How to Choose the Best Robot Cleaner for Your Home

You'll need to do some work in order to keep your robot's house in good order. This includes clearing out debris, tidying up loose cords and knotted rugs.

Pick a model that comes with self-emptying containers. This makes it easier to clean up spills. You may also want a 2-in-1 that vacuums and mops.

Features

Depending on your home needs, you can choose the best robot cleaner with intelligent features. Some models use maps of your home to make floor plans, while others include an integrated camera that displays live video feeds. These cameras can be used to spot obstructions and assist in problem solving. Certain robots come with an option to schedule cleaning sessions or adjust the frequency.

If you're looking for a robot that can also mop and automatic vacuum cleaners, search for a model with a self-emptying dustbin. The Ecovacs Deebot T30S Pro is among the top options we've tested because it has both features at a reasonable cost. It has a suction opening that is similar to upright vacuums. This helps it pick up debris more efficiently than other robots. It is equipped with side brushes that have 3 bristles that push dirt and hair into the robot's path. This model is the best in its category for a variety of reasons, including its effective mopping, navigation and its low cost.

The best robovacs are equipped with large dust bins that can last for months without needing to be emptied. The Narwal Freo X Ultra, the top-of-the-line robotic vacuum cleaner that has a self emptying dustbin and intelligent features that allow for hands-free cleaning, is a great example. It comes with a tiny mopping mat that removes dirt that has gotten stuck to the floor. It also glides over mats and rugs that are too light for other robots. Its sensors can help you find areas that are more prone to dirt and it can mop and vacuum simultaneously which makes it ideal to keep your home tidy.

Eufy Clean X10, with its simple-to-use application, is another great choice. Its customization options are simple and quick to install. Its lidar mapping is quick and accurate. It also allows rooms to be divided easily for a thorough clean. It has a fantastic object avoidance system that can eat Cheerios and even dodge fake dog poop. However, it had difficulties with stairs. Its square front design however, allowed it to reach corners more efficiently than most of the other robots we've tested. It can also edge-hug, which makes it easier to effortlessly sweep along baseboards.

Cleaning performance

While robots can't clean deep into carpets or sweep up dirt that has been ground in, as a real vacuum cleaner, they do an impressive job of removing small particles like baking soda and dust, as well as heavier debris such as pet hair and screws made of metal. They also clean up spills and crumbs. Maintaining a routine of maintenance, such as emptying the dust bin cleaning or replacing the filter, and wiping down sensors and cameras, will help you get the longest life possible from your robot.

The best robots are cap help you save money in the end. You'll need to think about how much you need a vacuum and a mop to get the most bang for your money. Certain models have features you don't need but you will find useful. For instance the self-emptying trash bin or navigation that is efficient.

It is recommended to invest in a model that can do both mops and vacuums is the most economical choice. It is important to remember that a robot cleaner can only be as effective as the dirt they pick up.

You should expect to pay around $500 for a machine that can do both vacuuming and mopping, such as the iRobot Combo j9+. This robot received excellent scores in CR's tests and can clean both bare floors and carpets. It also has an intuitive application that lets you see its cleaning route and define zones that are not allowed to be used. Jaclyn found that the mopping process could be improved, as it relies on light pressure and a dragging motion rather than scrubbing.

However, if you're in a pinch it's possible to get a good deal on a top-rated robotic vacuum that does just one task, like the Eufy 11S. Its sleek, quiet design excelled at cleaning floors made of hardwood, tiles and carpets with low pile. It also did not miss a beat when it came to removing pet hair and litter.

A few robots with a budget-friendly price tag have basic bump navigation systems that do not generate a coverage map and are more likely to be stuck on furniture or miss spots. These robots can still clean your floors but they're not as efficient or able navigate around obstacles in your home.

Another alternative is the budget-friendly Shark IQ XL, which earned high marks for both its cleaning performance and price-to-value ratio. It's not as efficient as the Combo J9+, however it is easy to use and works well on floors that are carpeted or bare. It's also light and can be easily pushed under furniture without getting stuck.

Maintenance

A robot cleaner can be an ideal option to keep your home clean, especially if it has pets or children. It does require some attention to keep it in top condition. Regular cleaning, such as emptying dust bins and washing filters, changing them and wiping cameras and sensors can extend the life span of your robot.

Vacuums require more frequent maintenance than robot mopping machines but you can extend the life of your vacuum if you follow the instructions of the manufacturer for emptying and cleaning its dustbin, brush roller, and filter. It is also recommended to clean the robot's sensor and charging contacts with a damp cloth in order to prevent them from getting clogged by dirt.

This model from Eufy is a great option if you want a smart robust, sturdy robot that is easy to use. Its ultra-slim and sleek design lets it fit under low couches and ottomans to grab dirt that's been hidden. The app lets you schedule a cleaning and select rooms. You can also set up zones of no-go areas, and alter the intensity of room cleaning robot.

Although it's more expensive than the other models on this list, this model has many features that will make up for the cost. Its mapping is quick, and it can save four maps of your home in 2D or 3-D. It's also among the quieter robots we tested and its battery will last about three hours per charge.

The Romba 11s is a versatile vacuum that has a remarkable performance when it comes to walls. It cleared up to 1.3 inches from the wall in our tests, which is higher than any other vacuum we test. It has a number of useful smart features, like spot-cleaning features and an auto-boost mode. It employs random navigation to ensure that it doesn't clean the same spots repeatedly.

The only downside to this robot is that it doesn't have the ability to discern bare floors and can be confused by large carpets or rug. It's ideal for apartments with small spaces or single-family homes with narrow hallways, lots of furniture and narrow hallways.