The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can make the task of vacuuming less painful. Modern models mop and even climb (small) stairs.
Some have a small trash bin which they empty themselves. Others can be controlled by a smartphone app rather than the physical remote. Some come with mapping features to aid in navigation.
1. Power
With 8,000Pa of suction power, our top pick for robot vacuums is durable enough to take on the toughest dirt patches and hairs. Its ultra-thin square design allows it to slide underneath furniture like sofas and beds and its Dual-Laser LIDAR technology allows for precise navigation and obstacle avoidance. It also does a fantastic job at cleaning up pet hair baking soda, other debris close to the baseboards and in corners.
Aside from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI bot, other powerful bots in this list include the Robot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. It comes with a robust docking station that automatically performs maintenance and mopping functions as well. Its powerful suction, coupled with its efficient mopping, kept my floors clean of pet hair, muddy prints and other debris on all floors we tested.
A model with 2500Pa suction should be sufficient for homes that are in the lower price range. These units are quieter and therefore a better option for those who have sensitive ears. They're still not quiet, but they're just the same volume as normal conversations at home.
Think about your budget and cleaning requirements to find the right combination of power and efficiency. For light-duty cleaning that is frequent you will require a longer time-to-run and a lower suction is required. For heavy-duty cleaning, weekly runs require the maximum power. Take a look at your flooring, layout of your home and cleaning schedules to choose the right model for your needs. We suggest looking through our complete list of robot vacuum Reviews (peatix.com) and ratings to get more details about the latest models available. Many users report that their carpets and floors looking significantly cleaner after introducing a robot vacuum in their home.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum cleaner reviews automatic vacuum and mop robot isn't able to accomplish its task when it doesn't know how to navigate around your home. The best robots employ sophisticated navigation technology to scan rooms and make an outline map, which allows for thorough cleaning without getting stuck or hitting obstacles. There are three major kinds of robot navigation: LiDAR-based camera-based and sensor-based.
The most expensive models utilize LiDAR to create a virtual map of the room. This model offers the highest level of accuracy and efficiency. Bump sensors are used in less expensive models, but they can be inaccurate and miss a lot debris when working in dark environments. Most robots also feature cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs or other falls.
A variety of robots I tested employed object recognition to skillfully navigate objects such as fake cords and dog turds but the best was the Eufy X10. It had powerful oscillating mop heads and a user-friendly app, and superb mapping capabilities.
Consider features such as floor type sensors that automatically boost suction power when required. Certain robots, like the Roborock mop, make use of a mopping pad lift to reach corners and tackle dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solution on the most difficult stains.
A smaller dustbin will require less frequent emptying, while a bigger one can save you money on replacements. Most low-cost robotic cleaners use the smallest, disposable dust bag. However, the majority of mid-range models have larger 3L dustbins that last a long time. Certain high-end robots, such as the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station will self-empty and fill up their water tanks for hands-free convenience.
3. App control
The best robot vacuum cleaner reviews vacs have an app that allows you to monitor the progress of cleaning and schedule sessions, and most can connect to smart home devices for hands-free control. Most also sync with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for control via voice. Some models have an on-screen remote that allows you to begin the process, pause it, and return to dock. Look for a model with larger dustbins that self-empty, rather than one that requires manual emptying.
Some robots are equipped with mapping technology that helps them avoid obstacles like furniture and stairs. Certain robovacs permit you to define no-go zones and rooms to ensure that they only clean the areas that require it the most. They also have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down stairs, which is particularly beneficial in multi-level homes.
If you plan to make use of your robot vacuum to clean your rugs, opt for one that is capable of both dry and wet mopping. You'll get better cleaning results by having your robot vacuum remove its mop pad. Rinse it and then reconnect it when you want to run another cleaning cycle. Look for robots with a rubber roller. It will be less likely to get caught from pet hair or other particles. Examine the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that has been stuck to them. Do this at least twice per week. If you notice that they're starting to get blocked, it could be time to purchase replacement parts.
4. Debris collection
Like the name suggests, robot vacuums are designed to collect dust and other debris from your floors. The most effective robot vacuums are able to collect small particles such as baking soda and sand, in addition to larger ones like metal screws orzo, pet hair. They also have better pickup results on carpets with low piles than most manual vacuums.
Across all flooring types, the top performing robots had pick-up scores of greater than 95 95%. The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo were the two best-performing bots in this category. Both are highly automated, equipped with docking stations that perform maintenance on their own, and app features which make them extremely user-friendly.
Both come with self-emptying bins which automatically suck up the contents of the wastebasket and clean the washboard while you mow. They also come with an 8,000Pa vacuum, smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate through even the most difficult areas. The ECOVACS model is also the only robots we tested that could remove its mop pads and vacuum carpet which makes it the ideal choice for users who need to change between mopping and vacuuming regularly.
If you're looking for a less expensive option, we suggest the iRobot Roomba Combo J7+, our budget choice. It offers LIDAR navigation at a reasonable price and a decent debris collection performance. It's not the fastest to map rooms and is susceptible to hitting obstacles however, it's cheaper than our other top picks.
5. Battery life
The most effective robot vacuums let you get on with your day while they keep your floors in perfect state. It is still necessary to manually vacuum your home every so often but robovacs can help you maintain a basic level of cleanliness and even clean while you're away.
To maximize the amount of time you can use your robovac, make sure you choose an advancé with a long battery life. If you choose to use the most powerful power setting, a model should last about two cleaning sessions. This is less than a larger vacuum but it should be sufficient to keep most homes clean. If you don't like to be waiting around while your robovac is charging, you can also opt for one that will automatically make its way back to the base station to recharge.
If you're looking for a robot that does a little amount of everything, you should consider an all-in-one model that can mop too. Eufy's X10 is the top model in this category. It provides self-emptying, auto-draining and self-refilling of the dust container and mop pad. It can even be programmed to automatically refill and wash mops when they're low.
The clear winner of our tests is the Dyson V810, because of its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, excellent hair pickup, tangle-free performance, and a near perfect auto empty score. It's not cheap, however and unless you live in an apartment with no pets it might be too expensive for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the second-placed model and offers the same performance, but it costs 25 percent less.