The Best Robot Vacuum 2023
Keeping your floors clean isn't always easy however, robot vacuums make it easier. The best ones can remove tracked-in dirt, crumbs, shed pet hair and more.
And while they still can't do as good of a job as a regular vacuum however, they've come a long way over the last few years. They're smarter, more powerful and (marginally) better at avoiding chair legs.
Smart Mapping
Utilizing navigation tools such as lasers and sensors, robotic vacuum cleaners navigate through your home, sucking 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. The most advanced robots can map your home to help them remember where they have been and avoid bumping into obstacles like sofas, chairs and bookshelves you might want to keep out of the way. You can also use your smartphone app to create no-go zones, which tell your robot not to enter rooms that you don't want to clean.
Robots equipped with advanced mapping capabilities, like the Roomba j7, utilize processor-powered cameras and onboard sensors to detect and avoid obstacles. This means you can let it to do an effective cleaning without having to continuously be checking the status of your floorplan or manually move obstacles out of the robot's path. The TP Link Tapo RV30 plus is a robot that can combine mopping and vacuuming, which means it's an all-in-one solution to keep your home clean. It has a great suction, and it is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. It also has a useful self-emptying feature and can be used as an alarm camera.
Roborock Q Revo, a less expensive robot that vacuums, mops and can be used as a trashcan that is robotic is a great option for homes that do not require for more advanced features. It does have some disadvantages in comparison to Roomba S8 and J7. For one, it has only one rubber brush instead of the dual roller brushes of the other which means it won't be as effective at cleaning up larger particles like socks and shoes. It doesn't have 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 prefer simplicity and efficiency. It's less than $200 and delivers consistent, strong suction on hardwood as well as low-pile rugs while avoiding knots. It's not very advanced however it's a good choice. It also works with voice commands, so you can run it on schedule or create no-go zones via the app.
Object Detection
Object-avoidance technologies can impact the ability of a robot vacuum to navigate your home. Some models in this list have sensors (or cameras) to assist your robot vacuum in avoiding common robot traps such as cords, toys for children and pet messes. iRobot Roomba J7 is 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 garbage bin automatically so you don't have to.
During testing we set up this robotic cleaner in a large home and were amazed by how quickly and efficiently the floors were cleaned without getting bogged down. It's very mobile and can reach areas that the majority of stand-up vacuums are unable to reach, like under beds and couches. It also has great suction, a huge 500 ml dustbin and an over two-hour running time. However, it isn't equipped with the ability to create no-go zones within the app and its object detection is somewhat erratic, meaning we saw it hit things a few times during our tests (resulting in a few tipped vase).
It's important to keep it in mind that, regardless of how smart a robot vacuum may be it isn't going to substitute for your upright or canister vacuum. It's not able to deal with heavy stained carpets, it will not be able to reach every corner, and it's not able to reach your ceilings or other difficult-to-access spaces. But for keeping your floors free of crumbs, pet hair and other dander, it can be an excellent addition to your cleaning routine.
Sensor systems are integrated into many robot vacuums to assist them navigate around obstacles and stairs. They can sense when they are about to fall down the stairs, for example and can also identify cluttered spaces and move around them. Nevertheless, if you're not vigilant the robo-cleaner may get stuck on a cord or stray shoe and require help.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuums have mapping capabilities, which allow them to create an outline of your home and locate themselves within it. They can then identify which areas they have already cleaned and can save time by not having to go over the same areas. This lets them resume the same place they left off in the event that they have to return to the charging dock.
Self-Emptying
A robot vacuum that automatically empty its dust bin once it is full is a great convenience. Some models have a window that allows you to see when the dust bin needs to empty. This is an excellent feature for those with pets or children who tend to create more mess than adults.
Most robot vacuums allow you to select whether the machine is controlled by a remote or an app on your smartphone or voice commands. They offer a range of digital features, including maintenance and scheduling tips. If you set the right robots that vacuum and mop settings, you can set your robot to clean at a regular time, or on a weekly basis. You can also program the robot to clean and map out specific areas of your home.
The smartest robot vacuums that we've tested come with cameras and smart sensors, which allow them to build maps for your home. These can be saved in the robot's application so that you can quickly navigate to specific rooms or areas of your home. Some of these systems even keep track of furniture placement and note transitions from hard floors to carpet.
The most effective smart vacuums will help you save time by automating the mapping and cleaning of entire homes and keeping detailed records of previous cleaning sessions. You can access these records using an app for your phone or tablet. Most can also connect to your smart speaker so you can control them via voice commands.
TP-Link Tapo RV30+ is a self-emptying robot that offers outstanding performance for a reasonable price. It is able to clean floors and sweep pet hair and other particles from low-pile and hardwood rugs. It's not as advanced as the other robots we've reviewed, but it does its job well.
The model's tanks-like wheels allow it to glide over obstacles like cords that are tangled and high transitions within rooms. It also comes with a large dust bin that doesn't have to be emptying manually, and it can recharge and resume cleaning if it's power-depleted. It's a bit more costly than other robotic vacuums we've tested, but it blends powerful suction and simple controls to provide a fantastic value.
Voice Control
Most robot vacuums can be controlled by 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 be cleaned and you have pets or children that could interfere.
Many models have an automatic mode that operates without input. The robot can be started by pressing a button within the app or on the robot. The robots can be programmed to clean according to an established schedule, making them ideal for people who need to set and forget.
Some of the more expensive models include a sophisticated feature which uses artificial intelligence to scan and detect obstructions within your home. These models can identify things like stairs, furniture power cords, even different kinds of flooring. This helps robots avoid hazards. This is especially helpful in large homes that have lots of carpeting and flooring which are difficult for robots navigate.
Other robots are less sophisticated in their ability to detect objects, but they still get the job done. One example is the TP-Link Tapo RV30 plus, that has the sleek, fuss-free appearance of a wifi hub but has the performance of a top robot. It has a strong suction that can take care of dirt and debris on medium pile carpets and hardwood floors. The short and squat-shaped side brush is less likely to be stuck in cords or shoes. The hybrid roller brush, that uses bristles and plastic, offers an effective cleaning.
The model is more expensive than other mid-range robots, but it does everything you need from a robot vacuum and mop. It can map and create a cleaning schedule and has virtual keep-out zones and is compatible with voice assistants. It doesn't feature the ability to scan rooms or avoid obstacles like the S8 or j7.