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Following the rather impressive S10, the manufacturer has introduced the SwitchBot S20. This upgraded version features a more powerful motor and a redesigned mopping roller. SwitchBot doesn’t stop there; it includes new anti-tangle brushes, a significant increase in suction power from 6,500 Pa to 150,000 Pa, and an optional base that automatically refills the water tank and empties the dirty water using your home’s water system. Additionally, it boasts a higher level of smart features. On paper, it’s a premium product that could potentially compete with the best in the market, all for under 800 euros!
SwitchBot S20Technical Specifications
| Model | SwitchBot S20 |
|---|---|
| Obstacle Detection | Yes |
| Color | White |
| Mopping Function | Yes |
| Product Sheet |
This review was conducted using a product provided by the manufacturer.
SwitchBot S20Design: Classic with a Twist
The SwitchBot S20 doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel when it comes to robot vacuum design, yet it has its unique charm. It sports a round shape with a matte white plastic finish. The top features a silver trim that accentuates the removable upper cover. The front hosts three backlit physical buttons (change mode, start cleaning cycle, return to base) and a prominent dome housing the laser distance meter.
However, its slightly bulky profile is noteworthy. Although its diameter is slightly above the average 35 cm, here at 36.5 cm, it’s the height of 11.5 cm that might be a concern—it’s a bit taller compared to the average 9.5 to 10 cm of its competitors. While this might seem minor, it could be the difference between fitting under certain furniture or not.
The front features an RGB camera for obstacle recognition, flanked by two light torches. On the right side, a PSD sensor helps refine navigation. Additionally, it includes anti-fall sensors to prevent accidents around stairs, for example.
Upon opening the top cover, you find a generously sized dustbin that’s well-designed with an easily accessible HEPA filter. Switchbot thoughtfully includes a cleaning tool with a cutting feature, stored on top of the bin.
Flipping the robot over reveals a standard configuration with an anti-tangle side brush, similar to the central V-shaped brush. Regarding suction power, you can count on 10,000 Pa, which is decent but not quite on par with the latest Ecovacs or Roborock models.
The mopping system consists of a cleaning roller similar to those found in mop-vacuums. It features a self-cleaning system that activates during the floor washing process, not just when the robot docks at its base.
The dirty water generated from the cleaning process is collected in a small water tank positioned at the robot’s rear.
SwitchBot S20The Base: Thoughtfully Designed but Missing a Ramp?
The S20’s base is traditionally styled, rectangular with soft curves and a white plastic finish. A unique feature is the longitudinal handle that allows for the front cover to be removed.
This cover reveals the dust bag, which promises up to 90 days of autonomy. On the left, a small alcove stores a bottle of detergent.
While convenient, one wonders why this space wasn’t used for an automatic detergent dispenser. Therefore, you will need to add three caps of cleaning solution when refilling the clean water tank.
This tank is accessible from the top and holds 3 liters, just like the adjacent dirty water tank. Notably, there’s no ramp, raising concerns about whether the mop might leave marks on the floor after cleaning at the station. When the robot docks, hot air drying at 45 °C (113 °F) is immediately activated.
Switchbot offers an additional optional base that can be connected to, for example, your kitchen water system. This allows the robot to directly refill with water and empty the dirty water tank. This is particularly convenient if you have a very large home or multiple floors.
SwitchBot S20App and Management: Comprehensive and User-Friendly
Since the K10+ Pro, the SwitchBot app has seen little change. Its navigation remains clear and intuitive, although the design is somewhat outdated. While not visually appealing, it doesn’t hinder its effectiveness in daily use.
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The app focuses on essentials, as noted during the installation process. After tapping the “+” icon, the robot is automatically detected. You then enter your Wi-Fi network code, and in less than three minutes, everything is set up and ready to use.
Once the device is paired, the main screen centers around the map. Above it, you can see the robot’s real-time status and battery level. To the right, an icon accesses the Settings menu.
To the left of the map, an icon opens up all the mapping functions. Following that, there are three tabs to define the cleaning area (Whole house, Room, Zone), and then three main shortcuts.
The first controls the base and allows you to send the robot back, which is handy for interrupting a cycle. If the robot is at rest in its station, you can then initiate a new cleaning cycle for the roller or start emptying the dustbin. The second shortcut starts a cleaning cycle, and the third adjusts the floor treatment settings.
Thus, you can select between Suction and mop, Suction, Suction then mop, and Customize modes. The latter allows you to set which rooms are cleaned, in which order, and, room by room, the level of suction and mopping. The S20 offers four levels of suction power and two levels of moisture for the mop. You can also choose to pass once or twice.
In terms of ecosystem, the app is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. On some models, NFC allows you to trigger scenarios via SwitchBot tags without the need for a smartphone or voice assistant. Other smart home protocols, including Matter, are also supported.
SwitchBot S20Maintenance and Accessories: Almost Fully Autonomous
The S20’s anti-tangle brushes are effective. After several weeks of use, only a slight buildup appears on the sides, but it’s easily removable, especially with the cutting tool provided on the dustbin. While not on par with the latest generations offered by Narwal or Roborock, it still does a good job.
The dustbin mainly requires regular cleaning of the HEPA filter and the bin itself. It’s a good opportunity to clean everything in one go.
At the back, the dirty water tank should be removed and cleaned at least once a month. If there are stubborn residues, the small brush provided with the robot ensures effective cleaning.
This isn’t the only place where this tool proves useful. Under the dirty water tank is also a filter, which should be cleaned monthly. The brush can then scrape the bottom of the space dedicated to the filter if any buildup is present. If you don’t have pets or long hair is rare in your household, this operation can be done every two months.
The water tanks, if you run a daily cleaning cycle, won’t require maintenance more than once a week. The dust bag, meanwhile, offers 60 to 90 days of autonomy in a household without children or pets. In a more active environment, this period will likely be 45 to 50 days.
The automatic maintenance system for the roller, similar to those offered by Roborock or Dyson mop-vacuums, helps keep the cleaning tool clean throughout the cycle.
We checked the condition of the roller during operation and after a complete cycle: it comes out very clean. Only the toughest and thickest stains, such as makeup, may leave some marks. A simple manual wash then suffices to remove them.
We have an effective mop cleaning system, but to maintain its performance, it’s recommended to occasionally remove the roller to check that no deposits have formed on the flexible strips that scrape the roller. One of the advantages of this system is that it avoids trips back to the base to wash the mop.
Initially, we were concerned about the lack of a ramp. The wet roller rests directly on the floor when at rest, which could potentially leave marks. Fortunately, hot air drying at 50 °C (122 °F) addresses this issue. Air flows through vents at the bottom of the base, blowing directly under the roller and onto the floor surface. This system turns out to be much more effective than we initially thought.
SwitchBot S20Usage: Smart but Somewhat Slow to React
Mapping
The SwitchBot S20 primarily uses its LIDAR to generate its map. The map is of very good quality and, despite a somewhat outdated display, is as readable as it is accurate. The robot detected our trap room, accessible through a partially open door, on the first try.
The only downside is that, being unable to pass under as many pieces of furniture as most of its competitors, the map is slightly less complete. But since it can’t get there, the impact is null here.
The room segmentation is of good quality; most were perfectly identified on the first try. We still had to use the adjustment tools to merge and separate some rooms before naming them.
Next, we specified the type of flooring for each room and, in the case of rooms with parquet, the direction of the grain.
Creating cleaning zones on the fly is just as simple. However, remember to delete them after use. Otherwise, they are saved and, if you don’t pay attention, the old zone remains defined and will therefore be treated.
Navigation and Obstacle Detection
For navigation, the SwitchBot S20 relies on its laser distance meter, PSD sensors, and front camera. This allows the robot to move smoothly through the space. After traveling along the edges, it processes the rest of the room in a zigzag pattern. The movements along the room edges are quite effective.
In the absence of a side brush and extendable mop, the S20, like the K11+, then performs a two-step movement. It advances by pivoting against the wall to bring the side brush as close as possible, then performs the same movement making sure the mop gets as close to the wall as possible by slightly pivoting. This allows it to effectively treat the edges, but still imperfectly, as we will see below.
Obstacle detection is a pleasant surprise, especially for under 800 euros. We scattered Lego (figures and bricks of different sizes), Playmobil, shoes, a bag, and various cables.
It easily detects shoes and bags left on the floor. It then adopts a behavior that repeats for each obstacle: it stops, backs up a bit, and “thinks” for a few seconds. It then determines the best way to avoid the obstacle without risking collision. Yes, we are not yet at the level of a Saros 10R, for example, which performs this analysis much faster than the S20. However, it’s important to remember that there’s almost a 700 euro difference between the two. The result obtained is therefore already very good.
Regarding cables, excellent point: it detected a USB cable laid out in full length on the floor. The same with power cables. Paradoxically, a folded USB cable or a Lego figure seems too small, or not big enough to be well identified, unlike a Playmobil figure. The robot then pushes away thin objects without swallowing them, except for very small objects like a small Lego brick. Note that it brilliantly detected animal droppings, and we thank Mangue and her 6 kg for her participation.
After each cleaning cycle, the app indicates the obstacles on the map. Just press on them to see them in photos and indicate whether the AI has correctly identified the obstacle. We strongly advise you to do this as often as possible, as it activates the AI’s learning and therefore its effectiveness over time.
Overall, this SwitchBot S20 offers excellent services in the area of navigation and especially in the identification and avoidance of obstacles. It may not be the most responsive, but the job is done, and very lively households will appreciate its intelligence.
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Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.
