional performance on bare floors
- vacuums and mops your floors simultaneously
- comes with an oversized dustbin that you can exchange with a 1000-mL dust bag
- requires minimal maintenance
- unable to create no-go zones and doesn’t respect existing boundaries
- smartphone integration lacks versatility
- may still bump against small obstacles, including chair legs
- does not recognize small, common floor hazards
- performance in carpets leave much to be desired
- [Upgraded Features] The V3s Max is a upgraded version of V3s Pro. It has enhanced features of stronger power suction, larger 600ml dustbin, gyro path planning, intelligent mopping system, app control...
- [2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop] Equipped with a 600ml large dustbin as well as a 200ml water tank, the V3s Max can not only vacuum but also mop your floor at the same time, improving cleaning efficiency...
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let’s Take a Closer Look
What’s in the box?
In addition to the ILIFE V3S Max robot vacuum and charging dock, the package includes:
- a filter
- three disposable dust bags
- two side brushes
- a remote control
- two batteries for the remote
- a power adapter
- user manual
How It Works
As a hybrid model, the ILIFE V3s robot works as a vacuum and mop simultaneously. Although it lacks smart mapping features, you can view the robot’s current session through your phone. You can tell where your robot is going and as soon as the robot generates a map, you can use your phone to direct its course.
Interestingly in this vacuum, they have ditched the roller brush, which will stop a common problem of pet hair getting tangled, making it a great vacuum for pet owners with hard floors, but it does limit the performance on carpets.
This robot vacuum has four cleaning modes: Auto, Spot, Edge, and Max. Under normal conditions, the robot navigates in a S-pattern and approaches objects carefully. But if you choose Spot mode, it will slowly spin into a spiral as it focuses on a small specific area. As for Edge mode, it concentrates in the corners of the room.
Key Features
One of the key features of ILIFE V3s Max robot vacuum is its gyro-based navigation technology. Equipped with gyroscopes, it understands its location in relation to surrounding furniture and other obstacles in your home. This calculation allows the robot to walk in an orderly pattern and prevents unnecessary bumps.
2000Pa Suction Power
This model generates up to 2000 pascals of suction power, and there was a time when that rating was the strongest a robot vacuum can have. However, this suction power is for Spot mode only.
Interchangeable Dust Bin
Any robot vacuum comes equipped with a dust bin but it’s rare to find one that allows you to maximize its capacity! The ILIFE V3s Max robot vacuum gives you the option to replace its 600-mL capacity dustbin with a 1000-mL disposable dust bag for when the need arises. The disposable dust bag doubles as a filter so it still contains allergens well.
Performance
The ILIFE V3s Max robot vacuum has deviated from the norm and eliminated the use of a roller brush. Regardless, this purple robot proved to be a fantastic performer on hard floors as it earned a solid score on our tests.
We sprinkled a handful of breadcrumbs, popcorn, and yarn strings across the kitchen floor, and the robot vacuum-hogged them all up like a ravenous wolf.
Next up, we scattered cotton balls and mutilated dust bunnies, which we found from the basement. The three-armed side brushes prevented them from escaping and sweeped those ghastly bits into the suction port.
We also wasted a cup of instant coffee for this test. After a few passes in Spot mode, the robot was able to capture all of them but due to the humidity in the kitchen, some of the coffee melted and left a small brown stain.
However, the fresh coffee stain wasn’t a problem because the hybrid robot vacuum soaked it all up and left the floor spotless in no time.
Unfortunately, this model faltered in carpets due to the absence of an aggravating brush. Don’t get me wrong; it can pick up common detritus on low-pile carpets. But when it comes to pet hair and fine dust, its pick up is so-so.
Limitations
Lacks app versatility
The ILIFE MAX V3s Max robot vacuum works together with Amazon Alexa. This robot vacuum also comes with a smartphone control feature, as well. Using the app, you can:
- view the cleaning history
- manipulate the suction power
- create cleaning schedules
- select cleaning modes and water flow speeds
- locate the robot vacuum, and
- order the robot to head back to its base.
But apart from these options, you can only use your phone as an alternative remote control.
Cannot create virtual no-go zones
The ILIFE MAX V3s Max robot vacuum lacks carpet detection and fails to respect boundaries made by magnetic tapes. As such, you will need to barricade rugs and rooms with carpets when the mopping feature is running.
The ILIFE MAX V3s Max robot vacuum may boast of having “upgraded cleaning performance” with its Smart Gyro Path Planning but if you are well-versed with robot vacuums, you know its top-shelf competitors have long abandoned this tech due to its numerous issues.
Gyroscope and accelerometer sensors do not create a precise map and their navigational talents are subpar compared to robot vacuums that use LiDAR, cameras, or a combination of both technologies.
Sometimes, the logic behind the robot’s actions don’t make sense. On the bright side, this little robot doesn’t confuse black floor tiles with stairs and would happily clean those areas.
Ease of setup and use
The ILIFE V3s Max robot is a snap to set up. While the robot vacuum is ready on the get-go, you will want to make sure it reaches a full charge before you run it for the first time. Plug in the base at your ideal location and charge the robot vacuum.
Like most robot vacuums, the ILIFE V3s Max robot is programmed to return to its base when it is getting low in juice. The robot vacuum has a 90-minute runtime, which is more than enough to clean a small apartment.
Ongoing maintenance
The ILIFE V3s Max robot requires little care due to the lack of a roller brush. If you don’t want to empty and wash the dust bin, you may simply attach one of its disposable bags and it will double as a filter, as well.
Extra purchases and ongoing costs
Like most robot vacuums, you will need to shell out for replacement parts at some point. Sooner or later, you will have to purchase side brushes and mopping pads for your ILIFE V3X max robot when they show signs of wear and tear. On the bright side, these replacement parts are durable and cheap.
You may also need to stock disposable dust bags, which could be a drawback, depending on how you view it. If you hate emptying and washing a dust bin, this should not be an issue. The dust bag has a maximum capacity of 1000 mL, so it should take three to four weeks before it needs replacement.
FAQs
Are ILIFE robot vacuums good?
Yes. While ILIFE robots may not rub elbows with Roombas and Roborocks, these gadgets can be surprisingly good at keeping hard floors tidy without causing you an arm and a leg.
Can you use ILIFE V3s Max on carpets?
Yes, but because it lacks a roller brush, its performance may fall flat, especially when it comes to fine dust and hair pick up.
Can you add a cleaning solution to use when mopping?
The company did not mention anything, but it’s better to err on the side of caution. Most companies discourage using cleaning solutions for their hybrids.
What is the best ILIFE robot vacuum?
The V8s Plus is currently the best offering in the ILIFE showroom and it is also the most expensive ILIFE robot vacuum in the market to date.
Which is better: EUFY or ILIFE?
EUFY is ahead of the game in terms of company reputation, consumer ratings, and revenues. While EUFY is also notable for producing affordable robot vacuums, they also offer top-of-the-range options that can wow even hardcore Roomba fans.
Final thoughts
The ILIFE V3s Max is a life saver for those who want the convenience of a robot vacuum hybrid at a fairly affordable price. For the price you pay, you will have to make do of its not-so perfect navigation. This gizmo may lack fancy features that allow you to “set and forget” your robot vacuum but its solid performance in hard floors gets you more bang for your buck, and its mopping feature can definitely make a difference in your kitchen.
