So You ve Bought Robot Vacuum ... Now What
The best robot cleaner Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can make the chore of vacuuming a bit less painful. Modern models can mop, and climb (small) steps.
Some have a small trash bin which they empty themselves. Others are controlled with an app on your smartphone instead of an actual remote. Some models have mapping features that assist in navigation.
1. Power
Our top pick for robotic vacuums has a suction power of 8,000Pa, which is enough to eliminate even the most stubborn hairs and dirt. The ultra-thin shape of the square allows it to slide under furniture, such as couches and beds. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology allows for precise obstacle avoidance and intelligent navigation. It's also great for cleaning pet hair, baking powder, and other debris near baseboards and corners.
Other high-powered robots that are listed in addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, include the iRobot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra comes with a docking station which automatically handles maintenance. It also comes with mopping capabilities. Its powerful suction system, along with its effective mopping feature, kept my floors clean of pet hair, muddy prints and other debris on all floors we test.
In the lower cost range, a model with a suction capacity of around 2,500Pa is sufficient for most homes. They are also quieter, which makes them a better option for those who have sensitive hearing. They're not silent, but they're only the same volume as a normal conversation at home.
Consider your budget and cleaning needs to determine the best combination of power and convenience. For regular light-duty cleaning it is recommended to have a longer runtime and a lower suction is required. Weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires maximum power. Examine your flooring, layout of your home, and cleaning schedules before selecting the right model. We recommend checking out our full list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more details about the latest models available. Many customers report that their carpets and floors looking much cleaner after introducing a robot vacuum with mop vacuum in their home.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum can't do its job when it doesn't know how to navigate around your home. Because of this, the best robots use sophisticated navigation systems that consistently scans rooms and creates maps 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 build a virtual map of the room, offering the highest levels of precision and efficiency. Less expensive models depend on bump sensors which can be more inaccurate 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 off steps or other drops.
Several robots in my tests used object recognition to deftly navigate things like fake dog turds and cords, but the most effective was the Eufy X10. It was equipped with powerful mop heads that oscillate as well as a user-friendly application and a superb mapping capability.
Other features worth considering include sensors for floors that can recognize carpets with soft and hard floors and automatically boost suction power when required. Some robots, like the Roborock mop, make use of a mopping pad lift to get into corners and eliminate dried spills. Some hybrids even apply cleaning solution to stubborn staining.
A smaller dustbin will mean less frequent emptying however, a larger one can save you money on replacements. The most affordable robotic hoovers cleaners generally use 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 tanks for hands-free convenience.
3. App control
The majority of robot vacuums come with an app to monitor cleaning progress, schedule sessions and connect to smart home devices. Many robot vacuums can also be controlled via voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have a separate remote control that lets you start the process, pause it and then return to dock. Choose a model that has an extra large dustbin and is able to self-empty rather than one that needs manual emptying.
Certain robovacs have mapping technology that allows them to remember obstacles, such as the stairs, and also avoid hitting furniture. Some allow you to create no-go zones or specific rooms, so that they only clean the areas that require the most. They also have cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down staircase, which is particularly helpful in multi-level homes.
If you intend to use your robot vacuum to clean your rugs pick one that is capable of both dry and wet mopping. You'll be able to get better cleaning results by having your robot vacuum also remove its mop pad. Clean it and reattach it when you need to conduct a clean-up cycle. Look for a robot vacuum and mop with the rubber roller. This will be less likely to get caught from pet hair or other debris. It's recommended to examine the robot's brushroll and side brushes for debris that has gotten stuck every once or twice per week as well. If you notice that they are beginning to get clogged up, it may be time to buy replacement parts.
4. Collection of debris
Robot vacuums are designed, as the name suggests to collect dust and debris on your floors. The most effective ones can pick up fine particles like baking soda and sand, as well as larger pieces like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They also deliver better results on carpets with a low pile than manual vacuums.
In all flooring types, the top performing robots had pick-up scores of over 95 percent. The two top performers in this category were the ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI, and the Roborock Q Revo. Both are highly automated, equipped with docking stations that perform maintenance by themselves and app features which make them extremely user-friendly.
They both have self-emptying bins that automatically remove the contents of the wastebasket. They can also clean the washboards as they mow. They also have an 8,000Pa vacuum, intelligent mapping technology, and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate through the most difficult of spaces. The ECOVACS robot is one of the few that can mop carpet and take away mop pads. This makes it a perfect option for people who need to switch between mopping and vacuuming often.
If you're seeking a lower-cost alternative, take a look at the Roomba Combo J7 from iRobot Plus, our budget-friendly pick. It comes with LIDAR navigation at reasonable prices and decent performance in the collection of debris. It is slow when it comes to mapping rooms and has a tendency of bumping against obstacles, but it is less than our other picks.
5. Battery life
The most effective robot vacuums let you go about your day while keeping your floors in pristine in good condition. It is still necessary to manually vacuum your home from time to time but robovacs can help you maintain a basic level of cleanliness and even clean when you are away.
Choose a robovac that has an extended-lasting battery to get the most of it. A good guideline is to expect a robovac to last for about two cleaning sessions if you run it at the highest power setting. This is less than a larger vacuum but should be sufficient to keep most homes clean. If you don't want to be waiting around while your robovac is charging, you can also opt for an automatic model that makes its return to the base station to recharge.
If you're looking to buy a robovac that has a little bit of everything in it, you should consider an option that also mop. Eufy's X10 is the most effective model of this category comes with self-emptying and self refilling for the dust bin, the water tank, and mop pad. It can be programmed to refill and wash its mop pads once they are out.
The clear winner of our tests is the Dyson V810, due to its outstanding carpet and hard floor pickup, outstanding hair pickup, tangle-free performance, and a near perfect auto empty score. It's not cheap and unless you have an apartment that is small and has no pets, it might be too costly for certain. The second-placed model one, the Dreametech D10+, has the same performance, but is priced 25 percent less.