The Best Robot Vacuum 2023
Keeping your floors clean isn't always simple, but robot vacuums help. The best robot vacuums are able to clean up dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and more.
Although they're not as well as the regular vacuum cleaner, they've made significant progress in the last few years. They're more sophisticated and more powerful, as well as (marginally better) at avoiding chair leg.
Smart Mapping
Robot vacuum cleaners utilize instruments for navigation like lasers and sensors to navigate through your home. They collect pet hair, crumbs and dirt from floors made of hard materials like tile, wood and laminate, as well as carpets with a low pile. Robots that are the most advanced map your home so they know where they've been and can avoid bumping into obstacles like sofas, chairs and bookshelves. You can also use your smartphone's app to set up zones that prohibit your robot not to enter rooms you don't want it to clean.
best robot vacuum 2024 that have advanced mapping capabilities like the Roomba J7, use onboard camera and processor-powered intelligence to see and avoid obstructions. Then, you can allow it to complete the task 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 that combines mopping and vacuuming, so it's an all-in-one solution for keeping your home clean. It has a powerful suction and works with Alexa or Google Assistant. It also has a convenient self-emptying feature and can be used as a security camera.
Roborock Q Revo, a cheaper robot that vacuums, mops and can be used as an automated trashcan, is a good option for homes that don't have the need for more advanced features. However, it has some limitations in comparison to the Roomba S8 and J7. For instance, it uses one rubber brush instead of the dual roller brushes of the others which means it won't be as effective at cleaning up larger particles like socks and shoes. It does not have AI obstacle avoidance, so you might need to get rid of obstructions before you run.
The iLife A4s Pro is a basic robot that is ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and proficiency. It's less than $200, and provides consistent, strong suction on both hardwood and carpets that are low-pile, while avoiding tangles with rug threads. It's not a lot of technology however it's a good choice. It is also compatible with voice commands. It can be set to run on a schedule or create zones of no-go zones with the app.
Object Detection
Object-avoidance technology can make or break the ability of a robot vacuum navigate through your home. Some models on our list include sensors (or even cameras) that help your robo-cleaner avoid common traps for robots, such as cords, toys for kids and pet mess. iRobot Roomba j7 is one of the most amazing examples of smart technology in action, is a great example. It also features a chic clean base that emptys the trash bin automatically so that you don't need to.
During testing, we set this robotic cleaner up in a big house and were awed by how quickly and thoroughly it cleared floors without becoming bogged down. It's very mobile and can reach places that the majority of stand-up vacuums are unable to reach, like under beds and couches. It also has a great suction, a massive 500 ml dustbin and an over two-hour running time. It lacks the option to create no-go zones, and its recognition of objects is a bit hit-or-miss. We observed it crashing into objects on occasion during our tests, resulting in some vases falling over.
It's important to note that, no matter how intelligent a robot vacuum might be, it won't completely replace 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-access spaces. However, if you want to keep your floors free of pet hair, crumbs and other particles it's an ideal addition to your cleaning routine.
Most robot vacuums have sensor systems that help them navigate through obstacles and steps. They usually know the moment when they're going to fall down the stairs, for instance, and they detect areas that are cluttered and move around them. However, if you're not careful your robot-cleaner could be stuck on a cord or stray shoe and need some help.
Some robot vacuums come with mapping capabilities, which allow them to create an accurate floor plan of your home and pinpoint themselves. They can then identify which areas they've already cleaned and save time by not having to clean the same areas. This allows them to resume where they left off if they have to return to the charging dock.
Self-Emptying
A robot vacuum that automatically empties its dust bin when it is full is a great benefit. Certain models come with an indicator that allows you to see when the dust bin needs to empty. This is a great feature for anyone who has pets or children who tend to make more mess than adults.
Most robot vacuums let you choose whether the machine is controlled via a remote control or an app on your phone, or via voice commands. They offer a range of digital features including scheduling and maintenance tips. You can program your robot to clean on every week or on a regularly, using the right settings. You can also program it to mark and clean specific areas of your house.
The most intelligent robot vacuums we have tested are equipped with sensors and cameras which allow them to create maps of your home. You can save these maps within the robot's app and use them to navigate around your home. Some of these systems even remember 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 cleaning sessions. You can access these records via an app that you can install on your tablet or phone. The majority of them can be connected to your smart speaker, so you can control them using voice commands.
TP-Link Tapo RV30+ is self-emptying robot that provides great performance at a reasonable price. It can clean hardwood floors as well as carpets with low pile, and also remove pet hair and other particles. It's not as advanced as other robots we've reviewed, but it does its job very well.
The model's tank-like wheels permit it to go over obstacles such as cords that are tangled and high transitions in between rooms. It also has a large dust bin that doesn't need to be emptying manually, and it's also able to recharge and resume cleaning if it runs out of power. It's a bit more expensive than the other robotic vacuums we've tested but it combines powerful suction and simple controls to deliver a great value.
Voice Control
The majority of robot vacuums can be controlled by a remote or an app for a smartphone. Certain robot vacuums are operated by voice commands using smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home. This can be helpful if you have small children or pets who could get in the way of your cleaning or if you're tired to manage the robot manually.
Most models also include an automatic mode that works without input from you. Simply press a button on the robot or within the app, and it will start sucking up dirt, food crumbs, and pet hair. They can also 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 most expensive models include an advanced feature that utilizes artificial intelligence to scan your home and detect obstacles. These models can identify things like stairs, furniture power cords, and even different types of flooring. This helps them avoid such hazards which is particularly useful in larger homes that have lots of rugs and other floor coverings that are hard for robots to navigate.
Other robots are more basic in their ability to detect objects however they can still get the job done. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus, for instance, has the appearance of WiFi routers, but it has the performance of a high-end robot. It has excellent suction and can handle dirt and debris from hardwood floors and medium-pile rugs effortlessly. Its short and squat side brush is less likely to get caught in shoes or cords. The hybrid roller brush, which uses bristles as well as plastic, provides an efficient cleaning.
This model is pricier than other mid-range models, however, it is able to do everything you need from mopping and vacuuming with a robot. It can create and map a cleaning schedule as well as virtual keep-out zones, and is compatible with voice assistants. It doesn't have the same room-scanning feature and obstacle-avoiding capabilities as the j7 and the s8.