We tested the HOBOT S7 Pro – a robotic window cleaner

If there’s one cleaning task I consistently skip – it’s cleaning the windows. No matter how hard I try, it always ends with stubborn streaks, a lot of frustration, and a result that lasts exactly two days until dust or the next rain does its thing. It takes time, requires preparation, and it’s simply not worth the effort.

And even though most of my home already runs itself – with a robotic vacuum that cleans, blinds and a water heater controlled via an app, an automatic litter box for the cats, and even a scheduled cat feeder – the window task somehow remained outside the automation circle. Maybe because it’s hard to imagine a device that can actually handle such a vertical, slick, and dirty surface.

But then came the HOBOT S7 Pro, a robotic window cleaner that promises to do exactly that – stick to the window, scrub it, and restore its clarity without drama. So I decided to check whether it’s a serious work tool or just another gimmick made for TikTok videos. And this time, as always, I didn’t settle for a quick spin – I took it for a long-term, daily test in a real home.

The HOBOT S7 Pro doesn’t try to look like a cute toy but conveys technological seriousness from the get-go. It’s a square device, relatively flat, with a glossy white plastic body and transparent touches on the sides. On these sides are two small containers – not for collecting dirt, but for spraying the cleaning solution, as part of its built-in precise spraying mechanism.

On the front sides of the robot – on both ends – there are two spray nozzles with a mechanism called Spot-on Spray, which disperses cleaning solution onto the glass. The spray is done at a short and focused angle to reduce liquid waste and avoid unnecessary splashes, while dissolving the dirt before the scrubbing action begins.

The bottom back of the device (which sticks to the window) features its standout design and technical feature – two rectangular pads with a reciprocating motion mechanism (back-and-forth) at a rate of 600 times per minute. This mechanism mimics human wiping motion, but at a speed and consistency hard to achieve manually. Additionally, it neutralizes static electricity on the surface – a small but clever function that prevents dust from returning right after cleaning.

On the bottom side, you’ll find the main power socket, with the device connected via a durable, protected cable that’s also designed to prevent falls in case of malfunction. On the rear side are advanced safety sensors – including HOBOT’s ELB technology, designed to detect frames or edges of frameless windows, and even identify microscopic air leaks between glass panels – to prevent the device from detaching or slipping.

In short – this isn’t a design trying to dazzle the eyes, but one aimed at a clear goal: Accurate, efficient, and safe cleaning. Not a decorative piece, but a robot ready for work.

I’m used to gadgets that need charging, app connection, firmware updates, and a whole initiation ritual before getting started. So I was surprised to find that the HOBOT S7 Pro is actually quite straightforward. The device doesn’t run on a rechargeable battery like most robots, but requires a constant power connection – which might sound like a drawback, but in practice, eliminates any anxiety about detachment at height. For the rare case of a power outage, it has a built-in backup battery that keeps it attached to the window for about 20 minutes, along with a loud alarm.

After filling one of the side tanks with cleaning liquid (it’s best to use HOBOT’s original solution), you turn on the robot and then attach it directly to the window. Only when it’s operating does the internal fan create the negative pressure that holds it to the glass – there’s no constant vacuum here, so it’s very important to ensure it’s plugged in before placing it. Once it “catches,” it stays stable and begins scanning.

The app is quite simple – connected via local Wi-Fi (not Bluetooth, which is already a plus), and allows you to choose different cleaning modes: Normal, double, dry, wet, zigzag movement, and more. There’s also a physical remote for those who don’t want to mess with the app at all. The initial connection took less than a minute, no drama.

Another reassuring thing: Throughout the operation, a safety cable is attached – something that might seem excessive, but if you have tall windows or a curtain wall in a building, you don’t want to find out what happens when the fan motor stops working.

All in all, the first activation was relatively simple, but different from other devices I’m used to. This isn’t a robot that hides in the corner and comes out on its own – it’s one you have to manually attach and release. On the other hand, it’s dealing with a much more complex challenge than mopping a floor. From the very first moment, it was clear this is no toy.

Although it’s one of the most advanced automatic window cleaners I’ve tested, it’s important to understand this isn’t magic – it’s a process. The HOBOT S7 Pro performs its cleaning in layers: It sprays the cleaning liquid in a targeted manner through small nozzles on the sides, lets it dissolve for a second or two, then scrubs the area with two vibrating pads in a back-and-forth motion that mimics hand scrubbing – just faster. In the next step, it moves up a line and wipes the water residue with the upper part of the pad, so each movement provides two-step cleaning.

In practice, it works – but not always on the first try. On the large balcony window, which was the toughest test in this review, I needed three passes to achieve a satisfying result: A first dry pass (as the manufacturer recommends), followed by two additional wet passes. Only after all this did the window really start to look clean. Some small marks remained here and there, mostly at the edges, but let’s be honest – if I had to do it myself, it would’ve taken three times as long and ended in frustration. Here I just pressed a button, waited, and went on with my day.

Another important point is the dirt that accumulates on the pads themselves. After a cleaning session, especially one with multiple passes on the same window, you’ll find the vibrating pads full of dust, stains, and cleaning solution residue. So it’s important to remove and rinse them manually – a simple task that doesn’t take long, but essential if you want good results next time. And of course, it’s also important to let them dry properly.

It’s also crucial to understand the structural limitations: On my balcony, the glass is divided into sections with gaps between them. That means the HOBOT can’t automatically move between panels and needs to be manually moved to each window. That might sound frustrating, but honestly, there’s no way around it – a device trying to cross such gaps could fall due to air leakage, and the HOBOT is smart enough to detect where it might run into trouble and stop before that happens. It’s only annoying if you expect it to “do everything alone” – but once you understand the boundaries, you also appreciate how much it does right.

Still, a small plus: I was pleasantly surprised to find it can easily navigate tighter areas – for example, the gap between the blind and the glass.

The HOBOT S7 Pro is an impressive gadget, but not without limitations. It saves a lot of time and effort – especially for those with a lot of glass at home or who simply hate dealing with windows – and offers thorough, quiet, and relatively efficient cleaning. But it’s important to understand this isn’t a magic solution: It requires some effort, especially with complex window setups like divided balconies or windows with gaps. Each panel needs individual attention, and moving between areas is manual – so you can’t completely forget about it like you would with a robotic vacuum.

Its biggest advantage is in how it works: It maintains stability, detects edges, doesn’t try anything stupid when it has nothing to grip onto – and most importantly, performs a patient job we usually give up on. Even those who aren’t tech-savvy or into apps will manage just fine, thanks to the simple interface and physical remote.

But with a price tag of NIS 2,199 (through official importer Benda), you can’t ignore the question of whether it’s really worth it. For someone who cleans windows once every six months – probably not. For someone with a lot of glass, strict cleaning standards, or zero tolerance for dirt – it could be a smart purchase that pays for itself in time and nerves.