The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuuming is the bane of a lot of people's lives however, robot vacuums make it more enjoyable. Modern models can also mop, and climb (small) steps.

Some have a small trash bin that they empty by themselves. Others are controlled with a smartphone app rather than an actual remote. Some models have mapping features that assist in navigation.

1. Power

With 8,000Pa of suction power Our top pick for robot vacuums is powerful enough to take on the toughest dirt patches and hairs. The ultra-thin shape of the square allows it to slide under furniture like couches and beds. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology provides precise obstacle avoidance as well as intelligent navigation. It's also great for cleaning baking powder, pet hair and other debris that can be found near baseboards and corners.

Apart from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, other powerful bots in this list include the IRobot Roomba j7+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. It comes with a powerful docking station that automatically performs maintenance and includes mopping capabilities as well. Its powerful suction system, along with its effective mopping feature, Robot Vacuum kept my floors clean of pet hair, muddy prints and other debris on every floor we tested.

In the lower price range, a model with around 2,500Pa of suction is more than enough for the majority of homes. They are also quieter and therefore a better option for those who have sensitive ears. They're still not quiet, but they're not the same volume as a normal conversation at home.

Consider your budget and cleaning needs to determine the best combination of power and usability. Frequent light-duty tidying requires a longer runtime and lower suction, while weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires the most power. Examine your flooring, layout of your home, and cleaning schedules before selecting the best model. We recommend checking out our complete list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more information on the latest models available. Many customers report that their carpets and floors looking much cleaner after introducing a robotic vacuum to their home.

2. Navigation

A robot vacuum can't do its job effectively if it doesn't know how to get around your home. The best robots use sophisticated navigation technology to scan rooms and make an outline map, which allows for thorough cleaning without getting stuck or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot navigation including LiDAR, camera, and sensor.

LiDAR is utilized by the most expensive models to create a virtual space map, offering the highest levels of precision and efficiency. The less expensive models depend on bump sensors, which can be more inaccurate and are more likely to miss the majority of debris in dark areas. The majority of robots have cliff sensors, which prevent them from falling off stairs or other drops.

Several robots in my tests used object recognition to deftly navigate around things such as fake cords and dog turds but the best was the Eufy X10. It was a fantastic mapping device with powerful oscillating mops, an intuitive app and the ability to clean by zone, room or all of the house.

Consider features such as sensors for floors that automatically boost suction power when needed. Some robots, like the Roborock mop, make use of a mopping pad lift to get into corners and tackle dried spills. Many hybrids can apply cleaning solution to stubborn stains.

A smaller dustbin will mean less frequent emptying and a larger one will save you money on replacements. Most low-cost robotic cleaners use the smallest disposable dust bag. However, the majority of middle-priced models have larger dustbins of 3L that last for a long time. Some premium robots like the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station are able to self-empty and fill up their water tanks, allowing hands-free convenience.

3. App control

The top robot vacuums have an application that lets you track cleaning progress and schedule your sessions and can connect to your smart home devices for hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can also be controlled via voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some have a dedicated remote control that lets you start the process, pause it and then return to dock. Look for a model with a bigger dustbin that can self-empty instead of one that requires manual emptying.

Some robovacs have mapping technology that helps them avoid obstacles such as furniture and stairs. Some robovacs allow you to designate no-go zones and specific rooms to clean areas that require it the most. They also have cliff sensor to stop them from falling, which is particularly helpful in multi-leveled homes.

If you intend to utilize your robot vacuum cleaners best vacuum to clean your rugs choose one that can perform both dry mopping and wet. You'll be able to get better results from the robot vacuum that can remove its own mop pad too, which you can then wash and reattach when it's time to do another cleaning cycle. Also, look for a model with a rubber roller that is less prone to knots caused by pet hair and other debris than a bristle roll, as found on some cheaper models. Check the robot's side brush and brushroll for any debris that may have become stuck on. Do this at least twice per week. If you notice that they're beginning to get blocked, it could be time to replace parts.

4. Collection of debris

As the name implies, robot vacuums are designed to collect dust and debris from your floors. The best robot vacuums can pick up small particles such as baking soda and sand, in addition to larger ones such as metal screws orzo, pet hair. They also have better pickup results on carpets with low piles than the majority of manual vacuums.

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

They both have self-emptying bins that suck up the contents of the wastebasket and can clean the washboard while you mow. They also feature 8,000Pa suction, smart mapping technology, and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate even the most difficult areas. The ECOVACS model is also the only robots we tested that could remove its mop pads and vacuum carpet which makes it the best option for those who need to change between mopping and vacuuming regularly.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, we recommend the iRobot Roomba Kombo J7+, our budget-friendly pick. It has LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup capabilities for the price. It's slow to map rooms and can be prone to hitting obstacles but it's less expensive than our other top-rated choices.

5. Battery life

The most effective robot vacuums are made to let you move to work while they keep your floors looking spick and span. While you'll still have to give your home a manual hoover every now and again robot vacuums can help you maintain a baseline level of tidiness and even clean when you're away.

Find a robovac equipped with long-lasting batteries to get the most out of it. A good robot vacuum 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 larger vacuum but should be sufficient to get the job done in most homes. If you don't wish to wait while your robovac charges you can select one that automatically returns to the base station for charging.

If you're looking for a robot vacuum cleaner best that does a amount of everything, you should consider an all-in-one robot mop that can mop as well. Eufy's X10 is the top model in this category, offers self-emptying and robot vacuum self-refilling for the dust bin, the water tank, and mop pad. It can even be programmed to automatically refill and wash its own mop pads when they're running low.

The clear winner in our tests is the Dyson V810 thanks to its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, excellent hair pickup, tangle-free performance and a near perfect auto empty score. It's not cheap and, unless you live in a a small house with no pets, it could be too costly for certain. The second choice one, the Dreametech D10+, has identical performance, but is priced 25% less.