15 Reasons You Shouldn t Be Ignoring Robot Vacuum

The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuuming is a major cause of many people's existence, but robot vacuums make it a little easier. Modern models can mop, and even climb (small) steps.

Some have a smaller bin which they empty themselves. Others can be controlled via a smartphone app rather than a physical remote. Some models have mapping features that aid in navigation.

1. Power

Our top pick for robot vacuums comes with a suction force of 8000Pa, which is strong enough to get rid of even the most stubborn hairs and dirt. Its super-thin square design allows it to slide underneath furniture such as beds and sofas, and its Dual-Laser LiDAR technology provides precise navigation and accurate obstacle avoidance. It also does a fantastic job at cleaning up pet hair, baking soda, and other debris that can be found near the baseboards and in corners.

In addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI bot, other top-of-the-line bots on this list include the IRobot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. It comes with a robust docking station that is able to perform maintenance and includes mopping capabilities as well. Its powerful suction, combined with its efficient mopping, kept my floors clean of pet hair, muddy prints and other messes on every type of floor we tested.

A model with 2,500Pa suction is sufficient for the majority of homes in the lower price range. They are also quieter, which makes them the ideal choice for people with sensitive hearing. They aren't silent, but they're not about the same as normal conversations at home.

Consider your budget and cleaning needs to determine the best combination of power and usability. For regular light-duty cleaning you will require a longer time-to-run and less suction is needed. Weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires the most power. Take a look at your flooring, home layouts, and cleaning schedules to choose the right model for your requirements. We recommend looking through our full list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more details about the latest models available. Many customers report having their carpets and floors looking significantly cleaner after introducing a robot vacuum into their home.

2. Navigation

A robot vacuum cannot perform its task if it does not know how to navigate your home. The best robots use sophisticated navigation technologies to scan rooms and create a map, ensuring thorough cleaning without getting stuck or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot cleaner navigation that include LiDAR, camera and sensor.

The most expensive models utilize LiDAR to build a virtual map of the room, offering the highest levels of accuracy and efficiency. Bump sensors are employed in cheaper models, but they aren't always accurate and miss a lot debris when working in dark areas. Most robots come with cliff sensors that keep them from falling off steps or other drops.

A number of the robots I tested utilized object recognition to navigate things like fake dog turds. But the Eufy X10 was the best. It was equipped with powerful oscillating mop heads, a user friendly app with excellent mapping capabilities.

Take into consideration features such as sensors that detect floors that automatically boost suction power when needed. Certain robots such as the Roborock mop utilize mopping pad lift that allows you to get into corners and clean dry spills. Many hybrids can apply cleaning solution to the most difficult stains.

A smaller dustbin will require less frequent emptying, however, a larger one can save you money on replacements. Most low-cost robotic cleaners use a small, disposable dust bag. However, most mid-range models have larger 3L dustbins which last for a long period of time. Some premium robots, like the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI station, will self-empty their bins and fill their water tanks to provide convenience without hands.

3. App control

The top robot vacuums have an app that lets you monitor the progress of cleaning and schedule sessions and connect to smart home devices for hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can be controlled using voice commands, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some have a remote control that allows you to start or pause, and then return to dock. Pick a model that comes with a larger trash bin and can self-empty rather than one that requires manual emptying.

Certain robovacs have mapping technology that can help them recognize obstacles, such as the stairs, and also avoid hitting furniture. Certain robovacs let you create no-go zones as well as specific rooms to ensure that they only clean the areas that require it the most. They also have cliff sensors to stop them from falling down the stairs, which is particularly helpful in multi-level homes.

If you intend to make use of your robot vacuum to clean carpets, select one that can be used both for dry and wet mopping. You'll get better cleaning results by having your robot vacuum also remove its mop pad. Clean it and reconnect it when you want to conduct a clean-up cycle. Also, look for a model that has a rubber roller, which is less prone to knots caused by pet hair and other debris than a bristle roller like those found on smaller models. Check the robot vacuum that mops's side brush and brushroll for any debris that has been stuck to them. Do this at least twice per week. If you notice that they're starting to clog, it may be time to buy replacement parts.

4. Collection of debris

Robot vacuums are created according to the name to remove dust and other debris from your floors. The best automatic vacuum and mop robot vacuums will pick up tiny particles, such as sand and baking soda, as well as larger ones like screws made of metal orzo, as well as pet hair. They also have better pickup results on carpets with low pile than most manual vacuums.

The top-performing robots across all flooring types had scores greater than 95 percent. Our two best-performing robots in this category were the ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI, and the Roborock Q Revo. Both are highly automated with docking stations that perform maintenance on their own, and apps that make them extremely user-friendly.

They both have self-emptying bins that suck up the contents of the wastebasket, and clean the washboard while mowing. They also come with an 8,000Pa vacuum, smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance to help them navigate through even the most difficult spaces. The ECOVACS robot is one of the few that can mop carpet and remove the mop pads. This makes it a great option for those who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming regularly.

If you want a cheaper option, we suggest the iRobot Roomba Kombo J7+, our budget choice. It has LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup capabilities for the price. It can be a bit slow at mapping out rooms and is susceptible to hitting obstacles, but the cost is less than the other choices.

5. Battery life

The best rated robot vacuum robot vacuums are made to let you move moving with your day while they keep your floors looking spick and clean. While you'll still need to give your home a manual sweeping every now and then, robovacs can help you maintain a baseline level of cleanliness and even keep your home clean when you're away.

Find a robovac equipped with an extended-lasting battery to get the most out of it. A good guideline is to expect a robovac to last for about two cleaning sessions if you run it at the maximum power setting. This is less than a full-sized vacuum cleaner, but it will be sufficient to be sufficient for most homes. If you don't like to sit around waiting for your robovac is charging you could opt for a model that automatically makes its way back to its base station to recharge.

If you are looking for a robovac that can do a amount of everything, you should consider an all-in-one machine that can mop too. Eufy's X10 is the most effective model in this category and provides self-emptying, auto-draining and self-refilling of the dust container and mop pad. It can be programmed to refill and wash its mops when they run out.

The clear winner in our tests is the Dyson V810 due to its outstanding carpet and hard floor pickup, superb hair pickup, tangle-free performance and an almost perfect auto empty score. However, it's not cheap and unless you have a the smallest of homes without pets, it may be too expensive for some. The runner-up is the Dreametech D10+, has very similar performance however it costs 25% less.