The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuuming is a major cause of many lives, but robot vacuums make it a little more enjoyable. Modern models can also mop and even climb (small) steps.

Some have a smaller bin which they empty themselves. Others are controlled with a smartphone app rather than an actual remote. Some have mapping capabilities that help them navigate your home more effectively.

1. Power

Our top pick for robot vacuums has suction power of 8,000Pa, which is enough to get rid of even the most difficult dirt patches and hairs. Its super-thin square design allows it to slide underneath furniture such as beds and sofas and its Dual-Laser LiDAR technology provides precise navigation and accurate obstacle avoidance. It is also great at cleaning pet hair, baking powder and other debris that can be found near corners and baseboards.

In addition to the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, other high-powered bots on this list include the IRobot Roomba j7+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra includes a docking station which automatically performs maintenance. It also comes with mopping capabilities. Its powerful suction, coupled with its efficient mopping, ensured my floors were free of pet hair, muddy prints, and other debris on all floors we test.

In the lower cost range, a model with a suction capacity of around 2,500Pa is sufficient for the majority of homes. These models are quieter, making them a better option for people with hearing issues. They're not silent but they're not about the same as normal conversations at home.

To get the most effective mix of usability and power take into consideration your cleaning needs and budget. For frequent light-duty cleaning you will require a longer time-to-run and less suction is needed. Cleaning that is heavy-duty every week requires maximum power. Take a look at your flooring, home layouts and cleaning schedules in order to select the best model for your needs. We recommend looking through our full list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings for more details on the most recent models available. Many users have reported that their carpets and floors appear cleaner after using a robotic vacuum.

2. Navigation

A robot vacuum can't do its job well when it doesn't know how to navigate your home. This is why the most effective robots depend on sophisticated navigation systems that consistently scans rooms and builds maps to ensure thorough cleaning without getting lost or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot navigation: LiDAR-based camera-based and sensor-based.

The most expensive models employ LiDAR to create a virtual map of the room. This model offers the highest levels of precision and efficiency. Bump sensors are employed in less expensive models, but they can be inaccurate and miss a lot debris when working in dark environments. Most robots are equipped with cliff sensors that prevent them from falling off stairs or other drops.

Several robots in my tests used object recognition to deftly navigate objects such as fake cords and dog turds, but the most effective was the Eufy X10. It was equipped with powerful oscillating mop heads, a user friendly app, and superb mapping capabilities.

Other features worth considering include floor type sensors that recognize carpets that are hard and soft and automatically boost suction power when required. Certain robots, like the Roborock mop, utilize a mopping pad lift to reach corners and eliminate dried spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solution on staining that is difficult to remove.

A smaller size of the bin will require less frequent emptying, whereas bigger ones will save money on replacements. The cheapest robotic cleaners typically use a small disposable dust bag, while most mid-range models have larger 3L dustbins that last for ages. Some premium robots like the ECOVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station can self-empty and refill their water tank for hands-free convenience.

3. App control

The majority of robot vacuums have an app that monitors cleaning progress and schedule cleaning sessions. They also connect to smart home devices. Many robot vacuums can be controlled by voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with an on-screen remote that allows you to begin, pause, and return to dock. Choose a model that has a larger dustbin and can self-empty instead of one that needs manual emptying.

Some robovacs come with mapping technology that can help them remember obstacles, such as stairs, and avoid hitting furniture. Others allow you to designate no-go zones and targeted rooms, ensuring that they only clean the areas that require it the most. They also have a cliff sensor to prevent them from falling, which is particularly useful in multi-level homes.


If you plan to utilize your robot vacuum to clean your rugs, opt for a model that can do both dry mopping and wet. You'll be able to get better results from a robot vac that can remove its own mop pad, too, which you can then rinse and reconnect when it's time for another cleaning cycle. Find robots that have a rubber roller. It will be less likely to get caught from pet hair or other particles. Examine the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that may have gotten stuck on. Make sure to do this at least twice per week. If you notice they are beginning to get clogged up it could be time to replace parts.

4. Collection of debris

Robot vacuums are designed according to the name to remove dust and other debris from your floors. The best ones are able to pick fine particles such as baking soda and sand as as larger pieces like orzo pasta, screws made of metal, and pet hair. They also have better results on low pile carpets than many manual vacuums.

In all flooring types, the top robots had pickup scores of more than 95 percent. The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI and the Roborock Q Revo were the two best-performing bots in this category. Both are highly automated equipped with docking stations that do maintenance on their own and app features which make them extremely user-friendly.

They both have self-emptying bins that automatically empty the wastebasket. They can also clean the washboard while they mowing. They also have suction of 8,000Pa and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that can help them find their way around even the most challenging spaces. The ECOVACS model is also one of the few robots that we tested that can remove its mop pads and vacuum carpet, which makes it the best choice for those who have to switch between mopping and vacuuming frequently.

If you're seeking a lower-cost option, look into the Roomba Combo J7 from iRobot Plus, our budget-friendly pick. It offers LIDAR navigation at a reasonable price and a decent debris collection performance. It's a bit slow to map rooms and is susceptible to crashing into obstacles, however, it's cheaper than our other top-rated picks.

5. Battery life

The most effective robot vacuums let you move about your day while they keep your floors in perfect condition. You'll still have to manually vacuum your home every so often but robovacs can aid in maintaining a certain level of cleanliness and even clean when you are away.

To maximize the time you can get out of your robovac, look for the model that has a high battery life. A good rule of thumb is to expect a robovac to last for around two complete cleaning sessions when you run it on the highest power setting. This is not as long as a full-sized vacuum cleaner, but it is enough to be sufficient for most homes. If best inexpensive robot vacuum don't wish to wait while your robovac recharges you can opt for one that automatically returns to the base station to charge.

If you're looking for a robot that can do a bit of everything, think about an all-in-one robot that is able to mop as well. Eufy's X10 is the most effective model in this category, offers self-emptying and self-refilling for the dust bin and the water tank and mop pad. It can even be programmed to automatically re-fill and wash mops when they're running low.

The clear winner of our tests is the Dyson V810 because of its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, superb hair pickup, tangle-free performance, and an almost perfect auto empty score. It's not cheap, however and unless you have a a small home with no pets, it could be too expensive for some. The runner-up one, the Dreametech D10+, has very similar performance however it costs 25 percent less.