The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is a major cause of many people's existence, but robot vacuums make it more enjoyable. Modern models can mop, and even climb (small) steps.
They have a small dustbin that they empty themselves, and some can be controlled from a smartphone app instead of the physical remote. Some models have mapping features that help them navigate more efficiently.
1. robot vacuum hoover for robot vacuums has suction power of 8,000Pa, which is enough to remove even the most stubborn dirt patches and hairs. The ultra-thin shape of the square allows it to slide beneath furniture like sofas and beds. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology provides precise obstacle avoidance and intelligent navigation. It also does a great job of cleaning pet hair baking soda, other debris near baseboards and in corners.
Apart from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI bot, other top-of-the-line bots on this list include the Robot Roomba j7+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra includes a docking station which automatically performs maintenance. It also has mopping capabilities. Its powerful suction, combined with its effective mopping, made sure my floors were free of pet hair, muddy prints and other debris on all floors we test.
In the lower price range, a model that has 2,500Pa of suction is sufficient for most homes. These models are quieter, which makes them an ideal option for people with hearing issues. They're not silent, but they're only about the same as a normal conversation at home.
For the best mix of usability and power, consider your cleaning needs and budget. For regular light-duty cleaning it is recommended to have a longer runtime and less suction is needed. Weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires maximum power. Take a look at your flooring, layout of your home and cleaning schedules to determine the best model for your needs. We recommend checking out our full list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings to get more information on the latest models available. Many users report that their carpets and floor look cleaner after using a robot vacuum.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum won't be able to do its job effectively without knowing how to navigate your home. Because of this, the best robots rely on sophisticated navigation systems that consistently scans rooms and then creates a map to ensure thorough cleaning without getting lost or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot navigation: LiDAR, camera and sensor.
The most expensive models utilize LiDAR to create a digital map of the room, delivering the highest levels of accuracy and efficiency. Less expensive models rely on bump sensors, which can be more inaccurate and are more likely to miss a lot of debris in dark spaces. The majority of robots have cliff sensors that stop them from falling off stairs or other drops.
A variety of robots I tested used object recognition to deftly navigate around things such as fake cords and dog turds but the most effective was the Eufy X10. It had excellent mapping capabilities and powerful oscillating mops that could be used as an intuitive app and the ability to clean by zone, room or whole home.
Consider features such as sensors for floors, which automatically boost suction power when required. Some robots, such as the Roborock mops, use mopping pad lifts to reach corners and tackle dried spills. Many hybrids can even apply cleaning solutions to stubborn staining.
A smaller bin will require less frequent emptying, while a bigger one can save you money on replacements. The cheapest robotic cleaners usually utilize a small disposable dust bag, while most mid-range models have larger dust bins of 3L that last for many years. Certain premium robots such as the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station can self-empty and refill their water tank for hands-free convenience.
3. App control
The top robot vacuums have an app that lets you monitor cleaning progress and schedule your sessions, and most can connect to your smart home devices to allow hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can also be controlled via voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have a separate remote control that allows you to start the process, pause it and then return to dock. Find a model with larger dustbins that self-empty, rather than one that requires manual emptying.
Some robots are equipped with mapping technology that can help them recognize obstacles, such as staircases, and prevents them from hitting furniture. Certain robovacs let you designate no-go zones and specific rooms so that they only clean the areas that require the most. They also have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down stairs, which is particularly useful 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 have better results cleaning if your robot vacuum can also take off its mop pad. Rinse it, and then attach it again when you are ready to conduct a clean-up cycle. Find robots that have an elastomer roller. This is less likely to tangle from pet hair or other debris. Check the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that has gotten stuck on. Do this at least twice a week. If you notice that they're beginning to get clogged up it might be time to purchase replacement parts.
4. Debris collection
As the name suggests, robot vacuums are designed to collect dust and other debris from your floors. The best ones pick fine particles such as baking soda and sand as in larger pieces of orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They also have better pickup results on low-pile carpets than manual vacuums.
Across all flooring types, the top robots had pickup scores of greater than 95 95%. The two top-performing robots in this category were the ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI, and the Roborock Q Revo. Both are highly automated and feature robust docking stations that can perform maintenance on their own, and features in the app that make them extremely user-friendly.
Both have self-emptying bins that take the contents of the wastebasket and can clean the washboard while you mow. They also come with an 8,000Pa vacuum cleaner, smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance technology to help them navigate through the most difficult areas. The ECOVACS robot is among the few that can mop carpet and remove the mop pads. This makes it an ideal option for people who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming regularly.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, look into the Roomba Combo J7 by iRobot Plus, our budget-friendly pick. It features LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup performance for the price. It's slow to map rooms and may be susceptible to bumping into obstacles, but it's less expensive than our other top selections.
5. Battery life
The best robot vacuums let you go about your day while keeping your floors in pristine state. You'll still have to manually clean your home on a regular basis however, robovacs can assist you in maintaining a minimum level of cleanliness and even keep your home clean when you're away.
Look for a robovac with a long-lasting battery to get the most out of it. If you select the highest power setting, a model should last about two cleaning sessions. This is less than a full-sized vacuum cleaner, but it is enough to be sufficient for most homes. If you don't like to wait around while your robovac is charging you, you can choose a model that automatically makes its way back to the base station to recharge.
If you want a robovac that does a bit of everything, consider an all-in-one model that is able to mop as well. Eufy's X10 is the most effective model in this category and provides self-emptying, auto-draining and self-refilling of the dust bin, water tank and mop pad. It can be programmed to automatically refill and wash its mops as soon as they run out.
Its high-quality carpet and hard floor pick-up, great hair pickup and tangle prevention, and its near-perfect auto empty score makes it the clear winner of our test scores. However, it's not cheap and unless you live in a an apartment with no pets it might be too expensive for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the second choice and has the same performance, but costs around 25 percent less.