The Most Convincing Proof That You Need Robot Vacuum

The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuuming is the bane of a lot of people's lives, but robot vacuums make it easier. Modern models mop and even climb (small) stairs.

Some have a smaller bin that they empty by themselves. Others are controlled with apps for smartphones instead of an actual remote. Some have mapping features that help them navigate more efficiently.

1. Power

Our top choice for robot vacuums has suction power of 8,000Pa, which is enough to get rid of even the most stubborn hairs and dirt. Its ultra-thin square shape allows it to slide beneath furniture such as beds and sofas. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology allows for accurate obstacle avoidance and intelligent navigation. It is also great at cleaning pet hair, baking powder and other messes around corners and baseboards.

Apart from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, the other high-powered bots on this list include the Robot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes with a robust docking station that automatically performs maintenance and includes mopping capabilities as well. Its powerful suction and efficient mopping kept my floors free of pet hair as well as muddy paw prints and other debris throughout every floor type test we ran.

In the lower price range, a unit with around 2,500Pa of suction is more than adequate for the majority of homes. They are also quieter, making them an ideal choice for people who have sensitive hearing. They're not quiet, but they're just the same volume as a normal conversation at home.

Think about your budget and cleaning requirements to find the right combination of power and convenience. For frequent light-duty cleaning you will require a longer time-to-run and less suction is needed. Weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires the maximum power. Take a look at your flooring, layout of your home, and cleaning schedules to select the best model to meet your needs. Take a look at our comprehensive list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more information about the most current models. Many users report having their carpets and floors appear cleaner after introducing a robotic vacuum into their home.

2. Navigation

A robot vacuum can't do its job properly when it doesn't know how to navigate around your home. For this reason, the best automatic vacuum cleaner robots rely on sophisticated navigation technology that reliably scans rooms and creates an outline map to ensure thorough cleaning without being lost or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot navigation: LiDAR, camera and sensor.

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

A variety of robots I tested employed object recognition to skillfully navigate around things such as fake cords and dog turds but the best robot hoover was the Eufy X10. It was equipped with powerful mop heads that oscillate, a user friendly app and a superb mapping capability.

Think about features like sensors for floors that automatically increase suction power when required. Some robots, like the Roborock mop, utilize a mopping pad lift to get into corners and tackle dried spills. Many hybrids can apply cleaning solutions to staining that is difficult to remove.

A smaller bin will require less frequent emptying, whereas bigger ones will cost less to replace. The most affordable robotic cleaners generally utilize a small disposable dust bag, while the majority of mid-range models come with larger 3L dustbins that can last for ages. Some premium robots like the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station will self-empty and fill up their water tank for hands-free convenience.

3. App control

The top robot vacuums have an app that allows you to monitor cleaning progress and schedule your sessions, and most can connect to smart home devices for hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can also be controlled by voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with an on-screen remote that allows you to begin, pause, and return to dock. Select a model with a larger dustbin and can self-empty instead of one that needs manual emptying.

Some robots are equipped with mapping technology that allows them to remember obstacles, such as stairs, and avoid running into furniture. Some allow you to designate no-go zones and targeted rooms, so that they only clean the areas that require the most. They also have a cliff detector to keep them from falling, which is especially beneficial in multi-level homes.

If you intend to use your robot vacuum for cleaning rugs, choose a model which can be used for wet and dry mopping. You'll be able to get better results from the robot cleaner with mop vacuum that can remove its own mop pad too, which you can then rinse and reattach when it's time to do another cleaning cycle. Also, look for a machine that has a rubber roll that is less susceptible to tangles due to pet hair and other debris than a bristle roller that is found on smaller models. It's a good idea check the robot's brushroll and side brushes for stuck-on debris every once or twice per week, too. If you notice that they are starting to clog up it might be time to purchase replacement parts.

4. Debris collection

Like the name suggests, robot vacuums are designed to collect dust and debris from your floors. The most effective robot vacuums are able to take tiny particles like baking soda and sand, as well as larger ones such as metal screws, orzo, and pet hair. They also have better results on carpets with low pile than many manual vacuums.

In all flooring types, the top performing robots had pick-up scores of over 95 95%. The two top performers in this category were the ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI, and the Roborock Q Revo. Both are highly automated with robust docking stations that do maintenance on their own and features in the app that make them extremely user-friendly.

Both have self-emptying bins that automatically take the contents of the wastebasket and can clean the washboard while mowing. They also have 8,000Pa suction, smart mapping technology, and advanced obstacle avoidance technology that helps them find their way around even the most difficult areas. The ECOVACS model is also one of the few robots we tested that can take its mop pads and vacuum carpet which makes it the ideal choice for users who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming frequently.

If you're looking for a cheaper option, look into the Roomba Combo J7 from iRobot Plus, our budget choice. It comes with LIDAR navigation at a reasonable price and a decent debris collection performance. It is slow at mapping out rooms and is prone to hitting obstacles, but it is less than the other choices.

5. Battery life

The best robot vacuums let you go about your day while keeping your floors in pristine in good condition. While you'll still have to give your home a manual sweeping every now and then robot vacuums can help you keep a certain level of cleanliness and even keep your home clean when you're away.

Look for a robovac with an extended-lasting battery to get the most use of it. A good rule of thumb is to expect a model to last for around two full cleaning sessions if you run it at the maximum power setting. This is less than a typical large vacuum cleaner, but it should be enough to provide for the majority of homes. If you don't want to wait while your robovac charges you can opt for one that automatically returns to the base station for charging.

If you're looking for a robovac with a bit of everything in it, you should consider one that is able to mop. Eufy's X10 is the most effective model in this class and provides self-emptying, auto-draining and self-refilling of your dust bin and mop pad. It can be programmed to automatically refill and wash mops once they are out.

Its dependable carpet and hard floor pickup excellent hair pickup, tangle-free, and a close to perfect auto empty scores make it the clear winner of our test scores. However, it's not cheap and unless you live in a the smallest of homes with no pets, it could be too pricey for some. The second-placed model, the Dreametech D10+, has identical performance, but is priced 25 percent less.