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  • Vacuum mode

  • Mop mode

  • Smart Features

  • Should you buy it?

  • Vacuum mode
  • Mop mode
  • Smart Features
  • Should you buy it?

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Can also dry mop

Cons

  • Moderate dirt pickup for the price

Vacuum mode

The bin on the left holds debris, while the one of the right holds water for the mop.
Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

The bin on the left holds debris, while the one of the right holds water for the mop.

The 601 did quite well at dirt pickup, especially when you consider it costs less than $300. On average, it picked up 10.9 grams of dirt per cycle. If you follow our excellent advice of using a robot vacuum everyday, that per-run amount adds up to around 76.3 grams per week, which is comparable to a light cleaning by a manual vacuum. A light cleaning might sound paltry, but a robot vacuum is meant to maintain your floors between cleanings.

The spring-loaded wheels help the 601 get over thresholds.
Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

The spring-loaded wheels help the 601 get over thresholds.

Navigation was a weak point. The 601 has a tendency to bump into things. As far as we could tell, that's the price you pay if you want this robot to get its brushes anywhere dirt might hide. To its credit, though, it never got into a situation where it needed our assistance.

Mop mode

Ecovacs is a company that likes putting mops on their robot vacuums. In fact, the company hopes that you buy the 601 instead of the iRobot Braava 380t.

The mop feature is detachable. When engaged, the robot cannot charge.
Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

The mop feature is detachable. When engaged, the robot cannot charge.

We found the 601's mop design about as easy to use as the one on the 380t. Instead of swapping between dry and wet dusting cloths, you're slotting a plate on and off the bottom of the unit. The reservoir on the Deebot was easy to fill and empty, as was replacing the microfibre cloth. The only downside we found was that the 601 cannot charge with the mop attached, so you have to swap it out after it's done cleaning.

Since both the 601 and Braava are in the same price bracket, it comes down to a matter of preference. You should get the 601 if you primarily want a robot vacuum and occasionally want a robot mop.

Smart Features

The 601 joins the growing number of robot vacuums with smart features. The accompanying smartphone app allows you to turn on the unit and schedule cleanings. As of the testings, the 601 is not Alexa compatible. According to Ecovacs, it's on the horizon.

Should you buy it?

On the Ozmo 930, you can draw virtual walls on your phone to keep it from sensitive areas.
Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

On the Ozmo 930, you can draw virtual walls on your phone to keep it from sensitive areas.

As far as mop-and-vacuum combos go, the 601 matches everything else on the market. We recommend putting it in your Amazon shopping cart. If a sale comes up that drops the price below $250, it's a steal.

If you want to spend less and get better dirt pickup, check out the Ecovacs N79S. Those of you that are worried about their robot scratching their furniture, check out the Ecovacs Ozmo 930, which has virtual walls you can draw right on your phone.

Meet the tester

Jonathan Chan

Jonathan Chan

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

@Jonfromthelab1

Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.

See all of Jonathan Chan's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

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