The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

They have a small trash bin which they empty themselves and some are operated by a smartphone app instead of an actual remote. Some models have mapping features that assist in navigation.

1. Power

Our top pick for robot vacuums has a suction power of 8000Pa, which is strong enough to get rid of even the most stubborn dirt patches and hairs. The ultra-thin design of the square allows it to slide underneath furniture such as beds and sofas and its Dual-Laser LiDAR technology supports precise navigation and accurate obstacle avoidance. It's also great for cleaning pet hair, baking powder, and other debris near baseboards and corners.

Aside from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, the other high-powered bots on this list include the Robot Roomba j7+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. It comes with a robust docking station that automatically performs maintenance and has mopping functionality as well. Its powerful suction and effective mopping helped keep my floors clear of pet hair and muddy footprints and other debris throughout every floor type test that we conducted.

A model that has 2500Pa suction should be sufficient for homes that are in the lower price range. These models are quieter, which makes them a better choice for people who have sensitive hearing. They aren't silent, however they are not as loud as normal conversations at home.

To get the most effective mix of performance and convenience take into consideration your cleaning needs and budget. Regular light-duty cleaning requires a longer time to run and lower suction, whereas weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires a lot of power. Take a look at your flooring, home layouts, and cleaning schedules to choose the right model for your requirements. We suggest looking through our full list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings to get more details on the most recent models available. Many customers report that their carpets and floors appear cleaner after introducing a robot vacuum to their home.

2. Navigation

A robot autonomous vacuum can't do its job effectively when it doesn't know how to navigate around your home. For this reason, the best robots rely on advanced navigation technology that effectively scans rooms and creates a map to ensure thorough cleaning without getting lost or hitting obstacles. There are three major types of robot navigation: LiDAR-based, sensor-based and camera-based.

The most expensive models use LiDAR to create a virtual map of the room. This model offers the highest levels of accuracy and efficiency. Bump sensors are used in lower-end models, however they aren't always accurate and miss a lot of debris when working in dark environments. The majority of robots have cliff sensors that keep them from falling down stairs or other drops.

Many of the robots I tried used object recognition to navigate around things like cords and fake dog turds. However, the Eufy X10 was the best. It had excellent mapping capabilities with powerful oscillating mops, a user-friendly app and the ability to clean a area, room or the all of the house.

Think about features like floor type sensors that automatically boost suction power when required. Some robots, robot vacuum reviews like the Roborock mop, make use of mopping pad lifts to reach corners and clean up dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solutions to stubborn stains.

A smaller bin will require less frequent emptying while a larger one can save money on replacements. The cheapest robotic cleaners usually employ a tiny disposable dust bag, whereas the majority of mid-range models come with larger dust bins of 3L that last for many years. Some premium robots like the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station can self-empty and refill their water tanks for hands-free convenience.

3. App control

Most robot vacuums come with an app that monitors the progress of cleaning and schedule 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 dedicated remote control that lets you start, pause and return to dock. Choose a model that has an extra large dustbin and is able to self-empty, rather than one that requires manual emptying.

Some robovacs have mapping technology to help them avoid obstacles such as furniture and stairs. Others allow you to designate no-go zones and targeted rooms, so they only clean areas that require it the most. They also come with cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs, which is especially helpful in multi-level homes.

If you plan to utilize your robot vacuum for cleaning carpets, select a model which can be used for dry and wet mopping. You'll have better results cleaning if your robot automatic vacuum cleaner can also remove its mop pad. Rinse it, and then reattach it when you need to conduct a clean-up cycle. Also look for a robot that has a rubber roller, which is less prone to knots caused by pet hair and other debris than a bristle roller, as found on some less expensive models. Check the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that has gotten stuck on. Do this once or twice per week. If you notice that they're starting to clog, robot vacuum reviews it may be time to replace parts.

4. Collection of debris

Robot vacuums are designed, as the name suggests to collect dust and debris from your floors. The most effective robot vacuum cleaner reviews vacuums are able to pick up tiny particles like baking soda and sand in addition to larger ones such as metal screws, orzo, and pet hair. They also provide better pick-up results on carpets with low piles than the majority of manual vacuums.

The top-performing robots across all flooring types had a pickup score over 95 percent. The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo were two of our best-performing bots in this category. Both are highly automated and feature robust docking stations that can perform maintenance on their own, and features in the app that make them incredibly user-friendly.

Both have self-emptying bins that automatically suck up the contents of the wastebasket, and clean the washboard while you mow. They also have 8,000Pa suction and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance technology that helps them find their way around even the most challenging areas. The ECOVACS robot is among the few that can mop carpet and take away mop pads. This makes it an ideal option for those who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming regularly.

If you're looking for a cheaper option, check out the iRobot Roomba Combo J7 Plus, our budget choice. It comes with LIDAR navigation for an affordable price and decent performance in the collection of debris. It can be a bit slow when it comes to mapping rooms and is prone to bumping into obstacles, but the cost is lower than the other choices.

5. Battery life

The most effective robot vacuums are made to let you get to work 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 standard of cleanliness, and even wash while you're away from home.

To maximize the time you can get out of your robovac, choose the model that has a high battery life. If you choose to use the most powerful power setting, a model should last two cleaning sessions. This is less than a typical large vacuum cleaner, but it will be sufficient to be sufficient for most homes. If you don't like to be waiting around while your robovac is charging, you can also select one that will automatically make its return to the base station to recharge.

If you're looking for a robovac with a bit of everything in it, then consider one that is able to mop. Eufy's X10 is the top model in this class and includes self-emptying, self-draining and self-refilling of the dust bin as well as the mop pad. It can even be programmed to automatically re-fill and wash mops when they're empty.

Its high-quality carpet and hard floor pick up excellent hair pickup, tangle prevention, and its close to perfect auto empty scores make it the clear winner of our test scores. It's expensive, and unless you have an apartment that is small and has no pets, it might be too costly for certain. The Dreametech D10+ is the runner-up and has a similar performance, but costs around 25% less.