Best Robot Vacuums and Mop Combos
The best way to keep your home clean is with a robot vacuum. It can remove dust, pet hair, and other particles from the floor before it becomes a larger problem.
Some robots can sync with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant to provide a environment that is hands-free. Look for models that can be recharged and continue cleaning the area they left.
1. iRobot S8
This smart robot mop and vacuum is an excellent choice for many households. It comes with a fantastic navigation system with GPS and laser sensors. It also comes with a lot of features and control options that can be accessed through the app. It has a handy feature that lets you create Cleaning zones in areas that require extra attention, and Keep Out zones in areas that you don't wish it to go. And, like all Roomba devices, it is updated with new software updates that make it even better over time.
It's expensive but is also among the most advanced robot vacuums ZDNet has ever tested. It's equipped with a powerful battery that can vacuum an entire home in less than two hours. Additionally, it can switch between mopping and vacuuming by pressing one button. And, unlike other self-emptying robots that require you to empty the bin after each run, this one automatically emptys itself into an even larger waste container on top of its charging dock.
It's got a range of other features that make it a good option for most homes with its intelligent obstacle avoidance, which uses the camera as well as processor-powered smarts to detect obstacles. It rarely gets derailed or stuck during a cleaning cycle and is the best at avoiding power cables as well as other objects I've tested. It's not as precise at detecting pet waste or other hazards.
2. Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid
While Anker-owned Eufy has made its name in low-cost robot vacuums it's never offered an all-in-one model that could also mop. The X8 Hybrid is a new model that offers a range of modern features and can compete with much more expensive models.
Laser navigation is the primary selling point of this machine. Previous Eufy devices have constructed a rough map of your home utilizing infrared sensors and bumping into objects but the X8's laser mapping technology is more precise. It also takes a lot less time to create an accurate map of your space and stores multiple maps, which is ideal for homes with multiple floors.
The X8 is still a decent vacuum for floors that are not clean that can carry debris under its side brushes and into its 400ml dust bin with ease. Its tyres are also very adept at securing edges and corners, even though they're circular. It's not the best cat litter eater, however, with our tests showing it can only remove about 90 percent of the fur from hard floors.
There's a basic mopping option which uses the same water tank as the vacuuming. While this is a good option for spills that aren't too big, you can't regulate the amount of water it is using and this will reduce its effectiveness when dealing with more serious stains. It is effective at picking up hair from pets. It has a higher pick-up rate than the Roborock S7.
3. Miele RX2
Miele's RX2 robotic vacuum is known for its quiet, efficient appliances. It has a beautiful design, superb navigation and an impressive cleaning power. It has some oddities in its operation that keep it from being ranked as the best smart robot vacuum.
The RX2 is equipped with a dual-sensor mapping technology that uses a LIDAR to map the space, and a pair 3D scanning cameras to detect and avoiding obstacles (such as furniture legs or pet waste). Once the room is identified, you can assign virtual no-go zones and favorite sections to the robot. You can also change the cleaning modes, start a manual clean, or view live feeds from the cameras onboard from the main screen.
The RX2's sensors are effective, registering furniture and other obstructions in real-time. The suction and sweeping abilities are excellent, taking away surface debris from medium pile carpeting and also removing embedded dust on bare floors. It's not the fastest robot on the market. Like many other robots it's not a great climber and has issues with things like thresholds made of metal transition strips.
Some people buy robot vacuums because of the ease of setting up a schedule in an app, and then forgetting about them for weeks. It is essential for a robot capable of the task, so our ZDNet team has tested and looked over 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 a typical robot, but it's a step up in terms of performance and features. Its smart mapping system creates 3D and 2D maps of your home, and uses them to avoid obstacles and navigate. It is able to detect common obstacles such as furniture legs and power cords in real-time. This combination of sensors along with a bump detector and an infrared sensor that keeps the vacuum from stepping on the stairs makes it one of our most agile vacuums.
In our tests, it effortlessly climbed over 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 was better than the competition and it picked up 98.5 percent of the surface pet hair and litter from our laboratory test samples.
The controls are more basic than the competitors. There is a cleaning button at the top and you can either start it with the app or voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also create a schedule for weekly or daily cleans, create areas that are not allowed to be cleaned, and check its cleaning history. Ion is covered in a smart dark gray plastic that feels and looks attractive in your home. Its rear dustbin is accessible for emptying, and removing the filters is also easy.
5. Eufy 11S
If you're looking to buy a basic, no-frills robot vacuum for a reasonable price, the Eufy 11S is a great option. It lacks some of the smart features, such as digital mapping and Alexa integration, which are found in higher-end models but if you're not looking for these features, you can save cost with this model.
The robot is easy to setup and use. It does not require a smartphone app or Wi-Fi connection, however it does have a remote control that lets you select various modes and adjust the suction level. You can also set up a manual schedule to send the robotvac on the schedule of cleaning.
During our tests, we found that the 11S was extremely efficient at removing dirt and pet fur from hard floors and low-pile carpets. Its slim profile allowed it to get under low-hanging furniture and other items that some bulkier robots could not reach. It was also able to pass over doorway thresholds and move from one floor type to another.
The 11S, as with other robots will also suckup certain objects, like cords and cat toys. The manufacturer suggests you keep these objects off the ground and by using a cord organizer if possible. It also suggests that you regularly clean the dustbin, replace the filters and change or wash the brushes when needed.
6. IRobot Roomba 980
The Roomba is iRobot's flagship robot vacuum. It's expensive however it's a top performer and, in some ways, the most advanced robot vacuum you can buy. best robot vacuum for hardwood floors -navigation as well as environmental mapping is something to behold. It also has more advanced automation features than many competitors, such as the ability to set virtual boundary markers through its mobile application. While its app is a little sluggish and the 980 may spin out a bit while crossing cables, it's still a highly efficient robot vacuum.
One thing we love about the 980 is that it uses its iAdapt 2.0 navigation sensors and visual simultaneous localisation and mapping technology (or vSLAM) to remember the floor plan of your home. It then uses that information to create a consistent and efficient cleaning path for every cycle. The result is cleaner floors and a more efficient vacuum than many high-end robotics.
Other features include dual multi-surface rubber brushes, which pick up dirt from carpets and hard floors, along with the spinning brush that sweeps debris into the robotic vacuum's bin. The sensor for floor tracking assists it in maneuvering around furniture, along edges and up stairs. Cliff Detect prevents the Roomba from falling. And it automatically returns to its base station to ensure hassle-free charging between sessions. Although the 980's battery lifespan and bin size isn't as good as those of other robot vacuums it's a solid and reliable machine that will keep your floors spotless for hours and hours.