I’m the first to advocate for acquiring a Dyson instead of opting for a less expensive cordless vacuum. It may necessitate some saving, and yes, it comes at a higher cost, but if you can swing it, a Dyson stick vacuum is really worthwhile.

This is due to my Dyson with a laser performing exceptionally well, making manual cleaning more appealing. Whenever a robot vacuum overlooks areas, my Dyson V12 Detect Slim illuminates them with its green laser. It’s convenient to have a robot vacuum for quick tasks, but ultimately, my benchmark for robot vacuums is their performance compared to my Dyson stick vacuum.

So, what could possibly rival my Dyson stick vacuum better than a Dyson robot vacuum? I approached Dyson’s 360 Vis Nav with high hopes, even though I was aware it lacks functionalities such as mopping and self-emptying. Here’s my take on the Dyson robot vacuum.

Dyson doesn’t frequently release robot vacuums, making this a noteworthy launch. The 360 Vis Nav sold out on Dyson’s website mere hours after its March 19, 2024, debut, and inventory quickly diminished at other stores. Interest in a Dyson robot vacuum has surged since 2016, the last time the brand introduced a robot vacuum in the U.S., which was unsuccessful.

Almost ten years later, the concept of a Dyson robot vacuum seemed promising. Dyson has honed its cyclonic suction technology in cordless stick vacuums, so adapting that expertise to a robot should be straightforward, right?

The 360 Vis Nav claimed to be the most powerful robot vacuum globally, featuring a flat edge and an extending side duct for enhanced corner cleaning. A D-shaped robot vacuum is distinct, though not unprecedented. And it’s not even the most intriguing decision Dyson made with this design. Let’s start from there.

You can identify a Dyson vacuum by its metallic gray body, vibrant colors, and substantial features. I’ve never been bothered by that boldness. My V12 Detect Slim is stylishly mounted on the wall in my kitchen, and my guests recognize that this is a Dyson home.

Nevertheless, Dyson should have subdued its design with the 360 Vis Nav, as it’s somewhat unattractive. Instead of graphite, the entire body is a vivid indigo, topped with a circular dustbin resembling a curled-up centipede.

The eye-catching design might attract ultra-modern maximalists, but the bewildered reactions from my guests indicate a lack of visual appeal. Robot vacuums can often feel out of place in various homes. Other brands have recognized the trend for elegance and subtlety, like the all-white or all-black designs of the Roborock Saros 10 and Saros 10R.

The dust bin is not hidden on the underside or back as found in standalone robot vacuums. The clump of gray dust will face outward until it’s time to dispose of it. You’d have weeks of convenience if Dyson’s robot vacuum could self-empty, but at least the 360 Vis Nav’s 0.15-gallon dust bin is larger than most non-self-emptying models.

If a robot vacuum requires manual emptying, Dyson’s system is the least inconvenient. Simply lift the handle, unclick the bin while it’s charging, hold it over a trash can, and push the red button. The door swings open, allowing everything to drop right into the trash.

However, the inability to self-empty diminishes its attractiveness as an appliance. Manual emptying necessitates easy access to the dust bin, precluding storage under furniture. The 3i G10+ robot vacuum I evaluated isn’t charming either, but it features a dust compacting mechanism that functions like a self-emptying dock. It can be tucked away inconspicuously under my TV stand during testing.

Regarding design choices, the black and white checkered flags on the 360 Vis Nav’s dock are superfluous. This slim panel must be connected for mapping and docking functions. Without it, the 360 Vis Nav has difficulty returning to its base. No other robot vacuums I’ve tested demand such glaring stickers for docking.

Smart mapping is precise, but customizing areas is frustrating. A small LCD touchscreen and a clear sphere known as the Eye sit atop the 360 Vis Nav. The touchscreen is utilized during setup and for selecting cleaning modes. The Eye replaces the LiDAR tower found on other robot vacuums, analyzing up to 10,000 data points per second to navigate around obstacles.

The mapping run of the 360 Vis Nav was precise, at least around the general perimeter. The division of rooms in the app wasn’t seamless. After every cleaning session, the MyDyson app provides a heat map version of its smart map, indicating where it detected the most dirt.

In terms of navigation, the 360 Vis Nav maneuvers well around tricky furniture. It never became trapped in my apartment and was able to maneuver closely around our coffee table. However, it lacks technology for avoiding small obstacles, which I will detail in the downsides section.

Suction power