The Best Robot Vacuum 2023
Keeping your floors clean isn't always easy but robot vacuums can help. The best ones will remove dirt, crumbs and shed pet hair, and more.
Although they're unable to perform as well of a job as a regular vacuum, they've come a long way in the past few years. They're smarter, more powerful and (marginally) better at avoiding chairs.
Smart Mapping
Robot vacuum cleaners use instruments for navigation such as sensors and lasers to navigate your home. They collect pet hair, crumbs, and dirt from floors made of hard materials like tile, wood and laminate, as well as carpets and area rugs with low piles. Robots that are the most advanced maps your home, so they know where they've been and how to avoid bumping into obstacles like couches, chairs, and bookshelves. You can also use your smartphone app to set up no-go zones, which tell your robot to stay out of rooms you don't want it to clean.
Robots that have advanced mapping capabilities, like the Roomba j7, use onboard cameras and processor-powered smarts to avoid obstacles and see them. This means that you can leave it to do an effective cleaning without having to continuously be checking the status of your floorplan, or manually remove obstacles from the robot's path. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robotic that does mopping and vacuuming, so it's an all-in-one solution for keeping your home clean. It's got great suction, and also is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. It also has a useful self-emptying feature that can be used as a security camera.
A less expensive bot that mops, vacuums and can even be used as a robotic trashcan, the Roborock Q Revo is a excellent choice for homes that don't require the advanced features of more expensive models. However, it has some limitations in comparison to the Roomba S8 and j7. It uses one brush instead of dual roller brushes, meaning it isn't as efficient at picking up larger debris such as shoes and socks. Also, it doesn't include AI obstacle avoidance technology, so it could be necessary to get rid of clutter prior to running it.
The iLife A4s Pro is a basic robot that's perfect for those who value simplicity and competence. It's less than $200, and provides strong, consistent suction on hardwood as well as low-pile rugs, while avoiding knots. It's not the most advanced however, it's effective. It also works with voice commands, so you can set it up on a schedule or set up zones that are not allowed to enter via the app.
Object Detection
The use of object-avoidance technology can make or break the ability of a robot vacuum navigate around your home. Certain models on this list include sensors (or cameras) to aid your robot vacuum to avoid common robot traps such as cords, toys for kids and pet messes. iRobot Roomba j7, one of the most amazing examples of smart technology in motion, is an excellent example. It also features a chic clean base that empties the trash bin automatically so that you don't have to.
In our testing, we set up the robotic cleaner in a huge home and were impressed with how quickly and thoroughly floors were cleaned without becoming a mess. It is very maneuverable and can reach areas that the majority of stand-up vacuums are unable to be, such as under beds and couches. It has a 500 ml dustbin, excellent suction and a runtime of over two hours. It lacks the option to set up no-go zones and its object recognition isn't exactly reliable. We saw it crashing into objects on occasion during our tests which resulted in vases falling over.
It's important to keep in mind that, no matter how intelligent a robot vacuum may be but it can't replace your regular canister or upright vacuum. It's not equipped to handle heavily dirty carpets, it can't reach into every crevice, and won't be able to reach your ceilings or other difficult-to-access areas. But for keeping your floors clean of pet hair, crumbs and other dander it could be an excellent addition to your routine of cleaning.
The majority of robot vacuums have sensor systems that help them navigate around obstacles and stairs. They can usually sense the moment when they're going to fall down stairs, for instance, and they also recognize cluttered areas and maneuver around them. Nevertheless, if you're not cautious the robo-cleaner may get stuck on a cord or stray shoe and need some help.
Some of the smarter robot vacuums come with mapping capabilities, which allow them to create a floor plan of your house and locate themselves within it. They can then know what areas they have cleaned, and save time by not having to go over the same areas. This allows them to resume where they left off, in the event that they have to return to the charging dock.
Self-Emptying
A vacuum cleaner that automatically empty its dust bin when it's full is an incredible benefit. Some models also have a window so you can see the time when the bin must be empty. This is a great option for anyone with pets or children who create more mess than adults.
Most robot vacuums allow you to select whether the machine is controlled by a remote, an app for your smartphone or voice commands. They have a number of digital features including scheduling and maintenance tips. Using the right settings, you can schedule your robot to clean at a set time or on an annual basis. You can also program it to map and clean certain areas of your home.
Some of the most intelligent robot vacuums we've tested come with built-in cameras and sensor technology that lets them create maps of your home. You can save these maps within the robot app to easily navigate through your home. Some of these systems can even keep track of furniture arrangement and record the transitions from hard floors to carpet.
The most effective smart vacuums will help you save time by automating the mapping and cleaning of entire houses and keeping detailed records of previous cleaning sessions. You can access the records using an app for your tablet or smartphone. Many can also connect to your smart speaker, so you can control them with voice commands.
TP-Link's Tapo RV30 Plus is an inexpensive, self-emptying robot vacuum that delivers excellent performance for the price. It can clean hardwood floors and carpets with low pile, as well as remove pet hair and other particles. It's not as sophisticated as other robots we've reviewed, but it does the job well.
The tank-like wheels on more info this model allow it to roll across the high gaps between rooms and obstacles such as tangled cords for devices that trip up other robots. It also comes with a large dust bin that doesn't have to be emptied manually, and it's also able to recharge and continue cleaning when it's power-depleted. It's more expensive compared to other robotic vacuums that we've tested however it has powerful suction and easy controls to deliver an excellent value.
Voice Control
The majority of robot vacuums can be controlled via a remote control or an app on a smartphone. Some can also integrate with smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home, allowing you to operate them with voice commands. This is useful for robots that need to clean up and you have pets or children who might interfere.
Most models have an automatic mode that operates without input. You can start the robot by pressing a button on the app or on the robot. 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 more expensive models come with an advanced feature that uses artificial intelligence to examine your home and find obstacles. These models can recognize things like furniture, stairs power cords, even different kinds of flooring. This can help robots stay clear of hazards. This is particularly useful in large homes that have lots of rugs and other floorcoverings that are difficult for robots navigate.
Some robots are more basic in their ability to detect objects, but they still do the job. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus, for example is similar to a wifi router but offers the performance of a top-of-the-line robot. It has excellent suction and can handle dirt and debris on hardwood floors and rugs with medium pile easily. Its short and squat side brush is less likely to be stuck in cords or shoes. The hybrid roller brush, which is made up of bristles as well as plastic, gives a thorough cleaning.
The model is more expensive than other models in the middle-end but it has everything you would expect from a robot vacuum and mop. It can map out an cleaning schedule and design one. It also has virtual zones to keep out of. It doesn't offer the same room scanning and obstacle avoidance as the j7 and s8.