The HOBOT 298 is an older corded window cleaning robot with an ultrasonic mist spray, app and remote control, and support for frameless glass. At $199 on sale it is one of the cheapest window robots you can buy, but it is a legacy model with some conflicting specs, and the Ecovacs Winbot mini is a safer small budget pick.
What the HOBOT 298 is
The HOBOT 298 is a window cleaning robot from Taiwanese maker HOBOT. It holds onto the glass with vacuum suction, sprays a fine mist of cleaner from an ultrasonic nozzle and wipes the pane with a square microfiber cloth Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗. It works on windows larger than 40 by 40 cm, including frameless glass, using laser sensors to judge where the surface ends Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗.
It runs from mains power through a 4 meter DC extension cord, with a safety cord attached to the robot Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗. You can control it with the included remote or the HOBOT app for iOS and Android Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗.
Smart Robot Reviews calls it a legacy value model: still sold, but an older product Smart Robot Reviews ↗. We have not tested it ourselves. Hands on testing is in progress, and we will update this review with our results.
What it does well
The price is low. Wellbots had it on sale for $199, down from $359, and listed it in stock when we checked Wellbots ↗. That is less than the Ecovacs Winbot mini at $239.99 WINBOT mini ↗.
The spray is fine. The ultrasonic nozzle runs at 108 kHz and makes a mist with 15 micron droplets Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗, which helps avoid drips. Smart Robot Reviews counts the ultrasonic spray among its useful remaining features Smart Robot Reviews ↗.
It plans its route. It has three automatic cleaning modes using linear, zigzag and N-way patterns Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗, and Smart Robot Reviews notes its AI route planning Smart Robot Reviews ↗. Wellbots lists a cleaning speed of about 2.4 minutes per square meter Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗.
It is compact. The robot weighs 1.28 kg and measures 24 by 24 by 10 cm Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗. The box includes the robot, safety cord, remote, power adapter, extension cord, three microfiber cloths and a 250 ml bottle of glass detergent Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗.
Where it falls short
It is an older model. Smart Robot Reviews says the 298 is only worth considering when the discount versus the HOBOT 2S is large enough to outweigh the older platform Smart Robot Reviews ↗. The 2S has two replaceable tanks instead of one Smart Robot Reviews ↗.
Some specs conflict. Wellbots lists suction as 6.0 kg in one place and 2,800 Pa in another, and its backup battery as 20 minutes in the spec table but up to 90 minutes in the FAQ Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗. We cannot tell which figures are right.
The tank is small. It holds 40 ml, which Wellbots says covers up to 40 square meters before a refill Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗. The Ecovacs Winbot mini holds 60 ml WINBOT mini ↗.
It needs an outlet nearby, and it cannot reach small panes under 40 by 40 cm Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗. The Winbot mini works on panes as small as 22 by 25 cm WINBOT mini ↗.
Warranty terms are not stated on the Wellbots product page Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗. It is also fairly loud at 64 dB at 1 meter Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗.
Pricing and plans
Wellbots sold the HOBOT 298 for $199 when we checked, down from a $359 list price, and showed it in stock Wellbots ↗. It is sold through retailers such as Wellbots rather than directly in the US.
Wellbots lists a 30 day return policy with exceptions and links to an optional extended warranty, but the product page does not give a manufacturer warranty period Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗. Ask the seller before you buy.
Running costs are small: replacement microfiber cloths and glass cleaner. A 250 ml bottle of detergent comes in the box Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗. There is no subscription.
Who should (and shouldn't) use it
- Good fit: buyers who want the cheapest working window robot and have outlets near their windows.
- Good fit: people with frameless glass panels larger than 40 by 40 cm.
- Skip it if: you have small panes, mirrors or shower doors; the Winbot mini fits smaller glass.
- Skip it if: you want battery operation; the Ecovacs W2 Pro Omni runs without a cord.
- Skip it if: clear warranty terms matter to you.
Alternatives worth a look
- Ecovacs Winbot mini: our budget pick, $239.99, for panes as small as 22 by 25 cm with a 30 minute backup hold WINBOT mini ↗.
- Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: our main pick, battery or plugged in, with a 100 kg rated safety rope, listed at $499.99 W2 Pro Omni ↗.
- HOBOT 2S: the newer HOBOT with dual tanks, on sale at Wellbots for $299 Smart Robot Reviews ↗ Wellbots ↗.
- HOBOT SP10 iScraper: HOBOT's current flagship for framed and frameless glass, indoors and out Smart Robot Reviews ↗.
Where it appears
ComparedThe Best Window Cleaning RobotWhat’s good
- Low sale price
- Simple
- Ultrasonic spray
What to know
- Legacy model
- Few current specs published
Key features
- Ultrasonic spray
- Single replaceable tank
Questions people ask
How much is the HOBOT 298?
Wellbots had it on sale for $199, down from $359, when we checked Wellbots ↗.
Does the HOBOT 298 work on frameless windows?
Yes. Laser sensors measure the distance to the glass so it can work on frameless panes larger than 40 by 40 cm Wellbots HOBOT 298 ↗.
Is the HOBOT 298 still worth buying?
Only at a big discount. Smart Robot Reviews calls it a legacy model and prefers the HOBOT 2S unless the 298 is much cheaper Smart Robot Reviews ↗.
Where this comes from
Checked Oct 9, 2026. Vendor pages describe their own products; independent sources add outside views. Hands on testing is in progress.
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