The Best Robot Vacuum 2023
Robot vacuums can help you clean your floors more easily. vacuum mop combo robot nab tracked-in dirt, crumbs, shed pet hair and more.
And while they still can't do the same job as the regular vacuum, they've come a long way in the past few years. They're more efficient, smarter and (marginally) better at avoiding chairs.
Smart Mapping
Robot vacuum cleaners utilize navigation tools such as lasers and sensors to navigate your home. They remove pet hair, crumbs, and dirt from hard floors, like wood, tile and laminate, as well as carpets and area rugs with low piles. The most advanced robots map your home, so they can remember where they have been and avoid bumping into obstructions like chairs, sofas and bookshelves that you might want to keep out of your way. You can also use the smartphone's app to set up no-go zones that tell your robot to stay out of rooms it doesn't want to clean.
Robots with advanced mapping capabilities like the Roomba J7, use the onboard camera and processor-powered intelligence to see and avoid obstructions. It can then be left to complete the task without having to keep an eye on the condition of your floor plan, or manually move obstacles from the robot's way. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robot that combines vacuuming and mopping, so it's a one-stop solution to keep your home clean. It's got great suction, and also works with Alexa and Google Assistant. It has a self-emptying function and can also function as a surveillance camera.
Roborock Q Revo, a less expensive robot that vacuums, mop and functions as an automated trashcan is a great option for homes without the need for more advanced features. However, it has a few disadvantages when compared to Roomba J7 and S8. It's got a single brush instead of dual roller brushes, so it isn't as effective in removing larger objects like shoes and socks. It also lacks 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 proficiency. It's priced at less than $200, and provides strong, consistent suction on hardwood and low-pile rug, while avoiding tangles. It doesn't have any fancy features, but it does the job well. It also works with voice commands, so you can run it on schedule or even set up zones that are not allowed to enter through the app.
Object Detection
Object-avoidance technology can impact the ability of a robot vacuum to navigate your home. Some models on this list include sensors (or cameras) to aid your robot vacuum to avoid common traps for robots, such as cords, toys for children and pet messes. IRobot's Roomba J7 is among the most impressive examples of this kind of smart technology in action. It also has a stylish base that automatically emptys the dustbin so you don't have to.
In our testing the robot, we set the cleaner up in a big home and were amazed by how quickly and efficiently it cleared floors without getting bogged down. It's very mobile and can get into places that the majority of stand-up vacuums are unable to, such as under couches and under beds. It comes with a 500-ml dustbin, excellent suction and a time of over two hours. It isn't able to create no-go zones, and its object recognition is a bit iffy. We noticed it bumping into things on occasion during our tests and resulted in vases falling over.
It's important to remember that no matter how clever a robot vacuum may be but it can't replace your regular canister or upright vacuum. It can't deal with heavily dirty carpets, it can't be able to reach every corner, and it won't reach your ceilings or other difficult-to-access areas. It's a great addition to your routine cleaning to remove pet dander, and hair.
The majority of robot vacuums have sensors that allow them to navigate around obstacles and stairs. They can usually sense the moment when they're going to fall down stairs for instance, and they can also detect areas of clutter and maneuver around them. However, if you're not cautious your robot-cleaner could become stuck on a cord or stray shoe and require help.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuums have the ability to map, which allows them to create a floor plan of your home and locate themselves within it. They can then know what areas they've already cleaned and save time by not having to clean the same areas. This lets them resume where they left off if they have to return to the charging dock.
Self-Emptying
A vacuum cleaner that automatically empty its dust bin when it gets full is a huge convenience. Some models have an indicator that allows you to observe when the bin needs to empty. This is an excellent option for anyone with pets or children who create more mess than adults.
Most robot vacuums let you choose which model can be controlled by a remote, an app on your smartphone or voice commands. They also have a variety of digital functions, including scheduling and maintenance suggestions. You can program your robot to clean on every week or on a regular basis using the correct settings. You can also program it to map and clean certain areas of your house.
The most advanced robot vacuums we've tested are equipped with cameras and smart sensors, which enable them to create maps for your home. You can save these maps to the robot app to easily navigate around your home. Some of these systems even remember the furniture layout and transitions between hardwood flooring and carpet.
Smart vacuums save time by cleaning entire homes by themselves and also keeping detailed records of previous cleaning sessions. You can access the records using an app for your tablet or smartphone. Most of them can be connected to your smart speaker so you can control them via voice commands.
TP-Link's Tapo RV30 Plus is an affordable, self-emptying robotic vacuum that offers high performance for the money. It can clean both floors and sweep up pet hair and other particles from low-pile and hardwood rugs. It's not as sophisticated as other robots we've reviewed, however it does its job well.
The model's tank-like wheels permit it to glide over obstacles such as cords that are tangled and high transitions within rooms. It has a huge bin that doesn't need to be empty manually and is able to recharge itself and resume cleaning if it is unable to continue cleaning. It's more expensive than some of the other robotic vacuums we've tested, but it blends powerful suction and simple controls to deliver a great value.
Voice Control
Most robot vacuums can be controlled via a physical remote or an app on your phone. Some models can also be integrated with smart speakers such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, allowing you to run them using voice commands. This is a great option if your robot needs to clean up and you have pets or children who might interfere.
Most models have an automatic mode which works without your input. Simply press a button on the robot or in the app and it will begin taking in food crumbs, and pet hair. These robots can be programmed to clean up on a regular basis, which is ideal for those who want to make it easy to set it and forget it.
Some of the more expensive models have an advanced feature that uses artificial intelligence to scan your home and detect obstacles. These models can detect things like stairs, furniture, power cords and even different types of flooring. This can help robots stay clear of dangers. This is especially useful in large homes that have lots of rugs and other floorcoverings that are difficult for robots to navigate.
Other robots are less sophisticated in their object detection abilities, but they still get the job done. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus, for instance is a model that resembles a wifi router but offers the performance of a top-of-the-line robot. It has a powerful suction and can handle dirt and debris on medium pile carpets and hardwood floors. Its short, squat side brushes are less likely to get tangled in stray shoes and cords and its hybrid roller brush utilizes bristles and plastic, rather than a traditional bristle brush for better cleaning.
This model is pricier than other mid-range robots but it does everything you'd expect from mopping and vacuuming with a robot. It can draw out the cleaning schedule and then create one. It also has virtual zones to keep out of. It does not have the same room-scanning feature and obstacles-avoiding features like the j7 or s8.