Indisputable Proof You Need Robot Vacuum
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.
Some have a smaller bin that they empty by themselves. Others are controlled with a smartphone app rather than an actual remote. Some models have mapping features that help them navigate more efficiently.
1. Power
Our top pick for robotic vacuums comes with a suction force of 8,000Pa, which is powerful enough to eliminate even the most stubborn hairs and dirt. Its ultra-thin square design allows it to slide under furniture such as beds and sofas, and its Dual-Laser LiDAR technology allows for intelligent navigation and accurate obstacle avoidance. It's also great at cleaning pet hair, baking powder, and other debris near corners and baseboards.
Apart from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, other powerful bots in this list include the iRobot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes with a sturdy docking station that automates maintenance and mopping functions as well. Its powerful suction and efficient mopping helped keep my floors clear of pet hair and muddy footprints and other debris in every floor type test that we conducted.
A model with 2,500Pa suction is sufficient for most homes in the lower price range. These models are quieter, and, therefore, a better choice for those who have sensitive ears. They're not silent but they are only the same volume as conversations at home.
For the best mix of power and usability take into consideration your cleaning needs and budget. For light-duty cleaning that is frequent you will require a longer time-to-run and less suction is recommended. Weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires maximum power. Assess your flooring, home layout and cleaning schedule prior to choosing the right model. We suggest looking through our complete list of robot vacuum reviews - Continued, and ratings for more details on the most recent models available. Many users have reported seeing their carpets and bare floors appear cleaner after introducing a robotic vacuum to their home.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum isn't able to perform its job properly without knowing how to navigate your home. For this reason, the best robots use advanced navigation technology that effectively scans rooms and builds 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 virtual map of the room. This model offers the highest levels of precision and efficiency. The less expensive models rely on bump sensors, which are more prone to error and are more likely to miss a lot of debris in dark spaces. The majority of robots have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down stairs or other drops.
Several robots in my tests employed object recognition to skillfully navigate objects such as fake cords and dog turds, however, the best was the Eufy X10. It was a fantastic mapping device with powerful oscillating mops, a user-friendly app and the ability to clean a specific zones, rooms or even the all of the house.
Other features worth looking into include floor type sensors that can detect carpets with soft and hard floors, automatically boosting suction power when needed. Some robots, such as the Roborock mop, utilize mopping pad lifts to get into corners and tackle dried spills. Many hybrids can apply cleaning solution to the most difficult stains.
A smaller size of the bin will require less frequent emptying, while a larger one can save money on replacements. Most low-cost robotic cleaners use a small, disposable dust bag. However, most middle-priced models have larger dustbins of 3L that last for a long period of time. Some premium robots like the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station can self-empty and fill up their water tank for hands-free convenience.
3. App control
Most robot vacuums come with an app that monitors cleaning progress and schedule cleaning sessions. They also connect to smart home devices. Many robot vacuums can be controlled via voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some have a remote control that allows you to start, pause and return to dock. Pick a model that comes with a larger dustbin and can self-empty rather than one that needs manual emptying.
Certain robovacs have mapping technology that helps them remember obstacles, such as the stairs, and also avoid running into furniture. Certain robovacs let you define no-go zones and rooms to clean the areas that require the most. They also have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down the staircase, which is particularly beneficial in multi-level homes.
If you intend to utilize your robot vacuums best vacuum to clean rugs, choose one that can be used both for wet and dry mopping. You'll get better results with an vac that is able to remove its own mop pad too, which you can then rinse and reconnect when it comes time for another cleaning cycle. Look for a robot with an elastomer roller. This is less likely to become tangled from pet hair or other particles. It's recommended to inspect the robot vacuum with mop's brushroll as well as side brushes for stuck-on debris every week or once as well. If you notice that they're starting to clog, it might be time to replace parts.
4. Collection of debris
Robot vacuums are created to, as the name suggests, to remove dust and other debris from your floors. The most effective ones can pick up fine particles like baking soda and sand as well larger pieces such as orzo pasta, screws made of metal, and pet hair. They also deliver better results on low pile carpets than many manual vacuums.
The top-performing robots across all flooring types had pickup scores higher than 95%. The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo were our two best-performing bots in this category. Both are highly automated and feature robust docking stations that perform maintenance on their own. They also have features in the app that make them extremely user-friendly.
Both have self-emptying bins that automatically empty the wastebasket. They also have the ability to clean the washboard as they mow. They also have 8,000Pa suction, smart mapping technology, and advanced obstacle avoidance that can help them find their way around even the most challenging areas. The ECOVACS model is also among the few robots we tested that can take its mop pads and vacuum carpet which makes it the ideal choice for those who have to change between mopping and vacuuming regularly.
If you're looking for a less expensive alternative, take a look at the Roomba Combo J7 by iRobot Plus, our budget-friendly pick. It comes with LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup performance for the price. It is slow at mapping out rooms and has a tendency of bumping against obstacles, but the cost is lower than our other picks.
5. Battery life
The most effective robot vacuums are made to let you move on with your life while they keep your floors in tip-top clean. While you'll still have to give your home a manual hoover every now and again, robovacs can help you maintain a baseline level of tidiness and even clean while you're away from home.
Find a robovac equipped with long-lasting batteries to get the most out of it. A good rule of thumb is to expect a robovac to last for around two complete cleaning sessions if you use it on the highest power setting. This is less than a typical full-sized vacuum cleaner, but it is enough to be sufficient for most homes. If you don't like to be waiting around while your robovac recharges you, you can choose a model that automatically makes its return to the base station to recharge.
If you're looking to buy a robovac that has a little bit of everything in it, then consider a robot vacuums best that can also mop. Eufy's X10 is the most effective 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 refill and wash its mop pads when they run out.
Its dependable carpet and hard floor pickup as well as its excellent hair pickup and tangle avoidance, and close to perfect auto empty scores make it the clear winner of our test scores. It's expensive, and unless you have a small house with no pets, it may be too expensive for certain. The Dreametech D10+ is the runner-up and has a similar performance, but costs around 25% less.
