The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is the bane of many lives however, robot vacuums make it a little easier. Today's models also mop and even climb (small) steps.
They have a small trash bin that they empty themselves, and some can be operated by a smartphone app instead of a physical remote. Some models have mapping features that aid in navigation.
1. Power
Our top pick for robot vacuums has a suction power of 8000Pa, which is strong enough to remove even the most difficult dirt patches and hairs. Its ultra-thin square design allows it to slide beneath furniture such as beds and sofas, and its Dual-Laser LiDAR technology allows for precise navigation and accurate obstacle avoidance. It also does a fantastic job at cleaning pet hair baking soda, sand, and other debris that can be found near the baseboards as well as in corners.
Other powerful robots that are listed in addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI include the IRobot Roomba j7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes with a powerful docking station that is able to perform maintenance and mopping functions as well. Its powerful suction, combined with its effective mopping, ensured my floors were free of pet hair, muddy prints and other messes on every floor we test.
In the lower cost range, a model with a suction capacity of around 2,500Pa is more than adequate for most homes. They are also quieter, making them the ideal choice for people with sensitive hearing. They're still not silent, but they're only about the same as a normal conversation at home.
Consider your budget and cleaning needs to find the right combination of power and usability. For frequent light-duty cleaning it is recommended to have a longer runtime and less suction is needed. For heavy-duty cleaning, weekly runs require the maximum power. Assess your flooring, home layout and cleaning schedules prior to selecting the best model. Look through our entire list of robot vacuum ratings and reviews to learn more about the latest models. Many users report that their carpets and floors look cleaner after using a robotic vacuum.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum can't accomplish its task without knowing how to navigate your home. The best robots employ sophisticated navigation technologies to scan rooms and create 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 digital map of the room, delivering the highest level of accuracy and efficiency. Bump sensors are utilized in cheaper models, but they aren't always accurate and miss a lot debris when working in dark areas. Most robots also feature cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs or other drops.
Many of the robots I tested used object recognition to deftly navigate things like fake cords and dog turds however, the best was the Eufy X10. It was a fantastic mapping device and powerful oscillating mops that could be used as an intuitive app and the ability to clean a specific area, room or the all of the house.
Other features worth considering include sensors for floors that can recognize carpets with soft and hard floors automatically increasing suction power when required. Certain robots, like the Roborock mops, use a mopping pad lift to reach corners and tackle dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solutions to stubborn staining.
A smaller size of the bin means less frequent emptying, however, a larger one can save you money on replacements. The cheapest robotic cleaners usually employ a tiny disposable dust bag, whereas the majority of mid-range models come with larger 3L dustbins that can last for many years. Some premium robots like the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station can self-empty and refill 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 connect to your smart home devices for hands-free control. Many also sync with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for control via voice. Certain models come with an on-screen remote that allows you to start or pause and then return to dock. Pick a model that comes with a larger dustbin and can self-empty rather than one that needs manual emptying.
Some robots are equipped with mapping technology that helps them remember obstacles, such as the stairs, and also avoid running into furniture. Some allow you to create no-go zones or specific rooms, so they only clean the areas that need it most. They also have a cliff sensor to keep them from falling, which is especially beneficial in multi-level homes.
If you intend to make use of your robot vacuum to clean rugs pick one that can perform both dry mopping and wet. You'll be able to get better cleaning results when your vacuum can also remove its mop pad. Clean it and attach it again when you are ready to conduct a clean-up cycle. Look for robots with a rubber roller. This will be less likely to get caught from pet hair or other debris. It's a good idea examine the robot's brushroll and side brushes for debris stuck on every week or once as well. If you notice that they're beginning to get clogged up it could be time to buy replacement parts.
4. Debris collection
Like the name suggests robot vacuums are created to remove dust and other debris from your floors. The best robot vacuums will pick up tiny particles like baking soda and sand, in addition to larger ones like metal screws orzo, as well as pet hair. They also get better pickup results on low-pile carpets than most manual vacuums.
In all flooring types, the top robots had pickup scores of more than 95 95%. The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo were the two most efficient bots in this class. Both are highly automated with robust docking stations that do maintenance on their own, and app features that make them incredibly user-friendly.
They both have self-emptying bins that automatically remove the contents of the wastebasket. They can also clean the washboards as they mow. They also feature 8,000Pa suction and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them find their way around even the most challenging areas. The ECOVACS model is also among the few robots that we tested that could remove its mop pads and vacuum carpet making it the ideal choice for users who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming regularly.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, we recommend the Roomba Combo J7 from iRobot+, our budget-friendly pick. vacuum bot comes with LIDAR navigation for a reasonable price and a decent performance in the collection of debris. It can be a bit slow in mapping rooms and has a tendency of bumping against obstacles, but the cost is lower than our other picks.
5. Battery life
The best robot vacuums let you move about your day while keeping your floors in pristine in good condition. Although you'll need to give your home a manual vacuum every now and again Robotic vacuums can help maintain a standard of cleanliness, and even wash when you're away.
Look for a robovac with a long-lasting battery to get the most use of it. If you use the highest power setting, the model should last for about two cleaning sessions. This is smaller than a full-sized vacuum, however, it should be enough to get the job done in most homes. If you don't want to sit while your robovac charges you can opt for one that automatically returns to the base station to charge.
If you're looking for a robot with a bit of everything in it, then think about one that is able to mop. Eufy's X10 is the best model in this category and includes self-emptying, self-draining and self-refilling of your dust bin and mop pad. It can also be programmed to automatically re-fill and wash its own mops when they're low.
The clear winner in our tests is the Dyson V810 thanks to its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, outstanding hair pickup, tangle-free performance and a near perfect auto empty score. It's not cheap and, unless you live in a the space of a small home with no pets, it could be too expensive for certain. The Dreametech D10+ is the second-placed model and offers the same performance, but it costs 25% less.