Robot Vacuum Cleaner Consumables Comparison: Original, Filterix, Aliexpress

In this review, I've decided to compare robot vacuum cleaner consumables, across three main manufacturers. These include expensive original accessories, budget knockoffs from AliExpress, and, let's say, a middle ground—high-quality knockoffs. I'll be focusing on Filterix accessories, explaining in detail how they differ from original and cheaper Chinese consumables. Many people are curious about why I recommend these specific consumables. So, let's get started!

Packaging comparison

Let's start with the packaging. Consumable kits from AliExpress are usually sent in packages like these:

They can be transparent or black. A major drawback of this type of packaging is the high risk of damage to accessories during transportation. And from China, the journey is long and requires more than one mode of transport. Even these packaging shows how deformed they are:

I took the original consumables for the robotic vacuum cleaners within the comparison from the robotic vacuum cleaners that were under review at the time of preparing the comparison. Dreame Bot L10s Ultra And Roborock S8. Accordingly, there was no packaging for them at hand. But here are some from the previously released Comparison of consumables for Roborock robots I'll show you a photo as an example:

On the left, you can see how the original accessories for Roborock robotic vacuum cleaners are packaged. Everything comes in branded boxes, with brand logos and part numbers. Overall, the packaging is high-quality.

But in my opinion, Filterix has the coolest packaging:

Each set of consumables is collected in a separate large box, which increases protection against damage to the contents. A small but nice touch: the box itself contains information about the compatibility of the accessories with other models. This will be useful for buyers, simply because it will let them know which other robots they can order accessories for in the future. This even inspired me to make a separate video about the interchangeability of consumables between different models and brands.

A useful detail: the box includes a QR code for quick access to the company's website. Inside the main box, accessories are also separated into their own boxes or packaging. The packaging for the side brushes, which are the most likely to become deformed, deserves special attention. A plastic protector solves this problem.

In my case, the napkins came without packaging, but if you order them separately, the packaging will look like this:

Branded filter boxes are also worth noting. They indicate filter sizes, a list of compatible models (which is also convenient for selecting accessories), and legal information about the manufacturer that produces the accessories, as well as about the distributor, Filterix. This is included in every box.

Another very useful little thing I discovered: Roborock accessories even come with a screwdriver for removing the side brushes:

While it's not included in the original kit, it's actually very convenient that you don't need your own tools to replace the side brushes. Women will appreciate it.

Quality comparison

More importantly, compare the quality of materials and workmanship of accessories. I compared consumables for the Dreame and Roborock robot vacuums. I found four key points:

The first and most important thing about robot vacuum cleaners is the filter. The better the quality, the longer the heart of the robot—its motor—will last. The Dreame's original filter and Filterix's are surprisingly different, favoring the latter. Filterix filters have an additional mesh filter that protects the filter basket from clogging with fine dust, thus extending its lifespan. Blow the dust and lint off the mesh, and it's literally like new. Chinese filters from AliExpress don't always come with a mesh filter, but sometimes they do. In my case, there wasn't one.

I also noticed one important difference: the original filters and Filterix are sealed on the sides, while the filters from AliExpress are not always so. These ones, in particular, are not sealed. And it's very bad if a filter isn't sealed. Its airtightness is reduced, which means more dust gets into the engine. The situation is similar with Roborock filters. The original filter and Filterix were sealed on the sides, while the one from AliExpress was not. So there you have it, the difference.

The quality of the silicone is unmatched by original consumables. It's softer, more flexible, and therefore longer-lasting. I've tested this myself. The original silicone squeegee rollers for the iRobot Roomba i7+ lasted over two years, while the cheap ones from AliExpress literally wore out and showed signs of wear after just six months of use. I didn't notice any difference in the silicone of the turbo brushes and side brushes from Filterix from China from the Chinese knockoffs on AliExpress. That's worth acknowledging.

The quality of the wipes is almost identical, I'd even say identical. However, you can still find wipes on AliExpress that are bare on the sides. Try to avoid this option. Robots don't clean along the baseboards due to their design, and with such wipes, the unwashed area will be even wider.

And finally, the design of the turbo brushes. In 2023, almost all turbo brushes are detachable. You can still find some non-detachable ones on AliExpress, as I did. Cleaning them of hair and fur is a real challenge. Be careful and check this when ordering.

Price comparison

Finally, let's compare the cost of accessories. For example, let's compare five basic kits: the Roborock S7, Xiaomi Mijia 1C, Dreame Bot L10s Ultra, iRobot Roomba i7+, and Ecovacs Deebot OZMO N8. I've added all the data to the table.

We see that original accessories are truly a luxury, most often. Especially the center brushes. Prices are taken from official distributors. AliExpress is very attractive, but consider the quality of the filters and the potential for deformation during transportation. It's up to you to decide whether to take the risk. And Filterix, in my opinion, is the golden mean in both price and quality. Not always, but in most cases. It offers the best value for money.

Additionally, this includes fast delivery, the availability of all accessories in popular marketplaces, and small items like a side brush screwdriver and a list of compatible models. And that's not all. It's crucial that Filterix is ​​constantly improving its accessories, increasing their lifespan and efficiency. Furthermore, customer support is well-organized. This includes personalized consultations on accessory selection, resolving disputes, and hassle-free, prompt replacement of accessories if they prove defective—a risk that no manufacturer is immune to.

Overall, the goal of this video was to explain why I trust Filterix and, accordingly, regularly promote them in my reviews. I hope this video has conveyed my position and shown how their accessories actually differ from original accessories and those sold on AliExpress.

I, in turn, installed a full set of consumables on my new robot vacuum cleaner. Dreame Bot X10 Pro, and accordingly, I want to test the quality firsthand over long periods of use. How long will the silicone turbo brush or HEPA filter with an additional mesh last?

If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments. Happy shopping, everyone. Bye!