Robot Hoover: A Simple Definition

The Best Robot Hoover

The best robot hoover can mop and vacuum without needing your attention, and leaves your floors spotless. Its price is surprisingly low and top-of-the-line features (such as dirt detection) are pluses.

Make sure you regularly inspect your robot's brushes for hair that is tangled and large debris, and wash them when needed. Some models also self-empty their onboard dust bin into a larger bin in the base, which decreases the amount of fine dust released into the air.

1. Roomba Q5 pro

The Q5 Pro and its sibling the more expensive Q7 Max Series, are among the most powerful robot vacuums we've examined. They are equipped with motors that are top-of-the quality and can suction up to 5,500 Pascals. Like other premium iRobots (including the most powerful model) they employ intelligent mapping to design precise floor plans and eliminate household obstacles such as cords and furniture legs. They also feature carpet boost that increases the robot's power when it detects a lot of dirt on the carpet to get it cleaned up quickly.

Both the Q5 and Q7 Max Series get very high scores on our floor tests that test for bare floors, and they're particularly adept in removing pet hair. There are some issues however, which hinder them from being our first option. For instance, the Q5's navigation system does not include AI-powered obstacle avoidance and is therefore prone to get caught up in shoes and socks, and is unable to navigate rooms with a lot of people well in our tests. It doesn't also have a camera that can see around corners.

However, it's a good choice, especially if you want to save money on an Roomba from iRobot and have a mostly bare-floor home or office. It's also quiet and works when you're at work or at school. The only thing it's missing that you don't get in the more expensive iRobot Roomba X30 is edge-to-edge vacuuming on bare floors. It's also less effective in mopping, using disposable wet wipes that don't stay on very well and can't take on dried-on debris. The Q5 has an auto vacuum and mop-emptying dock, however. If you want to, you can switch the mopping pad for dry ones in a matter of seconds.

2. IRobot Roomba X30

The iRobot Roomba X30 packs impressive mopping and vacuuming capabilities into an elegant, compact package. Its smart cleaning maps and quick navigation make it easy to clean, and effective in tackling larger particles such as pet hair. It also comes with strong suction and a self-emptying bin. It's the most efficient robot hoover for carpets, though it lags behind some competitors in deep cleaning.

This high-performing combination vacuum and mop utilizes advanced sensors to dodge obstacles and pet waste, and it learns the layout of your home over time to ensure more efficient cleaning. The app allows you to set up zones and modify the cleaning schedule. Its battery life is average compared to similar models.

You can instruct the X30 Ultra to remove its mops and extend them when in a carpeted area which prevents cross-contamination. Its flex arm can also be used to reach under furniture that is low and along baseboards. However, it doesn't have the same washboard performance as our other Editors' Choice picks, the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ and the iRobot Combo j9+.

During tests, the X30 Ultra was the fastest robot vacuum/mop in the market to clean an entire house, finishing with 66 percent of its battery left. It did a decent cleaning job on various floors and rooms with different flooring types including some area carpets. Its obstacle detection was great and it stayed clear of fake dog turds, socks, shoes and bundles cables.

It's a bit more expensive than iRobot Combo v9+ or iRobot Roomba j9+ but has superior suction and an onboard bin that is automatically empty into the base. It also supports voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It even cleans the floor after it vacuums it, something hasn't been seen in other robotic hoovers vacuum/mop combos.

3. Roomba X40 from iRobot

This mop and vacuum combination features a sleek, circular design that appears more like a regular Roomba model than the bulky units of the rivals. It's among our most attractive robot vacuums. The latest model from iRobot is its most advanced and has advanced features like Enhanced Dirt Detection Technology as well as future compatibility with Matter (another company's robot that can wash its own mop pads).

It's the only robotic vacuum/mop to score an exemplary 10/10 in our testing due to a mix of high-tech sensors, including cameras, a structured light system, and multiple lasers. The X40 Ultra is also the only robot we tested that is fully self-refill and empty its base station, and it has an its own self-cleaning mop pads.

The X40, like other iRobot products, is easy to operate. It has an easy mobile application interface and integrates with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. The only drawback is that the X40 still a noisy unit. This could be a problem in mornings prior to work or at night when you're trying to fall asleep.

It's also a bit expensive, but not as much as the Ecovacs S8 MaxV Ultra or the Roborock S8 Omni, which are both equally impressive and attractive. If you're willing to put up some more volume and some additional cost it's a capable two-in-one that should delight most.

4. iRobot Roomba L20 Ultra

The L20 Ultra is the top-of-the high-end robot mop and vacuum. It comes with a variety of advanced features that help you forget your chores. The L20 Ultra is a hands-free cleaning machine like Ecovacs top-of-the-line X2 Omni or Roborock's S8 Pro Ultra. It features a multi-functional dock that can automatically emptys the bin of the vacuum, refills the water tank, as well as washes and drys mop pads.

The smart robot makes use of LIDAR and structured lighting to create floor plans and spot obstacles. It is more efficient in its navigation than its premium competitors. It also comes with a front-mounted camera that can detect hazards in real-time however this was not completely foolproof in our tests, and was often confused with obstructions or power cords.

The vacuum cleaner has a maximum suction of 7,000 Pascals which is more than enough to accomplish the task. It also features "Intelligent Dirt Detection", which regulates the intensity at which the vacuum works and also adjusts the frequency of cleaning for various areas of the house in accordance with how dirty they tend to be.

If you have a larger home, it is worth selecting a model with a zones or spot cleaning modes. This lets you tell the robot which area of your house needs to be cleaned by using the app or voice control. A stair mode can be useful if you own a large furniture. For families with busy schedules, a recharge function and resume feature that permits your robot vacuum best vacuum to pick up where it left off can be very beneficial.

iRobot RX3

The RX3 is more advanced than its price would suggest. It's a pro at vacuuming, picking up 55% of debris in our tests (it was second only to the Roomba Q5 Pro). It also mops with only one pad and a reciprocating movement that cleans better that most of the robot mop cleaners that we've examined. It's also self-sufficient with a fully-featured application, and a self emptying, washable base.

The iRobot app is designed to help you navigate an exercise in mapping which collects information about your floorplan as well as any "no go" areas you've marked on the map. You can use it to make cleaning schedules, arrange a spot clean or to prioritise your dirtiest rooms for better performance. The app also grants access to a variety of features, such as seasonal suggestions, custom maps, and advanced settings for your cleaning.

It also has the ability to reach corners and under furniture better because its shape is more rectangular. It is equipped with an impressive 8000 Pascal suction and intelligent combs to remove pet hair. You can also create a spot-cleaner that will thoroughly clean the area.

The Miele Scout RX3 Home Vision HD is a sleeker and less expensive alternative to the iRobot Roomba. It's more appealing, Dolce & Gabbana-esque design and its twin cameras look like cute eyes. It does a great job vacuuming, however it is more likely to get stuck on low thresholds. It also has a higher noise than other top robot vacuums we've examined. It also has an app that's not as intuitive and has a tiny base station that can't double as a bin for emptying.