The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can make the task of vacuuming a bit less painful. Modern models can mop, and climb (small) steps.
Some have a smaller bin that they empty by themselves. Others can be controlled by an app on your smartphone instead of the physical remote. Some models have mapping capabilities to assist in navigating your home more efficiently.
1. Power
With the suction power of 8,000Pa Our top pick 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 beneath furniture such as beds and sofas 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 near the baseboards and in corners.
Other powerful robots on this list, in addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, include the iRobot Roomba J7+ aswell as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes with a powerful docking station that automatically performs maintenance and has mopping functionality as well. Its powerful suction, coupled with its effective mopping feature, kept my floors clean of pet hair, muddy prints, and other debris on all floors we test.
A model that has 2500Pa suction should be sufficient for most homes in the lower price range. These models are quieter, and therefore a better option for those with sensitive ears. These units are not silent however they are not as loud as normal conversations at home.
Take into consideration your budget and cleaning requirements to find the right combination of power and efficiency. Regular light-duty cleaning requires a longer runtime and lower suction, while weekly heavy-duty cleaning demands maximum power. Check your flooring, home layout and cleaning schedules prior to selecting the right model. We suggest looking through our complete list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more information on the latest models available. Many users report seeing their carpets and bare floors appear cleaner after introducing a robotic vacuum into their home.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum won't be able to do its job properly without knowing how to navigate around your home. Because of this, the best robots rely on 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 types of robot navigation that include LiDAR, camera and sensor.
The most expensive models use LiDAR to create a digital map of the room. This model offers the highest level of accuracy and efficiency. Less expensive models depend on bump sensors which can be more inaccurate and can miss the majority of debris in dark areas. Most robots are equipped with cliff sensors to prevent them from falling off stairs or other drops.
Many of the robots I tested utilized object recognition to efficiently navigate around things such as fake dog turds and cords, but the best was the Eufy X10. It was equipped with powerful oscillating mop heads and a user-friendly app and a superb mapping capability.
Think about features like sensors that detect floors that automatically boost suction power when needed. Some robots, such as the Roborock mop, utilize mopping pad lifts to reach corners and tackle dried spills. Some hybrids even apply cleaning solutions to tough stains.
A smaller dustbin will require less frequent emptying, and a larger one will save you money on replacements. The majority of low-cost robotic cleaners utilize an inexpensive, disposable dust bag. However, the majority of middle-priced models have larger dustbins of 3L that last for a long time. Certain high-end robots, such as 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 majority of robot vacuums come with an app that monitors cleaning progress and schedule cleaning sessions. They also connect to smart home devices. Many robot vacuums can be controlled by voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. websites have an on-screen remote that allows you to begin the process, pause it, and return to dock. Choose a model that has a larger dustbin and can self-empty, rather than one that requires manual emptying.
Certain robovacs come with technology for mapping to help them avoid obstacles such as stairs and furniture. Some allow you to create no-go zones or specific rooms, so they only clean the areas that require it the most. They also have a cliff sensor to stop them from falling, which is helpful in multi-leveled homes.
If you are planning to make use of your robot vacuum to clean rugs, opt for one that is capable of both dry mopping as well as wet. You'll get better results with an vac that is able to remove its own mop pad as well, which you can then rinse and reattach when it's time for another cleaning cycle. Look for a robot with an elastomer roller. It is less likely to tangle from pet hair or other debris. Check the robot's side brush and brushroll for any debris that has gotten stuck on. Do this at least every week. If you notice that they're beginning to clog, it may be time to purchase replacement parts.
4. Collection of debris
Robot vacuums are designed to, as the name suggests, to remove dust and other debris on your floors. The best robot vacuums will take tiny particles, such as baking soda and sand, and larger ones such as metal screws orzo, as well as pet hair. They also deliver better results on low pile carpets than manual vacuums.
The top-performing robots across all flooring types had pickup scores 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 and 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 you mow. 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 model is also the only robots we tested that can remove its mop pads and vacuum carpet which makes it the ideal option for those who need to switch between vacuuming and mopping regularly.
If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, we suggest the Roomba Combo J7 from iRobot+, our budget pick. It comes with LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup capabilities for the price. It's slow to map rooms and can be prone to bumping into obstacles, but it's less expensive than our other top-rated choices.
5. Battery life
The most effective robot vacuums are made to let you go on with your life while keeping your floors in tip-top span. While you'll still have to give your home a manual sweeping every now and again, robovacs can help you maintain a baseline level of cleanliness, and even wash when you're away.
Choose a robovac that has long-lasting batteries to get the most of it. A good rule of thumb is to expect a robovac to last about two complete cleaning sessions if you run it at the maximum power setting. This is less than a large vacuum but it should be sufficient to keep most homes clean. If you don't like to sit around waiting for your robovac charges you, you can select a model that automatically makes its way back to the base station to recharge.
If you're looking for a robot with a variety of features in it, you should consider a robot that can also mop. Eufy's X10 is the most effective model in this category. It includes self-emptying, self-draining and self-refilling of the dust container, water tank and mop pad. It can be programmed to automatically refill and wash its mops once they are out.
The clear winner of our tests is the Dyson V810 thanks to its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, outstanding hair pickup, tangle-free performance and an almost perfect auto empty score. It's not cheap, however and unless you have a a small home 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% less.