The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can make the task of vacuuming less painful. Modern models can mop, and climb (small) steps.

Some have a smaller bin that they empty by themselves. Others can be controlled via apps for smartphones instead of an actual remote. Some come with mapping features to assist in navigation.

1. Power

Our top pick for robotic vacuums comes with a suction force of 8,000Pa, which is powerful enough to eliminate even the most stubborn dirt patches and hairs. The ultra-thin design of the square allows it to slide underneath furniture, such as beds and sofas, and its Dual-Laser LiDAR technology supports precise navigation and accurate obstacle avoidance. It also does a great job of cleaning pet hair, baking soda, and other debris that can be found near the baseboards and in corners.

best automatic vacuum -powered robots on this list, in addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI include the iRobot Roomba j7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes bundled with a robust docking station that is able to perform maintenance and includes mopping capabilities as well. Its powerful suction, combined with its effective mopping, made sure my floors were free of pet hair, muddy prints and other debris on every type of floor we test.

A model that has 2500Pa suction should be sufficient for most homes in the lower price range. These models are quieter, which makes them the ideal option for those who have sensitive hearing. They aren’t silent, but they are only as loud as normal conversations at home.

To find the ideal balance of performance and convenience Consider your cleaning requirements and budget. For regular light-duty cleaning you will require a longer time-to-run and less suction is recommended. Cleaning that is heavy-duty every week requires the maximum power. Assess your flooring, home layout and cleaning schedule prior to selecting the best model. We suggest looking through our full list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more details on the most recent models available. Many users have reported having their carpets and floors looking much cleaner after introducing a robotic vacuum to their home.

2. Navigation

A robot vacuum cannot do its job if it does not know how to navigate around your home. This is why the best robots use advanced navigation technology that effectively scans rooms and builds maps to ensure thorough cleaning without being lost or hitting obstacles. There are three major kinds of robot navigation: LiDAR-based, camera-based and sensor-based.

The most expensive models utilize LiDAR to create a virtual map of the room, delivering the highest levels of accuracy and efficiency. Less expensive models rely on bump sensors, which are less accurate and are more likely to miss a lot of debris in dark spaces. The majority of robots have cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs or other falls.

Several robots in my tests utilized object recognition to efficiently navigate things like fake cords and dog turds however, the best was the Eufy X10. It had excellent mapping capabilities, powerful oscillating mops, an easy-to-use app, and the ability to clean a zones, rooms or even the entire home.

Other features worth looking into include sensors for floors that can recognize hard floors and soft carpet and automatically boost suction power when needed. Some robots, such as the Roborock mop, make use of mopping pad lifts to reach corners and eliminate dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solutions to tough staining.

A smaller bin will require less frequent emptying while bigger ones will save money on replacements. The majority of low-cost robotic cleaners utilize an inexpensive disposable dust bag. However, the majority of mid-range models come with larger dustbins of 3L that last for a long period of time. Certain high-end robots, such as the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI station, will automatically empty their trash bins and refill their water tanks to provide convenience without hands.

3. App control

The best robot vacs have an app that lets you monitor cleaning progress and schedule sessions, and most can connect to your smart home devices to allow hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can also be controlled by voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have a remote control that allows you to start or pause and then return to dock. Pick a model that comes with a larger dustbin and can self-empty, rather than one that needs manual emptying.

Some robots are equipped with mapping technology to help them avoid obstacles such as stairs and furniture. Others let you create no-go zones or specific rooms, ensuring that they only clean the areas that need it most. They also come with cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs, which is particularly beneficial in multi-level homes.

If you want to utilize your robot vacuum to clean rugs, choose one that can be used both for dry and wet mopping. You’ll be able to get better cleaning results if your robot vacuum can also take off its mop pad. Rinse it, and then reattach it when you need to conduct a clean-up cycle. Also look for a robot that has a rubber roller that is less susceptible to tangles due to pet hair and other debris than a bristle roll that is found on cheaper models. Check the robot’s side brushes and brushroll for any debris that has become stuck on. Do this once or twice per week. If you notice that they’re beginning to get clogged up, it may be time to replace parts.

4. Collection of debris

As the name implies robot vacuums are created to collect dust and debris from your floors. The best robot vacuums can collect small particles such as sand and baking soda, and larger ones like metal screws, orzo, and pet hair. They also deliver better results on carpets with a low pile than many manual vacuums.

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

Both come with self-emptying bins which automatically collect the waste from the wastebasket and can clean the washboard while mowing. They also feature 8,000Pa suction and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them find their way around even the most difficult areas. The ECOVACS robot is among the few that can clean carpet and remove mop pads. This makes it a great option for those who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming often.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, we suggest the iRobot Roomba Combo J7+, our budget pick. It offers LIDAR navigation at reasonable prices and decent performance in the collection of debris. It’s a bit slow to map out rooms and can be prone to bumping into obstacles, however it’s much less expensive than our other best-buy picks.

5. Battery life

The most effective robot vacuums let you get on with your day while keeping your floors in perfect in good condition. Although you’ll need to give your home a manual hoover every now and again robot vacuums can help you maintain a standard of cleanliness, and even wash when you’re away.

To maximize the amount of time you can get out of your robovac, make sure you choose a model with excellent battery life. A good rule of thumb is to expect a robovac to last for around two full cleaning sessions if you use it at the highest power setting. This is smaller than a full-sized vacuum, but should be sufficient to get the job done in most homes. If you don’t want to wait while your robovac recharges, you can choose one that automatically returns to the base station to charge.

If you’re looking for a robot that can do a bit of everything, think about an all-in-one robot that can mop too. Eufy’s X10, the best model in this category has self-emptying and self-refilling for the dust bin as well as the water tank and mop pad. It can be programmed to automatically refill and wash its mop pads once they are out.

The clear winner of our tests is the Dyson V810, thanks to its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, excellent hair pickup, tangle-free performance and nearly perfect auto empty score. It’s expensive, and unless you have a small house with no pets, it may be too costly for certain. The second choice is the Dreametech D10+, has identical performance, however it costs 25% less.