The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is the bane of many lives however, robot vacuums make it a little more enjoyable. Modern models can also mop, and even climb (small) steps.
Some have a small trash bin that they empty by themselves. Others can be controlled by a smartphone app rather than an actual remote. Some have mapping capabilities that assist in navigating your home with greater efficiency.
1. Power
Our top choice for robot vacuums has suction power of 8,000Pa, which is powerful enough to get rid of even the most stubborn hairs and dirt. Its ultra-thin square design allows it to slide underneath furniture, such as beds and sofas and its Dual-Laser LIDAR technology provides intelligent navigation and accurate obstacle avoidance. It's also great at cleaning pet hair, baking powder, and other debris near baseboards and corners.
Other powerful robots on this list, in addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI include the IRobot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. It comes with a powerful docking station that automates maintenance and has mopping functionality as well. Its powerful suction, coupled with its efficient mopping, kept my floors clean of pet hair, muddy prints and other debris on every floor we test.
A model that has 2,500Pa suction will suffice for most homes in the lower price range. These models are quieter, and therefore a better option for those with sensitive ears. They're not silent but they are only about the same as normal conversations at home.
To get the most effective mix of usability and power, consider your cleaning needs and budget. For regular light-duty cleaning, a longer runtime with less suction is recommended. Cleaning that is heavy-duty every week requires maximum power. Check your flooring, layout of your home and cleaning schedules prior to selecting the best model. Take a look at our comprehensive list of robot vacuum ratings and reviews to learn more about the latest models. Many users have reported having their carpets and floors looking much cleaner after introducing a robotic vacuum in their home.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum cannot accomplish its task if it does not know how to navigate around your home. For this reason, the best robots rely on sophisticated navigation systems that consistently scans rooms and then creates an outline map to ensure thorough cleaning without getting lost or hitting obstacles. There are three kinds of robot navigation including LiDAR, camera, and sensor.
The most expensive models use LiDAR to create a digital map of the room, delivering the highest levels of precision and efficiency. Cheaper models rely on bump sensors, which are more prone to error and can miss the majority of debris in dark spaces. Most robots also feature cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down stairs or other drops.
Several robots in my tests used object recognition to deftly navigate objects such as fake cords and dog turds, however, the best was the Eufy X10. It had powerful oscillating mop heads and a user-friendly app with excellent mapping capabilities.
Consider features such as floor type sensors that automatically increase suction power when needed. Some robots like the Roborock mop utilize mopping pad that lifts to reach into corners and clean dried spills. Many hybrids can even apply cleaning solution to stubborn staining.
A smaller bin will require less frequent emptying, while bigger ones can save money on replacements. The majority of robotic cleaners that are low-cost use the smallest, disposable dust bag. However, most 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, will self-empty their dustbin and refill their water tanks to provide hands-free convenience.
3. App control
Most robot vacuums come with an app that can monitor the progress of cleaning and schedule sessions. They also connect to smart home devices. Many also connect to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to allow voice-controlled control. Certain models come with 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.
Certain robovacs have mapping technology that helps them remember obstacles, such as stairs, and avoid running into furniture. Others let you designate no-go zones and targeted rooms, ensuring that they only clean the areas that need it most. They also have a cliff sensor to keep them from falling, which is especially useful in multi-level homes.
If you want to make use of your robot vacuum for cleaning rugs, choose one that can be used both for dry and wet mopping. You'll be able to get better results from a robot vac that can remove its own mop pad too, which you can then rinse and reattach when it's time to do another cleaning cycle. Also, look for a machine that has a rubber roller that is less prone to tangles due to pet hair and other debris than a bristle roller that is found on smaller models. 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 are starting to clog up, it may be time to buy replacement parts.
4. Collection of debris
As the name implies, robot vacuums are designed to remove dust and other debris from your floors. The best robot vacuums can collect tiny particles, such as baking soda and sand as well as larger ones like metal screws, orzo, and pet hair. They also have better results on carpets with a low pile than 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, with docking stations that perform maintenance on their own, and apps that make them extremely user-friendly.
Both have self-emptying bins that automatically take the contents of the wastebasket, and clean the washboard while mowing. They also have an 8,000Pa vacuum cleaner, smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance to help them navigate through even the most difficult spaces. The ECOVACS model is also among the few robots that we tested that can take its mop pads and vacuum carpet, which makes it the ideal option for those who need to switch between vacuuming and mopping frequently.
If you're looking for a less expensive option, we recommend the iRobot Roomba Kombo J7+, our budget-friendly pick. It features LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup capabilities for the price. It's a bit slow to map rooms and is susceptible to bumping into obstacles, but it's less expensive than our other best-buy picks.
5. Battery life
The best robot vacuums are designed to let you get to work while they keep your floors clean and spick and span. It is still necessary to manually vacuum your home every so often, but robovacs will help you maintain a basic standard of cleanliness, and even clean when you are away.
Find a robovac equipped with a long-lasting battery to get the most use of it. A good guideline is to expect a model to last about two complete cleaning sessions if you use it at the maximum power setting. This is smaller than a large vacuum but it should be sufficient to clean most homes. If helpful site don't want to wait while your robovac recharges, you can choose one that automatically returns to the base station to charge.
If you're looking for a robot that has a little bit of everything in it, you should consider one that is able to mop. Eufy's X10 is the top model in this category and includes self-emptying, self-draining and self-refilling of the dust bin and mop pad. It is also programmable to automatically refill and wash its own mop pads when they're low.
The clear winner of our tests is the Dyson V810, thanks to its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, superb hair pickup, tangle-free performance and an almost perfect auto empty score. However, it's not cheap and unless you live in a small home with no pets, it could be too pricey for some. The second-placed model, the Dreametech D10+, has identical performance, however it costs 25% less.