Robot Hoover: A Simple Definition

The Best Robot Hoover

The best robot hoover can clean and mop without requiring your attention, and will leave your floors spotless. Its affordable price and high-end features (such as dirt detectors) are positives.

Be sure to check your robot's brushes for hair tangled as well as large debris and clean them as needed. Some models will also empty the dust bin on board and then deposit it in an additional bin at the base. This reduces the amount fine dust that gets released into the air.

1. Roomba Q5 pro

The Q5 Pro, and its more expensive counterpart, the Q7 Max Series are among the most powerful robotic vacuums that we have test. They feature motors that are top-of-the quality and can suction up to 5,500 Pascals. Like other premium iRobots (including the top model) they utilize intelligent mapping to design precise floorplans and avoid household obstacles like furniture legs. The robots also feature a feature called Carpet Boost which boosts its power when it senses dirt on the carpet.

The Q5 and Q7 Max Series both scored extremely well in our tests on floors that were bare and are especially adept in cleaning hair from dogs. There are some issues however, which prevent them from being our top choice. One of the weaknesses of the Q5 is that its navigation system doesn't have AI-powered obstacles avoidance. It's thus susceptible to getting stuck on shoes and socks and could not navigate densely packed rooms very efficiently during our tests. It also doesn't have a camera that can see around corners.

Still, it's very good for those who want to save money on an Roomba from iRobot and have a mostly unfinished home or office. Plus, it's very quiet and can be used while you're at work, or going to school. It's not equipped with the edge-to-edge floor vacuuming offered by the more expensive iRobot Roomba X30. And it's less effective at mopping, using disposable wet wipes that don't stay on for long and don't deal with dried-on debris. The Q5 is self-emptying cradle however. If you need to mop, the mopping pad can be replaced with one that is wet in just a few just a few seconds.

2. IRobot Roomba X30

The iRobot Roomba X30 is a compact elegant vacuum cleaner that can also mop floors. Its nimble navigation and intelligent cleaning maps make it simple to clean and effective at taking on larger particles, such as pet hair. It also has a powerful suction and an automatic bin for emptying. It's the best robot hoover for carpets, though it lags behind some competitors in deep cleaning.

This high-performing combination vacuum and mop utilizes advanced sensors to avoid obstacles and pet waste, and it also learns your home's layout over time to ensure more efficient cleaning. The app lets you customize zones and change the cleaning schedule. It comes with a battery life that is comparable to other models.

You can tell the X30 Ultra to remove its mops and to extend them when in a carpeted area to prevent cross-contamination. Its flex arm is also perfect for getting under furniture that is low and along baseboards. It doesn't perform as well on the washboard as our other Editors' Choice Picks, the Ecovacs Ozmo N8Pro+ and the iRobot Combo j9+.

In tests, the X30 Ultra was the fastest robot vacuum that vacuums and mops vacuum/mop to complete an entire house, finishing with the battery at 66 percent left. It did a great cleaning job on various rooms and floors with various kinds of flooring, including some area rug. Its obstacle detection was top notch and it was nimbly avoiding fake dog socks, turds, shoes, and bundles of cables.

It's more expensive than iRobot Combo v9+ or iRobot Roomba j9+ but has superior suction and an onboard bin that automatically empties into the base. It also supports voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It even cleans the floor after vacuuming this feature, which we've not seen on other robot vacuum/mop combinations.

3. Roomba X40 from iRobot

With a sleek, circular design that looks like a regular Roomba than the competitors' boxes This robot vacuum and mop combo is among the most attractive designs in our reviews. The newest model from iRobot is among the most intelligent and has advanced features like Enhanced Dirt Detection Technology as well as future compatibility with Matter (another company's robot that is able to wash mop pads).

It's also the only robot vacuum reviews vacuum or mop that scored a perfect 10 out of 10 in our evaluations. This is thanks to the combination of modern sensors, including a restructured light system, a camera, and a variety of lasers. The X40 Ultra is also the only robot we tested that is fully self-refill and empty its base station and it boasts the industry's highest suction of 12,000Pa and self-cleaning mop pads.

The X40, like other iRobot products, is easy to use. It comes with an intuitive mobile application interface and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. The only downside is that the X40 is still a noisy unit. This could be a concern in the mornings before work or during the night when you are trying to sleep.

It's also a bit costly however, not as expensive as the Ecovacs MaxV Ultra or Roborock S8 Omni, which are equally capable and better looking. If you're willing with a bit more noise and some additional cost this is a capable two-in-one that should satisfy most people.

4. iRobot Roomba L20 Ultra

The L20 Ultra is a top-of-the-range robot vacuum and mop with many advanced features that will let you get rid of your chores. The L20 Ultra is a hands-free cleaning machine that is similar to Ecovacs the top of the line X2 Omni or Roborock's S8 Pro Ultra. It has a multifunction dock which automatically emptys the vacuum's bin and fills up the water tank, and washes and dry mop pads.

The smart robot utilizes LIDAR and structured lighting to draw out floor plans and detect obstacles. It is more efficient in its navigation than its top competitors. It also comes with a front-mounted camera for real-time detection of hazards however this was not completely foolproof in our tests, and was sometimes confused with power cords or obstructions.

Its vacuum has a high suction capacity of 7,000 Pascals, which is more than enough to get the job done. It also has "Intelligent Dirt Detection", that regulates the amount of time the vac works and adjusts the frequency of cleaning for different areas of your home according to how dirty they are.

If you own a larger home, you should consider selecting a robot that comes with zones or spot cleaning modes. This allows you to instruct the robot on which part of your house needs to be cleaned by using the app or voice command. If you have furniture, a stair-mode is also a good option. For families that are busy recharge functions and resume feature that allows your robot vacuum to resume where it left off could be very useful.

iRobot RX3

The RX3 is a smarter cleaner than you might expect from its price tag. It vacuums well, picking up 55% debris in our tests. (It was only second to the Roomba Q5 Pro). It also mops with a single pad that uses a reciprocating motion that does a better job cleaning than the other robot mop cleaners we've tried. It's also highly self-sufficient, with a full-featured app and a self emptying base that can be washed.

The iRobot application is designed to guide you through an exercise in mapping that collects data on your floorplan, as well as any "no go" areas you've marked on the map. It can be used to create cleaning schedules or to organize an automatic spot-clean. It can also be used to it to rank your most filthy areas for greater efficiency. The app also gives access to many options, including seasonal suggestions, custom maps, and advanced settings for your cleaning.

It can also reach corners and under furniture better because its shape is more rectangular. It features an impressive 8,000 Pascal suction as well as sophisticated combs that remove pet hair. It also has the ability to set up a spot clean that scours a specific area.

The Miele Scout RX3 Home Vision HD is a more sleek and more affordable alternative to the iRobot Roomba. It's more appealing, Dolce & Gabbana-esque design and its twin cameras appear like cute eyes. It's good at vacuuming, but it is more susceptible to be caught by low thresholds and is a bit louder than the other top robotic cleaner and mop vacuums we've tested. It also has a less intuitive app and a small base station that can't be used as a bin for emptying.