The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is a major cause of many lives however, robot vacuums make it more enjoyable. Modern models can also mop, and even climb (small) steps.
Some have a smaller bin that they empty on their own. Others can be controlled by apps for smartphones instead of an actual remote. Some of them have mapping capabilities that help them navigate your home more effectively.
- Power
With an impressive 8,000Pa of suction Our top choice for robot vacuums is strong enough to take on the toughest hairs and dirt. Its slim square shape enables it to slide underneath furniture like couches and beds. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology provides precise obstacle avoidance as well as intelligent navigation. It also does a great job at cleaning up pet hair baking soda, sand, and other debris near baseboards and in corners.
In addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, other high-powered bots on this list include the IRobot Roomba J7+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes bundled with a robust docking station that is able to perform maintenance and includes mopping capabilities as well. Its powerful suction system, along with its effective mopping, made sure my floors were free of pet hair, muddy prints, and other messes on every type of floor we tested.
In the lower price range, a model with around 2,500Pa of suction is sufficient for most homes. These models are quieter, making them an ideal choice for people who have sensitive hearing. They're still not silent, but they're only about the same as normal conversations at home.
For the best mix of usability and power take into consideration your cleaning needs and budget. For frequent light-duty cleaning, a longer runtime with less suction is needed. For heavy-duty cleaning, weekly runs require the maximum power. Take a look at your flooring, layout of your home and cleaning schedules in order to choose the right model for your requirements. We recommend looking through our full list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more information on the latest models available. Many customers report having their carpets and floors looking much cleaner after introducing a robotic vacuum in their home.
- Navigation
A robot vacuum can't do its job properly if it doesn't know how to navigate your home. The most advanced robots utilize sophisticated navigation technology to scan rooms and create maps, ensuring thorough cleaning without getting stuck or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot navigation: LiDAR-based, camera-based and sensor-based.
LiDAR is used by the most expensive models to create a virtual space map, which offers the highest levels in precision and efficiency. Bump sensors are employed in lower-end models, however they aren't always accurate and miss a lot debris when working in dark places. Most robots are equipped with cliff sensors to prevent them from falling off steps or other drops.
A variety of robots I tested employed object recognition to skillfully navigate around things such as fake cords and dog turds however, the best was the Eufy X10. It was equipped with powerful oscillating mop heads as well as a user-friendly application with excellent mapping capabilities.
Consider features such as sensors that detect floors, which automatically boost suction power when needed. Some robots, such as the Roborock mop, utilize a mopping pad lift to get into corners and eliminate dried spills. Many hybrids can even apply cleaning solutions to stubborn staining.
A smaller size of the bin will require less frequent emptying, however, a larger one can save you money on replacements. The majority of robotic cleaners that are low-cost use a small, disposable dust bag. However, most mid-range models have larger dustbins of 3L that last for a long time. Certain high-end robots, such as the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station can self-empty and fill up their water tanks, allowing hands-free convenience.
- App control
The best Robot Vacuum Mops vacuums come with an app that allows you to monitor cleaning progress and schedule sessions, and most can connect to smart home devices to allow hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can be controlled via voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some have a dedicated remote control that lets you start the process, pause it and then return to dock. Select a model with an extra large dustbin and is able to self-empty instead of one that needs manual emptying.
Some robovacs have mapping technology that helps them avoid obstacles such as stairs and furniture. Others allow you to set no-go zones or targeted rooms, so they only clean the areas that need it most. They also come with cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs, which is particularly beneficial in multi-level homes.
If you want to utilize your robot vacuum for cleaning carpets, select one that can be used both for wet and dry mopping. You'll be able to get better cleaning results when your vacuum can also remove its mop pad. Rinse it, and then reattach it when you need to run another cleaning cycle. Also, look for a machine that has a rubber roller that is less susceptible to tangles due to pet hair and other debris than a bristle roll, as found on some cheaper models. Check the robot's side brush and brushroll for any debris that may have gotten stuck on. Make sure to do this at least every week. If you notice that they're beginning to clog, it may be time to replace parts.
- Debris collection
Like the name suggests robot vacuums are created to remove dust and other debris from your floors. The best robot vacuums can pick up tiny particles like sand and baking soda, as well as larger ones like screws made of metal orzo, pet hair. They also get better pickup results on low-pile carpets than manual vacuums.
All flooring types are covered, and the top performing robots had pick-up scores of more than 95 percent. Our two best-performing robots in this category were the ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI, and the Roborock Q Revo. Both are highly automated with docking stations that perform maintenance on their own, and features in the app that make them extremely user-friendly.
Both have self-emptying bins that automatically empty the wastebasket. They also have the ability to clean the washboard while they mowing. They also have suction of 8,000Pa, smart mapping technology, and advanced obstacle avoidance technology that helps them navigate even the most difficult of spaces. The ECOVACS model is also the only robots we tested that can take its mop pads and vacuum carpet, making it the ideal choice for users who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming regularly.
If you want a cheaper alternative, we suggest the iRobot Roomba Kombo J7+, our budget pick. It comes with LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup performance for the price. It's slow to map rooms and is susceptible to crashing into obstacles, however, it's cheaper than our other top-rated selections.
- Battery life
The best robot vacuums let you move about your day while they keep your floors in pristine condition. While you'll still have to give your home a manual sweeping every now and again Robotic vacuums can help maintain a standard of cleanliness, and even wash when you're away.
To maximize the time you can get out of your robovac, look for an advancé with a long battery life. If you use the highest power setting, the model should last for about two cleaning sessions. This is not as long as a size vacuum cleaner, however it should be enough to be sufficient for most homes. If you don't want to sit around waiting for your robovac is charging, you can also opt for a model that automatically makes its way back to its base station to recharge.
If you're looking to buy a robovac with a variety of features in it, you should consider one that is able to mop. Eufy's X10 is the best model in this category. It includes self-emptying, self-draining and self-refilling of your dust bin and mop pad. It can be programmed to refill and wash mops once they are out.
Its high-quality carpet and hard floor pick up, great hair pickup and tangle prevention, and its an almost perfect auto empty score makes it the clear winner of our test scores. It's expensive and unless you have the space of a small home with no pets, it could be too costly for certain. The runner-up, the Dreametech D10+, has very similar performance however it costs 25% less.