The Best Robot Vacuum 2023

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

And while they still can't perform as well of a job as a regular vacuum however, they've come a long way in recent years. They're smarter, more powerful and (marginally) better in avoiding the legs of chairs.

Smart Mapping

Utilizing navigational tools like sensors and lasers, robot vacuum cleaners navigate around your home, removing pet hair, crumbs, and dirt from their dustbins. They can be found on hard floors like laminate, wood, and tile, as well as low-pile carpets and area rugs. The most advanced robots can map your home so they can recall where they've been and avoid hitting obstructions like chairs, sofas and bookshelves you might want to keep out of the way. You can also set up no-go areas using your smartphone to alert your robot to avoid areas you don't want it to be able to keep.

Robots with advanced mapping capabilities, such as the Roomba j7, use processor-powered cameras and onboard sensors to see and avoid obstacles. Then, you can allow it to perform the job without having to continuously monitor the condition of your floor plan, or manually move obstacles from the robot's way. The TP Link Tapo RV30 plus is a robotic that does vacuuming and mopping, so it's an all-in-one solution for keeping your home clean. It has a powerful suction and works with Alexa or Google Assistant. It can self-empty and can also be used as a security camera.

A cheaper robot that vacuums, mops and can also be used as a trashcan, the Roborock Q Revo is a good choice for homes that don't need the advanced features of more expensive models. However, it does have some disadvantages when compared to Roomba J7 and S8. For one, it has a single rubber brush instead of the dual roller brushes that the other models have which means it won't be as effective at cleaning up larger particles like socks and shoes. It doesn't have AI obstacle avoidance, so you might need to get rid of clutter before running.

The iLife A4s Pro is a basic robot that's perfect for those who prefer simplicity and efficiency. It costs less than $200 and provides strong, consistent suction both on hardwood and low-pile carpets, while avoiding knots. It doesn't have any advanced features, but it does its job well. It is also compatible with voice commands. You can set it to run on a schedule or create zones of no-go zones with the app.

Object Detection

Object-avoidance technology can make or break the ability of a robot vacuum to navigate your home. Some of the models we've reviewed include sensors (or even cameras) which help your robo-cleaner avoid common traps for robots such as cords, toys for kids and pet mess. iRobot Roomba j7 is one of the most amazing examples of smart technology in action, is a fantastic example. It also has a stylish base that automatically emptys the trash bin so that you don't have to.

During testing, we set this robotic cleaner up in a huge house and were awed by how quickly and thoroughly it was able to clean floors without becoming bogged down. It's incredibly maneuverable and is able to reach places that stand-up vacuums are unable to can, like couches and under beds. It has a 500 ml dustbin, excellent suction and a runtime of over two hours. However, it isn't equipped with the ability to create no-go zones in the app and its detection of objects is somewhat erratic which means that we saw it bump into things occasionally during our tests (resulting in the tumbling of a few vase tops).

It's important to keep it in mind that, regardless of how clever a robot vacuum may be it isn't going to replace your upright or canister vacuum. It's not equipped to handle heavily soiled carpets, it won't be able to reach every corner, and it's not able to reach your ceilings or other difficult-to-access spaces. It's a great addition to your routine cleaning to remove hair, and pet dander.

Most robot vacuums have sensors that allow them to navigate around obstacles and stairs. They can sense when they're about fall down the stairs, for example and can also identify messy spaces and maneuver around them. If you're not careful, your robot-cleaner could be stuck on a cord, shoe, or other object.

Some smarter robot vacuums have mapping capabilities that allow them to design a floor plan of your house and locate themselves within it. This lets them know which areas they've already cleaned and avoid spending time cleaning the same areas. It also lets them continue where they left off if they need to return to their charging dock.

Self-Emptying

A vacuum cleaner that automatically empties its bins of dust once it's full is an incredible benefit. Some models even have windows that lets you see when the bin has to be emptied. This is a fantastic feature for anyone who has pets or children who make more mess than adults.

The majority of robot vacuums let you select whether the machine is controlled with an app, a remote on your phone or via voice commands. They offer a range of digital features, including scheduling and maintenance tips. You can program your robot to clean your house on a weekly or regularly, using the right settings. You can also program it to map and clean certain areas of your house.

Some of the most advanced robot vacuums we've tested are equipped with built-in cameras and smart sensor technology that lets them 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 systems will even remember the furniture layout and transitions between hardwood flooring and carpet.

Smart vacuums can save you time by cleaning entire homes automatically and keeping detailed records about the cleaning sessions that have occurred previously. You can access these records via an app for your tablet or phone. Most can also connect to your smart speaker so you can control them via voice commands.

TP-Link's Tapo RV30 Plus is an affordable, self-emptying robotic vacuum that provides high performance for the money. It can clean hardwood floors as well as carpets with low pile, as well as remove pet hair and other messes. It's not as advanced as some of the other robots we've reviewed, however, it does what it does well.

The model's tanks-like wheels allow it to go over obstacles like cords that are tangled and high transitions in between rooms. It also has a huge dust bin that doesn't have to be emptying manually, and it's able to recharge and resume cleaning if it's power-depleted. It's more expensive than some of the other robotic vacuums we've tested, but it blends powerful suction with simple controls to give you a good value.

Voice Control

The majority of robot vacuums can be controlled by a physical remote or an app that you can install 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 session or if you're tired to manage the robot manually.

Most models also include an automatic mode that works without any input from you. You can start the robot by pressing a button within the app or on the robot. These robots can be programmed to clean according to a schedule, making them ideal for people who best robot vacuum cleaner for carpet want to set and forget.

Some of the higher-end models include a sophisticated feature that uses artificial intelligence to scan and detect obstructions within your home. They can detect things like power cords, stairs as well as furniture, and even identify different types of floors. This helps robots avoid dangers. This is particularly useful in large homes with lots carpeting and other flooring coverings which are difficult for robots navigate.

Other robots have more basic abilities for object detection however they still manage to get the job done. One example is the TP-Link Tapo RV30 plus, that has the sleek elegant, easy-to-use design of a wifi hub but offers the performance of a top-notch bot. It has excellent suction and handles dirt and debris on carpets and hardwood floors effortlessly. The short and squat-shaped side brush is less likely to be caught in shoes or cords. The hybrid roller brush, that uses bristles as well as plastic, offers a thorough cleaning.

The model is more expensive than other robots that are in the middle of the range, but it does 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 stay out of. However, it does not have obstacles avoidance or room scanning like the j7 or S8.