The Best Robot Vacuum 2023

Keeping your floors clean isn't always easy but robot vacuums can help. The best ones can remove tracked-in dirt, crumbs and shed pet hair, and more.

While they can't perform like an ordinary vacuum cleaner, they've come a long ways in the last few years. They're more intelligent and powerful, and (marginally better) in avoiding chair leg.

Smart Mapping

Using navigation tools like lasers and sensors, robotic vacuum cleaners work their way through your home, sucking pet hair, crumbs, and dirt into their dustbins from hard floors like laminate, wood and tile, as well as area rugs and carpets with low pile. Robots that are the most advanced maps your home so they know where they've been and can avoid bumping into obstacles like couches, chairs, and bookshelves. You can also use your smartphone app to set up zones that prohibit your robot to stay out of rooms that you don't want to clean.

Robots with advanced mapping capabilities, like the Roomba j7, utilize processor-powered cameras and onboard sensors to detect and avoid obstacles. Then, you can allow it to complete the task without having to continuously monitor the state of your floorplan or manually remove obstacles from the robot's way. The TP-Link Tapo RV30 plus is a robot that can combine mopping and vacuuming, which means it's a one-stop solution for keeping your home clean. It has a great suction, and also is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. It also has a useful self-emptying feature, and can be used as a security camera.

A cheaper robot that mops, vacuums and can even be used as a trashcan, the Roborock Q Revo is a excellent choice for homes that don't need the more advanced features of more expensive models. However, it does have some disadvantages compared to the Roomba S8 and j7. It uses only one brush, not dual roller brushes, so it may 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 you might need to get rid of clutter prior to running it.

The iLife A4s Pro robot is an easy-to-use reliable and reliable robot that is ideal for those who appreciate simplicity and competence. It's priced at less than $200, and offers strong, consistent suction both on hardwood and low-pile rugs, while avoiding knots. It's not the most advanced however it's a good choice. It's also compatible with voice commands, which means you can run it on a schedule or set up zones that aren't allowed to be entered using the app.

Object Detection

The use of object-avoidance technology can affect the ability of a robot vacuum navigate through your home. Some of the models we've reviewed include sensors (or even cameras) that help your robo-cleaner avoid common traps for robots, such as cords, kids' toys and pet messes. iRobot Roomba J7, one of the most impressive examples of intelligent technology in motion, is an excellent example. It also features a chic clean base that empties the dustbin automatically so you don't have to.

During testing we set up the robotic cleaner in a large home and were impressed with how quickly and thoroughly the floors were cleaned without becoming a mess. It's incredibly maneuverable and can get to places that most stand-up vacs cannot reach, such as under sofas and under beds. It also has excellent suction, a massive 500-milliliter dustbin and over two-hour running time. However, it isn't equipped with the ability to set no-go zones within the app and its object detection is somewhat erratic and we did see it bump into things occasionally during our tests (resulting in a few tipped vase).

It's important to keep it in mind that, regardless of how smart a robot vacuum may be it won't replace your upright or canister vacuum. It can't deal with heavily soiled carpets, it won't be able to reach every corner, and won't be able to reach your ceilings or other difficult-to-access areas. However, if you want to keep your floors clear of crumbs, pet hair, dander and other debris, it can be a good addition to your cleaning routine.

Sensor systems are built into the majority of robot vacuums to assist them navigate around obstacles and stairs. They are able to tell when they're about fall down the stairs, for instance, and can also recognize cluttered spaces and move around them. Nevertheless, if you're not cautious your robot-cleaner could be stuck on a cord or shoe and need some help.

Some robot vacuums come with mapping capabilities that allow them to create an precise floor plan of your house and pinpoint themselves. They will then be able to identify the areas they have cleaned and can save time by not having to go over the same areas. This lets them resume the same place they left off should they need to return to the charging dock.

Self-Emptying

A robot vacuum that will automatically empty its bin after it is full is an excellent convenience. Certain models come with a window that allows you to know when the bin needs to empty. This feature is great for those who have pets or children, who can create much more mess than adults.

Most robot vacuums allow you to choose whether the machine is controlled by a remote control or an app for your smartphone or voice commands. They also come with a variety of digital features, including maintenance and scheduling suggestions. Using the right settings, you can set your robot to clean at a regular time, or on a weekly basis. You can also program the robot to clean and map out specific areas of your home.

Some of the most intelligent robot vacuums we've tested are equipped with built-in cameras and smart sensor technology that allows them to create maps of your home. These can be saved in the robot's application so that you can easily navigate to specific rooms or areas of your home. Some of these systems can even remember furniture placement and note the transitions between hard floors and carpet.

The most effective smart vacuums will save you time by automatically mapping and cleaning entire houses and keeping precise records of previous cleaning sessions. You can access these records using an app that you can install on your tablet or phone. Many can also connect to your smart speaker so you can control them using voice commands.

TP-Link's Tapo RV30 Plus is an affordable, self-emptying robot vacuum that provides excellent performance for the price. It can clean floors and sweep pet hair and other particles from hardwood and low-pile rugs. It's not as advanced as some of the other robots we've reviewed but it does what it does well.

The model's tank-like wheels permit it to glide over obstacles like cords that are tangled and high transitions between rooms. It comes with a large bin that does not need to be emptying manually and it can charge itself and resume cleaning if it runs out power. It's more expensive compared to other robotic vacuums we've tested but it combines powerful suction and here easy controls to provide excellent value.

Voice Control

The majority of robot vacuums can be controlled using a remote or an app that you can install on your smartphone. Some models can also be integrated with smart speakers such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, allowing you to operate them with voice commands. This can be helpful when you have pets or children who might get in the way of your cleaning, or if you're too tired to manage the robot manually.

The majority of models come with an automatic mode that operates without your input. Simply press a button on the robot or within the app and it will begin sucking up dirt, food crumbs, and pet hair. They can also be programmed to clean up on a regular basis which is great for those who want to make it easy to set it and forget it.

Some of the most expensive models include an advanced feature that makes use of artificial intelligence to look around your home and identify obstacles. They can detect things like stairs, power cords as well as furniture, and they can also discern between different kinds of flooring. This can help robots avoid hazards. This is especially helpful in homes with large areas of rugs and other floorcoverings that are difficult for robots to navigate.

Other robots are more basic in their object detection capabilities however they still manage to accomplish the task. One example is the TP-Link Tapo RV30 plus, that has the sleek, fuss-free appearance of a WiFi hub but has the capabilities of a top-of-the-line robot. It has a powerful suction and can clean dirt and debris on medium-pile carpets and hardwood floors. Its short, squat-shaped side brushes are less likely to become stuck in stray shoes or cords, and its hybrid roller brush makes use of bristles and plastic instead of bristles in traditional form for a more thorough cleaning.

This model is more expensive than other models that are in the middle of the range, but it does everything you'd expect from a robot mop and vacuum. It can map and create a cleaning schedule, has virtual keep-out zones, and is compatible with voice assistants. However, it does not have room-scanning or obstacle avoidance like the j7 or S8.