What You Should Be Focusing On Enhancing Robot Vacuum
The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is the bane of many people's existence However, robot vacuums make it less tedious. Modern models can also mop, and even climb (small) steps.
Some have a smaller bin which they empty themselves. Others can be controlled via apps for smartphones instead of the physical remote. Some have mapping features that help them navigate more efficiently.
1. Power
Our top pick for robotic vacuums comes with a suction force of 8,000Pa, which is enough to get rid of even the most stubborn dirt patches and hairs. Its slim square shape enables it to slide beneath furniture such as beds and sofas. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology allows for precise obstacle avoidance as well as intelligent navigation. It also does a fantastic job at cleaning up pet hair baking soda, other debris close to baseboards and in corners.
In addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, the other top-of-the-line bots on this list include the iRobot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The latter comes bundled with a powerful docking station that is able to perform maintenance and includes mopping capabilities as well. Its powerful suction, coupled with its effective mopping, made sure my floors were free of pet hair, muddy prints and other messes on every type of floor we test.
A model with 2,500Pa suction will suffice for the majority of homes in the lower price range. These units are quieter and therefore a better option for those with sensitive ears. They're not silent, but they're only the same volume as normal conversations at home.
To find the ideal balance of usability and power take into consideration your cleaning needs and budget. Frequent light-duty tidying requires a longer time to run and lower suction, whereas weekly heavy-duty cleaning requires a lot of power. Then assess your flooring, home layouts and cleaning schedules in order to select the best model to meet your requirements. best robot vacuum recommend looking through our full list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more details about the latest models available. Many users report that their carpets and floors appear cleaner after using a robot vacuum.
2. best robot vacuum can't do its job if it does not know how to navigate your home. The most advanced robots utilize sophisticated navigation technology to scan rooms and make maps, ensuring thorough cleaning without getting stuck or hitting obstacles. There are three 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 precision and efficiency. Bump sensors are utilized in lower-end models, however they aren't always accurate and miss a lot debris when working in dark environments. Many robots also have cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs or other falls.
A variety of robots I tested employed object recognition to skillfully navigate things like fake cords and dog turds, however, the best was the Eufy X10. It had powerful mop heads that oscillate and a user-friendly app, and superb mapping capabilities.
Think about features like floor type sensors, which automatically boost suction power when required. Some robots, such as the Roborock mop utilize mopping pads lift to reach into corners and clean dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solutions to stubborn stains.
A smaller dustbin will require less frequent emptying while larger ones will cost less to replace. The cheapest robotic cleaners usually utilize a small disposable dust bag, whereas the majority of mid-range models come with larger 3L dustbins that last for ages. Some premium robots like the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station will self-empty and fill up their water tanks, allowing hands-free convenience.
3. App control
The top robot vacuums have an app that lets you monitor cleaning progress and schedule sessions and can connect to smart home devices to allow hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can be controlled by voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with an on-screen remote 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 requires manual emptying.
Certain robovacs have mapping technology that can help them recognize obstacles, such as stairs, and avoid running into furniture. Some allow you to set no-go zones or targeted rooms, so they only clean the areas that require the most. They also have a cliff detector to stop them from falling, which is particularly useful in multi-level homes.
If you intend to make use of your robot vacuum to clean rugs, choose one that can be used for wet and dry mopping. You'll get better results with an vac that is able to remove its own mop pad and then rinse and reconnect when it comes time for another cleaning cycle. Find robots that have an elastomer roller. This is less likely to tangle from pet hair or other particles. Check the robot's side brush and brushroll for any debris that might have become stuck on. Do this at least twice a week. If you notice that they're getting clogged, it may be time to buy replacement parts.
4. Collection of debris
As the name implies, robot vacuums are designed to collect dust and debris from your floors. The best ones 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 low pile than manual vacuums.
The top-performing robots across all flooring types had scores over 95 percent. The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo were the two most efficient bots in this class. Both are highly automated with robust docking stations that perform maintenance on their own and features in the app that make them extremely user-friendly.
Both have self-emptying bins that suck up the contents of the wastebasket and clean the washboard while mowing. They also have an 8,000Pa vacuum cleaner, smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate through even the most difficult spaces. The ECOVACS model is also the few robots we tested that can remove its mop pads and vacuum carpet, which makes it the best choice for those who have to switch between mopping and vacuuming regularly.
If you're looking for a less expensive option, check out the Roomba Combo J7 by iRobot Plus, our budget choice. It has LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup capabilities for the price. It can be a bit slow when it comes to mapping rooms and has a tendency of bumping into obstacles, but it is lower than our other picks.
5. Battery life
The most effective robot vacuums let you go about your day while keeping your floors in perfect condition. You'll still need to manually vacuum your home from time to time but robovacs can aid in maintaining a certain level of cleanliness and even clean while you're away.
To maximize the amount of time you can use your robovac, choose a model with excellent battery life. If you use the highest power setting, the model should last for about two cleaning sessions. This is smaller than a larger vacuum however, it should be enough to get the job done in most homes. If you don't want to sit while your robovac charges you can select a model that will automatically return to the base station to charge.
If you want a robovac that can do a bit of everything, consider an all-in-one machine that can mop too. Eufy's X10 is the most effective model in this class, offers self-emptying and self-refilling for the dust bin, the water tank, and the mop pad. It is also programmable to automatically re-fill and wash mops when they're empty.

The clear winner of our tests is the Dyson V810 thanks to its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, superb hair pickup, tangle-free performance and an almost perfect auto empty score. It's not cheap, however and unless you live in a a small home with no pets, it could be too expensive for some. The runner-up, the Dreametech D10+, has very similar performance however it costs 25 percent less.