SwitchBot's new mini robot vacuum could be a game-changer for compact apartments — here's why

SwitchBot k11 + Under the Sofa
(Image credit: SwitchBot)

If you want to make light work of household chores, having one of the best robot vacuums or robot mops should be top of your gadget wishlist. Not only can you ‘set and forget’, at just the touch of a button, but it gives you more time to do other things (or simply put your feet up).

But while these smart appliances are convenient and handy, you’ll also need to consider storage space. And since I test robot vacuums for a living, I know the perils of having these huge appliances taking up space in my home.

That’s why I was so excited to learn of SwitchBot’s latest mini robot vacuum cleaner, the SwitchBot Mini K11+. Proclaimed to be the "world's smallest self-emptying robot vacuum”, it stands at just 24.8cm in diameter and 9.2cm in height.

Despite its mini stature however, the SwitchBot Mini K11+ boasts an impressive 6,000Pa suction power, which is equivalent to some of the standard-sized, robot vacuums on the market.

What’s more, this makes it perfect for compact apartments, and to handle smaller spaces with ease. Here's why.

SwitchBot  K11+ Mini Robot Vacuum
SwitchBot K11+ Mini Robot Vacuum: $299 at Amazon

Alongside its powerful suction, the K11+ robot vacuum features a unique Anti-Tangle Twin Side Brush to easily tackle corners and edges, lifting pet hair and debris without tangling. It is also equipped with advanced 360° LiDAR SLAM navigation, Position Sensitive Detectors (PSD) to navigate smoothly around obstacles, and comes with Matter 1.4 support and full smart home compatibility. Its ultra-compact base has a 90-day dust storage, while its compact design can fit easily under furniture. It’s also whisper-quiet and easy to store. A win-win!

What’s new about the SwitchBot Mini K11+?

SwitchBot K11+ Under the Chair

SwitchBot K11+ Under the Chair (Image credit: SwitchBot)

The SwitchBot Mini K11+ is an upgrade of the SwitchBot K10+ Pro which we reviewed earlier in the year. And while it was lacking in oomph, the new Mini K11+ promises double the power.

Perhaps the key selling point here is its miniature size, which is ideal for small apartments and living spaces. At just 9.2cm in height, it can easily slip under low furniture such as sofas, ergonomic chairs, and beds, ensuring your floors are left clean and spotless. It also has advanced corner and edge-to-edge cleaning, which has always been a gripe of robot vacuum cleaner users.

What’s more, its ultra-mini base station is smaller than an A4 sheet of paper, and inside is a 4L antibacterial dust bag that can store dust and debris for up to 90 days of hands-free disposal. This saves you the hassle of always emptying the vacuum after use.

SwitchBot K11 + on wooden floor

SwitchBot K11 + on wooden floor (Image credit: SwitchBot K11+)

And if you value aesthetics as well as size, the SwitchBot K11+ comes with an attractive, pine wood top, and won’t look out of place in any room decor. It’s also available in either white or black.

Perhaps what’s even better is its price tag. At just $299, it’s a fraction the price of some of the standard robot vacuums (with a self-emptying base) on the market — making it well worth the money. Needless to say, I'll be looking forward to getting this device into the Tom's Guide testing lab to see how it fares.

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Cynthia Lawrence
Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. 


Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.


With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!


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