Quick Answer
The E25 offers stronger suction and better battery life, while the C28 shines with smarter navigation and quieter operation. For most homes, the E25 delivers better deep cleaning for the price, but if you have light carpets and need a quiet cleaner, the C28 is a solid choice.
Introduction
Shopping for a budget robot vacuum in 2026? The E25 vs C28 battle is probably on your radar. Both promise reliable cleaning without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. I’ve tested both models side by side to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your home.
Cleaning Performance: Suction vs Smarts
The E25 packs a powerful motor that pulls pet hair and debris from medium-pile carpets with ease. On hard floors, it leaves almost no dust behind. The C28 has slightly less suction but compensates with a smarter cleaning pattern — it covers every inch of your floor systematically rather than bouncing around. If you have mostly hard floors and area rugs, the C28’s methodical approach saves time. For carpets, the E25’s extra suction makes a noticeable difference.
For pet owners, both handle dander and fur well, but the E25’s larger dustbin means fewer empties. If you have multiple pets, you might also consider the Roomba j7+ for its self-emptying convenience.
Navigation and Smart Features
The C28 uses a LIDAR sensor to map your home, allowing no-go zones and room-specific cleaning. The E25 relies on a gyroscope — decent, but it can miss spots and takes longer to finish. If you want to schedule cleaning for specific rooms, the C28 wins hands down. However, the E25 is simpler to set up with no smart home integration fuss.
Battery life favors the E25 (130 minutes vs the C28’s 110 minutes), so it can handle larger homes on a single charge.
Noise and Naptime Friendliness
At 62 dB, the C28 is one of the quieter budget vacuums — great for running during baby naps. The E25 registers around 68 dB, closer to a normal conversation. If quietness tops your list, check out our guide to quietest robot vacuums for baby naps for more options.
Value and Verdict
Priced around $350, the E25 gives you the best bang for your buck if suction matters most. The C28 costs about $400 but includes mapping and quieter operation. For tight budgets, the Shark Matrix Plus is another surprisingly capable option under $300.
Conclusion
Choose the E25 if you need raw cleaning power and have carpets. Pick the C28 if smart navigation and quiet operation are priorities. Both are excellent budget vacuums, but your home’s layout and noise tolerance should guide your final call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for pet hair: E25 or C28?
The E25 has stronger suction and a larger dustbin, making it slightly better for pet hair, especially on carpets. The C28 still handles pet hair well on hard floors but may require more frequent emptying.
Does the C28 support no-go zones?
Yes, the C28 uses LIDAR mapping and lets you set no-go zones and virtual walls through its app. The E25 lacks this feature.
How long does each vacuum run before needing a recharge?
The E25 runs for about 130 minutes on a single charge, while the C28 lasts around 110 minutes. Both automatically return to their docks when low.
Which model is quieter during operation?
The C28 averages 62 dB, making it noticeably quieter than the E25 at 68 dB. If you need to run the vacuum during naps or calls, the C28 is the better choice.