I originally aimed to test the 3i G10+ robotic vacuum because of its debris compression capability, particularly after my disappointment with the Roomba 205 DustCompactor. The G10+ also compresses dust, minimizing the necessity to empty the dustbin for months and removing the need for a self-empty dock. I was curious, but I did not anticipate that the G10+ would provide such a top-notch experience, particularly for less than $500.

The first sign of the G10+’s intelligence appeared during its initial mapping of my apartment. It accurately partitioned each room, apart from my open-concept kitchen and living area. The LiDAR-driven smart mapping was so astute that it classified certain spaces as bedrooms and bathrooms by identifying beds and toilets.

The G10+ maneuvered around socks and fake pet waste (brown sugar clumps). While it recognized most phone and laptop chargers in the app, it still rolled over a few. Even the most sophisticated robotic vacuums I’ve evaluated struggle with cables. The Roomba 205 DustCompactor frequently got disoriented or caught on rug corners.

A surprising aspect of the G10+ is the livestream camera, which is uncommon in vacuums priced below $1,000, let alone $500. It might seem unnecessary, but pet owners will value the opportunity to monitor their pets remotely.

I typically maintain low expectations when assessing budget robotic vacuums. Nonetheless, the G10+’s 18,000 Pa of suction strength positions it among the top-tier robot vacuums on the market — just 2,000 Pa shy of my favorite robot vacuum of 2025, the $1,599.99 Roborock Saros 10R. The G10+ provides various suction levels, with the motor adjusting its speed and care over carpets. It vacuumed my bath mats without disrupting them, which is unusual.

During zone cleanings, the G10+ cleans in a grid format akin to Shark Matrix vacuums. The only instance where I noticed debris left behind was when I intentionally spilled a substantial amount of rice on the kitchen floor, and the G10+ picked up about 90% of it in two runs.

The G10+ also has a mopping function. Its singular, flat mopping pad does not scrub as effectively as robotic mops equipped with spinning pads, especially near edges. However, the G10+ features a small spinning edge mop that extends closer to the wall, similar to the Roborock Saros 10. It cleaned the area where my bathroom floor meets the shower quite efficiently.

The only “issue” I have with the 3i G10+ is aesthetic. Its design resembles an older robotic vacuum from the early 2000s — not as streamlined as most contemporary vacuums. However, its debris compression capability renders its appearance irrelevant. Since the G10+ does not require a self-empty dock, it can be stored under furniture (I keep mine under the TV stand).

With dependable small obstacle avoidance, a livestream camera, and impressive suction power for its price bracket, the 3i G10+ boasts more features than any other budget robotic vacuum I have tested. Simply labeling it a Roomba 205 clone would be unjust.