The most effective robot vacuums that self-empty come with an underlying container that can hold the equivalent of a month's worth of debris and empty it automatically. It creates a detailed home map, allowing you mark rooms and define "no go" zones.
It is equipped with superior obstacle avoidance capabilities, as well, so it is safe from power cords and rogue socks.
Roomba s9+ from iRobot
This is a top model from iRobot and it performs very well. It is able to move effortlessly across a variety of surfaces, and is extremely effective in sucking dust, dirt and other debris up. It's also well-built and looks stunning too.
The S9 is the most recent model of iRobot's premium S Series line of robot vacuums and, as the name suggests, it has many additional features that distinguish it from lesser models. The iRobot App, for example, use the camera to create a map that allows the unit to navigate and clean more efficiently.
It's not necessary to clean the same spots over and over again when the battery is exhausted. You can set the timer to start and stop cleaning with an audio command, or by using the iRobot App. This smart vacuum is able to clean in darkness!
Carpet Boost is another great feature. It provides the S9 more suction power when it comes in contact with carpeting, so it will pick up more dirt. The unit also has the square front design, which gets closer to corners and walls as opposed to the earlier round designs. But, be aware that this model won't work well with high-pile or shag carpeting.
During our tests, we discovered that the iRobot S9+ cleaned thoroughly and efficiently a variety floor surfaces including medium and hard carpets. It also worked well on laminate flooring, and vinyl floors. It also did a great job of maneuvering around objects and furniture, although it struggled a bit with stairs, where it could accidentally hit things like bookcases.
The S9's ability to return to its base and empty its dust bin when it's full was a great feature. It reduced the requirement for manual maintenance. The dust bin is expected to last for about 30 loads, or around one month or so and you'll need to replace the filter every once in a while (which is actually recommended by iRobot). In our experience, the iRobot S9+ doesn't get very loud during operation, so it's a good choice for those who live with kids or pets.
Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid
Robot vacuum cleaners are made to take care of the work for you and they can clean hardwood and carpeted flooring. Certain robot vacuum cleaners can be controlled by apps on smartphones, and others feature mopping technology for bathrooms and kitchen flooring. They're a great option for busy families, and are becoming more affordable than ever before. However, if you want the latest features on your robotic cleaner, you're going to be spending a little more.
The Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid is an all-in-one mopping and vacuum machine, making it a good option for those living in a house with multiple floors. Its dual motors give it incredible cleaning power and the 0.6l dust bin can hold a lot of pet hair. The dustbin can be removed and emptied with ease this is important since you'll have to do it often.
It's easy to set it up too, although I recommend fully charging the X8 Hybrid before running it for the first time. You'll need to install the Eufy Home app and follow the instructions for connecting to your Wi-Fi network. The app will then help you create a map of your home. Rooms can be named or divide rooms into sub-rooms (good for open plan living) and guide the X8 Hybrid to specific areas that require cleaning at the time of. There are many other robots that have similar mapping and scanning functions, but Eufy's app feels more refined and intuitive than other models.
One of the great features of the X8 Hybrid is that you can control the vacuum or mop with your voice, thanks to the integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This is a nice feature that makes the robot hands-free. It was a success in our test house.
The X8 Hybrid, like many robotic vacuums has some issues with bare flooring. It is prone to miss fur and other small objects, and is known to knock things, such as its charger on the charging platform. It's also not as quiet as some other models we've tested, and the whirring sounds could be distracting.
Roborock V3S pro
This robot doesn't have the same features as some of the more expensive ones we tested, however it does have the basics covered. It has a big enough dust bin that can hold a lot of dirt before it needs emptying, and its mop and vacuum system works great on both carpets with low pile and hard floors. It's also super quiet, and we were able to sit and watch TV while it was cleaning without feeling like it was blasting us with noise.
Our test participants were extremely pleased by how easy the machine was to operate and set up. They also appreciated its ability to eliminate all the messes from their floors. It was successful in getting rid of pet hair, messes, and carpeting, but it was more difficult in removing stubborn stains. The app was easy to use and intuitive. They were able program the vacuum to clean on a regular basis to cut down on manual work. It doesn't have object avoidance or mapping technology, which means it cannot be sent to specific rooms or follow virtual boundaries (though magnetic boundaries work).
Another model from iRobot's low-cost line that is the V3S Pro has some impressive features for the money. It was the best of all robotic vacuums in our tests in terms of mapping and avoiding obstacles, and it's the perfect budget pick for those who are looking for an intelligent self-emptying robot vacuum that can handle pet hair and messes both on carpeting and hardwood floors. It's also super quiet and has a huge dust bin that can hold a lot of debris before it's time to empty it, so you don't have to be concerned about having to empty it every time you use it.
The V3S Pro did not make it onto our top choices lists from reliable sources that perform hands-on tests, but it received high marks from Modern Castle, Smart Robot Reviews and The Ambient. The V3S Pro was easy to use and set up, however the battery life was short.
Roborock Q Revo
The Q Revo is a solid basic robot vacuum and mop that doesn't skimp on features or prices. You can avail many of the high-end features, including smart navigation and mapping without spending a fortune. You can even use voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri shortcuts to create custom automations and start your cleaning routine at any time while you're away.
Roborock spent a lot of time designing this smart cleaner. The result is that the product is exceptionally well-built and feels like it was constructed from premium materials. Its base is sturdy and solid, and has an integrated charging port for the battery. The docking station is located for the clean-water tank as well as dirty-water bins on top. There's also a panel beneath the dock that houses a sealed vacuum bag.
When you connect your device with the app, you'll see a 2D or 3D map of your home that shows the exact location where your robot is situated and the area it's cleaning. You can also create virtual barriers to keep the robot out of certain areas and ensure that it only cleans certain types of floors. It can also adjust its power settings according to the type of floor that is being cleaned. Select the most efficient cleaning method.
Unlike many other robot vacuums like the Q Revo, it can lift up both of its mops as it vacuums to avoid staining your carpet fibres. It's one of the few vacuums that can accomplish this.
When mopping the Q Revo's 5500Pa suction powers are enough to suck up dust particles and pet hair strands, and other debris. And the all-rubber brush is excellent at separating hair of animals and humans and adapting to uneven surfaces.
The only issue with this machine is that it takes some time to fill and empty both the dirty and clean tanks. You can reduce the frequency of this by using the auto-empty function that will empty the bin on its own after a few days. You'll still have to check the water levels on the dock manually however, since there's not an automatic reminder.
