The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can make the chore of vacuuming less painful. Modern models mop and can even climb (small) steps.
Some have a smaller bin that they empty by themselves. Others are controlled with apps for smartphones instead of an actual 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 hairs and dirt. The ultra-thin shape of the square allows it to slide beneath furniture such as beds and sofas. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology allows for precise obstacle avoidance and intelligent navigation. It also does an excellent job at cleaning pet hair baking soda, other debris that can be found near the baseboards and in corners.
In addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI bot, other top-of-the-line bots on this list include the Robot Roomba j7+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes with a sturdy docking station that is able to perform maintenance and has mopping functionality as well. Its powerful suction and efficient mopping helped keep my floors clear of pet hair as well as muddy paw prints and other debris throughout every floor type test we ran.
A model with 2500Pa suction should be sufficient for the majority of homes in the lower price range. These units are quieter and therefore a better option for those with sensitive ears. They're not silent, but they're only as loud as a normal conversation at home.
To get the most effective mix of power and usability take into consideration your cleaning needs and budget. Frequent light-duty tidying requires a longer runtime and a lower suction, while weekly high-volume cleaning requires the most power. Assess your flooring, layout of your home, and cleaning schedules before selecting the best model. We suggest looking through our full list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more information on the latest models available. Many users have reported having their carpets and floors looking significantly cleaner after introducing a robot vacuum in their home.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum cannot do its job when it doesn't know how to navigate your home. Because of this, the best robots rely on advanced navigation technology that effectively scans rooms and builds a map to ensure thorough cleaning without getting lost or hitting obstacles. There are three kinds of robot navigation that include LiDAR, camera and sensor.
LiDAR is employed by the most expensive models to create a virtual room map, offering the highest levels of accuracy and efficiency. The less expensive models depend on bump sensors which are more prone to error and tend to miss a lot of debris in dark spaces. Many robots also have cliff sensors to stop them from falling down stairs or other drops.
Many of the robots I tried used object recognition to navigate around things like cords and fake dog turds. But the Eufy X10 was the best. It had powerful mop heads that oscillate as well as a user-friendly application with excellent mapping capabilities.
Take into robot vacuums cheap as floor type sensors, which automatically boost suction power when needed. Some robots, like the Roborock mop, make use of a mopping pad lift to get into corners and tackle dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solutions to tough stains.
A smaller dustbin will require less frequent emptying, however, a larger one can save you money on replacements. The cheapest robotic cleaners typically utilize a small disposable dust bag, but most mid-range models have larger 3L dustbins that last for ages. Some premium robots, like the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI station, will automatically empty their trash bins and refill their water tanks to provide convenience without hands.
3. App control
The top robot vacuums have an app that lets you monitor the progress of cleaning and schedule sessions, and most can connect to your smart home devices to allow hands-free control. Many also connect to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to allow voice-controlled control. Some models have a separate remote control that allows you to start or pause, and then return to dock. Select a model with an extra large dustbin and is able to self-empty, rather than one that requires manual emptying.
Some robovacs have mapping technology that helps them avoid obstacles like stairs and furniture. Others let you create no-go zones or specific rooms, so that they only clean areas that need it most. They also have cliff sensors to stop them from falling down staircase, which is particularly beneficial in multi-level homes.
If you intend to make use of your robot vacuum to clean your rugs pick one that is capable of both dry and wet mopping. You'll get better results with a robot vac that can remove its own mop pad as well, which you can then rinse and reconnect when it's time for another cleaning cycle. Also, look for a model with a rubber roller that is less susceptible to knots caused by pet hair and other debris than a bristle roller, as found on some cheaper models. Check the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that might have gotten stuck on. 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
Robot vacuums are designed to, as the name suggests, to gather dust and debris from your floors. The best robot vacuums will collect small particles such as baking soda and sand, in addition to larger ones such as metal screws orzo, pet hair. They also have better results on carpets with a low pile than manual vacuums.
Across 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 best-performing bots in this category. Both are highly automated, with robust docking stations that perform maintenance on their own, and app features that make them incredibly user-friendly.
They both come with self-emptying bins which automatically suck up the contents of the wastebasket and clean the washboard while mowing. They also have suction of 8,000Pa and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate even the most difficult of spaces. The ECOVACS model is also the only robots we tested that can take its mop pads and vacuum carpet which makes it the ideal choice for users who need to change between mopping and vacuuming frequently.
If you're seeking a lower-cost option, check out the Roomba Combo J7 by iRobot Plus, our budget-friendly pick. It comes with LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup capabilities for the price. It's slow to map out rooms and may be susceptible to crashing into obstacles, however it's much less expensive than our other best-buy picks.
5. Battery life
The most effective robot vacuums let you get on with your day while they keep your floors in top in good condition. While you'll still have to give your home a manual hoover every now and then Robotic vacuums can help maintain a standard of tidiness and even clean even when you're away.
Look for a robovac with an extended-lasting battery to get the most of it. A good guideline is to expect a model to last about two full cleaning sessions when you run it at the highest power setting. This is less than a larger vacuum however, it should be enough to keep most homes clean. If you don't want to wait for your robovac to recharge, you can choose a model that will automatically return to the base station to charge.
If you're looking for a robot that does a little bit of everything, think about an all-in-one machine that can mop too. Eufy's X10, the best model of this category, offers self-emptying and self-refilling for the dust bin and the water tank and the mop pad. It can also be programmed to automatically refill and wash mops when they're empty.
Its respectable carpet and hard floor pick-up, great hair pickup and tangle avoidance, and an almost perfect auto empty score make it the clear winner of our test scores. It's expensive, and unless you have the space of a small home with no pets, it may be too costly for some. The second choice one, the Dreametech D10+, has identical performance, but is priced 25 percent less.