The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can make the task of vacuuming less painful. Modern models can also mop and climb (small) steps.

Some have a small trash bin that they empty by themselves. Others can be controlled via a smartphone app rather than the physical remote. Some models have mapping capabilities to assist in navigating your home with greater efficiency.

1. Power

Our top choice for robot vacuums has suction power of 8000Pa, which is strong enough to eliminate even the most difficult dirt patches and hairs. The ultra-thin shape of the square allows it to slide beneath furniture, such as beds and sofas. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology offers precise obstacle avoidance as well as intelligent navigation. It also does a fantastic job at cleaning up pet hair, baking soda, and other debris that can be found near the baseboards as well as in corners.

Aside from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI bot, other powerful bots in this list include the Robot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra has docking station that automatically performs maintenance. It also has mopping capabilities. Its powerful suction and efficient mopping kept my floors free of pet hair and muddy footprints and other debris throughout every flooring type test we conducted.

A model with 2500Pa suction should be sufficient for the majority of homes in the lower price range. They are also quieter, making them an ideal option for people with hearing issues. 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 requirements and budget. Regular light-duty cleaning requires a longer runtime and a lower suction, whereas weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires a lot of power. Consider your flooring, home layouts and cleaning schedules to choose the right model to meet your requirements. We recommend checking out our complete list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings to get more information on the latest models available. Many users report that their carpets and bare floors appear cleaner after using a robotic vacuum.

2. Navigation

A robot vacuum cleaner reviews vacuum isn't able to perform its job properly when it doesn't know how to navigate around your home. Because of this, the most effective robots depend on advanced navigation technology that effectively scans rooms and then creates a map to ensure thorough cleaning without being lost or hitting obstacles. There are three main types of robot navigation: LiDAR-based, sensor-based and camera-based.

LiDAR is utilized by the most expensive models to create a virtual space map, which offers the highest levels of precision and efficiency. Less expensive models rely on bump sensors, which are more prone to error and are more likely to miss the majority of debris in dark spaces. The majority of robots have cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs or other falls.

Several robots I tested used object recognition to navigate things like cords and fake dog turds. But the Eufy X10 was the best. It had powerful oscillating mop heads, a user friendly app and a superb mapping capability.

Other features worth a look include sensors for floors that can recognize carpets with soft and hard floors, automatically boosting suction power when necessary. Some robots like the Roborock mop utilize mopping pad lift that allows you to get into corners and clean dried spills. Many hybrids can even apply cleaning solutions to tough staining.

A smaller size of the bin will require less frequent emptying, however, a larger one can save you money on replacements. The cheapest robotic cleaners usually use a small disposable dust bag, while the mid-range models typically have larger dust bins of 3L that last for decades. Some premium robots, like the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI station, can self-empty their trash bins and refill their water tanks for convenience without hands.

3. App control

The top robot vacuums have an application that lets you track cleaning progress and schedule your sessions, and most can connect to your smart home devices for hands-free control. Many also sync with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-based control. Some have a 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 instead of one that needs manual emptying.

Some robovacs come with mapping technology that allows them to recognize obstacles, such as stairs, Robot Vacuum Reviews and avoid getting 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 detector to stop them from falling, which is particularly beneficial in multi-level homes.

If you intend to utilize your robot vacuum and mop vacuum to clean rugs pick one that can perform both dry mopping as well as wet. You'll get better results from an vac that is able to remove its own mop pad, and then rinse and reattach when it's time for another cleaning cycle. Also, look for a model that has a rubber roller that is less susceptible to tangles from pet hair and other debris than a bristle roll like those found on smaller models. It's a good idea to check the robot's brushroll and side brushes for stuck-on debris once or twice a week Also. If you notice that they're beginning to clog, it may be time to replace parts.

4. Debris collection

As the name suggests robot vacuums are made to collect dust and debris from your floors. The best robot vacuums can pick up small particles such as baking soda and sand, in addition to larger ones like screws made of metal orzo, pet hair. They also provide better pick-up results on carpets with low piles than manual vacuums.

The top-performing robots that vacuum and mop across all flooring types had pickup scores higher than 95%. The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo were two of our top-performing robots in this category. Both are highly automated with docking stations that can perform maintenance on their own, 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 you mow. They also feature 8,000Pa suction and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate even the most challenging areas. The ECOVACS model is also one of the only robots we tested that can remove its mop pads and vacuum carpet, which makes it the ideal choice for users who need to switch between vacuuming and mopping frequently.

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, take a look at the Roomba Combo J7 from iRobot Plus, our budget pick. It features LIDAR navigation for an affordable price and decent debris collection performance. It is slow when it comes to mapping rooms and is prone to hitting obstacles, but it is lower than the other choices.

5. Battery life

The best robot vacuums let you get on with your day while keeping your floors in top condition. While you'll still have to give your home a manual sweeping every now and then, robovacs can help you keep a certain level of cleanliness and even keep your home clean while you're away from home.

Look for a robovac with an extended-lasting battery to get the most use of it. A good guideline is to expect a model to last for around two full cleaning sessions when you run it at the maximum power setting. This is less than a typical size vacuum cleaner, however it is enough to cover most homes. If you don't want to sit while your robovac charges you can select a model that will automatically return to the base station to charge.

If you're looking for a robot that has a little bit of everything in it, then consider one that is able to mop. Eufy's X10 is the best model in this category. It includes self-emptying, self-draining and self-refilling of the dust container as well as the mop pad. It can also be programmed to automatically refill and wash its own mop pads when they're low.

The clear winner in our tests is the Dyson V810, because of its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, superb hair pickup, tangle-free performance and a near perfect auto empty score. It's not cheap, however and unless you live in a an apartment without pets, it may be too expensive for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the runner-up and has a similar performance, but costs around 25 percent less.