Vacuum lifters from China vs. Spain

On one side are 472 vacuum grippers from Chinese brands, on the other four cordless models from the Spanish brand Rubi. The comparison shows that Rubi is more expensive by median but cheaper on average, and that it relies heavily on USB-C.

Prices

The median price is €66 for Chinese brands and €96 for Rubi. The average reverses the picture: €84 in China versus €82 for Rubi, because the Spanish range tops out at €103. Chinese units cost €12 to €472, Rubi models €34 to €103.

Load capacity and features

Chinese models carry a median of 200 kg and up to 500 kg, Rubi models 140 kg within a range of 70 to 150 kg. Per €100 of purchase price, the figures are 337 kg for China and 147 kg for Rubi.

Spain leads on charging technology: 75% of Rubi models charge via USB-C and have a built-in battery. Among Chinese electric units, 14% charge via USB-C, 31% have a built-in battery and 42% a removable battery. No Rubi listing states a removable battery. By median, the batteries in Chinese units are larger, at 3,000 mAh, than Rubi's at 2,000 mAh. A digital display is found on 75% versus 66%, an automatic re-pump on 25% versus 27%. Rubi relies on round suction pads for 75% of its models, while Chinese brands favor oval ones at 51%.

Manufacturing

471 of the 472 Chinese listings are made in China. At Rubi, one of the four listings names China as the country of manufacture, and the other three give no information.

Verdict

For the highest load capacity per euro and the widest choice, Chinese brands are the first port of call. Rubi is a good fit if you are looking for a compact vacuum lifter, often called a gripster in the trades, with USB-C charging and a digital display for under €110. How the two charging systems differ in everyday use is explained in Removable battery vs. USB-C. Details: China and Spain.