The Best Robot Vacuum 2023

Cleaning your floors isn't always simple however, robot vacuums help. The best ones nab tracked-in dirt, crumbs, shed pet hair, and more.

While they can't perform like the regular vacuum cleaner, they have made significant progress in the past few years. They're more efficient, smarter and (marginally) better in avoiding the legs of chairs.

Smart Mapping

Utilizing navigational tools like sensors and lasers, robot vacuum cleaners move through your home, sucking pet hair, crumbs, and dirt into their bins from hard floors like laminate, wood and tile and area rugs and carpets with low pile. Robots that are the most advanced map your home, so they know where they've been and how to avoid hitting obstacles like chairs, sofas and bookshelves. You can also set up no-go zones on your smartphone to tell your robot to avoid areas you don't want it to keep clean.

Robots that have advanced mapping capabilities, such as the Roomba j7, utilize processor-powered cameras and onboard sensors to detect and avoid obstacles. It can then be left to perform the job without having to keep an eye on the condition of your floor plan, or manually move obstacles from the robot's way. The TP Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robot that combines mopping with vacuuming. It's a one-stop solution to keep your home tidy. 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 a security camera.

A less expensive robot that vacuums, mops and can even be used as a trashcan, the Roborock Q Revo is a good choice for homes that don't need the more advanced features of higher-end models. However, it has some limitations in comparison to Roomba S8 and j7. It's got only one brush, not dual roller brushes, which means it may not be as efficient at picking up larger objects like shoes and socks. It also doesn't have any AI obstacle avoidance, which means you may need to get rid of any clutter prior to running it.

The iLife A4s Pro robot is a simple reliable and reliable robot that is ideal for those who appreciate simplicity and proficiency. It costs less than $200 and offers strong, consistent suction on both hardwood and low-pile carpets and also avoids tangles caused by rug threads. It's not the most advanced however, it's effective. It is also compatible with voice commands. It can be set up on a schedule, or create no-go zones using the app.

Object Detection

Object-avoidance technologies can make or break the ability of a robot vacuum to navigate through your home. Some models on our list have sensors (or even cameras) which help your robo-cleaner avoid common robot traps like cords, toys for kids and pet messes. IRobot's Roomba J7 is among the most impressive examples of this type of technology in action. It also comes with a stylish base that automatically empties the garbage bin, so you don't need to.

During our tests the robot, we set the cleaner up in a huge house and were awed by the speed and efficiency with which it cleaned up floors without getting bogged down. It's extremely maneuverable and can reach areas that the majority of stand-up vacuums are unable to 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 lacks the ability to create zones that are not allowed to be used and its object detection is a bit hit-or-miss and we did see it hit things a few times during our tests (resulting in the tumbling of a few vases).

It is important to keep in mind that no matter how clever the robot vacuum is it isn't going to substitute for your upright or canister vacuum. It's not able to clean carpets with a lot of dirt. It's not able to reach ceilings or other areas that are difficult to reach. However, if you want to keep your floors clear of crumbs, pet hair and other particles it could be an ideal addition to your routine of cleaning.

The majority of robot vacuums have sensor systems that help them navigate around obstacles and stairs. They are able to tell when they're about to fall down a staircase, for instance, and they can also recognize cluttered areas and move around them. However, if you're not vigilant the robo-cleaner may become stuck on a cord or shoe and require assistance.

Some robot vacuums are equipped with mapping capabilities that allow them to create an precise floor plan of your house and locate themselves. They will then be able to identify the areas they've already cleaned and reduce time by not having to clean the same areas. It also lets them continue the same place they left off, should they need to return to their charging dock.

Self-Emptying

A vacuum cleaner that can automatically empty its bin after it is full is an excellent convenience. Some models also have a window so you can see when the bin needs to be empty. This is a fantastic option for anyone with pets or children who make more mess than adults.

The majority of robot vacuums let you select whether the machine is controlled via a remote control or an app for your phone, or via voice commands. They also come with a variety of digital functions, including maintenance and scheduling. If you set the right settings, you can schedule your robot to clean on a regular time or on an annual basis. You can also program it to clean specific areas of the 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 app to easily navigate around your home. Some of these systems even remember the furniture placement and transitions between hard flooring and carpet.

Smart vacuums help you save time by mapping and cleaning entire homes automatically and keeping detailed records of previous cleaning sessions. You can access these records through an app that you can install on your tablet or phone. They can also be connected to your smart speaker so you can control them using voice commands.

TP-Link's Tapo RV30 Plus is an read more inexpensive, self-emptying robot vacuum that delivers good performance for the money. It can clean hardwood floors and carpets with low pile, and also remove pet hair and other particles. It's not as sophisticated as other robots we've reviewed, however it does the job well.

This model's tank-like wheels allow it to go over obstacles such as tangled cords and high transitions in between rooms. It comes with a large bin that doesn't have to be empty manually and it can charge itself and restart cleaning when it is unable to continue cleaning. It's more expensive than the other robotic vacuums that we've tested but it combines powerful suction and simple controls to provide a fantastic value.

Voice Control

Most robot vacuums can be controlled via a physical remote or an app on your smartphone. Some can also integrate with smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home, allowing you to control them using voice commands. This is a great option if you have small pets or children that could hinder your cleaning, or if you're too exhausted to control the robot by hand.

Many models also come with an automatic mode that works without input from you. Simply press a button on the robot or in the app and it will begin sucking up dirt, food hair, and crumbs. These robots can also be programmed to clean on a regular schedule, which is ideal for those who prefer to make it easy to set it and forget it.

Certain models that are more expensive come with an advanced feature that uses artificial intelligence to scan and detect obstructions within your home. These models can identify things like stairs, power cords and furniture, and they can also identify different types of flooring. This helps them avoid such hazards which is particularly useful in larger homes with lots of rugs and other flooring materials that are difficult for robots to navigate.

Some robots are more basic in their object detection abilities however, they still get the job done. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus, for example is similar to a wifi router but offers the performance of a top-of-the-line robot. It has a powerful suction and can handle dirt and debris on medium pile rugs and hardwood floors. Its short, squat-shaped side brushes are less likely to be stuck in stray shoes or cords and its hybrid roller brush makes use of bristles and plastic, rather than the traditional bristle brush to provide an even more thorough cleaning.

The model is more expensive than other models that are in the middle of the range but it has everything you'd expect from a robot vacuum and mop. It can draw out the cleaning schedule and then create one. It also has virtual zones to keep out of. It doesn't offer the same room-scanning and obstacle avoidance as the j7 or s8.