The Best Robot Vacuum 2023

Robot vacuums can make cleaning your floors a breeze. The best robot vacuums are able to pick up tracked-in dirt and pet hair, crumbs and much more.

And while they still can't do the same job as a regular vacuum however, they've come a long way over the last few years. They're more efficient, smarter and (marginally) better in avoiding the legs of chairs.

Smart Mapping

Robot vacuum cleaners use tools for navigation, like lasers and sensors to navigate around your home. They remove pet hair, crumbs, and dirt from hard floors like tile, wood, and laminate, and carpets and area rugs with low piles. The most advanced robots can map your house, to help them recall where they've been and avoid hitting obstacles like chairs, sofas and bookshelves that you may want to keep out of the way. You can also use the smartphone app to create no-go zones, which tell your robot not to enter rooms it doesn't want to clean.

Robots that have advanced mapping capabilities like the Roomba J7, use the onboard camera and processor-powered intelligence to see and avoid obstructions. This means you can let the robot to perform an efficient cleaning without having to constantly check the status of your floorplan, or manually move obstacles out of the robot's path. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus is a robot that can combine vacuuming and mopping, so it's an all-in-one solution for keeping your home clean. It has a great suction and is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. It also comes with a handy self-emptying feature that can be used as a security camera.

Roborock Q Revo, a less expensive robot that vacuums, mops and is also an automated trashcan, is a good option for homes without the need for more advanced features. There are some drawbacks in comparison to Roomba S8 and J7. It's got one brush instead of dual roller brushes, which means it might not be as efficient at picking up larger pieces of debris like shoes and socks. It also doesn't have any AI obstacle avoidance, which means it could be necessary to get rid of clutter prior to running it.

The iLife A4s Pro is a basic robot that's perfect for those who value simplicity and efficiency. It costs less than $200 and offers strong, consistent suction on both hardwood and low-pile carpets and avoids tangles with rug threads. It's not the most advanced however it's a good choice. It's also compatible with voice commands, which means you can set it up on schedule or even set up zones that aren't allowed to be entered via the app.

Object Detection

Object-avoidance technology can make or break the robot's ability to navigate your home. Some models on our list contain sensors (or even cameras) which help your robo-cleaner avoid common traps for robots, such as cords, kids' toys and pet messes. iRobot's Roomba J7 is among the most impressive examples of this type of smart technology in action. It also has a stylish clean base that emptys the garbage bin automatically so you don't have to.

During our tests the robotic cleaner up in a large home and were amazed by how quickly and thoroughly it cleared floors without getting sluggish. It is very maneuverable and can reach areas that the majority of stand-up vacuums are unable to, such as under beds and couches. It also has a great suction, a huge 500 ml dustbin, and an over two-hour runtime. It lacks the option to set up no-go zones and its recognition of objects isn't exactly reliable. We observed it bumping into things in our tests on occasion and resulted in vases falling over.

It's important to note that despite how smart the robot vacuum might appear, it won't completely replace your upright or canister vacuum. It's not equipped to clean carpets with a lot of dirt. It's not able to reach ceilings or other difficult-to-reach areas. It's an excellent addition to your regular cleaning routine for removing crumbs, pet dander, and hair.

Sensor systems are built into most robot vacuums to assist them navigate around obstacles and stairs. They can sense when they're about fall down the stairs, for instance and can also identify cluttered spaces and move around them. If you're not careful your robot cleaner could become stuck on a cord, shoe or any other object.

Some of the smarter robot vacuums come with the ability to map, which allows them to design an outline of your house and locate themselves within it. This lets them know what areas they've already cleaned and avoid the hassle of going over the same spots. It also lets them continue where they left off in case they need to return to their charging dock.

Self-Emptying

A robot vacuum that will automatically empty its bin after it is full is a wonderful convenience. Some models even have windows so you can see the time when the bin must be empty. This feature is great for those who have pets or children, who are likely to create a lot more mess than adults.

The majority of robot vacuums allow you to select whether the machine will be controlled via a remote control, an app on your smartphone, or by voice commands. They have a number of digital features including scheduling and maintenance tips. With the correct settings, you can program your robot to clean at a regular time or on an annual basis. You can also program the robot to clean and map out specific areas of your home.

Some of the most advanced robot vacuums we've tested are equipped with built-in cameras and smart sensor technology that allows 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 best robot vacuums systems can even keep track of furniture placement and even note transitions from hard floors to carpet.

Smart vacuums can save you time by mapping and cleaning entire homes automatically and keeping detailed records of the previous cleaning sessions. You can access the records using an app on your tablet or smartphone. The majority of them can be connected to your smart speaker so you can control them via voice commands.

TP-Link Tapo RV30+ is self-emptying robot that provides excellent performance at a low price. It can clean floors and sweep pet hair and other debris from low-pile and hardwood rugs. It's not as advanced as other robots we've reviewed, however, it does what it does efficiently.

The model's tank-like wheels permit it to roll over obstacles like cords that are tangled and high transitions in between rooms. It has a huge bin that doesn't have to be manually emptied, and can recharge itself and resume cleaning if it runs out power. It's a bit more expensive than other robotic vacuums we've tested, but it blends powerful suction with simple controls to deliver a great value.

Voice Control

The majority of robot vacuums can be controlled by 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 run them using voice commands. This is a great option if your robot needs to be cleaned and you have pets or children that could interfere.

Most models also include an automatic mode that works without any input from you. Simply press a button on the robot or within the app and it will begin taking in food particles, and pet hair. The robots can also be programmed to clean on a regular schedule, which is ideal for those who want to make it easy to set it and forget it.

Some of the higher-end models include a sophisticated feature which uses artificial intelligence to detect and scan obstructions within your home. These models can detect things like furniture, stairs power cords, even different types of flooring. This can help them avoid these hazards which is especially helpful in larger homes with lots of carpets and floor coverings that are hard 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, that has the sleek and easy-to-use appearance of a wifi hub but offers the performance of a top robot. It has a powerful suction that can take care of dirt and debris from medium-pile rugs and hardwood floors. Its short and squat side brush is less likely to be caught in shoes or cords. The hybrid roller brush, that uses bristles as well as plastic, gives a thorough cleaning.

This model is pricier than other mid-range robots but it does everything you need from mopping and vacuuming with a robot. It can create a cleaning schedule and create one. It also has virtual zones that you can stay clear of. However, it does not have the ability to scan rooms or avoid obstacles like the j7 or S8.