The Best Robot Vacuum 2023

Cleaning your floors isn't always simple, but robot vacuums make it easier. The best ones nab tracked-in dirt, crumbs and shed pet hair and more.

Although they're not the same way as the regular vacuum cleaner, they have improved a lot in the past few years. They're more efficient, smarter and (marginally) better at avoiding chair legs.

Smart Mapping

Utilizing navigational tools like lasers and sensors, robotic vacuum cleaners work their way through your home, sucking pet hair, crumbs and dirt from their dustbins. They can be found on hard floors like wood, tile and laminate and also carpets and area rugs with low pile. The most sophisticated robots map your home, so they can keep track of where they've been and avoid bumping into obstacles like sofas, chairs and bookshelves that you might want to keep out of your way. You can also set up no-go zones on your smartphone to tell your robot to avoid areas you don't want it to clean.

Robots equipped with advanced mapping capabilities, like the Roomba j7, use onboard cameras and processor-powered intelligents to avoid obstacles and see them. This means that you can leave the robot to perform a thorough cleaning without having to continually be checking the status of your floorplan, or manually remove obstacles from the robot's path. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robot that can combine vacuuming and mopping, so it's a one-stop solution to keep your home clean. It's got great suction and is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. It can self-empty and can also function as a surveillance camera.

Roborock Q Revo, a cheaper robot that vacuums, mops and can be used as a trashcan that is robotic is a great option for homes that do not require for more advanced features. It does have some disadvantages in comparison to the Roomba S8 and J7. It's got a single brush instead of dual roller brushes, so it might not be as effective at removing larger debris such as socks and shoes. Also, it doesn't include AI obstacle avoidance, so you may need to get rid of clutter prior to running it.

The iLife A4s Pro is a basic robot that's perfect for those who value simplicity and proficiency. It's less than $200, and delivers consistent, strong suction both on hardwood and low-pile carpets while avoiding tangles. It's not the most advanced however it's a good choice. It's also compatible with voice commands, which means you can set it up on a schedule or set up zones that are not allowed to enter through the app.

Object Detection

The use of object-avoidance technology can affect the ability of a robot vacuum navigate your home. Certain models on this list have sensors (or cameras) to help your robot vacuum avoid common traps for Robots That Vacuum And Mop like cords, toys for robots that vacuum and mop kids and pet mess. iRobot Roomba J7 is one of the most amazing examples of smart technology in action, is a great example. It also comes with a sleek clean base that fills the trash bin automatically so that you don't need to.

In our testing the robot, we set the cleaner up in a big house and were awed by how quickly and efficiently it cleared floors without getting bogged down. It has impressive maneuverability and can reach places that most stand-up vacs cannot can, like under sofas and under beds. It also has great suction, a massive 500 ml dustbin and an over two hours of runtime. However, it isn't equipped with the ability to create zones that are not allowed to be used and its object detection is a little hit-or-miss which means that we saw it occasionally bump into objects during our tests (resulting in a few tipped vases).

It's important to keep it in mind that, regardless of how clever a robot vacuum may be it isn't going to replace your upright or canister vacuum. It's not able to deal with heavy dirty carpets, it can't be able to reach every corner, and it won't reach your ceilings or other hard-to-reach areas. However, if you want to keep your floors free of crumbs, pet hair, dander and other debris it's a good addition to your cleaning routine.

Most robot vacuums come with sensor systems that help them navigate around obstacles and stairs. They can usually sense when they're about to fall down stairs for instance, and they can also recognize cluttered areas and move around them. Nevertheless, if you're not cautious, your robo-cleaner might become stuck on a cord or stray shoe and require help.

Some smarter robot vacuums have mapping capabilities that allow them to create a floor plan of your home and then locate themselves within it. They can then identify which areas they have already cleaned and can save time by not having to clean the same spots. This allows them to resume where they left off in the event that they have to return to the charging dock.

Self-Emptying

A robot vacuum that will automatically empty its dust bin once it is full is a wonderful convenience. Certain models come with a window that allows you to observe when the bin has to be empty. This feature is great for people who have children or pets, who are likely to create a lot more mess than adults.

Most robot vacuums let you select whether the machine will be controlled by a remote control, an app for your smartphone, or by voice commands. They come with a variety of digital functions, including scheduling and maintenance tips. Using the right settings, you can schedule your robot to clean at a set time, or on a weekly basis. You can also program it to mark and clean specific areas of your home.

The smartest robot vacuums that we've tested are equipped with cameras and smart sensors, which allow them to build maps for your home. These can be saved in the robot's app so you can easily navigate to specific rooms or areas of your home. Some of these systems can even remember furniture placement and transitions between hard flooring and carpet.

The most efficient smart vacuums save you time by automating the mapping and cleaning of entire homes and keeping detailed records of cleaning sessions. You can access these records through an app for your smartphone or tablet. Many of them can be linked to your smart speaker, so you can control them using voice commands.

TP-Link Tapo RV30+ is self-emptying robot that provides outstanding performance for a reasonable cost. It can clean hardwood floors and carpets with low pile, and also remove pet hair and other particles. It's not as sophisticated as some of the other robots we've reviewed, however, it does what it does very well.

The model's tank-like wheels permit it to go over obstacles like tangled cords and high transitions in between rooms. It comes with a large bin that doesn't have to be emptying manually and it can charge itself and restart cleaning when it runs out power. It's more expensive compared to other robotic vacuums we've tried, but it is able to combine powerful suction and easy controls to give you a great value.

Voice Control

The majority of robot vacuums are controlled by a remote or an app on a smartphone. Certain robot vacuums are controlled via voice commands using smart speakers such as Amazon Echo or Google Home. This is a great option if you have small pets or children that could get in the way of your cleaning routine or if you're exhausted to control the robot by hand.

Many models also come with an automatic mode that operates without any input from you. Simply press a button on the robot mop vacuum or within the app, and it will start taking in food crumbs, and pet hair. The robots can be programmed to clean according to an established schedule, making them ideal for people who want to set and forget.

Some of the most expensive models include an advanced feature that uses artificial intelligence to examine your home and find obstacles. These models can recognize things like power cords, stairs and furniture, and they can also discern between different kinds of flooring. This can help them avoid such hazards which is especially helpful in homes with a lot of carpets and flooring coverings that are difficult for robots to navigate.

Other robots are more basic in their ability to detect objects however they still manage to complete the task. One example is the TP-Link Tapo RV30 plus, that has the sleek, fuss-free appearance of a WiFi hub but has the performance of a top bot. It has a strong suction and can clean dirt and debris from medium-pile rugs and hardwood floors. The short and squat-shaped side brush is less likely to be stuck in cords or shoes. The hybrid roller brush, that uses bristles as well as plastic, provides a thorough cleaning.

This model is more expensive than the other models that are in the middle of the range, but it does everything you would expect from a robot mop and vacuum. It can create a cleaning schedule and create one. It also has virtual zones that you can stay clear of. It doesn't have the same room-scanning and obstacle-avoiding capabilities like the j7 or s8.