The SwitchBot K10+ Pro builds on the foundation of its non-Pro brethren, with improvements in suction power, navigation, and cleaning capabilities. However, while these upgrades are noticeable, they may not justify the increased price tag for most users who will be almost as well served by the much cheaper original. Yes, the Pro model is better in corners, is noticeably quieter during operation, and boasts a few subtle design tweaks, but the differences just don't justify that extra cost.
Pros
- More powerful suction
- Improved corner cleaning and quieter operation
- Compact design still shines
- Works with Google and Alexa
Cons
- Mopping remains underwhelming
- Pricey for marginal improvements
- Obstacle avoidance still isn’t great
SwitchBot K10+ Pro: Introduction
- Type: Vacuum with basic mopping
- Docking: Auto-empty dock
- Navigation system: LiDAR with PSD Distance Sensor
Last year, SwitchBot (of Bot finger and auto curtain opening fame) took the covers off of the SwitchBot K10+, a more compact robot vacuum cleaner than you’re used to, aimed at smaller homes and designed to be easily hidden out of sight.
Fast forward a year and the K10+ now has a twin – albeit a twin packing some extra heat: the SwitchBot K10+ Pro.
Showdown: SwitchBot K10+ Pro vs. SwitchBot K10+
Apart from confusing everyone by slapping a Pro on the end of a moniker that already contains the word Plus (albeit in symbol form) the new model – also confusingly – looks exactly the same as the original.
But it’s not the same, as the Chinese brand has chucked a load of extra features into the mix, while still banking on the K10+ Pro’s (well, little) differentiator appealing to a people who don’t want a big robot vacuum cleaner and dock taking up space in their homes.
But, at $200 / £200 more than the current price for the non-Plus variant, those extra features come at a 50% extra outlay.
Costing £600 Stateside and £600 in the UK at the time of writing, for the K10+ Pro robot and the auto-empty dock, it’s pretty pricey.
But does it do the job as well as its bigger rivals and live up to that costlier price-tag? Read on for our comprehensive SwitchBot K10+ Pro review to find out.
Design and components
- Just 248mm in diameter
- Auto-empty dock holds 4 litres
- Wi-Fi 2.4GHz
Like the original K10+, the Pro is super compact, measuring just 248mm in diameter and 92mm tall, making it an ideal choice for smaller homes or tight spaces.
In comparison, more ‘regular’ sized robot vacuum cleaners, such as the Roborock Q5 Pro or the the Ecovacs Deebot T20, come in at around the 365mm diameter mark.
Its 92mm height is not actually much smaller than more regularly-sized models, which usually come in at around 100-110mm, so it’s still not going to get under furniture with super tight gaps.
The auto-empty dock also retains its petite stature (261 x 210 x 323 mm), though the base now comes in a lighter grey, which is perhaps easier on the eyes in modern home setups.
The 4-litre capacity dock now includes antibacterial dust bags, which a nice upgrade for anyone with allergies or dust sensitivity and you’ll also get a spare in the box.
Like the original, the lid of the station also boasts a slot to keep the mopping tank hidden away, as well as a space for the cleaning tool.
The K10+ Pro has a better, rubberized, brush that is similar to the one found in the SwitchBot S10, which improves debris pickup, particularly on hard floors.
Unfortunately, while it does better at avoiding obstacles than its predecessor, it’s still prone to getting tangled in cables and furniture legs.
Aside from that extra dust bag, you’ll also find a replacement filter, a spare side brush and pack of disposable mop cloths in the box too.
Features
- Syncs with SwitchBot Hub
- Mapping features in the app
- Multi-floor cleaning available
- Improved detection sensor
The K10+ Pro introduces a new PSD Distance Sensor, which enhances its ability to detect and navigate obstacles. Combined with the existing LiDAR navigation system, this makes initial mapping a smoother process a bit more streamlined compared to the original K10+ and navigation in general a touch better.
Setting it up follows the same straightforward process: download the SwitchBot app, pair the device, and let it map your space.
You can use the same SwitchBot account you’ll already be using if you’ve got a SwitchBot Hub 2 and/or any SwitchBot accessories set up.
To get started turn the K10+ Pro on using the on/off switch that is under the top flap, and go through the Wi-Fi pairing process as described by the app (make sure you have local network permissions granted if you’re using iOS.) The K10+ Pro connects using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
Once you’ve paired your K10+ Pro with the SwitchBot app, your first step is to send it on an exploration mission. This will allow it to map out your home and identify reachable areas.
Like many robotic cleaners, even from well-known brands, the K10+ Pro probably won’t perfectly divide rooms and you’ll likely need to manually adjust the map in the app to create specific rooms, add virtual walls, and designate no-go zones.
The K10+ Pro can store up to 10 different maps, making it suitable for multi-floor homes. When creating the initial map for each floor, you’ll need to move the charging station. However, subsequent cleans on that floor only require moving the lightweight (2.3kg) K10+ Pro robot itself.
If you have a SwitchBot Hub, you can integrate the Pro into your smart home routines. For instance, you can set it to start cleaning when a door closes, or return to the base when your smart lock is unlocked.
If you have the Matter enabled Hub 2 then you can also make it Matter compatible.
The K10+ Pro is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control. It also has its own voice, saying things like, “I’m stuck, please help” and “Cleaning makes me happy.”
Performance
The standout improvement here is suction power, which now hits 3,000Pa, up from 2,500Pa. This boost, while not game-changing, makes a noticeable difference on rugs and carpets, delivering a more thorough clean compared to the original K10+.
That 3,000Pa suction rating still sounds pretty feeble in a world where the likes of the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra has a 10,000Pa rating.
But it was only a few years ago that 3,000Pa would have been industry leading. And while it can’t rival its bigger, more expensive, rivals when it comes to suction on a thick carpet, it more than did the job in my testing area which comprises of hardwood flooring with a couple of rugs.
SwitchBot claims that it has a smaller turning circle than traditionally-sized rivals, so can cover tighter areas, with an estimated 90% more cleaning coverage. In other words, you’ll see more lines, tighter together on the map when analysing the route the K10+ Pro has taken post-clean.
Corner cleaning is also sharper than on the original K10+, with the Pro doing a better job of covering edges and tight spots. Despite these upgrades, the Pro still struggles with certain obstacles and occasionally needs rescuing, especially in cluttered areas.
The SwitchBot K10+ Pro really does take its time cleaning an area; taking nearly twice as long to clean my test area than the Dyson 360 Vis Nav.
It gets into corners much more efficiently than larger machines and, because of its size, it is able to navigate through gaps where bigger rivals may get into trouble.
I also noticed that when selecting for the K10+ Pro to clean a room twice, it varied the direction on the second clean for a more complete clean.
Noise levels have been further reduced thanks to SwitchBot’s SilenTech, making this one of the quietest models in its class even on its highest setting.
Battery performance remains impressive, with the Pro capable of returning to its dock for mid-clean charging if needed; it will return every 60, 75, or 90 minutes (depending on the mode) and have its dust sucked up into the auto-empty dock.
It’s recommended to replace the dust pack every couple of months but this obviously depends on how dirty your house is and how often you send it out to clean.
Like the K10+, it automatically empties its dustbin into the dock after 60 to 90 minutes of cleaning, depending on the mode.
Mopping: Still not great
The K10+ Pro keeps the same underwhelming mopping system as its predecessor, dragging a disposable cloth across floors without detecting carpets.
Adding and removing the pad is still a hassle, and while it gets the job done in a pinch, it’s far from a true mopping solution.
In other words, do not buy the K10+ Pro if you’re after a decent mopping robot. Nor indeed the original.
Final thoughts
The SwitchBot K10+ Pro is a capable upgrade over the original K10+, offering better suction, quieter cleaning, and improved navigation.
However, these upgrades feel incremental, and the Pro’s higher price makes the original K10+ a better choice for most people.
You’ll get 90% of the performance at around 65% of the price, with the original K10+.
How we test
When we publish our reviews, you can rest assured that they are the result of “living with” long term tests.
Robot cleaners usually live within an ecosystem, or a range of products that – supposedly – all work in harmony. And they are designed to offer a range of different cleaning options. Therefore, it’s impossible to use a robo cleaner for a week and deliver a verdict.
Because we’re testing smart home kit all day, everyday, we know what matters and how a particular smart cleaning machine compares to alternatives that you might also be considering.
Our reviews are comprehensive, objective and fair and, of course, we are never paid directly to review a device.
Read our guide on how we test robot vacuum cleaners to learn more.
FAQs
The K10+ Pro offers improved suction power (3,000Pa vs. 2,500Pa), a rubberized brush for better debris pickup, and a PSD Distance Sensor for enhanced navigation.
The mopping feature is basic, using a disposable cloth without water spray or carpet detection. It’s fine for light maintenance but not suitable for deep cleaning.
The antibacterial dust bag in the auto-empty dock typically lasts about two months, depending on usage frequency and your home’s cleanliness.
While the PSD Distance Sensor improves obstacle detection, the Pro still struggles with cables and furniture legs, occasionally needing manual intervention.
SwitchBot K10+ Pro: Specifications
| Type | Robot vacuum cleaner, white |
| UK RRP | £599.99 |
| US RRP | $599.99 |
| Size | 248 x 248 x 92 mm |
| Weight | 2.3kg |
| Release date | 2024 |
| Suction | 3000Pa |
| Ecosystems | Amazon Alexa and Google Home |
| Battery size | 3200mAh |
| Dock type | 261 × 210 × 323 mm (Auto-empty Station) |
