The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can make the task of vacuuming a bit less painful. Modern models mop and can even climb (small) stairs.
Some have a smaller bin that they empty by themselves. Others are controlled with apps for smartphones instead of an actual remote. Some models have mapping capabilities to aid in navigating your home with greater efficiency.
1. Power
With the suction power of 8,000Pa Our top choice for robot vacuums is strong enough to take care of the most difficult dirt patches and hairs. The ultra-thin design of the square allows it to slide underneath furniture such as beds and sofas and its Dual-Laser LIDAR technology allows for precise navigation and obstacle avoidance. It's also great at cleaning baking powder, pet hair and other debris that can be found near baseboards and corners.
Apart from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, the other powerful bots in this list include the IRobot Roomba j7+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra comes with a docking station which automatically handles maintenance. It also has mopping capabilities. Its powerful suction system, along with its efficient mopping, made sure my floors were free of pet hair, muddy prints, and other messes on every type of floor we test.
A model that has 2,500Pa suction is sufficient for the majority of homes in the lower price range. They are also quieter and are therefore a better choice for those with sensitive ears. They're not quiet, but they're just about the same as a normal conversation at home.
To get the most effective mix of usability and power, consider your cleaning needs and budget. Regular light-duty cleaning requires a longer runtime and a lower suction, while weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires the most power. Check your flooring, home layout and cleaning schedules prior to selecting the right model. Take a look at our comprehensive list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more information about the most recent models. Many users have reported that their carpets and bare floor look cleaner after using a robotic vacuum.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum can't accomplish its task without knowing how to navigate your home. The best robots employ sophisticated navigation technologies to scan rooms and build an outline map, which allows for thorough cleaning without getting stuck or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot navigation: LiDAR, camera and sensor.
The most expensive models utilize LiDAR to build a virtual map of the room. This model offers the highest levels of precision and efficiency. Bump sensors are used in cheaper models, but they aren't always accurate and miss a lot debris when working in dark places. Most robots are equipped with cliff sensors that prevent them from falling off stairs or other drops.
vacuum bot of the robots I tested utilized object recognition to navigate things such as cords and fake dog turds. But the Eufy X10 was the best. It had superb mapping capabilities and powerful oscillating mops that could be used as an easy-to-use app, and the ability to clean a zone, room or entire home.
Other features worth looking into include floor type sensors that recognize carpets with soft and hard floors automatically increasing suction power when necessary. Some robots, such as the Roborock mop use a mopping pads lift to reach into corners and clean dried spills. Many hybrids can apply cleaning solution on stubborn stains.
A smaller dustbin will require less frequent emptying while larger ones will cost less to replace. The majority of robotic cleaners that are low-cost use the smallest disposable dust bag. However, most middle-priced models have larger 3L dustbins that last a long time. Some of the top models, like the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI station, will automatically empty their trash bins and refill their water tanks to provide hands-free convenience.
3. App control
The best robot vacuums come with an app that lets you monitor the progress of cleaning and schedule sessions, and most can connect to smart home devices to allow hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can also be controlled using voice commands, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have an on-screen remote that allows you to begin, pause, and return to dock. Choose a model that has a larger trash bin and can self-empty rather than one that needs manual emptying.
Certain robovacs come with mapping technology that helps them avoid obstacles such as furniture and stairs. Others allow you to designate no-go zones and targeted rooms, so that they only clean the areas that require it the most. They also have cliff sensors to stop them from falling down the stairs, which is especially useful in multi-level homes.
If you intend to use your robot vacuum to clean rug carpets, you should choose a model which can be used for wet and dry mopping. You'll get better cleaning results if your robot vacuum can also take off its mop pad. Rinse it, and then attach it again when you are ready to conduct a clean-up cycle. Also, look for a model that has a rubber roll that is less prone to knots caused by pet hair and other debris than a bristle roll, as found on some less expensive models. Check the robot's side brush and brushroll for any debris that might have become stuck on. Do this once or twice a week. If you notice that they're beginning to get blocked, it could be time to buy replacement parts.
4. Collection of debris
As the name implies robot vacuums are made to collect dust and other debris from your floors. The most effective robot vacuums are able to collect small particles such as sand and baking soda, in addition to larger ones like screws made of metal orzo, as well as pet hair. They also get better pickup results on carpets with low piles than most manual vacuums.
The top-performing robots across all flooring types had scores greater than 95%. The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo were two of our most efficient bots in this class. Both are highly automated, with robust docking stations that can perform maintenance on their own and apps that make them extremely user-friendly.
They both come with self-emptying bins which automatically collect the waste from the wastebasket and can clean the washboard while you mow. They also have an 8,000Pa vacuum cleaner, smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate through even the most difficult areas. The ECOVACS robot is among the few that can clean carpet and remove the mop pads. This makes it a great option for those who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming frequently.
If you're seeking a lower-cost option, look into the Roomba Combo J7 from iRobot Plus, our budget choice. It features LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup performance for the price. It can be a bit slow in mapping rooms and has a tendency of bumping against obstacles, but the price is lower than the other choices.
5. Battery life
The best robot vacuums are designed to let you go moving with your day while they keep your floors in tip-top clean. You'll still have to manually vacuum your home from time to time but robovacs can help you maintain a basic standard of cleanliness, and even keep your home clean when you're away.
Find a robovac equipped with a long-lasting battery to get the most use of it. A good rule of thumb is to expect a model to last for about two complete cleaning sessions if you run it at the maximum power setting. This is less than a full-sized vacuum cleaner, but it is enough to cover most homes. If you don't wish to wait while your robovac charges you can opt for a model that automatically returns to the base station to charge.
If you're looking for a robot that can do a bit of everything, consider an all-in-one machine that is able to mop as well. Eufy's X10 is the top model of this category, offers self-emptying and self-refilling for the dust bin as well as the water tank and mop pad. It can be programmed to automatically refill and wash mops once they are out.
Its high-quality carpet and hard floor pickup as well as its excellent hair pickup and tangle avoidance, and near-perfect auto empty score make it the clear winner of our test scores. However, it's not cheap and unless you live in a a small home without pets, it may be too pricey for some. The second choice is the Dreametech D10+, has the same performance, but costs about 25% less.