The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can make the chore of vacuuming less painful. Modern models mop and climb (small) steps.
Some have a small bin that they empty on their own. Others can be controlled by a smartphone app rather than a physical remote. Some models have mapping capabilities to assist in navigating your home with greater efficiency.
1. Power
Our top pick for robot vacuums comes with a suction force of 8,000Pa, which is enough to eliminate even the most difficult dirt patches and hairs. Its slim square shape enables it to slide under furniture like beds and sofas. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology allows for accurate obstacle avoidance and intelligent navigation. It also does an excellent job at cleaning pet hair baking soda, sand, and other debris near the baseboards and in corners.
In best budget robot vacuum cleaner to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, the other top-of-the-line bots on this list include the iRobot Roomba J7+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes with a sturdy docking station that automatically performs maintenance and has mopping functionality as well. Its powerful suction and efficient mopping made sure my floors were free of pet hair as well as muddy paw prints and other debris during every floor type test that we conducted.
A model that has 2500Pa suction should be sufficient for homes that are in the lower price range. These models are quieter, and therefore a better option for those with sensitive ears. These units are not silent however they are not the same volume as conversations at home.
To find the ideal balance of usability and power Consider your cleaning requirements and budget. For frequent light-duty cleaning, a longer runtime with less suction is recommended. Cleaning that is heavy-duty every week requires maximum power. Check your flooring, home layout and cleaning schedule prior to selecting the best model. Look through our entire list of robot vacuum ratings and reviews for more details about the latest models. Many users report that their carpets and floor look cleaner after using a robotic vacuum.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum isn't able to perform its job effectively if it doesn't know how to navigate your home. The most advanced robots utilize sophisticated navigation technologies to scan rooms and make an outline map, which allows for thorough cleaning without getting stuck or hitting obstacles. There are three major types of robot navigation: LiDAR-based camera-based and sensor-based.
LiDAR is utilized by the most expensive models to create a virtual space map, which offers the highest levels in precision and efficiency. Bump sensors are used in lower-end models, however they can be inaccurate and miss a lot debris when working in dark environments. Many robots also have cliff sensors to stop them from falling down stairs or other drops.
A variety of robots I tested utilized object recognition to efficiently navigate objects such as fake dog turds and cords, but the best was the Eufy X10. It was equipped with powerful mop heads that oscillate, a user friendly app and a superb mapping capability.
Consider features such as floor type sensors, which automatically boost suction power when needed. Some robots like the Roborock mop utilize mopping pad lift that allows you to get into corners and clean up dried spills. Many hybrids can apply cleaning solution to the most difficult stains.
A smaller dustbin means less frequent emptying, while a bigger one can save you money on replacements. The most affordable robotic cleaners generally employ a tiny disposable dust bag, but the majority of mid-range models come with larger dust bins of 3L that last for decades. Certain high-end robots, such as the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI station, can self-empty their trash bins and refill their water tanks for hands-free convenience.
3. App control
The majority of robot vacuums come with an app that monitors the progress of cleaning and schedule sessions. They also connect to smart home devices. Many also sync with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-based control. Certain models come with an on-screen remote that lets you start the process, pause it, and return to dock. Choose a model that has larger dustbins that self-empty instead of one that requires manual emptying.
Some robovacs have technology for mapping to help them avoid obstacles like furniture and stairs. Some robovacs allow you to create no-go zones as well as specific rooms to clean those areas which need it the most. They also have cliff sensors to stop them from falling down the stairs, which is especially helpful in multi-level homes.
If you intend to utilize your robot vacuum to clean your rugs choose a model that can do both dry and wet mopping. You'll be able to get better results from an vac that is able to remove its own mop pad, too, which you can then rinse and reconnect when it's time to do another cleaning cycle. Find robots that have the rubber roller. This is less likely to tangle from pet hair or other debris. Examine the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that has gotten stuck on. Make sure to 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. Collection of debris
As the name suggests robot vacuums are made to collect dust and debris from your floors. The best robot vacuums will take tiny particles, such as sand and baking soda, as well as larger ones like screws made of metal orzo, pet hair. They also provide better results on low pile carpets than manual vacuums.
The top-performing robots across all flooring types had a pickup score over 95%. The two top-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 do maintenance on their own and app features that make them incredibly user-friendly.
Both have self-emptying bins which eliminate the contents of the wastebasket. They also have the ability to clean the washboard as they mow. They also have an 8,000Pa vacuum cleaner, smart mapping technology, and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate through the most difficult of spaces. The ECOVACS model is also among the few robots that we tested that can take its mop pads and vacuum carpet, making it the ideal option for those who need to change between mopping and vacuuming regularly.
If you're seeking a lower-cost option, look into the Roomba Combo J7 from iRobot Plus, our budget choice. It comes with LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup performance for the price. It's a bit slow to map out rooms and can be prone to bumping into obstacles, but it's less expensive than our other top-rated picks.
5. Battery life
The most effective robot vacuums are designed to let you move on with your life while they keep your floors looking spick and span. While you'll still need to give your home a manual sweeping every now and then Robotic vacuums can help maintain a baseline level of cleanliness, and even wash while you're away from home.
Choose a robovac that has a long-lasting battery to get the most out of it. A good rule of thumb is to anticipate a model to last about two full cleaning sessions when you run it on the highest power setting. This is less than a typical size vacuum cleaner, however it should be enough to provide for the majority of homes. If you don't want to be waiting around while your robovac is charging you, you can choose an automatic model that makes its return to the base station to recharge.
If you're looking to buy a robovac with a variety of features in it, you should consider a robot that can also mop. Eufy's X10 is the best model in this category and offers self-emptying, self-draining and self-refilling of the dust bin and mop pad. It is also programmable to automatically refill and wash mops when they're empty.
Its dependable carpet and hard floor pickup, great hair pickup and tangle-free, and a an almost perfect auto empty score makes it the clear winner of our test scores. It's not cheap, and unless you have a small house with no pets, it could be too expensive for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the second choice and has the same performance, but costs around 25% less.