Innovation in robot vacuums often focuses on power or software, yet the Vexilar W15 takes a unique direction through its clever bagless dock design. During my hands-on testing, its compact footprint, eco-friendly dust system, and efficient mapping with intelligent automation make it a good option for many.
The W15 is compact and stylish yet understated, ideal for those who want the convenience of a robot vacuum but don’t have much space. The robot itself follows the familiar circular aesthetic, but the finish feels sturdier than its price tag suggests. It doesn’t creak when lifted, and the top panel sits firmly in place, which gives confidence in day-to-day handling.
The real star of the design, however, is the docking station. I absolutely love how compact it is. Many robot vacuum docks dominate hallways or kitchen corners, but this one blends in effortlessly. Even in a small apartment or a busy family home, it doesn’t feel intrusive. The bagless system is another major plus. There’s no disposable vacuum bag to replace, no hidden ongoing costs, and no fiddly cardboard collars to line up correctly.
Emptying the dock is surprisingly satisfying. The process feels very similar to using a stick vacuum cleaner. Simply lift, release, empty, done. For households trying to reduce waste or simply avoid recurring expenses, this design choice is ideal.
The W15 GreenBin’s 4-litre self-emptying docking station uses a multi-cyclone system. The robot automatically empties its dustbin without requiring direct contact with debris. In practice, this worked reliably throughout my testing period, and I rarely had to intervene manually.
Vexilar claims up to 90 days of hands-free cleaning, and while this will vary depending on household size and pet hair levels, the capacity is generous. What makes it particularly appealing is the bagless nature. You’re not tied into proprietary consumables, and there’s an eco-friendly benefit alongside the estimated annual savings.
Charging performance is straightforward. The robot returns to the dock without confusion, even in low light conditions. The compact dock also means placement is flexible; it can sit against a wall without requiring excessive clearance. For modern homes where space is always at a premium, that practicality goes a long way.
Under the hood, the W15 GreenBin’s 10,000Pa suction power is impressive for this price bracket and easily handles dust, crumbs, and pet hair across mixed floor types. Three suction modes (Standard, Turbo, and Quiet) provide useful flexibility. Although it’s not the quietest, Quiet Mode running at around 60dB is welcome for late-evening cleans or households with sleeping children.
The LiDAR scanner quickly and accurately maps rooms, learning the layout to improve speed and efficiency over time. Watching the first mapping run is always interesting, as the robot methodically scans and builds a virtual floor plan. Subsequent cleans become noticeably more direct and less random.
The 3-in-1 functionality, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping, is a real bonus. The 300ml dustbin and 200ml water tank are adequate for medium-sized homes, and the Matrix Cleaning Mode ensures systematic coverage rather than chaotic wandering. There’s also obstacle avoidance using the LiDAR,
Battery life is also solid, with up to 180 minutes of runtime and the ability to cover roughly 200 m² before automatically returning to charge.
In everyday use, the W15 performs consistently well. On hard floors and tiles, it excels, lifting fine dust and larger debris with ease. Carpets also benefit from the high suction levels, especially in Turbo Mode, which noticeably deep-cleans fibres.
That said, there are a couple of niggles. The cloth mop attachment is serviceable but not outstanding. Compared to models that use rotating or vibrating mop heads, it simply doesn’t scrub as effectively. It’s fine for light maintenance, but not a substitute for a proper manual mop.
Another limitation is its inability to lift the mop cloth when transitioning from hard surfaces to rugs or carpets. This means you’ll either need to remove the mop beforehand or set no-go zones within the app. Regular cleaning of the cloth is also necessary to maintain hygiene and performance, which slightly reduces the “hands-free” appeal.
The companion app is intuitive and packed with functionality. Setup is straightforward, and within minutes, you can schedule cleans, label rooms, and define no-go zones. Support for up to five maps is particularly useful for multi-storey homes, and the ability to set cleaning order by room is handy.
Voice assistant compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri works reliably, and Apple Watch integration is a pleasant bonus. I also appreciated the inclusion of a physical remote control, which makes the device more accessible for older family members or anyone less comfortable with smartphone apps.
The Vexilar W15 GreenBin impresses with clever bagless docking, compact design, and accurate LiDAR mapping. While the mop system has limitations, its suction power, smart app controls, and low running costs deliver excellent value, making it a practical, budget-friendly robot vacuum for modern homes.
€219 Vexilar Cleanova W15
