The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can make the task of vacuuming less painful. Modern models can mop, and climb (small) steps.
Some have a small bin which they empty themselves. Others can be controlled by an app on your smartphone instead of an actual remote. Some models have mapping capabilities to help them navigate your home with greater efficiency.
1. Power
Our top pick for robotic vacuums has suction power of 8,000Pa, which is powerful enough to eliminate even the most stubborn hairs and dirt. Its ultra-thin square design allows it to slide beneath furniture like sofas and beds and its Dual-Laser LiDAR technology provides precise navigation and obstacle avoidance. It also does a great job at cleaning up pet hair baking soda, other debris close to baseboards and in corners.
Other powerful robots on this list, in addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI include the iRobot Roomba j7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes bundled with a sturdy docking station that automates maintenance and includes mopping capabilities as well. Its powerful suction and efficient mopping made sure my floors were free of pet hair, muddy paw prints, and other debris in every floor type test we ran.
In the lower price range, a model with a suction capacity of around 2,500Pa is sufficient for the majority of homes. They are also quieter and therefore a better option for those with sensitive ears. They're not quiet, but they're just about the same as a normal conversation at home.
To find the ideal balance of power and usability Consider your cleaning requirements and budget. For light-duty cleaning that is frequent it is recommended to have a longer runtime and less suction is recommended. Weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires maximum power. Then assess your flooring, home layouts and cleaning schedules to choose the right model to meet your requirements. We recommend checking out our complete list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more details about the latest models available. Many users have reported that their carpets and floors appear cleaner after using a robot mop vacuum.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum can't accomplish its task when it doesn't know how to navigate your home. This is why the best robots use sophisticated navigation systems that consistently scans rooms and creates an outline map to ensure thorough cleaning without getting lost or hitting obstacles. There are three kinds of robot navigation: LiDAR, camera and sensor.
LiDAR is utilized by the most expensive models to create a virtual room map, offering the highest levels of precision and efficiency. Bump sensors are employed in cheaper models, but they aren't always accurate and miss a lot of debris when working in dark areas. Most robots are equipped with cliff sensors, which keep them from falling off stairs or other drops.
A number of the robots I tested utilized objects recognition to navigate through things such as cords and fake dog turds. But the Eufy X10 was the best. It was a fantastic mapping device and powerful oscillating mops that could be used as a user-friendly app and the ability to clean a zone, room or whole house.
Consider features such as sensors that detect floors, which automatically boost suction power when required. Some robots like the Roborock mop utilize mopping pad lift that allows you to get into corners and clean dried spills. Many hybrids can apply cleaning solution to the most difficult stains.
A smaller size of the bin will require less frequent emptying while bigger ones can save money on replacements. The majority of low-cost robotic cleaners utilize a small disposable dust bag. However, the majority of 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 are able to self-empty and fill up their water tanks for hands-free convenience.
3. App control
The best robot vacuums come with an app that allows you to monitor cleaning progress and schedule your sessions and can connect to smart home devices to allow hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can also be controlled via voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some have a dedicated remote control that allows you to start the process, pause it and then return to dock. Choose a model that has an extra large dustbin and is able to self-empty rather than one that needs manual emptying.
Some robovacs have technology for mapping to help them avoid obstacles such as furniture and stairs. Others let you create no-go zones or specific rooms, so they only clean areas that require it the most. They also have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down the staircase, which is particularly helpful in multi-level homes.
If you intend to utilize your robot vacuum for cleaning carpets, select a model which can be used both for wet and dry mopping. You'll get better results with an vac that is able to remove its own mop pad and then rinse and reattach when it's time for another cleaning cycle. Look for robots with an elastomer roller. It is less likely to tangle from pet hair or other particles. It's recommended to examine the robot vacuums that mop's brushroll and side brushes for stuck-on debris once or twice a week as well. If you notice they are starting to clog up it could be time to purchase replacement parts.
4. Collection of debris
As the name implies, robot vacuums are designed to collect dust and debris from your floors. The best robot vacuums best vacuums can collect small particles such as sand and baking soda, in addition to larger ones such as metal screws orzo, as well as pet hair. They also deliver better results on carpets with a low pile than many manual vacuums.
In all flooring types, the top performing robots had pick-up scores of over 95%. The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo were our two most efficient bots in this class. Both are highly automated with robust docking stations that perform maintenance on their own and app features that make them incredibly user-friendly.
Both have self-emptying bins that eliminate the contents of the wastebasket. They also have the ability to clean the washboard while they mowing. They also feature 8,000Pa suction and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate even the most difficult of spaces. The ECOVACS model is also the few robots that we tested that can take its mop pads and vacuum carpet, which makes it the best choice for users who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming frequently.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, we suggest the iRobot Roomba Combo J7+, our budget choice. It features LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup capabilities for the price. It is slow in mapping rooms and has a tendency of hitting obstacles, but it is lower than our other picks.
5. Battery life
The best robot vacuums let you move about your day while keeping your floors in top in good condition. You'll still have to manually clean your home on a regular basis however, robovacs can help you maintain a basic standard of cleanliness, and even clean while you're away.
Choose a robovac that has an extended-lasting battery to get the most use of it. If you choose to use the most powerful power setting, a model should last two cleaning sessions. This is smaller than a large vacuum but it should be sufficient to clean most homes. If you don't want to sit around waiting for your robovac charges, you can also select an automatic model that makes its return to the base station to recharge.
If you're looking for a robot with a bit of everything in it, then consider an option that also mop. Eufy's X10 is the top model in this category. It includes self-emptying, self-draining and self-refilling of your dust bin, water tank and mop pad. It can be programmed to automatically refill and wash its mops once they are out.
The clear winner in our tests is the Dyson V810, because of its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, outstanding hair pickup, tangle-free performance and nearly perfect auto vacuum and mop empty score. It's not cheap, however and unless you live in the smallest of homes without pets, it may be too expensive for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the second choice and has the same performance, but costs around 25 percent less.