The Best Robot Vacuum 2023
Cleaning your floors isn't always easy, but robot vacuums make it easier. The best ones will remove dirt, crumbs and shed pet hair, and more.
While they're still unable to do as good of a job as a regular vacuum but they've come quite a way over the last few years. They're more efficient, smarter and (marginally) better at avoiding chair legs.
Smart Mapping
Robot vacuum cleaners employ navigation tools such as sensors and lasers to navigate your home. They remove pet hair, crumbs and dirt from hard floors, like wood, tile and laminate, as well as carpets with a low pile. The most sophisticated robots map your home, so that they can keep track of where they've been and avoid hitting obstructions like chairs, sofas and bookshelves that you may prefer to keep out of your way. You can also use the smartphone's app to set up no-go zones that tell your robot to stay out of rooms it doesn't want to clean.
Robots that have advanced mapping capabilities, like the Roomba j7, utilize processor-powered cameras and onboard sensors to detect and avoid obstacles. It can then be left to do a thorough job without having to keep an eye on the state of your floorplan, or manually move obstacles from the robot's way. The TP Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robot which includes vacuuming and mopping. It's a single-stop solution to keep your home spotless. It has a great suction and works with Alexa and Google Assistant. It also has a convenient self-emptying feature and can be used as an alarm camera.
A cheaper robot that mops, vacuums and can even be used as a trashcan The Roborock Q Revo is a solid option for homes that don't need the more advanced features of the more expensive models. It does have some disadvantages when compared to the Roomba S8 and j7. It has a single brush instead of dual roller brushes, which means it may not be as effective at removing larger objects like socks and shoes. It also doesn't have any AI obstacle avoidance, so it could be necessary to get rid of any clutter prior to running it.
The iLife A4s Pro is a basic robot that's ideal for those who prefer simplicity and efficiency. It costs less than $200 and provides consistent, strong suction for hardwood as well as carpets with low pile and also avoids tangles caused by rug threads. It's not a lot of technology, but it works well. It also works with voice commands, which means you can set it up on schedule or even set up zones that are not allowed to enter via the app.
Object Detection
Object-avoidance technology can make or break the ability of a robot vacuum navigate your home. Some models on our list include sensors (or even cameras) which help your robo-cleaner avoid common robot traps like cords, toys for children and pet messes. iRobot Roomba J7 is among the most impressive examples of smart technology in motion, is an excellent example. It also has a stylish clean base that empties the garbage bin automatically so you don't have to.
During testing the robot, we set the cleaner up in a large house and were awed by the speed and efficiency with which it cleared floors without getting bogged down. It's extremely maneuverable and can reach places that stand-up vacuums can't, such as under beds and couches. It also has a great suction, a massive 500 ml dustbin, and an over two hours of runtime. It's not able to set up no-go zones and its object recognition isn't exactly reliable. We noticed it crashing into objects at times during our tests, resulting in some vases falling over.
It's important to remember that no matter how clever the robot vacuum might appear it will not replace your traditional canister or upright vacuum. It's not able to clean carpets that have been heavily soiled. It can't reach the ceiling or other difficult-to-reach areas. However, if you want to keep your floors clean of pet hair, crumbs and other particles it's an ideal addition to your cleaning routine.
The majority of robot vacuums have sensor systems that help them navigate around obstacles and stairs. They are able to tell the moment they're likely to fall down a staircase, for instance, and detect areas that are cluttered and maneuver around them. If you're not careful your robot-cleaner could become stuck on a shoe, cord or any other object.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuums have the ability to map, which allows them to create a floor plan of your home and then locate themselves within it. They can then identify which areas they've already cleaned, and save time by not having to go over the same spots. This lets them resume where they left off if they have to return to the charging dock.
Self-Emptying
A robot vacuum that will automatically empty its bin after it is full is a great convenience. Some models even have windows to let you know when the bin has to be emptied. This is an excellent feature for anyone who has pets or children who tend to create more mess than adults.
Most robot vacuums let you select which model can be controlled with the use of a remote, an app from your phone, or through voice commands. They also come with a variety of digital features, including maintenance and scheduling. You can program your robot to clean your house on every week or on a regular basis using the correct settings. You can also program the robot to mark out and clean specific areas of your home.
Some of the most advanced robot vacuums we've tested are equipped with built-in cameras and sensor technology that allows them to create maps of 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 will even remember the furniture placement and transitions between hard floors and carpet.
Smart vacuums help you save time by mapping and cleaning entire houses by themselves and also keeping detailed records about previous cleaning sessions. You can access these records through an app on your tablet or phone. Most can also connect 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 offers high performance for the money. It can clean hardwood floors and carpets with low pile, as well as remove pet hair and other particles. It's not quite as sophisticated as the other robots we've reviewed, but it does its job very well.
This model's tank-like wheels allow it to glide over obstacles such as tangled cords and high transitions in between rooms. It also comes with a large dust bin that doesn't have to be empty manually, and it can recharge and resume cleaning when it's not able to continue cleaning. It's a bit more costly than other robotic vacuums that we've tested but it combines powerful suction and simple controls to give you a good value.
Voice Control
The majority of robot vacuums are controlled via a remote control or an app on a smartphone. Some robot vacuums can be controlled via voice commands via smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home. This is a great option if you have small pets or children who might interfere with your cleaning, or if you're too tired to operate the robot manually.
Many models have an automatic mode which works without your input. Simply press a button on the robot or in the app and it will begin sucking up food, dirt, particles, and pet hair. The robots can be programmed to clean in accordance with the schedule, which makes them ideal for those who want to set and forget.
Some of the most expensive models include an advanced feature that uses artificial intelligence to examine your home and robot vacuum that vacuums and mops find obstacles. These models can identify things like stairs, furniture power cords, and even different kinds of flooring. This can help them avoid such hazards which is particularly useful in larger homes with lots of rugs and other flooring coverings that are difficult for robots to navigate.
Some robots come with less basic ability to detect objects but they are able to complete the task. One example is the TP-Link Tapo RV30 plus, which has the clean elegant, easy-to-use design of a WiFi hub but offers the capabilities of a top-of-the-line bot. It is extremely suction-driven and can handle dirt and debris on carpets and hardwood floors easily. Its short, squat side brushes are less likely to become tangled in stray shoes and cords, and its hybrid roller brush uses bristles and plastic, rather than the traditional bristle brush to provide a more thorough cleaning.
It's more expensive than other mid-range models, but it can do everything you need from mopping and vacuuming with a robot. It can draw out an cleaning schedule and design one. It also has virtual zones that you can stay clear of. It doesn't feature the ability to scan rooms or avoid obstacles like the j7 or S8.