Best Robot Vacuums and Mop Combos
A robot vacuum is the best device to keep a clean home. It will nab dust, pet hair, and other surface debris before it becomes a bigger problem.
Some robots can sync with smart assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant to provide a hands-free environment. Find models that recharge and then resume cleaning the area they left.
1. iRobot s8
This smart robot vacuum and mop combination is an excellent option for homes with a variety of. It vacuums and mops well and has a great navigation system that includes both GPS and laser sensors and offers a broad range of features and controls accessible via the app. It also has a handy feature that allows you to add Cleaning zones for certain areas that require extra attention, and also to keep Out zones where you don't want it to go. It also receives software updates, just like the other Roomba products, that enhance it over time.
It's costly however, it's also one of the most advanced robot vacuums that ZDNet has evaluated. It has a powerful battery that can clean the entire house in less than two hours. It can also switch between mopping and vacuuming at the push of a button. And, unlike other self-emptying robots that require you to empty the dust bin after each run, it automatically empties 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 that include intelligent obstacle avoidance, which uses both a camera and processor-powered intelligents to identify obstacles. It's not often tripped or stuck during a cleaning process. In my tests it was the most effective at avoiding objects like power cables. However, it isn't as reliable at detecting pet waste and other hazards.
2. Eufy RoboVac Hybrid X8
Eufy, owned by Anker, has become a household name in the world of robots that are budget-friendly vacuums. However, it didn't provide a model that could also mop. The X8 Hybrid is a new model that offers a range of advanced features, and is able to compete with more expensive models.
The laser navigation is the most important feature of this machine. The X8 uses a laser mapping system that is more accurate than previous Eufy devices. It takes less time to create an accurate map of your home and can store multiple maps. This is great for homes with multiple floors.
The X8 is still a good vacuum for floors that are not clean that can carry debris under its side brushes and into the 400ml dust bin with relative ease. The X8's tyres, despite having a circular shape, are efficient at grabbing edges and corners. Our tests showed that it was able to remove 90 percent of the fur on hard floors.
There's a basic mopping option that utilizes the same water tank as the vacuuming one. This is ideal for spills that aren't too serious, but you can't control the amount of water it uses. It does a good job of removing hair from pets. It has a higher rate of pick-up than the Roborock S7.
3. Miele RX2
Miele's RX2 robotic vacuum is renowned for its quiet, efficient appliances. It is a stunning design, excellent navigation and an impressive cleaning power. However, it has a few operational oddities that keep it from ranking as the top overall smart robot vacuum.
Like the latest models from iRobot, the RX2 comes with a dual-sensor mapping system that utilizes an LIDAR sensor to map a room and two 3D scanning cameras that can detect and avoid obstacles (like furniture legs or pet waste) in real-time. Once mapped the app allows you to create virtual no-go zones as well as preferred areas that the robot will clean automatically. You can also manually change cleaning modes, start an automatic clean, or view a live feed of the onboard cameras from the main screen.
The sensors of the RX2 work well, registering furniture and other obstructions in real-time. The suction and sweeping power are top-of-the-line cleaning up surface debris from carpets with medium piles and dust in bare floors. It's not the fastest robot on the market. It's not the best climber and has issues with transition strips made of metal.
Many people purchase a robot vacuum to enjoy the convenience of setting up a schedule using an app and then forgetting about it for weeks at a time. It's crucial that a machine can do the job, which is why our ZDNet staff tested and reviewed several of the most well-known models to help you find the perfect one for your home.
4. Shark ION
This budget robot is just like your standard robot, however it's upgraded in performance and features. Its intelligent mapping system creates 2D and 3D maps of your home and uses them to navigate and avoid obstacles. It is able to detect common obstacles like furniture legs and power cords in real-time. This combination of sensors with a bump detector, and an infrared sensor that keeps the vacuum from stepping on stairs makes it one of our most flexible vacuums.
It was able to climb over the thick shag carpets and didn't get stuck (unlike the RoboVac 11s or Roomba 690-). Its navigation skills were impressive as well; its composite score in carpet and bare floors beat out the competition and it was able to pick up 98.5 percent of the surface litter and embedded pet hair from our lab test samples.
The controls are less basic than those of the competition's. There's a clean button on the top and you can either start it using the app or voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also set up a schedule for daily or weekly cleans, set no-go zones, and view its cleaning history. Ion is covered in a smart dark gray plastic that is both attractive and appealing in your home. Its rear dustbin is accessible for emptying, and removing the filters is also a breeze.
5. Eufy 11S
If you're looking for a basic robotic vacuum that is simple and has no frills at a low cost, the Eufy 11S is a great option. The model isn't equipped with smart features such as Alexa integration and digital mapping, which are available in higher-end models. If you don't need these functions, you can save money.
This robot is simple to use and set up. It does not require a smartphone app or Wi-Fi connection, however it does come with an remote control that allows you to select between different modes and alter the suction level. It also allows you to manually send the robovac off during scheduled cleaning.
During our tests during our tests, the 11S was extremely effective in getting rid of pet hair and dirt on hard floors as well as in carpets with a low pile. Its slim profile made it easier to get under furniture and other low items that some of the more bulkier robots couldn't reach. It was able to go easily over thresholds of doors and move from one floor type to another.
The 11S, like other robots will also suckup some items, including cords and cat toys. The manufacturer suggests that you can avoid this by keeping such objects off the floor and by using the possibility of a cord organizer. It also suggests that you periodically clean the dustbin, replace the filters and wash or change the brushes when necessary.
iRobot Roomba 990
The Roomba 980 is the flagship robot vacuum. It's expensive but it's a top performer and is arguably the most sophisticated robot vacuum available. Its self-navigating capabilities and environmental mapping are a wonder to behold. It also has more advanced automation features than its competitors, including the ability to set virtual boundary markers through its mobile application. It's a powerful robot vacuum, even if the application is a bit slow and the 980's wheels spin out when it comes across cables.
We really like best robot vacuum the 980, because it makes use of its iAdapt2.0 navigation sensors as well as visual simultaneity localisation and mapping (or vSLAM), to memorise your home's floor plan. It will use this data to create a consistent and efficient cleaning path through each cycle. The result is cleaner floors, and a more efficient vacuum than the majority of high-end robot vacuums.
Other features of the 980 include dual multi-surface brushes that capture dirt from carpets and hard floors, as well as the spinning brush that sweeps debris into the robotic vacuum’s bin. Its floor tracking sensors aid it navigate between furniture and around edges, and Cliff Detect prevents the Roomba from falling down the stairs. It can also return automatically to the base station for easy recharging in between sessions. While the 980's battery life and bin size aren't quite as efficient as other robot vacuums, it's a reliable and solid machine that can keep your floors clean for hours at a time.