What is the best robot vacuum?
A comprehensive comparison of the top robot vacuums for 2024, evaluating cleaning performance, navigation intelligence, smart home integration, and overall value. Whether you need basic floor cleaning or an advanced all-in-one solution with mopping capabilities, we've tested the best options to help you find your perfect match.
After extensive testing, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra emerges as our top pick for its exceptional cleaning performance, advanced navigation, and comprehensive all-in-one dock system. For budget-conscious buyers, the eufy RoboVac G30 offers impressive value with solid cleaning capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
Pros
- CPRO
Comprehensive all-in-one dock.
The dock empties the dustbin, refills the water tank, and washes the mop pads automatically, providing fully autonomous cleaning maintenance.
- CPRO
Picks up everything on the first pass.
The 6000Pa suction is notable. Pet hair, cereal crumbs, even small debris on the rugs - it gets everything in one go.
- LPRO
Smart enough to avoid obstacles.
It maps the home perfectly and never gets stuck. The obstacle avoidance is impressive - it dodges pet toys and cables effectively.
Cons
- PCON
Definitely an investment.
This is not a budget-friendly option. Users are paying for top-tier features, but be prepared to spend over $1000.
- LCON
The dock is bulky.
The all-in-one dock is big and needs a dedicated spot. If users have a small apartment, finding room for it might be tricky.
Pros
- LPRO
Industry-leading 7000Pa suction.
With 7000Pa of suction power, this ranks among the most powerful robot vacuums available, capable of lifting embedded dirt and debris that lesser models leave behind.
- PPRO
Finally cleans along baseboards.
The extendable mop arm reaches the edges of walls. No more manual mopping along baseboards.
- PPRO
Extended 260-minute runtime.
The 260-minute runtime provides sufficient battery capacity to clean homes up to 2500 square feet on a single charge without interruption.
- PPRO
Self-cleans with hot water.
The dock uses hot water to clean the mop pads, which makes a real difference in hygiene.
Cons
- CCON
Too many options in the app.
There are very many settings and customization options that it took users a while to figure everything out.
Pros
- CPRO
Gets into corners perfectly.
The square shape is genius! It cleans corners properly instead of leaving dust behind.
- PPRO
Exceptional 8000Pa suction power.
The 8000Pa suction power ranks among the highest in the robot vacuum category, effectively collecting pet hair, embedded dirt, and debris that lesser models struggle with.
- LPRO
Talk to the vacuum.
Users can have a conversation with it. It's like having a helpful little robot companion.
Cons
- PCON
One of the priciest options.
At this price point, Expectation was perfection. It's great, but users are definitely paying a premium.
- CCON
Loud at full suction.
At maximum 8000Pa suction, the noise level is quite high. Best to run on maximum power when away from home to avoid disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most important factors to consider are suction power (measured in Pa), navigation technology (LiDAR or camera-based), battery life, dustbin capacity, and whether you need mopping capabilities. If you have pets, look for models with tangle-free brushes and strong suction. For multi-story homes, consider models with multi-floor mapping.
Yes, robot vacuums are worth it for most households. They save significant time by handling daily floor maintenance automatically. While they may not completely replace traditional vacuuming for deep cleaning, they keep floors consistently clean between manual sessions. The convenience of scheduling cleanings while you're away makes them especially valuable for busy households.
For most homes, running the robot vacuum 2-3 times per week is sufficient. Homes with pets or high foot traffic may benefit from daily cleaning. The beauty of robot vacuums is that you can schedule them to run automatically, so they maintain your floors without any effort on your part.
Yes, modern robot vacuums work well on carpet. Many models automatically detect carpet and increase suction power accordingly. However, high-pile or shag carpets can be challenging for some models. The premium models we tested, like the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and Dreame L20 Ultra, handle medium-pile carpets excellently and can even lift their mop pads when transitioning to carpet.
LiDAR (laser-based) navigation creates precise maps of your home and works in complete darkness. It's generally more accurate and efficient. Camera-based navigation, like in the Roomba j7+, uses visual recognition to identify obstacles and is particularly good at avoiding specific objects like pet waste or cables. Premium models often combine both technologies for the best results.