Gareth Butterfield steps away from premium robot vacuums to test a more affordable alternative, and the findings are unexpected.
As a consumer technology writer, I’ve had the privilege of reviewing some of the finest robot vacuum cleaners on the market—devices that can cost as much as £1,500. While these top-tier machines perform admirably, their steep price tags are often out of reach for the average consumer.
In light of this, I recently decided to put a more affordable option to the test: a robot vacuum priced at a fraction of the cost of its high-end counterparts. For just £189.99, the Lubluelu SL68 promises an impressive array of features, but there’s a limited-time offer on Amazon that brings the price down to just £124.96—around half the cost of a decent manual vacuum. The question is, does this budget vacuum live up to its promises?
One feature that stood out to me was its LiDAR navigation, which I consider the gold standard for robot vacuums at any price point. The Lubluelu SL68 also includes a combined water and dust tank, enabling both vacuuming and mopping functions simultaneously. Although it lacks some high-end features like a self-emptying base or air-drying capabilities, it still manages to offer solid functionality for the price.
With a suction power of 4,500Pa, the vacuum automatically adjusts its intensity based on the surface it’s cleaning. For instance, when it detects a carpet or rug, it boosts suction to tackle the extra debris. This feature helps optimize battery life, and I found that the vacuum lasted several cleaning sessions between charges without issue.
Setting up the Lubluelu SL68 was a bit tricky initially, as it uses the Smart Life app. While I’m familiar with this app, I had some trouble connecting the vacuum to my Wi-Fi. Once the connection was established, though, the app performed well, allowing me to create cleaning maps, designate spot-cleaning areas, and establish no-go zones. It may not have the smoothest interface, but it’s functional and easy to use.
There were a few hiccups with ground clearance, especially when it encountered thicker rugs. However, the robot persevered and continued its task without much intervention. In terms of cleaning performance, I was impressed—particularly when factoring in the affordable price. While it lacks the tangle-free technology of pricier models, it did a commendable job picking up debris, even without specific features designed for dealing with pet hair.
The fixed mop head, though not suitable for large messes or carpets, did provide effective floor cleaning, especially on laminate surfaces. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than having no mopping functionality at all. Additionally, the vacuum has a compact charging base, which I found far more convenient than the bulkier, self-emptying stations on more expensive models.
While the Lubluelu SL68 doesn’t offer the same level of performance as premium models like the Eufy or Roomba, it still surprised me with its capabilities, especially at its price point. I had expected to quickly dismiss the vacuum, but it turned out to be a surprisingly competent option for those on a budget.
If you can grab one during the current sale, it’s hard to imagine being disappointed. Even at the original price of £189.99, the Lubluelu SL68 offers solid performance. While I won’t be replacing my £850 Dreame L4 Ultra anytime soon, I’m impressed by how closely the budget model matches its high-end counterparts in terms of functionality.
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