14 Questions You re Refused To Ask Robot Vacuum

The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

Some have a small bin that they empty on their own. Others are controlled with an app on your smartphone instead of a physical remote. Some models have mapping features that aid in navigation.

1. Power

Our top choice for robot vacuums comes with a suction force of 8,000Pa, which is enough to eliminate even the most difficult hairs and dirt. Its ultra-thin square design allows it to slide under furniture like sofas and beds and its Dual-Laser LIDAR technology provides precise navigation and accurate obstacle avoidance. It also does a great job of cleaning pet hair baking soda, sand, and other debris near the baseboards as well as in corners.

Apart from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, the other powerful bots in this list include the IRobot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra has docking station that automatically handles maintenance. It also comes with mopping capabilities. Its powerful suction and efficient mopping made sure my floors were free of pet hair as well as muddy paw prints and other debris throughout every floor type test we ran.

In the lower cost range, a model with a suction capacity of around 2,500Pa is more than adequate for most homes. They are also quieter and therefore a better option for those with sensitive ears. They're still not quiet, but they're not the same volume as normal conversations at home.

For the best mix of usability and power take into consideration your cleaning needs and budget. For frequent light-duty cleaning you will require a longer time-to-run and less suction is recommended. Cleaning that is heavy-duty every week requires maximum power. Consider your flooring, layout of your home, and cleaning schedules to select the best model to meet your needs. We suggest looking through our entire list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more details on the most recent models available. Many users have reported having their carpets and floors appear cleaner after introducing a robot vacuum to their home.

2. Navigation

A robot vacuum won't be able to do its job properly when it doesn't know how to get around your home. This is why the best robots use advanced navigation technology that effectively scans rooms and then creates maps to ensure thorough cleaning without being lost or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot navigation: LiDAR-based sensor-based and camera-based.

The most expensive models use LiDAR to build a virtual map of the room. This model offers the highest level of accuracy and efficiency. Bump sensors are used in cheaper models, but they aren't always accurate and miss a lot of debris when working in dark environments. Most robots are equipped with cliff sensors, which stop them from falling off stairs or other drops.

A variety of robots I tested employed object recognition to skillfully navigate objects such as fake dog turds and cords, but the most effective was the Eufy X10. It had superb mapping capabilities, powerful oscillating mops, an intuitive app and the ability to clean a zone, room or all of the home.

Consider features such as floor type sensors that automatically increase suction power when needed. Some robots, such as the Roborock mop use a mopping pad that lifts to reach into corners and clean up dried spills. Many hybrids can apply cleaning solutions to the most difficult stains.

A smaller size of the bin will require less frequent emptying, whereas a larger one can save money on replacements. Most low-cost robotic cleaners use a small disposable dust bag. However, the majority of middle-priced models have larger 3L dustbins which last for a long time. Some of the top models, like the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI station, will automatically empty their trash bins and refill their water tanks to provide convenience without hands.

3. App control

The best robot vacs have an app that lets you monitor cleaning progress and schedule sessions and connect to your smart home devices to allow hands-free control. They also sync with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for control via voice. Some models have a remote control that lets you start or pause and then return to dock. Choose a model that has a larger trash bin and can self-empty rather than one that needs manual emptying.

Certain robovacs come with technology for mapping to help them avoid obstacles such as furniture and stairs. Some robovacs allow you to define no-go zones and rooms to clean those areas which need the most. They also have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down the stairs, which is particularly helpful in multi-level homes.

If you intend to use your robot vacuum for cleaning carpets, select a model which can be used both for dry and wet mopping. You'll get better results with an vac that is able to remove its own mop pad, and then rinse and reconnect when it comes time for another cleaning cycle. Also, look for a machine that has a rubber roller, which is less prone to tangles from pet hair and other debris than a bristle roll, as found on some smaller models. It's a good idea to examine the robot's brushroll and side brushes for debris that has gotten stuck once or twice a week as well. If you notice that they're beginning to get blocked, it could be time to purchase replacement parts.

4. Collection of debris

Robot vacuums are designed to, as the name suggests, to gather dust and debris on your floors. The best ones are able to pick up fine particles like baking soda and sand as larger pieces such as metal screws, orzo pasta, and pet hair. They also deliver better results on carpets with a low pile than many manual vacuums.

The top-performing robots across all flooring types had scores greater than 95%. The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo were the two best-performing bots in this category. Both are highly automated, equipped with docking stations that perform maintenance by themselves and features in the app that make them extremely user-friendly.

Both have self-emptying bins which automatically remove the contents of the wastebasket. They can also clean the washboard as they mow. They also have suction of 8,000Pa and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them find their way around even the most difficult of 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 best choice for users who need to switch between vacuuming and mopping frequently.

If you're looking for a less expensive option, we recommend the iRobot Roomba Kombo J7+, our budget pick. It features LIDAR navigation for reasonable prices and decent debris collection performance. It's slow to map rooms and may be susceptible to crashing into obstacles, however it's much less expensive than our other top-rated choices.

5. Battery life

The most effective robot vacuums are designed to let you get to work while they keep your floors in tip-top clean. Although you'll need to give your home a manual vacuum every now and then, robovacs can help you keep a certain level of cleanliness, and even wash while you're away from home.

Look for a robovac with an extended-lasting battery to get the most of it. If you select the highest power setting, a model should last two cleaning sessions. This is not as long as a large vacuum cleaner, but it will be sufficient to provide for the majority of homes. If you don't want to be waiting around while your robovac charges you, you can choose a model that automatically makes its way back to its base station to recharge.

If you're looking for a robot that has a little bit of everything in it, then consider an option that also mop. Eufy's X10 is the top model in this category has self-emptying and self-refilling for the dust bin as well as the water tank and mop pad. It can even be programmed to automatically refill and wash mops when they're empty.

The clear winner in our tests is the Dyson V810, thanks to its impressive 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 live in a a small home without pets, it may be too pricey for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the second choice and has the same performance, but it costs 25% less.