The Best Robot Vacuum 2023
Keeping your floors clean isn't always simple, but robot vacuums make it easier. The best ones nab tracked-in dirt, crumbs, shedding pet hair, and more.
And while they still can't do as good of a job as a traditional vacuum cleaner however, they've come a long way in the past few years. They're smarter, more powerful and (marginally) better at avoiding chairs.
Smart Mapping
Robot vacuum cleaners employ instruments for navigation such as lasers and sensors to navigate through your home. They collect pet hair, crumbs, and dirt from hard floors like tile, wood, and laminate, and carpets with a low pile. The most sophisticated robots can map your home to help them keep track of where they've been and avoid hitting obstructions like chairs, sofas and bookshelves that you might want to keep out of your way. You can also use your smartphone app to set up no-go zones, which tell your robot to stay out of rooms that you don't want to clean.
Robots that have advanced mapping capabilities, such as the Roomba j7, utilize onboard cameras and processor-powered intelligents to detect and avoid obstacles. This means you can leave it alone to get an efficient cleaning without having to continually be checking the status of your floorplan or manually remove obstacles from the robot's path. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robotic that does vacuuming and mopping, so it's a one-stop solution to keep your home tidy. It has a great suction and works with Alexa or Google Assistant. It can self-empty and can also function as a security camera.
Roborock Q Revo, a less expensive robot that vacuums, mop and is also a robotic trashcan is a great choice 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. It has only one rubber brush instead of the dual roller brushes that the other models have and it may not be as effective at picking up larger debris like shoes and socks. It also doesn't have any AI obstacle avoidance, so it could be necessary to clear away clutter before running it.
The iLife A4s Pro robot is an easy-to-use reliable robot for those who value simplicity and proficiency. It's less than $200, and delivers consistent, strong suction on hardwood and low-pile rug and avoids tangles. It doesn't come with any fancy features, but it does its job well. It's also compatible with voice commands, which means you can run it on schedule or create zones that are not allowed to enter via the app.
Object Detection
Object-avoidance technology can affect a robot vacuum's ability to navigate around your home. Some of the models we've reviewed contain sensors (or even cameras) which help your robo-cleaner avoid common robot traps like cords, kids' toys and pet messes. iRobot Roomba j7, one of the most amazing examples of smart technology in action, is a fantastic example. It also comes with a stylish base that automatically emptys the dustbin so you don't need to.
During testing, we set this robotic cleaner up in a big house and were awed by the speed and efficiency with which it cleared floors without becoming bogged down. It is very maneuverable and can reach places that stand-up vacuums can't reach, like under couches and under beds. It also has excellent suction, a massive 500 ml dustbin and an over two-hour running time. However, it isn't equipped with the ability to create no-go zones within the app and its object detection is a little hit-or-miss, meaning we saw it occasionally bump into objects during our tests (resulting in the tumbling of a few vase).
It's important to keep in mind that no matter how intelligent a robot vacuum may be it won't replace your regular upright or canister vacuum. It's not able to clean carpets that have been heavily soiled. It's not able to reach ceilings or other difficult-to-access areas. However, to keep your floors clear of pet hair, crumbs and other particles it could be a good addition to your cleaning routine.
Sensors are integrated into the majority of robot vacuums, allowing them to navigate around obstacles and stairs. They are able to tell when they're about to fall down a staircase for instance, and detect areas that are cluttered and move around them. Nevertheless, if you're not cautious your robot-cleaner could be stuck on a cord or shoe and require assistance.
Some robot vacuums are equipped with mapping capabilities that permit them to create an accurate floor plan of your home and also locate themselves. They can then identify which areas they have cleaned, and save time by not having to clean the same areas. This allows them to continue where they left off, in the event that they have to return to the charging dock.
Self-Emptying
A robot vacuum that automatically empty its dust bin once it is full is a great convenience. Some models have a window that allows you to observe when the bin has to be empty. This is a fantastic option for anyone with pets or children who tend to create more mess than adults.
Most robot vacuums let you choose whether the machine is controlled by a remote control, an app for your phone, or via voice commands. They also have a variety of digital functions, including maintenance and scheduling suggestions. Using the right settings, you can set your robot to clean at a regular time or on an annual basis. You can also program the robot to mark out and clean specific areas of your home.
The most advanced robot vacuums we've tested are equipped with sensors and cameras, which enable them to create maps for your home. You can save these maps to the robot's app and use them to navigate through your home. Some of these systems can even remember furniture placement and note the transitions between hard floors and robot cleaner with mop carpet.
Smart vacuums help you save time by mapping and cleaning entire homes by themselves and also keeping detailed records about the previous cleaning sessions. You can access these records through an app on your tablet or phone. Many of them can be connected to your smart speaker, so that you can control them using voice commands.
TP-Link Tapo RV30+ is self-emptying robot that provides excellent performance at a low cost. It can clean hardwood floors and low-pile carpets, and remove pet hair and other debris. It's not as advanced as the other robots we've reviewed but it does its job well.
This model's tank-like wheels allow it to glide over obstacles like cords that get caught up and high transitions within 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 runs out of power. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other robotic vacuums that we've tested but it combines powerful suction with simple controls to give you a good value.
Voice Control
The majority of robot vacuums are controlled via a remote control or an app that runs on smartphones. Certain robot vacuums are controlled by voice commands using smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home. This is a great option when your robot has to clean up and you have pets or children that could interfere.
The majority of models have an automatic mode that works without input from you. You can start the robot by pressing a button within the app or on the robot. The robots can be programmed to clean on a regular schedule, which is ideal for those who want to program it to forget about it.
Some of the higher-end models come with an advanced feature which uses artificial intelligence to detect and scan the presence of obstacles within your home. They can detect things like power cords, stairs, and furniture, and even distinguish between different types of flooring. This can help robots avoid dangers. This is especially useful in large homes that have lots of carpeting and other flooring coverings which are difficult for robots navigate.
Some robots are more basic in their ability to detect objects however they can still do the job. One example is the TP-Link Tapo RV30 plus, which has the clean elegant, easy-to-use design of a WiFi hub, but boasts a lot of the performance of a top robot. It has excellent suction and can handle dirt and debris from carpets and hardwood floors with ease. Its squat, short side brushes are less likely to get tangled in stray shoes and cords, and its hybrid roller brush makes use of bristles and plastic rather than bristles in traditional form for a more thorough cleaning.
It's more expensive than other mid-range models, but it can do everything you require from a robot vacuum and mop. It can create and map a cleaning schedule, has virtual keep-out zones and is compatible with voice assistants. However, it doesn't have obstacles avoidance or room scanning like the S8 or j7.