How To Beat Your Boss Best Robot Vacuums
Best Robot Vacuums and Mop CombosThe best way to keep your home tidy is to use a robotic vacuum. It can pick up dust, pet hair, and other surface debris.
Some robots are able to sync with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant to provide a hands-free environment. Look for models that recharge and resume cleaning where they left off.
1. iRobot s8
This smart robot vacuum and mop combination is a great option for a wide range of homes. It vacuums and mops well and has a great navigation system that includes both GPS and laser sensors and has a wide range of features and controls that are available via the app. It also comes with a useful feature that allows you to create Cleaning zones for specific areas that require more attention, as well as Keep Out zones where you don't want it to move. It also gets software updates, like the other Roomba products, which enhance it over time.
It's expensive but it's also one of the most advanced robot vacuums ZDNet has tested. It has a high-powered battery that can sweep a large area in less than two hours. Additionally, it can switch between mopping and vacuuming at the touch of one button. And unlike other self-emptying robots that require you to empty the dust bin after each run, it automatically emptys itself into the larger waste container that is above its charging dock.
It also has many other features, including intelligent obstacle avoidance, which utilizes cameras and processor-powered smarts in order to detect obstacles. It's not often tripped or stuck during a cleaning process. In my tests it was the best in avoiding objects such as power cables. It's not as precise in detecting pet waste, or other dangers.
2. Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid
While the Anker-owned Eufy has made an impact in the field of low-cost robot vacuums, it hasn't previously offered an all-in-one model that can also mop. The X8 Hybrid is a new model that comes with a variety of modern features and can compete with more expensive models.
Laser navigation is the main selling point of this machine. The X8 utilizes a laser mapping system that is more precise than previous Eufy devices. It takes less time to create a comprehensive map of your home. It can also store multiple maps. This is perfect for multi-floored homes.
The X8 is a great vacuum cleaner on bare floors. It can easily sling debris under the side brushes and into the 400ml dustbin. The tyres are adept at hugging edges and corners even though they're circular. It's not a great kitty litter picker, though as our tests show it only removes about 90% of the fur from hard floors.
There's a mopping mode that utilizes the same water tank as the vacuuming one. This is great for spills that are not serious, but you can't regulate the amount of water it consumes. That said, it does an admirable job of removing pet hair, with a higher percentage of hair removal than the Roborock S7.
3. Miele RX2
Miele's RX2 robotic vacuum is known for its quiet, powerful appliances. It features a stunning design, superb navigation and an impressive cleaning power. There are a few niggles in its operation, which prevent it from being named the best smart robot vacuum.
The RX2 is equipped with a dual-sensor mapping technology which uses LIDAR to map an area as well as a pair of 3D scanning cameras to detect and staying clear of obstacles (such as furniture legs or pet waste). Once the room is mapped, the app lets you create virtual no-go zones as well as favorite sections that the robot will automatically clean. You can also start a manual clean or manually change the cleaning mode, see a live feed from the cameras onboard and more on the main screen.
The RX2 has superior sensors that can identify furniture and other obstructions in a flash. Its sweeping and suction power are top of the line cleaning up surface debris from carpets with medium piles and dust in bare floors. But it's not the most flexible robot available. It's not the greatest climber and has issues with transition strips made of metal.
Some people buy robot vacuums due to the ease of setting up a schedule check here on an app, and then forgetting about them for weeks. It is essential that a robot is capable of the task so our ZDNet staff has tested and reviewed some of the most popular models in order to help you select the right one for your home.
4. Shark ION
This round, budget robovac looks just like your typical robot but it's an upgrade in performance and features. Its smart mapping system generates 2D and 3D maps of your home, and uses them to navigate around obstacles and avoid them. It's also able to detect common obstacles such as power cords and furniture legs in real-time. This combination of sensors together with a bump sensor, and an infrared drop sensor which keeps it off the stairs is what makes it one of the fastest vacuums we've tried.
In our tests, it effortlessly could climb over the thick shag rug and didn't get stuck on them (like the RoboVac 11s or Roomba 690). Its navigation abilities were also impressive as its score for composite tests on carpet and bare floors topped the competition and it was able to pick up 98.5 percent of surface pet hair and litter from our lab test samples.
The controls are more basic than the competition's. There is a cleaning button at the top and you can choose to start it using the app or voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also schedule weekly or daily cleanings, designate no-go zones and check its history of cleaning. Ion is clad in a stylish dark gray plastic that feels and looks attractive in your home. Its rear dustbin is easily accessible for emptying, and removing the filters is also a breeze.
5. Eufy 11S
Eufy 11S is a great option if you're looking for a robot vacuum that's simple and doesn't have any frills at a low cost. It lacks some of the smart features, such as digital mapping and Alexa integration, which are found in more expensive models, however, if you don't require these functions, you can save a little money with this model.
This robot is very easy to install and use. It doesn't require smartphone application or Wi-Fi pairing. However, it does come with an remote control that lets you choose between various modes and adjust the suction levels. You can also set up a manual schedule to set the robotvac to a cleaning schedule.
During our tests during our tests, the 11S was very effective at removing pet hair and dirt on hard floors and carpets with low pile. Its slim profile allowed it to fit under furniture with low hanging and other objects that larger robots are unable to reach. It was also able to easily get over thresholds for doors and move from one type of floor to another.
The 11S, like other robots, can also eat some items, including cords and cat toys. The manufacturer states that you can prevent this by keeping these items off the floor and by using a cord organizer if possible. It also suggests that you periodically clean the dustbin, replace the filters, and wash or change the brushes when necessary.
6. iRobot Roomba 980
The Roomba is the flagship model of iRobot's robot vacuum. It's expensive but it's a top performer and, in some ways, the most advanced robot vacuum you can purchase. Its self-navigating features and environmental mapping are truly a marvel to behold. It also comes with more advanced automation features than most competitors, including the ability to set virtual boundary lines with its mobile app. Although its app isn't the most responsive, and the 980 does spin a bit when moving over cables, it's still a highly efficient robot vacuum.
We really like the 980 because it uses its iAdapt2.0 navigation sensors as well as visual simultaneity localisation and mapping (or vSLAM) to remember your home's floor plan. It will then use this information to design a consistent and efficient cleaning path for each cycle. The result is cleaner floors and a better robot vacuum than many high-end robotics.
Other features of the 980 include dual multi-surface brushes that capture dirt on carpets and hard floors and an ejector brush that spins to sweep debris into the robotic vacuum’s bin. The sensors for floor tracking help it navigate around furniture and along edges, and Cliff Detect prevents the Roomba from falling down stairs. It will automatically return to its base station to ensure hassle-free charging between sessions. Although the 980's battery life and bin size aren't as efficient as other robot vacuums, it's a sturdy and reliable machine that can keep your floors clean for hours at a time.