The Best Robot Vacuum 2023
Robot vacuums can help you clean your floors more easily. The best ones nab tracked-in dirt, crumbs and shed pet hair and more.
While they can't perform like a regular vacuum cleaner, they have come a long ways in the past few years. They're more sophisticated and more powerful, as well as (marginally better) at avoiding the chair leg.
Smart Mapping
Robot vacuum cleaners use navigation tools 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. The most sophisticated robots can map your house, to help them keep track of where they've been and avoid bumping into obstacles like chairs, sofas and bookshelves you might prefer to keep out of your way. You can also set up no-go zones using your smartphone to alert your robot to avoid rooms that you don't want to keep clean.
Robots with advanced mapping capabilities, such as the Roomba J7, use the onboard camera and processor-powered intelligence to see and avoid obstructions. You can then leave it to complete the task without having to keep an eye on the state of your floorplan or manually remove obstacles from the robot's way. The TP Link Tapo RV30 plus is a robot that can combine vacuuming and mopping, so it's an all-in-one solution to keep your home tidy. It's got great suction, and also is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. It is self-emptying and is also able to be used as a surveillance camera.
A cheaper robot that mops, vacuums and can even be used as a trashcan, the Roborock Q Revo is a excellent choice for homes that don't require the more advanced features of higher-end models. However, it has a few disadvantages compared to the Roomba j7 and S8. For one, it has one rubber brush instead of the dual roller brushes that the other models have which means it won't be as effective in picking up larger debris like shoes and socks. It also lacks AI obstacle avoidance, which means you might need to clear away clutter before 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 offers consistent, solid suction for hardwood as well as carpets with low pile and avoids tangles with rug threads. It doesn't have any advanced features, but it does its job well. It is also compatible with voice commands. It can be set to run on a schedule or create zones that are not allowed to be used using the app.
Object Detection
Object-avoidance technology can affect the robot's ability to navigate your home. Certain models on 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 action, is a fantastic example. It also comes with a stylish base that automatically empty the trash bin so that you don't need to.
In our testing, we set up the robotic cleaner in a huge home and were impressed with how quickly and efficiently the floors were cleaned without getting bogged down. It's incredibly maneuverable and can get to places that stand-up vacuums are unable to reach, such as under beds and sofas. It has a 500 ml dustbin, excellent suction and a running time of more than two hours. It isn't able to create no-go zones and its recognition of objects is a bit hit-or-miss. We saw it hitting objects on occasion during our tests, resulting in some vases falling over.
It's important to remember that no matter how clever a robot vacuum might be but it can't replace your traditional canister or upright vacuum. It's not equipped to handle heavily dirty carpets, it can't be able to reach every corner, and it's not able to reach your ceilings or other difficult-to-access spaces. However, if you want to keep your floors clean of crumbs, pet hair and other dander it could be an excellent addition to your routine of cleaning.
Sensors are integrated into most robot vacuums to assist them navigate around obstacles and stairs. They can sense the moment they're about to fall down the stairs, for instance, and can also recognize messy spaces and maneuver around them. If you're not careful your robo-cleaner may become stuck on a cord, shoe or another object.
Some robot vacuums are equipped with mapping capabilities that permit them to make an accurate floor plan of your home and pinpoint themselves. They will then be able to identify the areas they have already cleaned, and save time by not having to go over the same areas. It also lets them resume where they left off if they need to return to their charging dock.
Self-Emptying
A vacuum cleaner that automatically empty its bins of dust once it is full is a huge convenience. Some models even have a window that lets you see when the bin needs to be emptied. This is a great feature for those with pets or children who create more mess than adults.
Most robot vacuums allow you to choose whether the machine is controlled by a remote control or an app on your smartphone, or by voice commands. They come with a variety of digital features including scheduling and maintenance tips. With the correct settings, you can schedule your robot to clean on a regular time, or on a weekly basis. You can also program it to map and clean certain areas of your house.
The most intelligent robot vacuums we've tested are equipped with sensors and cameras which enable them to create maps for your home. They can be saved to the robot's application so that you can easily navigate to specific rooms or areas of your home. Some of these systems can even remember furniture placement and even note the transitions between hard floors and carpet.
Smart vacuums can save you time by mapping and cleaning entire homes automatically and keeping detailed records of previous cleaning sessions. You can access the records via an app for your tablet or smartphone. Most of them can be connected to your smart speaker so you can control them using voice commands.
TP-Link's Tapo RV30 Plus is an affordable, self-emptying robotic vacuum that delivers high performance for the money. It can clean both floors and sweep pet hair and other particles from rugs made of wood and low pile. It's not as advanced as other robots we've reviewed, but it does what it does very well.
This model's tank-like wheels allow it to go over obstacles like cords that are tangled and high transitions within rooms. It comes with a large bin that does not need to be empty manually and is able to recharge itself and continue cleaning when it runs out power. It's a bit more costly than some of the other robotic vacuums we've tested however it combines powerful suction with straightforward controls to deliver a great value.
Voice Control
Most robot vacuums can be controlled by a physical remote or an app on your smartphone. Some robot vacuums can be controlled via voice commands through smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home. This is a great option when you have children or pets who could interfere with your cleaning routine, or if you're too exhausted to operate the robot manually.
Most models have an automatic mode that works without your input. Simply press a button on the robot or here in the app and it will begin sucking up dirt, food crumbs, and pet hair. These robots can be programmed to clean on a regular schedule, which is ideal for those who prefer to program it to forget about it.
Some of the higher-end models include a sophisticated feature that makes use of artificial intelligence to scan and detect obstructions within your home. These models can recognize things like stairs, furniture power cords, even different kinds of flooring. This can help them avoid such hazards which is particularly useful 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 abilities however they can still get the job done. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus, for instance is a model that resembles a wifi router but offers the performance of a high-end robot. It has a powerful suction and can clean dirt and debris on medium pile flooring and carpet. Its short and squat side brush is less likely to get stuck in cords or shoes. The hybrid roller brush, that uses bristles, as well as plastic, provides a thorough cleaning.
The model is more expensive than other mid-range robots, however, it is able to do everything you'd expect from mopping and vacuuming robots. It can create an cleaning schedule and design one. It also has virtual zones that you can stay clear of. It does not have the same room-scanning and obstacle avoidance as the j7 and the s8.