The Best Robot Vacuum 2023
Robot vacuums can make cleaning your floors a breeze. The best ones can remove tracked-in dirt, crumbs, shed pet hair and more.
And while they still can't do the same job as a regular vacuum but they've come quite a way over the last few years. They're more sophisticated and powerful, and (marginally better) in avoiding chair leg.
Smart Mapping
Robot vacuum cleaners utilize instruments for navigation such as sensors and lasers to navigate through your home. They collect pet hair, crumbs and dirt from hard floors like tile, wood and laminate, as well as carpets and area rugs with low piles. Robots that are the most advanced map your home so they know where they've been, and can avoid hitting obstacles like chairs, sofas and bookshelves. You can make use of your smartphone app to set up no-go zones that tell your robot not to enter rooms that you don't want to clean.
Robots equipped with advanced mapping capabilities, like the Roomba J7, make use of processor-powered cameras and onboard sensors to avoid obstacles and see them. This means that you can leave it to do a thorough cleaning without having to constantly check the status of your floorplan, or manually move obstacles out of the robot's path. The TP Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robotic device that combine vacuuming and mopping. It's the perfect solution to keep your home spotless. It's got great suction, and also works 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 cheaper robot that vacuums, mops and can be used as a robotic trashcan is a great option for homes that do not require for more advanced features. However, it has a few disadvantages compared to the Roomba j7 and S8. It's got a single brush instead of dual roller brushes, meaning it might not be as effective at removing larger debris such as shoes and socks. It doesn't come with AI obstacle avoidance, so it is possible that you will need to eliminate obstructions before you run.
The iLife A4s Pro is a basic robot that's perfect for those who prioritize simplicity and proficiency. It's less than $200, and offers consistent, solid suction for hardwood as well as low-pile carpets, while avoiding tangles with rug threads. It doesn't come with any fancy features, but it does its job well. It is also compatible with voice commands. You can set it up on a schedule, or create zones of no-go zones with the app.
Object Detection
Object-avoidance technology can make or break a robot vacuum's ability to navigate around your home. Some of the models we've reviewed have sensors (or even cameras) that allow your robot cleaner to avoid common robot traps like cords, toys for kids and pet mess. iRobot Roomba j7, one of the most amazing examples of smart technology in action, is a fantastic example. It also comes with a sleek base that automatically emptys the garbage bin, so you don't have to.
During our tests, we set this robotic cleaner up in a large house and were awed by the speed and efficiency with which it cleared floors without getting bogged down. It has impressive maneuverability and can get to places most standup vacs never reach, such as couches and under beds. It has a 500ml dustbin, excellent suction and a runtime of over two hours. It's just not equipped with the ability to create zones that are not allowed to be used and its detection of objects is a little hit-or-miss and we did see it bump into things occasionally during our tests (resulting in a few toppled vase).
It's important to keep in mind that no matter how clever a robot vacuum is, it will not click here substitute for your upright or canister vacuum. It can't deal with heavily dirty carpets, it can't get into every crevice and won't be able to reach your ceilings or other difficult to reach spaces. It can be an effective addition to your regular cleaning routine for getting rid of pet dander, and hair.
Sensors are integrated into most robot vacuums, allowing them to navigate around stairs and obstacles. They can usually sense when they're about to fall down stairs for instance, and also detect areas of clutter and move around them. If you're not careful, your robo-cleaner may get stuck on a cord, shoe or another object.
Some of the smarter robot vacuums come with mapping capabilities, which allow them to create an outline of your home and then locate themselves within it. They can then identify which areas they have already cleaned and reduce time by not having to go over the same spots. It also allows them to resume the same place they left off, should they have to return to their charging dock.
Self-Emptying
A robot vacuum that automatically emptys its bin when it is full is a wonderful convenience. Some models also have a window so you can see when the bin has to be empty. This is an excellent feature for those with pets or children who make more mess than adults.
Most robot vacuums let you select whether the machine will be controlled via a remote control or an app for your smartphone, or by voice commands. They also have a variety of digital features, such as maintenance and scheduling suggestions. Using the right settings, you can schedule your robot to clean at a set time or on a weekly basis. You can also program it to clean specific areas of your home.
Some of the most advanced robot vacuums we've tested come with built-in cameras as well as smart sensor technology that allows them to create maps of your home. They can be saved to the robot's app, so you can easily navigate to specific rooms or areas of your home. Some of these systems will even keep track of the furniture's layout and transitions between hard flooring and carpet.
Smart vacuums help you save time by cleaning entire homes by themselves and also keeping detailed records of the previous cleaning sessions. You can access these records through an app on your smartphone or tablet. Most of them can be connected to your smart speaker, so you can control them with voice commands.
TP-Link Tapo RV30+ is self-emptying robotic that delivers excellent performance at a low price. It is able to clean floors and sweep pet hair and other debris from rugs made of wood and low pile. It's not as sophisticated as some of the other robots we've reviewed but it does what it does well.
This model's tank-like wheels allow it to roll over obstacles like cords that are tangled and high transitions between rooms. It also comes with a large dust bin that doesn't have to be emptying manually, and it's able to recharge and resume cleaning if it's not able to continue cleaning. It's a bit more expensive than the other robotic vacuums we've tested but it combines powerful suction with straightforward controls to provide a fantastic value.
Voice Control
The majority of robot vacuums can be controlled using a remote or an app on your phone. Some robot vacuums can be controlled by voice commands through smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home. This is a great option for robots that need to clean and you have pets or children who could be disruptive.
Many models have an automatic mode that operates without input. The robot can be started by pressing a button in the app or on the robot. They can also be programmed to clean on a regular schedule which is great for those who want to set it and forget it.
Some of the higher-end models have a feature which uses artificial intelligence to detect and scan obstacles in your home. These models can identify things such as power cords, stairs as well as furniture, and can even distinguish between different types of flooring. This helps to avoid the dangers which is especially helpful in larger homes that have lots of carpets and flooring coverings that are difficult for robots to navigate.
Other robots are more basic in their object detection capabilities, but still manage to accomplish the task. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus, for instance is similar to an internet router, but has the performance of a top-of-the-line robot. It is extremely suction-driven and is able to remove dirt and debris on carpets and hardwood floors with ease. Its short, squat-shaped side brushes are less likely to be caught in stray shoes and cords and its hybrid roller brush utilizes bristles and plastic, rather than bristles in traditional form for an even more thorough cleaning.
This model is more expensive than other models in the mid-range, but it does everything you would expect from mop and vacuum robots. It can draw out a cleaning schedule and create one. It also has virtual zones that you can stay clear of. It does not have the same room-scanning feature and obstacle avoidance as the j7 and s8.