Best Robot Vacuums and Mop Combos
The best way to keep your home tidy is to use a robotic vacuum. It can remove pet hair, dust and other debris from the surface before it becomes a bigger problem.
Some robots are able to sync with smart assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant for a hands-free experience. Look for models that are rechargeable and continue cleaning the area they left.
1. iRobot s8
This smart robot vacuum and mop combination is a great choice for many homes. It has a great navigation system with GPS and laser sensors. It also has numerous features and controls accessible via the app. It also comes with a useful feature that lets you add Cleaning zones for certain areas that require more attention, as well as Keep Out zones where you don't want it to move. It also receives software updates, like all Roomba products, which improve the quality of the product over time.
It's expensive, but it's also among the most advanced robot vacuums ZDNet has evaluated. It comes with a powerful battery that can sweep all of your home in less than two hours. It also switches between vacuuming and mopping at the touch of a button. And unlike other self-emptying robots that require you to empty the dust bin after each run, this one automatically emptys itself into an even larger waste container on top of its charging dock.
It also has many other options, like intelligent obstacle avoidance, which utilizes a camera along with processor-powered smarts to recognize obstacles. It is rarely derailed or stuck during a cleaning cycle. In my tests it was the most effective at avoiding objects such as power cables. It is not as accurate in detecting pet waste or other dangers.
2. Eufy RoboVac Hybrid X8
Although Anker-owned Eufy has made a name for itself in low-cost robot vacuums it hasn't previously offered an all-in-one model that could also mop. The X8 Hybrid is a new model that offers a range of features that are advanced and is able to compete with more expensive models.
The most significant selling point for Eufy with this device is its laser navigation. The X8 makes use of the laser mapping system, which is more accurate than the previous Eufy devices. It also takes significantly less time to construct an accurate picture of your living space and also stores multiple maps, which is ideal for homes with multiple floors.
The X8 is still a decent vacuum on floors with no dust, slinging debris under its side brushes and into the 400ml dust bin with relative ease. The Tyres of the X8, despite their circular shape, are efficient at grabbing edges and corners. Our tests revealed that it could only remove 90 percent of the fur on hard floors.
The mopping mode that is the basic one uses the same reservoir of water as the vacuuming mode. While this is a good option for spills that are not too large however, you aren't able to control how much water it consumes which can limit its effectiveness for more serious stains. It does a good job in removing pet hair. It has a higher percentage of hair removal than the Roborock S7.
3. Miele RX2
Known for quietly effective home appliances Miele's RX2 robot vacuum comes with outstanding cleaning power, gorgeous design and excellent navigation. But it has some operational issues that prevent it from being ranked as the top overall smart robot vacuum.
The RX2 comes with a dual-sensor mapping technology which uses LIDAR to map an area, and a pair 3D scanning cameras for detecting and staying clear of obstacles (such as furniture legs or pet waste). Once mapped, the app lets you create virtual no-go zones as well as areas that you want to clean. will clean automatically. You can also start a manual clean or manually change the cleaning mode, see a live feed from the onboard cameras and more on the main screen.
The RX2 has superior sensors that detect furniture and other obstructions immediately. Its sweeping and suction power are top-of-the-line and cleans up surface debris from medium-pile carpeting and embedded dust on floors that are unfinished. It's not the fastest robot available. Like many others, it's not a good climber and has trouble with things like thresholds made of metal transition strips.
Many people purchase robot vacuums because of the ease of setting up a schedule in an app, and then forgetting about them for weeks. It's crucial that a robot can accomplish the task that's why our ZDNet staff looked over and tested a number of the most popular models to help you select the perfect one for your home.
4. Shark ION
This budget-friendly robot is just like a typical robot, but it's a step up in performance and features. Its smart mapping system generates 3D and 2-D maps of your home and uses to navigate and stay clear of obstructions. It can even detect common obstructions such as power cords and furniture legs in real-time. This combination of sensors, along with a bump sensor and an infrared drop sensor that keeps it away from stairs, makes it one of the most flexible vacs we've tested.
In our tests, it easily climbed over thick shag rug and didn't end up stuck on them (like the RoboVac 11s or Roomba 690). Its navigation abilities were also impressive. Its composite score for flooring and carpet beat the competition, and it was able to pick up 98.5 percent of dirt and embedded dog hair that we tested in our lab samples.
The controls are more basic than the competition; there's an uniform cleaning button on the top and you can start it from the app, or by voice command with Alexa or Google vacuum mop robot cleaner Assistant. You can also set a schedule for weekly or daily cleans, create no-go zones, and see its cleaning history. Clad in smart dark gray plastics, Ion feels sturdy and looks attractive in your home. The dust bin on the rear is easy to empty and removing the filter just as simple.
5. Eufy 11S
Eufy 11S is a good option if you're looking for a vacuum cleaner that is easy to use and doesn't have any frills at a cost that is low. The model isn't equipped with smart features such as Alexa integration and digital mapping, which are available in higher-end models. However, if you don't require these features, you can save money.
The robot is easy to setup 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 different modes and adjust suction levels. You can also set up a manual schedule to send the robotvac on the schedule of cleaning.
During our tests, we discovered that the 11S was extremely effective at removing dirt and pet fur from hard floors and low-pile carpets. Its slim profile made it easier to get under furniture and other low items that larger robots could not reach. It was also able to easily get over thresholds for doors and change from one type of floor to another.
The 11S, as with other robots, can also eat some items, including cords and cat toys. The manufacturer says that you can stop this by keeping these items off the floor and using an organizer for cords if you can. It also recommends cleaning the dustbin periodically, replacing the filters and washing or changing the brushes as required.
6. IRobot Roomba 980
The Roomba is the flagship model of iRobot's robot vacuum. It's costly, but it's the best robot vacuum you can buy. Its self-navigation as well as environmental mapping is something to behold. It has more advanced automation than most of its rivals, for instance the capability to set up virtual boundary markers through its mobile application. It's a dependable robot vacuum, even if its app isn't the most responsive and the 980 spins out when it is pushed over cables.
We love the 980 due to its iAdapt2.0 navigation sensors as well as visual simultaneity mapping and localisation (or vSLAM), to memorise your home's floor plan. It then uses the information to create an efficient and consistent cleaning path for every cycle. The result is cleaner floors, and a cleaner vacuum than other high-end robot vacuums.
Other features of the 980 include dual multi-surface brushes that capture dirt on carpets and hard floors, as well as an ejector brush that spins to sweep debris into the robotic vacuum's bin. The sensors for floor tracking help it navigate across furniture and along edges, while Cliff Detect keeps the Roomba from slipping down stairs. It will automatically return to its base station for hassle-free charging between sessions. The bin capacity and battery life of the 980 aren't as great as other robot vacuums. However, it is a reliable and solid machine that can keep floors clean for many hours.