360 C50 Review: A Budget Yet Powerful Robot Vacuum & Mop

Review of:
360 C50
Brand name:
360
Model:
C50
Reviewed by:
natalie
Rating:
Published On:
Aug. 24, 2020, 10:45 a.m.
Edited On:
Aug. 24, 2020, 10:45 a.m.

Summary

For ~$200, you get a decent robot vacuum, one of the best in its price range. This would be a good choice for those who live in a small home and don't want to buy a high-end machine. I didn't expect much when got this robot but it did amaze me by its cleaning ability. If I try to find anything based on a gyroscope for such price, I probably wouldn't stumble upon on anything as good as the C50.

Looking for an affordable robot vacuum that can fit in tight places? Take a look at the 360 C50. The newest robot vacuum is small, slim, yet powerful machine with mopping function and gyroscope-based navigation.

I have had the opportunity to test all the models from the 360 company, and they all have impressive cleaning performance and a lot of smart features. All the previous models I've tested are equipped with Lidar that helps to make navigation more efficient. The 360 C50 is the first model that does not have Lidar yet follows a purposeful back-and-forth cleaning pattern. It is the cheapest and smallest device in the lineup but still as powerful as its more expensive brothers. Let's see what makes it this attractive to buy in 2020.

Full video review

Design & Appearance

360 C50 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
360 C50 Robot Vacuum Cleaner

The first thing that I noticed when unboxed the C50 is its smaller body. It's only 31.5 cm (12.4 in) in diameter, and 7.9 cm (3.11 in) tall which makes it the smallest robot vacuum I've tested.

360 C50 compared to the flagship 360 S9
360 C50 compared to the flagship 360 S9

Underneath, it has two side sweepers and the main roller brush.

360 C50 underneath
360 C50 underneath

On top, there is only one button that works as a stop/start/pause button.

360 C50 Start & stop cleaning button
Start/stop cleaning button

Despite the small size, the robot has a relatively big dustbin that holds 510 ml of debris. It also includes a HEPA filter.

360 C50 dustbin with HEPA filter inside
360 C50 dustbin with a HEPA filter inside

The dustbin can be easily removed and replaced with a 300 ml water tank. The device identifies when you attaching the water tank and automatically switching the robot into mopping mode. Even though it is the smallest robot vacuum in the model line, it has the largest dustbin and water tank compared to the previous models. Since both containers can not be inserted at once, the robot can either mop or vacuum, not both at a time.

Narrow and slim body

The 360 C50 is about 15% narrower than a regular robot vacuum's body.

360 C50 can reach places where other robot vacuums can't fit
360 C50 can reach places where other robot vacuums can't fit

The robot vacuum is less likely to get stuck in narrow places. It can get between chair legs and clean hard to reach places where other robot vacuums just can't fit.

The 360Robot app

The robot can be fully controlled via the 360Robot app (available for iOS and Android phones). The app has a lot of useful features such as:

  • Start, stop and return to the charging dock
  • Switch between suction modes (quiet, standard, turbo, and max mode).
  • Set the water output mode (3 modes available)
  • Spot cleaning (spiral spot cleaning 1.5 x 1.5 m, or square spot cleaning 1 x 1 m)
  • Edge cleaning
  • Cleaning history
  • Scheduling
  • Remote control (like a radio car)
  • Firmware OTA updates
  • Informs when the robot's sensors should be cleaned
  • Shows the current status of the robot: cleaning time and remaining battery
360Robot app screenshots: Spot cleaning (spiral and square)
360Robot app screenshot: remote control and edge cleaning
360Robot app screenshots: remote control (left) and edge cleaning (right)
360Robot app: scheduling feature
360Robot app: scheduling feature
360Robot app: cleaning history and maintanance
360Robot app: cleaning history and maintanance

Unfortunately, you can't track the robot's movements nor see the map of your house. The robot shows you animation on the main screen which looks like a plan of a room, but it's not a real plan of your house, just an entertaining animation.

Not seeing your robot's movements feels frustrating but we are talking about a $200 robot vacuum. Overall I didn't have any issues with the app, it hasn't crashed even once, it works smoothly. In general, a good experience with it.

IR remote control

The robot can be controlled by the IR remote controller, for some users, it might be a more convenient method to control the robot. You can start/stop cleaning, return the robot to the dock, start spot cleaning, and edge cleaning mode (cleaning along the walls and corners). There is also a button that switches the robot's voice language (English, Russian, Korean, Japanese available at the moment).

360 C50 IR remote control
360 C50 IR remote control

Navigation & Gyroscope technology

The 360 C50 does not have Lidar but it has a gyroscope that helps to remember where the robot has already cleaned. This technology is cheaper than Lidar and not as accurate but is more efficient than robot vacuums that move randomly (most of the robot vacuums in this price range). The robot is equipped with 18 types of sensors that help navigate around, avoid obstacles, and build the most efficient cleaning path. 

How efficient the robot navigates?

I've noticed the robot moves faster than most Lidar-guided robots I have tested. It detects walls, furniture, and other objects with infrared sensors located in the front bumper and slows down when approaching the object. It's still slightly bumping into things but not at a full speed, and there is a soft rubber stripe on the bumper which protects furniture from damage. 

Cleaning performance

I was highly surprised by how well it cleans carpets considering its price and size. The cleaning performance is comparable with the flagship robot vacuums I've tested. The main reason why it performs so well is its strong brushless motor which delivers 2,600 Pa of suction power. In our tests, the robot shows good performance on hard floors as well as on carpet which I was amazed to see.

I have a medium pile carpet and the 360 C50 cleans it pretty well even though some other budget robot vacuums were not able to climb on the carpet or struggles to move on it.

I used oats, rice, and other small debris to see how well it cleans on hard floors. The robot managed to pick up most of it, even sand was not an issue for the C50. The only thing to keep in mind is that its side sweepers scatter bigger debris on hard floors. Fairly to say that most robots do the same. On carpet, I didn't notice such a thing. Also worth to mention that it's a synthetic test with 72 grams of debris scattered on a small area, unlikely someone has such a mess on their floors in real life.

In our tests, it picked up 96% of debris and ~52% of sand scattered on the carpet which is a very good result considering the price.

I have noticed that when the battery level is less than 75%, the robot automatically switches from max suction mode to turbo mode.

With strong suction and decent battery life, the C50 does a good job of cleaning carpets and hard floors.

The roller brush does not resist hair tangles and does not have removable side tips (as we have seen in more expensive models).

360 C50 main roller brush
360 C50 main roller brush

So if there is someone with long hair in your home, the roller brush should be cleaned each week or so. There is a special cleaning tool in the box that you can use to remove the tangled hair from the roller brush. Thanks to the tool, you can clean the brush within a minute.

360 C50 cleaning tool
Cleaning tool

Is the 360 C50 quiet?

The robot is a bit noisy on max suction mode. In quiet mode, it's pretty quiet and it will not disturb you while cleaning.

Can the 360 C50 remove stains in mopping mode?

As to mopping, the robot also did surprisingly well. We made stains with cocoa and coca-cola and let them dry. The C50 removed them all in two passes.

Of course, the robot is not able to remove stubborn stains yet it handles fresh stains pretty well. It's a handy feature to keep your floors clean without almost any effort.

The water tank is electronically controlled. There is a small electric water pump inside the tank which takes the necessary amount of water and supply it on the mopping pad. The app allows you to choose between three water level modes for different mopping tasks. The tank is relatively big compared to other robot vacuums so you don't need to refill the water tank during the mopping process, at least if your house is less than 120 sq. meters. In my apartment, the robot consumed about 50% of the water on medium water level output after running for ~70 minutes.

360Robot app: suction mode and mopping mode settings
360Robot app: suction mode and mopping mode settings
360 C50 water tank with the mopping cloth attached
300 ml water tank with the mopping cloth attached
360 C50 water tank
360 C50 water tank

The C50 can't mop and sweep at the same time. I would run the vacuum in vacuuming mode first and only after that install the water tank and start mopping.

Is the 360 C50 suitable for big homes?

As to battery life, on standard mode, it was able to clean my apartment for 105 minutes in standard mode and 120 minutes in quiet mode. With such results, the robot can be suitable for small and average homes. I would not recommend it for big homes simply because it would not be as efficient and also likely go out of charge before finishing cleaning.

360 C50 charging dock
360 C50 charging dock
Can be charged directly via the DC port
Can be charged directly via the DC port

Package content

360 C50: What is in the box
What is in the box

Where to buy

You can buy the 360 C50 on Amazon for $189.99 with an in-page coupon code.

Conclusion

For ~$200, you get a decent robot vacuum, one of the best in its price range. This would be a good choice for those who live in a small home and don't want to buy a high-end machine. I didn't expect much when got this robot but it did amaze me by its cleaning ability. If I try to find anything based on a gyroscope for such price, I probably wouldn't stumble upon on anything as good as the C50.

The robot can be used in homes with lots of furniture as it's narrow and short, can get under most furniture. Overall, it does the job and does it really well for the price.


34 comments
Edward Bredenkamp ⋅ 3 years, 7 months ago #

Hi Natalie

Is it possible to move it manually to a other room and let it clean that room and move it back to its docking station ?, we live in an double story house.

Natalie Red ⋅ 3 years, 7 months ago #

Hi Edward, since it doesn't save the map it would not be able to relocate itself and couldn't find the dock as well.

Deborah Zugell ⋅ 3 years, 8 months ago #

I just got this wonderful little machine. It ran once and did a great job picking up. I have not got to program it. Was just going to run until I learned. The second time would not run says Cannot scan and stops. I dont know what to do with it now.

Natalie Red ⋅ 3 years, 8 months ago #

Hi Deborah,
Contact 360 support. Jane: zh-service@360.cn

Sargon Ibrahim ⋅ 3 years, 8 months ago #

Can someone tell me on the app how to change the language to English it’s all Chinese I know I screwed it up if you can take some photos on the language page please?

Justine Bracey ⋅ 3 years, 8 months ago #

Mine too

Natalie Red ⋅ 3 years, 8 months ago #

Hi Justine,
Contact 360 support. Jane: zh-service@360.cn

Natalie Red ⋅ 3 years, 8 months ago #

Hi Sargon,
Contact 360 support. Jane: zh-service@360.cn

Jonathan Figueroa ⋅ 3 years, 9 months ago #

Great review! Bought it and used for a few days then my phone battery drained while updating the firmware. Now I can't pair it to the app, does anybody know how to reset it to factory settings?

Natalie Red ⋅ 3 years, 9 months ago #

Not sure if hard reset is possible for this model. Did you reset the robot's wi-fi settings when pairing it with the app? You should hold the "Clean" button for 8 seconds to reset wi-fi settings.

Jonathan Figueroa ⋅ 3 years, 9 months ago #

Yes, I tried that several times but I get an error, I have noticed it no longer "talks" and doesn´t change the dock LED once fully charged. I think I will send it back and order a replacement, because it works so well!

Maria ⋅ 3 years, 9 months ago #

Hi can you use hot water in the c50

Natalie Red ⋅ 3 years, 9 months ago #

Hi there, I use warm water so far so good. Not sure about hot water tho.

Maja Plantan ⋅ 3 years, 10 months ago #

Pozdravljeni zanima me kako je z garancijo in servisom v sloveniji

Rush ⋅ 3 years, 11 months ago #

Hi Natalie, great review!

I'm actually considering buying this vacuum robot but I noticed in some review that c50 sometimes cannot return on dock charging station due to gyroscope limatations.

How did you fare on its capability of returning home?

Natalie Red ⋅ 3 years, 11 months ago #

Hey Rush, yes the C50 has some issues with finding the dock if it finishes cleaning not in the same room as the dock is located. It takes some time to actually dock for the robot and I hope with the future updates this issue would be gone. If the robot finishes cleaning in the same room, it can find the dock with no problems.

In my scenario, it was always able to find the dock even tho it spent more time to do so.

Dennis Bager ⋅ 3 years, 12 months ago #

Hi. I cant find the app in iOS app store. Is the robot/app up to date with the newest iOS? I am searching for a replacement of my DEALDIG robvaccum 8, that NO longer support app!! Br Dennis

Natalie Red ⋅ 3 years, 12 months ago #

Hi Dennis, you can find it here. Though, have no idea if it's up to date with the newest iOS version.

Dennis Bager ⋅ 3 years, 12 months ago #

Thank you. Do you Think that the c50 is the best choice at this time and Price? I dont need the mopping feature.

Shubhra ⋅ 4 years ago #

How does the mopping compare to Kyvol E31? Does Kyvol do a better job at mopping?

Natalie Red ⋅ 4 years ago #

Hi there, I believe the Kyvol is no better or worse than the 360 C50 at cleaning as it seems to be using the same mopping system. They are good for maintaining the floors clean but not able to remove stubborn stains.

Skeer ⋅ 4 years ago #

Thanks for the review. I am concerned about the noise in general. So in your video review of C50, you have measured around 69db for Standard mode and 67db for Quiet mode. Are those values to be taken as near the fan in unit or if away, then at what diatance from unit? I have seen 360 S6 in operation and found noise in Standard mode quite unsettling, but but on Silent it was ok. Since you have used S6, how do compare noise of C50 with S6 on Standard as well as Quiet/Silent mode? As per internet S6 has 1500 / 800 Pa and C50 has 1000 / 600 Pa suction power for both these modes. Still C50 noise levels seem way higher as compared to 55db you had mentioned in your review of 360 S6. Does that mean S6 has superior noise dampening? Thanks for detailed reviews.

Nicolas Silva ⋅ 4 years, 1 month ago #

Great review!

Is it posible to mix a liquid cleaning product with water to do the mopping?

Thanks!

Natalie Red ⋅ 4 years, 1 month ago #

Hi Nicolas, the manufacturer does not recommend adding anything other than water to the water tank.

Best

QiaoLongBiao ⋅ 4 years, 1 month ago #

Would you recommend for wooden floor? Will the main brush scratch the wooden floor?
I am thinking to buy it as mopping machine as it comes with large 300ml water tank.

Natalie Red ⋅ 4 years, 1 month ago #

Hi there, I have never had a robot vacuum that would scratch my floors :) My surface is laminate and tile. I would recommend this robot for a wooden floor.

Ashley ⋅ 4 years, 1 month ago #

Our kitchen is tile and then it next goes to carpet in the living room without a wall in between. If we have it vacuum the whole space and then switch it to mop the kitchen, will it know where to mop and to stay off the carpet?

Thanks for the review!

Natalie Red ⋅ 4 years, 1 month ago #

Hi Ashley, this feature can only be found in high-end models. The 360 C50 does not know how to stay off the carpet as it does not have virtual walls nor no-mop zones.

Monika ⋅ 4 years, 1 month ago #

Hi there,

My neato robot vacuum recently died so I am searching for the next best one to buy. We do have a very large house but I have always cleaned it in sections. One day, living room, kitchen, dining, other day, hallways and bedrooms.

With the gyroscope nav will it clean the area designated and then just got back to the spot I started at (not the base)? My old vacuum did that which was great so I want to make sure this one won’t go over the same spots, over and over again until it dies.

Thanks I’m advance,

Monika

Natalie Red ⋅ 4 years, 1 month ago #

Hi Monika,

The gyroscope navigation does not allow setting the robot to clean a specific room. This is only related to high-end models based on Lidar and some camera-guided robots.

Natalie

Swho20 ⋅ 4 years, 1 month ago #

your review states it does scheduling for when it can clean, can you schedule it to either mop or just vacuum? And can it be zoned? I didn't see that in the review.
Thanks

Natalie Red ⋅ 4 years, 1 month ago #

Hey there, nope. As I said, you can't interact with the map so you can't set no-go zones or order it to clean a particular zone. You can do a spot cleaning tho. But for this purpose, the robot has to be staying next to the area you want it to clean. You also can not schedule it only to mop but you can do so for vacuuming. Such a feature is normally present in high-end models only.

Does that help? :)

CR Mewborn ⋅ 3 years, 11 months ago #

I think I would like it but I can't seem to get it to hook up to my phone. The help solution didn't help. If they had other options to get it to connect then maybe I would rank it high..But I feel im cheated out of some options since I can't get it to connect. So frustrated UGH

Natalie Red ⋅ 3 years, 11 months ago #

Try to read our "how to connect"guide. It is about other model but those tend to have the same issue.

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