The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is the bane of many people's existence however, robot vacuums make it easier. Modern models can also mop and even climb (small) steps.
They have a small dustbin which they empty themselves and some are controlled by smartphone apps instead of a physical remote. Some have mapping features that aid in navigation.
1. Power
Our top choice for robot vacuums has a suction power of 8000Pa, which is strong enough to eliminate even the most stubborn hairs and dirt. Its slim square shape enables it to slide under furniture such as couches and beds. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology allows for precise obstacle avoidance and intelligent navigation. It also does a great job at cleaning pet hair baking soda, sand, and other debris that can be found near the baseboards as well as in corners.
Other high-powered robots on this list, besides the DEEBOT X2 OMNI include the IRobot Roomba J7+ aswell as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra comes with a docking station which automates 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 debris on every floor we tested.
A model that has 2,500Pa suction will suffice for homes that are in the lower price range. They are also quieter and therefore a better option for those with sensitive ears. They aren't silent, however they are not as loud as normal conversations at home.
To get the most effective mix of power and usability Consider your cleaning requirements and budget. A regular light-duty cleaning schedule requires longer runtime and a lower suction, while weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires the most power. Consider your flooring, layout of your home, and cleaning schedules to choose the right model to meet your needs. We recommend looking through our entire list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more details on the most recent models available. Many users report having their carpets and floors looking much cleaner after introducing a robotic vacuum in their home.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum isn't able to accomplish its task when it doesn't know how to navigate around your home. The most advanced robots utilize sophisticated navigation technology to scan rooms and make a map, ensuring thorough cleaning without getting stuck or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot navigation: LiDAR, camera and sensor.
The most expensive models employ LiDAR to create a virtual map of the room, offering the highest levels of accuracy and efficiency. Bump sensors are utilized in lower-end models, however they aren't always accurate and miss a lot of debris when working in dark places. Most robots also feature cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs or other drops.
A variety of robots I tested used object recognition to deftly navigate around things such as fake dog turds and cords, but the most effective was the Eufy X10. It had excellent mapping capabilities, powerful oscillating mops, an easy-to-use app, and the ability to clean a zone, room or whole house.
Other features worth considering include floor type sensors that recognize carpets with soft and hard floors automatically increasing suction power when needed. Some robots like the Roborock mop utilize mopping pad that lifts to reach into corners and clean dry spills. Some hybrids even apply cleaning solution to stubborn staining.
A smaller size of the bin will mean less frequent emptying and a larger one will save you money on replacements. The majority of robotic cleaners that are low-cost use an inexpensive disposable dust bag. However, the majority of mid-range models come with larger 3L dustbins which last for a long time. Certain high-end robots, such as the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI station, can self-empty their bins and fill their water tanks for hands-free convenience.
3. App control
The top robot vacuums have an app that allows you to monitor cleaning progress and schedule sessions and can connect to smart home devices for hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can be controlled via voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with a remote control that allows you to begin, pause, and 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.
Certain robovacs have mapping technology that can help them remember obstacles, such as staircases, and prevents them from hitting furniture. Certain robovacs permit you to designate no-go zones and specific rooms to ensure that they only clean areas that require the most. They also come with cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs, which is particularly beneficial in multi-level homes.
If you plan to utilize your robot vacuum to clean rugs pick one that is capable of both dry and wet mopping. You'll get better cleaning results by having your robot automatic vacuum cleaner remove its mop pad. Rinse it, and then reconnect it when you want to conduct a clean-up cycle. Look for robots with the rubber roller. This will be less likely to get caught from pet hair or other debris. Examine the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that might have gotten stuck on. Do this once or twice a week. If you notice that they are beginning to get clogged up, it may be time to replace parts.
4. Debris collection
Robot vacuums are designed according to the name to remove dust and other debris from your floors. The best rated robot vacuum ones pick small particles such as baking soda and sand as larger pieces such as orzo pasta, screws made of metal and pet hair. They also provide better pick-up results on carpets with low piles than most manual vacuums.
The top-performing robots across all flooring types had scores over 95 percent. The two top performers in this category were the ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo. Both are highly automated and feature robust docking stations that perform maintenance on their own and app features that make them extremely user-friendly.
They both have self-emptying bins that eliminate the contents of the wastebasket. They can also clean the washboard as they mowing. They also come with an 8,000Pa vacuum cleaner, smart mapping technology, and advanced obstacle avoidance technology to help them navigate even the most difficult of spaces. The ECOVACS robot is one of the few that can vacuum carpet and remove the mop pads. This makes it an ideal option for people who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming often.
If you're looking for a less expensive option, we recommend the iRobot Roomba Combo J7+, our budget-friendly pick. It features LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup performance for the price. It is slow in mapping rooms and is prone to bumping against obstacles, but it is less than the other choices.
5. Battery life
The best robot vacuum cleaners uk vacuums let you move about your day while keeping your floors in perfect in good condition. While you'll still need to give your home a manual hoover every now and then Robotic vacuums can help keep a certain level of tidiness and even clean when you're away.
To maximize the amount of time you can use your robovac, look for the model that has a high battery life. A good rule of thumb is to expect a robovac to last for about two complete cleaning sessions if you run it on the highest power setting. This is less than a full-sized vacuum, but should be sufficient to clean most homes. If you don't wish to wait while your robovac recharges you can opt for a model that will automatically return to the base station for charging.
If you're looking for a robovac with a variety of features in it, then think about one that is able to mop. Eufy's X10 is the most effective model in this class has self-emptying and self-refilling for the dust bin, the water tank, and the mop pad. It is also programmable to automatically refill and wash mops when they're running low.
The clear winner in our tests is the Dyson V810 due to its outstanding carpet and hard floor pickup, excellent hair pickup, tangle-free performance and an almost perfect auto empty score. It's not cheap, however and unless you live in the smallest of homes without pets, it may be too pricey for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the runner-up and has a similar performance, but it costs 25% less.