The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is a major cause of a lot of people's lives However, robot vacuums make it less tedious. Today's models also mop and can even climb (small) steps.
They have a small dustbin that they empty themselves and some are controlled from a smartphone app instead of a physical remote. Some come with mapping features to assist in navigation.
1. Power
With 8,000Pa of suction power Our top choice for robot vacuums is strong enough to take care of the most difficult hairs and dirt. Its ultra-thin square shape allows it to slide underneath furniture such as sofas and beds. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology allows for accurate obstacle avoidance and intelligent navigation. It also does an excellent job at cleaning up pet hair baking soda, other debris that can be found near the baseboards as well as in corners.
Other high-powered robots in this list apart from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI include the IRobot Roomba j7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes with a robust docking station that automates maintenance and has mopping functionality as well. Its powerful suction and efficient mopping kept my floors free of pet hair as well as muddy paw prints and other debris during every floor type test that we conducted.
A model that has 2,500Pa suction will suffice for the majority of homes in the lower price range. These models are quieter, and therefore a better option for those who have sensitive ears. They're still not quiet, but they're just about the same as normal conversations at home.
Take into consideration your budget and cleaning needs to find the right combination of power and usability. For regular light-duty cleaning it is recommended to have a longer runtime and less suction is needed. For heavy-duty cleaning, weekly runs require maximum power. Examine your flooring, home layout and cleaning schedule prior to choosing the right model. We suggest looking through our full list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings to get more details about the latest models available. Many customers report that their carpets and floors look cleaner after using a robot vacuum.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuums that mop vacuum isn't able to perform its job effectively without knowing how to navigate your home. For this reason, the most effective robots depend on advanced navigation technology that effectively scans rooms and then creates maps to ensure thorough cleaning without being lost or hitting obstacles. There are three major types of robot navigation: LiDAR-based, sensor-based and camera-based.
The most expensive models use LiDAR to create a virtual map of the room, offering the highest levels of accuracy and efficiency. The less expensive models depend on bump sensors, which are less accurate and tend to miss the majority of debris in dark spaces. Many robots also have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down stairs or other drops.
Many of the robots I tried used object recognition to navigate things like cords and fake dog turds. But the Eufy X10 was the best. It had powerful oscillating mop heads as well as a user-friendly application with excellent mapping capabilities.
Think about features like sensors for floors, which automatically boost suction power when needed. Certain robots, like the Roborock mop, utilize mopping pad lifts to get into corners and tackle dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solution to staining that is difficult to remove.
A smaller bin will require less frequent emptying, whereas a larger one will cost less to replace. The cheapest robotic cleaner and mop cleaners usually use a small disposable dust bag, but the majority of mid-range models come with larger dust bins of 3L that last for decades. Some premium robots, like the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI station, can self-empty their trash bins and refill their water tanks to provide convenience without hands.
3. App control
The best automatic vacuum and mop robot vacuums come with an app that allows you to monitor cleaning progress and schedule sessions, and most can connect to your 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 lets you start, pause, and return to dock. Choose a model that has a larger trash bin and can self-empty instead of one that needs manual emptying.
Some robots are equipped with mapping technology that allows them to remember obstacles, such as staircases, and prevents them from getting into furniture. Certain robovacs permit you to define no-go zones and rooms so that they only clean areas that require the most. They also have cliff sensor to keep them from falling, which is beneficial in multi-level homes.
If you plan to make use of your robot vacuum for cleaning carpets, select a model which can be used for dry and wet mopping. You'll get better results from an vac that is able to remove its own mop pad and then wash and reattach when it's time to do another cleaning cycle. Also look for a robot that has a rubber roller that is less susceptible to tangles from pet hair and other debris than a bristle roller that is found on cheaper models. Examine the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that has become stuck on. Make sure to do this at least every week. If you notice that they're starting to clog, it might be time to replace parts.
4. Collection of debris
Like the name suggests robot vacuums are created to collect dust and debris from your floors. The best ones are able to pick up fine particles like baking soda and sand, as well larger pieces such as metal screws, orzo pasta, and pet hair. They also get better pickup results on low-pile carpets than manual vacuums.
The top-performing robots across all flooring types had a pickup score over 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 robust docking stations that perform maintenance on their own. They also have app features that 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 mowing. They also feature 8,000Pa suction and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance technology that helps them find their way around even the most challenging areas. The ECOVACS model is also the few robots we tested that could remove its mop pads and vacuum carpet which makes it the best automatic vacuum cleaner choice for users who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming regularly.
If you're looking for a less expensive option, we suggest the iRobot Roomba Kombo J7+, our budget choice. It features LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup capabilities for the price. It's not the fastest to map out rooms and can be prone to crashing into obstacles, however it's much less expensive than our other top-rated picks.
5. Battery life
The best rated robot vacuum robot vacuums let you get on with your day while keeping your floors in top condition. You'll still have to manually clean your home on a regular basis however, robovacs can aid in maintaining a certain level of cleanliness and even clean when you are away.
Find a robovac equipped with an extended-lasting battery to get the most use of it. If you choose to use the most powerful power setting, the model should last two cleaning sessions. This is smaller than a larger vacuum however, it should be enough to keep most homes clean. If you don't want to be waiting around while your robovac is charging you, you can opt for an automatic model that makes its way back to the base station to recharge.
If you want a robovac that can do a amount of everything, you should consider an all-in-one machine that is able to mop as well. Eufy's X10, the best model in this class has self-emptying and self-refilling for the dust bin and the water tank and mop pad. It can even be programmed to automatically refill and wash its own mops when they're running low.
The clear winner of our tests is the Dyson V810, because of its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, superb hair pickup, tangle-free performance, and a near perfect auto empty score. However, it's not cheap and unless you live in an apartment without pets, it may be too expensive for some. The second choice, the Dreametech D10+, has very similar performance but is priced 25% less.