The Best Robot Vacuum 2023
Robot vacuums can make cleaning your floors easier. The best ones will remove dirt, crumbs and shed pet hair and more.
While they can't perform like the regular vacuum cleaner, they've made significant progress in the past few years. They're more sophisticated, more powerful, and (marginally better) at avoiding the chair leg.
Smart Mapping
Utilizing navigational tools like sensors and lasers, robot vacuum cleaners work their way around your home, suctioning pet hair, crumbs, and dirt into their bins from hard floors such as laminate, wood and tile, as well as area rugs and carpets with low pile. Robots that are the most sophisticated map your home so they know where they've been, and can avoid bumping into obstacles like couches, chairs and bookshelves. You can also set up no-go areas on your smartphone to tell your robot to stay clear of rooms that you don't want to be able to keep.
Robots equipped with advanced mapping capabilities, such as the Roomba J7, make use of processor-powered cameras and onboard sensors to detect and avoid obstacles. This means you can leave it alone to get a thorough cleaning without having to constantly check the status of your floorplan or manually remove obstacles from the robot's path. The TP Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robot that combines mopping with vacuuming. It's the perfect solution to keep your home clean. It has a great suction, and also is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. It also comes with a handy self-emptying feature, and can be used as a security camera.
A cheaper robot that mops, vacuums and can even be used as a trashcan The Roborock Q Revo is a excellent choice for homes that don't require the more advanced features of more expensive models. However, it has some limitations when compared to the Roomba S8 and j7. It's got only one brush, not dual roller brushes, meaning it might not be as effective in removing larger objects like shoes and socks. It doesn't come with AI obstacle avoidance, so you might need to get rid of the clutter prior to running.
The iLife A4s Pro is a basic robot that's perfect for those who prioritize simplicity and proficiency. It costs less than $200 and provides strong, consistent suction both on hardwood and low-pile rugs while avoiding tangles. It doesn't include any fancy features, but it does the job well. It also works with voice commands, which means you can set it up on schedule or create no-go zones using the app.
Object Detection
The use of object-avoidance technology can make or break the ability of a robot vacuum navigate through your home. Certain models on our list have sensors (or even cameras) that allow your robot cleaner to avoid common robot traps like cords, toys for kids and pet mess. IRobot's Roomba J7 is among the most impressive examples of this type of smart technology in action. It also comes with a sleek base that automatically emptys the garbage bin, so you don't need to.
In our testing the robotic cleaner up in a big house and were impressed by how quickly and efficiently it cleaned up floors without becoming bogged down. It has impressive maneuverability and can get to places that most stand-up vacs cannot reach, such as under sofas and under beds. It also has a great suction, a huge 500-milliliter dustbin and over two-hour running time. It's not able to create no-go zones, and its object recognition is a bit hit-or-miss. We noticed it bumping into things at times during our tests, resulting in some vase caps falling over.
It's important to keep it in mind that, regardless of how smart a robot vacuum may be it won't replace your regular upright or canister vacuum. It's not able to deal with heavy stained carpets, it will not be able to reach every corner, and won't be able to reach your ceilings or other hard-to-reach spaces. However, to keep your floors clear of pet hair, crumbs and other dander, it can be an ideal addition to your routine of cleaning.
Most robot vacuums have sensors that allow them to navigate through obstacles and steps. They can tell the moment they're about to fall down the stairs, for instance, and can also recognize messy spaces and maneuver around them. Nevertheless, if you're not cautious your robot-cleaner could be stuck on a cord or stray shoe and require help.
Certain robot vacuums come with mapping capabilities that allow them to create an precise floor plan of your house and locate themselves. They can then identify which areas they've already cleaned and save time by not having to clean the same spots. It also allows them to resume where they left off in case they need to return to their charging dock.
Self-Emptying
A vacuum cleaner that can automatically emptys its bin when it is full is a great convenience. Some models have an indicator that allows you to know when the bin is due to be empty. This is a fantastic option for anyone with pets or more info children who tend to make more mess than adults.
The majority of robot vacuums allow you to choose whether the machine is operated with an app, a remote on your phone or via voice commands. They have a number of digital functions, including maintenance and scheduling tips. If you set the right settings, you can program your robot to clean on a regular time or on a weekly basis. You can also program it to clean specific areas of your home.
Some of the most intelligent robot vacuums we've tested are equipped with built-in cameras and sensor technology that allows them to create maps of your home. You can save these maps within the robot app to easily navigate around your home. Some of these systems even keep track of furniture placement and even note the transitions from hard floors to carpet.
Smart vacuums help you save time by mapping and cleaning entire homes automatically and keeping detailed records of the cleaning sessions that have occurred previously. You can access these records through an app on your phone or tablet. Many of them can be connected to your smart speaker so that you can control them with voice commands.
TP-Link Tapo RV30+ is a self-emptying robot that offers great performance at a reasonable price. It can clean hardwood floors as well as low-pile carpets, and remove pet hair and other particles. It's not as advanced as other robots that we've reviewed but it does its job well.
The model's tanks-like wheels allow it to roll over obstacles such as cords that are tangled and high transitions within rooms. It also comes with a large dust bin that doesn't need to be emptied manually, and it's able to recharge and continue cleaning when it runs out of power. It's more expensive than other robotic vacuums we've tried, but it combines powerful suction and simple controls to provide excellent value.
Voice Control
The majority of robot vacuums can be controlled via a physical remote or an app that you can install on your smartphone. Some also connect to smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home, allowing you to operate them with voice commands. This is helpful if your robot needs to clean up and you have pets or children that could interfere.
Most models have an automatic mode which works without your input. Simply press a button on the robot or within the app, and it will start taking in food hair, and crumbs. They can be programmed to clean in accordance with a schedule, making them ideal for those who simply want to make a plan and forget.
Some of the most expensive models include an advanced feature that uses artificial intelligence to scan your home and detect obstacles. These models can detect things like furniture, stairs power cords, even different kinds of flooring. This can help robots stay clear of dangers. This is particularly useful in large homes that have lots of carpeting and other flooring coverings that are difficult for robots navigate.
Some robots come with less basic object detection capabilities, but still manage to complete the task. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus, for example, has the appearance of a wifi router but offers the performance of a high-end robot. It is extremely suction-driven and is able to remove dirt and debris on hardwood floors and medium-pile rugs effortlessly. Its short, squat side brushes are less likely to be tangled in stray shoes and cords, and its hybrid roller brush uses bristles and plastic instead of the traditional bristle brush to provide an even more thorough cleaning.
This model is more expensive than the other models in the mid-range but it has everything you would expect from mop and vacuum robots. It can map and build a cleaning schedule and has virtual keep-out zones, and is compatible with voice assistants. However, it does not have the ability to scan rooms or avoid obstacles like the S8 or j7.