The Best Robot Vacuum 2023

Keeping your floors clean isn't always easy, but robot vacuums help. The best robot vacuum for pet hair ones nab tracked-in dirt, crumbs, shed pet hair and more.

And while they still can't do the same job as a traditional vacuum cleaner however, they've come a long way over the last few years. They're more intelligent, more powerful, and (marginally better) at avoiding chair leg.

Smart Mapping

Robot vacuum cleaners utilize tools for navigation, like lasers and sensors to navigate through your home. They remove pet hair, vacuum mops crumbs and dirt from hard floors like tile, wood and laminate, as well as low-pile area rugs and carpets. The most sophisticated robots can map your home so that they can recall where they've been and avoid bumping into obstacles like sofas, chairs and bookshelves that you might want to keep out of the way. You can also use your smartphone app to set up no-go zones that tell your robot to stay out of rooms that you don't want to clean.

Robots equipped with advanced mapping capabilities, such as the Roomba j7, use onboard cameras and processor-powered smarts to detect and avoid obstacles. Then, you can allow it to do a thorough job without having to constantly monitor the status of your floorplan or manually remove obstacles from the robot's way. The TP Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robotic device that includes vacuuming and mopping. It's a single-stop solution to keep your home spotless. It has a fantastic suction feature and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant. It has a self-emptying function and can also be used as a surveillance camera.

A cheaper robot that vacuums, mops and can also be used as a robot trashcan The Roborock Q Revo is a solid option for homes that don't need the more advanced features of higher-end models. There are some drawbacks when compared to the Roomba S8 and j7. It's got only one brush, not dual roller brushes, which means it might not be as effective in removing larger pieces of debris like shoes and socks. It also doesn't have any AI obstacle avoidance, so it could be necessary to get rid of any clutter prior to running it.

The iLife A4s Pro is a basic robot that is ideal for those who value simplicity and efficiency. It's less than $200, and provides consistent, strong suction on both hardwood and low-pile carpets and also avoids tangles caused by rug threads. It's not the most advanced however it's a good choice. It also works with voice commands. You can set it up on a schedule, or create zones that are not allowed to be used using the app.

Object Detection

Object-avoidance technology can make or break the robot's ability to navigate your home. Some models on our list contain sensors (or even cameras) that help your robo-cleaner avoid common traps for robots such as cords, toys for children and pet messes. The iRobot Roomba j7 is one of the most impressive examples of this kind of smart tech in action. It also has a stylish clean base that emptys the garbage bin automatically so you don't have to.

We tested the robotic cleaner in a home with a large size and were awed by how quickly and thoroughly floors were cleaned without getting sluggish. It has impressive maneuverability and is able to reach places that stand-up vacuums are unable to can, like couches and under beds. It has a 500ml dustbin, a powerful suction system and a time of over two hours. However, it isn't equipped with the ability to create no-go zones within the app and its detection of objects is somewhat erratic and we did see it hit things a few times during our tests (resulting in a few toppled vase).

It's important to remember that despite how smart a robot vacuum may be, it won't completely replace your upright or canister vacuum. It won't be able to clean heavily soiled carpets. It can't reach the ceiling or other difficult-to-access areas. But for keeping your floors free of pet hair, crumbs, dander and other debris, it can be an excellent addition to your routine of cleaning.

Most robot vacuums come with sensors that aid them to navigate through obstacles and steps. They can sense the moment they're about to fall down the stairs, for example, and can also recognize messy spaces and maneuver around them. If you're not careful your robot-cleaner could be stuck on a cord, shoe or any other object.

Some robot vacuums come with mapping capabilities, which allow them to make an precise floor plan of your home and locate themselves. This lets them know what areas they've already cleaned and avoid spending time cleaning the same areas. This lets them resume where they left off, in the event that they have to return to the charging dock.

Self-Emptying

A vacuum cleaner that automatically empties its bins of dust once it's full is an incredible benefit. Some models have an indicator that allows you to know when the bin needs to empty. This feature is great for those who have children or pets, who are likely to create much more mess than adults.

Most robot vacuums let you select whether the machine is controlled via a remote control, an app for your smartphone or voice commands. They also come with a range of digital functions, including scheduling and maintenance suggestions. You can program your robot to clean on an annual or a regularly using the appropriate settings. You can also program the robot to mark out and clean specific areas of your home.

The smartest robot vacuums that we've tested are equipped with sensors and cameras which enable them to create maps of your home. These maps can be saved to the robot's application so that you can quickly navigate to specific rooms or areas of your home. Some of these systems even remember the furniture arrangement and the transitions between hard flooring and carpet.

Smart vacuums help you save time by cleaning entire homes automatically and keeping detailed records of the previous cleaning sessions. You can access the records via an app on your smartphone or tablet. Most can also connect to your smart speaker so you can control them using voice commands.

TP-Link Tapo RV30+ is self-emptying industrial robot vacuum that provides great performance at 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 advanced as other robots we've reviewed, however, it does what it does efficiently.

The wheels that resemble a tank that this model has allow it to roll across the transitions between rooms and obstacles like tangled device cords that can cause problems for other robots. It comes with a large bin that doesn't have to be manually emptied and it can charge itself and resume cleaning if it runs out power. It's more expensive than other robotic vacuums we've tried, but it is able to combine powerful suction and simple controls to give you a great value.

Voice Control

Most robot vacuums are controlled by a remote or an app that runs on smartphones. Some also connect to smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home, allowing you to run them using voice commands. This is useful if you have small pets or children that could interfere with your cleaning, or if you're too tired to control the robot by hand.

The majority of models have an automatic mode that operates without any input from you. The robot can be started by pressing a button within the app or on the robot. These robots can be programmed to clean according to the schedule, which makes them ideal for those who want to make a plan and forget.

Some of the more expensive models come with an advanced feature that makes use of artificial intelligence to examine your home and find obstacles. These models can recognize things like furniture, stairs, power cords and even different types of flooring. This can help robots avoid hazards. This is especially helpful in large homes with lots carpeting and flooring that are difficult for robots navigate.

Some robots come with less basic ability to detect objects however they still manage to get the job done. One example is the TP-Link Tapo RV30 plus, which has the clean elegant, easy-to-use design of a WiFi hub but offers the performance of a top-notch bot. It has excellent suction and can handle dirt and debris from hardwood floors and medium-pile rugs effortlessly. Its short, squat side brushes are less likely to get stuck in stray shoes or cords and its hybrid roller brush uses bristles and plastic rather than a traditional bristle brush for an even more thorough cleaning.

The model is more expensive than other models that are in the middle of the range however, it can do everything you would expect from a robot mop and Vacuum Mops. It can create and map a cleaning schedule and vacuum Mops has virtual keep-out zones and is compatible with voice assistants. It doesn't offer the same room scanning and obstacle avoidance like the j7 or the s8.