The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can make the task of vacuuming less painful. Modern models can also mop and even climb (small) steps.
They have a tiny dustbin that they empty themselves and some are controlled by smartphone apps instead of an actual remote. Some models have mapping features that assist in navigation.
- Power
Our top choice for robot vacuums comes with a suction force of 8000Pa, which is strong enough to remove even the most stubborn hairs and dirt. Its super-thin square design allows it to slide under furniture, such as beds and sofas, and its Dual-Laser LiDAR technology allows for precise navigation and obstacle avoidance. It is also great at cleaning pet hair, baking powder, and other debris near corners and baseboards.
Other powerful robots in this list besides the DEEBOT X2 OMNI include the IRobot Roomba J7+ aswell as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes bundled with a sturdy docking station that is able to perform maintenance and has mopping functionality as well. Its powerful suction, combined with its effective mopping, kept my floors clean of pet hair, muddy prints and other debris on every floor we test.
In the lower price range, a unit with a suction capacity of around 2,500Pa is more than enough for most homes. These models are quieter, and, therefore, a better choice for those with sensitive ears. They aren't silent, however they are not the same volume as conversations at home.
To find the ideal balance of performance and convenience take into consideration your cleaning needs and budget. For frequent light-duty cleaning, a longer runtime with a lower suction is required. Cleaning that is heavy-duty every week requires the most power. Then assess your flooring, home layouts and cleaning schedules to select the best model for your requirements. We suggest looking through our entire list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings to get more information on the latest models available. Many users have reported that their carpets and bare floor look cleaner after using a robot vacuum.
- Navigation
A robot vacuum can't do its job well without knowing how to navigate your home. The best robots use sophisticated navigation technology to scan rooms and make a map, ensuring thorough cleaning without getting stuck or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot navigation: LiDAR, camera and sensor.
The most expensive models use LiDAR to create a virtual map of the room. This model offers the highest levels of accuracy and efficiency. Bump sensors are utilized in less expensive models, but they can be inaccurate and miss a lot debris when working in dark areas. Many robots also have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down stairs or other drops.
Several robots in my tests utilized object recognition to efficiently navigate things like fake cords and dog turds, however, the best was the Eufy X10. It was equipped with powerful oscillating mop heads as well as a user-friendly application and a superb mapping capability.
Other features worth considering include floor type sensors that can detect carpets with soft and hard floors, automatically boosting suction power when necessary. Some robots like the Roborock mop use a mopping pads lift to reach into corners and clean dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solution on the most difficult stains.
A smaller dustbin will require less frequent emptying, whereas larger ones will cost less to replace. Most low-cost robotic cleaners use the smallest, disposable dust bag. However, most middle-priced models have larger 3L dustbins which last for a long period of time. Some premium robots like the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station can self-empty and fill up their water tanks for hands-free convenience.
- App control
The best robot vacs have an application that lets you track cleaning progress and schedule your sessions and can connect to smart home devices to allow hands-free control. Most also sync with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-based control. Some have a dedicated remote control that lets you start or pause, and then return to dock. Select a model with a larger trash bin and can self-empty, rather than one that requires manual emptying.
Some robovacs come with mapping technology that helps them remember obstacles, such as staircases, and prevents them from running into furniture. Certain robovacs let you create no-go zones as well as specific rooms to ensure that they only clean those areas which need the most. They also have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down the stairs, which is especially helpful in multi-level homes.
If you are planning to make use of your robot vacuum to clean your rugs pick one that can perform both dry mopping and wet. You'll get better results from an vac that is able to remove its own mop pad too, which you can then wash and reattach when it's time to do another cleaning cycle. Look for robots with a rubber roller. It is less likely to tangle from pet hair or other particles. Examine the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that may have become stuck on. Make sure to do this at least twice per week. If you notice that they're starting to clog, it may be time to replace parts.
- Collection of debris
Robot vacuums are made according to the name to collect dust and debris from your floors. The most effective robot vacuums are able to take small particles such as sand and baking soda, and larger ones such as metal screws, orzo, and pet hair. They also deliver better results on low pile carpets than manual vacuums.
The top-performing robots across all flooring types had a pickup score over 95%. 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 incredibly user-friendly.
They both have self-emptying bins that automatically remove the contents of the wastebasket. They also have the ability to clean the washboard while they mowing. They also come with an 8,000Pa vacuum cleaner, smart mapping technology, and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate even the most difficult of spaces. The ECOVACS robot is one of the few that can vacuum carpet and remove mop pads. This makes it a great choice for users who have to switch between mopping and vacuuming frequently.
If you're looking for a less expensive alternative, take a look at the Roomba Combo J7 from iRobot Plus, our budget choice. It offers LIDAR navigation at reasonable prices and decent debris collection performance. It's slow to map out rooms and can be prone to bumping into obstacles, however it's much less expensive than our other top picks.
- Battery life
The most effective robot vacuums are designed to let you go moving with your day while they keep your floors clean and spick and clean. You'll still need to manually vacuum your home every so often, but robovacs will aid in maintaining a certain level of cleanliness and even keep your home clean when you're away.
To maximize the time you get from your robovac, choose a model with excellent battery life. If you use the highest power setting, the model should last two cleaning sessions. This is less than a larger vacuum however, it should be enough to get the job done in most homes. If you don't wish to wait while your robovac recharges, you can choose an option that will automatically return to the base station to charge.
If you want a robovac that does a little amount of everything, you should consider an all-in-one model that can mop as well. Eufy's X10 is the most effective model in this category. It 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 mop pads when they're empty.
The clear winner in our tests is the Dyson V810 due to its outstanding carpet and hard floor pickup, outstanding hair pickup, tangle-free performance and nearly perfect auto empty score. It's not cheap, however and unless you live in the smallest of homes without pets, it may be too expensive for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the second choice and has the same performance, but is priced around 25% less.