The Best Robot Vacuum 2023
Robot vacuums can make cleaning your floors a breeze. The most effective robot vacuums remove dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and more.
Although they're not as well as an ordinary vacuum cleaner, they have come a long ways in the last few years. They're more efficient, smarter and (marginally) better at avoiding chair legs.
Smart Mapping
Robot vacuum cleaners utilize navigation tools like lasers and sensors to navigate your home. They collect pet hair, crumbs and dirt from floors made of hard materials like tile, wood, and laminate, and low-pile area rugs and carpets. Robots that are the most advanced map your home to know where they've been and can avoid hitting obstacles such as chairs, sofas and bookshelves. You can also use the smartphone's app to set up no-go zones, which tell your robot not to enter rooms it doesn't want to clean.
Robots equipped with advanced mapping capabilities, like the Roomba J7, make use of onboard cameras and processor-powered intelligents to detect and avoid obstacles. It can then be left to complete the task without having to constantly monitor the status of your floorplan or manually remove obstacles out of the way. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robot that can combine mopping and vacuuming, which means it's a one-stop solution for keeping your home tidy. It's got great suction, and it is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. It can self-empty and can also be used as a surveillance camera.
A less expensive bot that vacuums, mops and can also be used as a robotic 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 uses only one brush, not dual roller brushes, so it may not be as effective in removing larger objects like shoes and socks. It doesn't come with AI obstacle avoidance, which means you may need to clear clutter before running.
The iLife A4s Pro is a basic robot that is ideal for those who prefer simplicity and competence. It's less than $200, and offers strong, consistent suction for hardwood as well as carpets that are low-pile, while avoiding tangles with rug threads. It doesn't have any fancy features, but it does the job well. It's also compatible with voice commands, so you can set it up on schedule or create zones that are not allowed to enter via the app.
Object Detection
Object-avoidance technology can affect the ability of a robot vacuum to navigate around your home. Some models on this list have sensors (or cameras) to assist your robot vacuum in avoiding common robot traps such as cords, toys for kids and pet mess. iRobot Roomba J7 is among the most impressive examples of intelligent technology in action, is a fantastic example. It also comes with a stylish base that automatically emptys the garbage bin, so you don't have to.
During testing, we set this robotic cleaner up in a big home and were amazed by how quickly and efficiently it was able to clean floors without getting bogged down. It's extremely maneuverable and can reach areas that stand-up vacuums can't be, such as under beds and couches. It comes with a 500-ml dustbin, great suction and a runtime of over two hours. However, it lacks the ability to create zones that are not allowed to be used and its detection of objects is somewhat erratic, meaning we saw it bump into things occasionally during our tests (resulting in a few toppled vases).
It is important to keep in mind that, no matter how smart a robot vacuum is, it will not replace your upright or canister vacuum. It can't deal with heavily stained carpets, it will not get into every crevice and it's not able to reach your ceilings or other difficult to reach areas. It's an excellent addition to your regular cleaning routine to remove pet dander, and hair.
Sensor systems are integrated into many robot vacuums, allowing them to navigate around obstacles and stairs. They are able to tell when they're about fall down the stairs, for example and can also identify messy spaces and maneuver around them. However, if you're not cautious your robot-cleaner could get stuck on a cord or shoe and need some help.
Some robot vacuums come with mapping capabilities that permit them to draw an precise floor plan of your house and also locate themselves. They can then know what areas they have cleaned and save time by not having to go over the same spots. It also allows them to resume where they left off in case they have to return to their charging dock.
Self-Emptying
A robot vacuum that automatically emptys its dust bin when it's full is a great convenience. Some models have an indicator that allows you to know when the bin needs to empty. This is an excellent feature for anyone who has pets or children who tend to make more mess than adults.
The majority of robot vacuums let you choose whether the machine is controlled by a remote control or an app for your phone, or via voice commands. They also come with a variety of digital features, including maintenance and scheduling. If you set the right settings, you can schedule your robot to clean at a regular time or on an annual basis. You can also program it to map and clean certain areas of your house.
Some of the smartest 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 in the robot's app and use them to navigate through your home. Some of these systems even keep track of furniture placement and note the transitions from hard floors to carpet.
The most efficient smart vacuums save you time by automatically mapping and cleaning whole homes, and also keeping precise records of previous cleaning sessions. You can access the records using an app that you can install on your tablet or smartphone. Most of them can be connected to your smart speaker so you can control them with voice commands.
TP-Link's Tapo RV30 Plus is an affordable, self-emptying robotic vacuum that delivers excellent performance for the price. It can clean both floors and sweep pet hair and other debris from hardwood and low-pile rugs. It's not as advanced as the other robots we've reviewed, however it does the job well.
The wheels that resemble a tank on this model allow it to move across the high transitions between rooms as well as obstacles like tangled cords from devices that can cause problems for other robots. It has a huge bin that does not need to be empty manually, and can recharge itself and resume cleaning if it's running out of power. It's more expensive compared to other robotic vacuums we've tested but it combines powerful suction and simple controls to deliver an excellent value.
Voice Control
Most robot vacuums can be controlled using a remote or an app that you can install on your smartphone. Certain robot vacuums can be operated by voice commands through smart speakers such as Amazon Echo or Google Home. This can be helpful for families with small children or pets who could get in the way of your cleaning session or if you're exhausted to operate the robot manually.
Many models also come with an automatic mode that works without any input from you. Simply press a button on the robot or in the app, and it will start sucking up dirt, food crumbs, and pet hair. These robots can be programmed to clean in accordance with an established schedule, making them perfect for those who simply want to set check here and forget.
Some of the more expensive models have a feature which uses artificial intelligence to scan and detect the presence of obstacles in your home. These models can detect things like stairs, furniture, power cords and even different types of flooring. This can help robots avoid hazards. This is particularly useful in homes with large areas of rugs and other floorcoverings that are difficult for robots navigate.
Some robots come with less basic abilities for object detection however they still manage to accomplish the task. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus, for example is similar to WiFi routers, but it has the performance of a top-of-the-line robot. It has a powerful suction and can handle dirt and debris on medium-pile flooring and carpet. Its short and squat side brush is less likely to be stuck in cords or shoes. The hybrid roller brush, that uses bristles, as well as plastic, gives a thorough cleaning.
The model is more expensive than other mid-range robots however, it is able to do everything you need from mopping and vacuuming robots. It can draw out the cleaning schedule and then create one. It also has virtual zones to stay out of. It doesn't offer the same room-scanning feature and obstacle avoidance like the j7 or the s8.