The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is a major cause of many lives however, robot vacuums make it easier. Modern models can also mop and even climb (small) steps.
They have a small dustbin which they empty themselves and some of them can be operated by a smartphone app instead of an actual remote. Some have mapping capabilities that aid in navigating your home more efficiently.
1. Power
With the suction power of 8,000Pa Our top choice for robot vacuums is durable enough to handle the worst dirt patches and hairs. The ultra-thin design of the square allows it to slide underneath furniture like sofas and beds, and its Dual-Laser LiDAR technology allows for precise navigation and accurate obstacle avoidance. It also does a great job at cleaning pet hair baking soda, other debris that can be found near the baseboards as well as in corners.
Other powerful robots in this list besides the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, are the iRobot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra comes with docking station that automatically performs maintenance. It also comes with mopping capabilities. Its powerful suction, coupled with its effective mopping feature, kept my floors clean of pet hair, muddy prints, and other messes on all floors we test.
A model with 2,500Pa suction will suffice for the majority of homes in the lower price range. These models are quieter, and are therefore a better choice for those with sensitive ears. These units are not silent but they're not about the same as normal conversations at home.
To get auto vacuum of performance and convenience take into consideration your cleaning needs and budget. A regular light-duty cleaning schedule requires longer runtime and lower suction, whereas weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires a lot of power. Take a look at your flooring, layout of your home, and cleaning schedules to choose the right model to meet your requirements. We suggest looking through our entire list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more details about the latest models available. Many customers report that their carpets and bare floors look cleaner after using a robot vacuum.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum isn't able to perform its job effectively 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 creates an outline map to ensure thorough cleaning without getting lost or hitting obstacles. There are three kinds of robot navigation that include LiDAR, camera and sensor.
The most expensive models employ LiDAR to create a digital map of the room, offering 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 spaces. Many robots also have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down stairs or other drops.
Several robots in my tests employed object recognition to skillfully navigate things like fake cords and dog turds, but the most effective was the Eufy X10. It was a fantastic mapping device and powerful oscillating mops that could be used as an easy-to-use app, and the ability to clean by area, room or the entire house.
Other features worth considering include sensors for floors that can recognize carpets with soft and hard floors and automatically boost suction power when required. Some robots, such as the Roborock mop, utilize a mopping pad lift to reach corners and tackle dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solution to the most difficult stains.
A smaller bin will mean less frequent emptying however, a larger one can save you money on replacements. Most low-cost robotic cleaners use an inexpensive, disposable dust bag. However, the majority of middle-priced models have larger 3L dustbins which last for a long period of time. Some premium robots, like the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI station, will automatically empty their dustbin and refill their water tanks, allowing convenience without hands.
3. App control
The best robot vacs have an app that allows you to monitor the progress of cleaning and schedule sessions, and most can connect to smart home devices to allow hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can be controlled by voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with an on-screen remote that allows you to start the process, pause it, and return to dock. Select a model with a larger dustbin and can self-empty rather than one that requires manual emptying.
Some robots are equipped with mapping technology to help them avoid obstacles such as stairs and furniture. Others allow you to set no-go zones or targeted rooms, so they only clean the areas that need it most. They also have a cliff sensor to keep them from falling, which is particularly useful in multi-level homes.
If you intend to make use of your robot vacuum for cleaning carpets, select a model which can be used for dry and wet mopping. You'll get better results with an vac that is able to remove its own mop pad and then rinse and reconnect when it comes time for another cleaning cycle. Look for a robot with a rubber roller. It is less likely to become tangled from pet hair or other debris. Check the robot's side brush and brushroll for any debris that has been stuck to them. Make sure to do this at least twice a week. If you notice that they're beginning to clog, it may be time to buy replacement parts.
4. Collection of debris
Robot vacuums are made according to the name to gather dust and debris on your floors. The best robot vacuums can collect tiny particles like baking soda and sand in addition to larger ones like metal screws orzo, as well as pet hair. They also have better results on carpets with low pile than many manual vacuums.
Across all flooring types, the top-performing robots had pickup scores of greater than 95 95%. 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 by themselves and apps that make them extremely user-friendly.
They both have self-emptying bins that take 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 technology that helps them navigate even the most difficult of areas. The ECOVACS robot is one of the few that can clean carpet and remove the mop pads. This makes it a great choice for users who have to switch between mopping and vacuuming often.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, look into the Roomba Combo J7 by iRobot Plus, our budget-friendly pick. It features LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup performance for the price. It's slow to map rooms and may be susceptible to bumping into obstacles, but it's less expensive than our other top choices.
5. Battery life
The best robot vacuums let you move about your day while they keep your floors in pristine condition. While you'll still have to give your home a manual hoover every now and again robot vacuums can help you keep a certain level of cleanliness, and even wash when you're away.
Find a robovac equipped with an extended-lasting battery to get the most out of it. A good rule of thumb is to expect a model to last about two cleaning sessions if you run it at the maximum power setting. This is less than a typical size vacuum cleaner, however it should be enough to cover most homes. If you don't want to sit around waiting for your robovac recharges you, you can select an automatic model that makes its return to the base station to recharge.
If you're looking for a robovac 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 of this category comes with self-emptying and self refilling for the dust bin and the water tank and the 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 because of its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, excellent hair pickup, tangle-free performance and an almost perfect auto empty score. However, it's not cheap and unless you have a an apartment with no pets, it could be too pricey for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the second-placed model and offers the same performance, but costs around 25% less.