15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Overlook Robot Vacuum
The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is a major cause of many lives however, robot vacuums make it less tedious. Today's models also mop and even climb (small) stairs.
They have a small dustbin which they empty themselves and some of them can be controlled from a smartphone app instead of a physical remote. Some models have mapping features that help them navigate more efficiently.
1. Power
With the suction power of 8,000Pa Our top pick for robot vacuums is durable enough to take care of the most difficult dirt patches and hairs. Its slim square shape enables it to slide under furniture, such as sofas and beds. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology offers precise obstacle avoidance as well as intelligent navigation. It also does a fantastic job of cleaning pet hair, baking soda, and other debris close to baseboards and in corners.
In addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, the other powerful bots in this list include the IRobot Roomba J7+ as well as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra includes a docking station which automatically performs maintenance. It also has mopping capabilities. Its powerful suction and efficient mopping helped keep my floors clear of pet hair and muddy footprints and other debris during every floor type test we ran.
In the lower price range, a model with a suction capacity of around 2,500Pa is more than enough for most homes. These units are quieter and are therefore a better choice for those with sensitive ears. They're still not silent, but they're only about the same as a normal conversation at home.
Think about your budget and cleaning needs to determine the best combination of power and convenience. For regular light-duty cleaning, a longer runtime with less suction is recommended. Cleaning that is heavy-duty every week requires maximum power. Then assess your flooring, layout of your home and cleaning schedules to select the best model to meet your needs. Check out our complete list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings to learn more about the most recent models. Many users have reported that their carpets and floor look cleaner after using a robotic vacuum.
2. Navigation
A robot vacuum can't do its job when it doesn't know how to navigate around your home. For this reason, the most effective robots depend on advanced navigation technology that effectively scans rooms and builds an outline map to ensure thorough cleaning without getting lost or hitting obstacles. There are three major kinds of robot navigation: LiDAR-based, sensor-based and camera-based.
The most expensive models employ LiDAR to create a digital map of the room. This model offers the highest levels of precision and efficiency. Bump sensors are employed in cheaper models, but they aren't always accurate and miss a lot of debris when working in dark areas. The majority of robots have cliff sensors to stop them from falling down stairs or other falls.
Several robots I tested used object recognition to navigate around things such as cords and fake dog turds. But the Eufy X10 was the best. It had superb mapping capabilities and powerful oscillating mops that could be used as a user-friendly app and the ability to clean a area, room or the all of the home.
Other features worth considering include floor type sensors that recognize carpets that are hard and soft and automatically boost suction power when required. Some robots, such as the Roborock mop make use of mopping pad lift that allows you to get into corners and clean up dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solutions to stubborn staining.
A smaller bin will require less frequent emptying while a larger one will save money on replacements. The cheapest robotic cleaners usually use a small disposable dust bag, while most mid-range models have larger 3L dustbins that can last for many years. Some premium robots like the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station will self-empty and refill their water tank for hands-free convenience.
3. App control
The top robot vacuums have an app that lets you monitor cleaning progress and schedule your sessions and connect to smart home devices for hands-free control. Many robot vacuums can be controlled via voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with an on-screen remote that lets you start or pause and then return to dock. Pick a model that comes with an extra large dustbin and is able to self-empty instead of one that needs manual emptying.
Certain robovacs have mapping technology that can help them remember obstacles, such as the stairs, and also avoid running into furniture. Certain robovacs let you define no-go zones and rooms to clean those areas which need the most. They also have cliff sensor to stop them from falling, which is useful in multi-level homes.
If you are planning to use your robot vacuum to clean rugs pick a model that can do both dry mopping as well as wet. You'll get better results with a robot vac that can remove its own mop pad too, which you can then rinse and reattach when it's time for another cleaning cycle. Find robots that have the rubber roller. It is less likely to become tangled from pet hair or other debris. Check the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that may have become stuck on. Do this at least every week. If good robot vacuum notice that they are starting to clog up it could be time to replace parts.
4. Collection of debris
Robot vacuums are created to, as the name suggests, to remove dust and other debris on your floors. The most effective ones can pick small particles such as baking soda and sand as as larger pieces like orzo pasta, screws made of metal, and pet hair. They also have better results on carpets with low pile than many manual vacuums.
The top-performing robots across all flooring types had scores over 95%. The two top performers in this category were the ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo. Both are highly automated with docking stations that can perform maintenance on their own, and apps that make them extremely user-friendly.
Both have self-emptying bins which automatically empty the wastebasket. They can also clean the washboard while they mow. They also have 8,000Pa suction and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that can help them find their way around even the most challenging areas. The ECOVACS robot is one of the few that can vacuum carpet and remove 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 pick. It comes with LIDAR navigation and decent performance in the field of debris pickup for the price. It can be a bit slow when it comes to mapping rooms and is prone to bumping into obstacles, but it is less than our other picks.
5. Battery life
The top robot vacuums are designed to let you go to work while keeping your floors looking spick and span. You'll still have to manually vacuum your home from time to time but robovacs can aid in maintaining a certain standard of cleanliness, and even clean while you're away.
To maximize the amount of time you get from your robovac, make sure you choose a model with excellent battery life. If you choose to use the most powerful power setting, the model should last about two cleaning sessions. This is not as long as a full-sized vacuum cleaner, but it is enough to cover most homes. If you don't want to sit around waiting for your robovac charges you, you can select a model that automatically makes its way back to its base station to recharge.
If you're looking to buy a robovac with a variety of features in it, then consider a robot that can also mop. Eufy's X10, the best model in this class, offers self-emptying and self-refilling for the dust bin, the water tank, and the mop pad. It can be programmed to refill and wash its mop pads when they run out.
The clear winner of our tests is the Dyson V810 because of its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, excellent hair pickup, tangle-free performance and a near perfect auto empty score. It's expensive and unless you have the space of a small home with no pets, it may be too expensive for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the second-placed model and offers the same performance, but costs around 25% less.