Best Robot Vacuums and Mop Combos
The best way to keep your home clean is to use a robotic vacuum. It can remove dust, pet hair and other debris from the surface before it becomes a larger problem.
Some robots can sync with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant to provide a environment that is hands-free. Find models that can be recharged and continue cleaning the area they left.
1. iRobot S8
This smart robot mop and vacuum combo is an excellent option for households with a variety of. It is able to vacuum and mop well, has excellent navigation with both GPS and laser sensors, and comes with a variety of controls and features accessible through the app. It also comes with a useful feature that lets you create Cleaning zones for specific areas that require more attention, as well as Keep Out zones that you don't want it to be. It also receives software updates, just like all Roomba products, that make it better over time.
It's expensive but it's also one of the most advanced robot vacuums ZDNet has tested. It has a high-powered battery that can clean a large area in less than two hours. Additionally, it can switch between mopping and vacuuming by pressing a button. And, unlike other self-emptying robots that require you to empty the bin after each run, it automatically emptys itself into a larger waste container above its charging dock.
It has a wide range of other features that make it an excellent choice for homes of all sizes, including intelligent obstacle avoidance that uses both a camera and processor-powered smarts to see obstacles. It's not often tripped or stuck during a cleaning process. In my tests it was the best at avoiding objects like power cables. However, it isn't as reliable at detecting pet waste and other hazards.
2. Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid
While Anker-owned Eufy has made its name in budget robot vacuums, it's not yet an all-in-one model which can also mop. That changes with the X8 Hybrid, which has an impressive suite of advanced features and can compete well against much more expensive models.
The main selling point of Eufy's this machine is its laser navigation. The X8 makes use of laser mapping technology that is more precise than the previous Eufy devices. It takes less time to build a comprehensive map of your home and can store multiple maps. This is ideal for multi-floored homes.
The X8 is still a decent vacuum for floors that are not clean, slinging debris under its side brushes and into the 400ml dust bin with relative ease. The X8's tyres, despite having a circular shape, are very good at grabbing corners and edges. Our tests showed that it was able to remove 90 percent of the fur on hard floors.
The basic mopping mode utilizes the same reservoir of water as the vacuuming mode. This is great for spills that are not too dangerous, but you are unable to regulate the amount of water it consumes. That said, it does an excellent job of removing pet hair, with a higher speed of pickup than the Roborock S7.
3. Miele RX2
Miele's RX2 robotic vacuum is known for its quiet, effective appliances. It features a stunning design, a great navigation system and a powerful cleaning power. It has some oddities in its operation that keep it from being named the top smart robot vacuum.
Like iRobot's latest models, the RX2 features dual-sensor mapping that utilizes the LIDAR sensor to map out the space and a pair of 3D scanning cameras to identify and avoid obstacles (like furniture legs or pet waste) in real time. Once the room has been mapped it is possible to designate virtual no-go areas and favorite sections to the robot. You can also initiate a manual clean or manually change the cleaning mode, view a live feed from the cameras onboard and more from the main screen.
The RX2 is equipped with excellent sensors that can detect furniture and other obstructions instantly. The suction and sweeping abilities are exceptional, getting rid of surface litter from medium pile carpeting and also removing embedded dust on bare floors. It's not the most powerful robot on the market. As with many others it's not a great climber and is prone to problems with things like metal threshold transition strips.
Some people buy robot vacuums because of the ease of setting up a schedule on an app, and then forgetting about them for weeks. But it's important that a robot is able to get the job done, which is the reason why our ZDNet staff looked over and tested a number of the most well-known models to more info help you select the perfect one for your home.
4. Shark ION
This budget-friendly robovac looks just like your standard robot, however it's upgraded in terms of performance and features. Its intelligent mapping system creates 2D and 3-D maps of your house and uses them to navigate around and avoid obstacles. It can even detect common obstacles such as furniture legs and power cords in real-time. This combination of sensors along with a bump detector, and an infrared sensor that keeps the vacuum from stepping on the stairs makes it one of our most flexible vacuums.
In our tests, it was able to could climb over the thick shag rug and didn't get stuck on them (like the RoboVac 11s or Roomba 690). Its navigation abilities were also impressive and its overall score on carpet and bare floors was better than the competition, and it was able to pick up 98.5 percent of surface pet hair and litter from our lab test samples.
The controls are more basic than the competition's. There is a cleaning button on the top and you can choose to start it using the app or by voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also set a schedule for daily or weekly cleans, create areas that are not allowed to be cleaned, and check the history of its cleaning. Covered in stylish dark gray plastics, Ion feels sturdy and looks attractive in your home. The rear dust bin is easy to access for emptying and removing the filter is equally easy.
5. Eufy 11S
Eufy 11S is a good choice if you want an automated vacuum cleaner that is simple and simple at a reasonable price. This model lacks some smart features such as Alexa integration and digital mapping, which are available in more expensive models. If you don't require these features, you can save money.
This robot is simple to use and set up. It does not require smartphone application or Wi-Fi pairing. However, it does come with a remote control which allows you to choose between different modes and adjust suction level. It also lets you manually turn off the robovac for scheduled cleaning.
In our tests, we found that the 11S was extremely effective at getting dirt and pet fur from carpets and floors with low pile. Its slim profile helped it get under furniture and other objects that more bulkier robots couldn't reach. It was able to go easily over thresholds of doorways and switch from one floor type to another.
The 11S, like other robots will also suckup some objects, such as cords and cat toys. The manufacturer states that you can avoid this by keeping such objects off the floor and using an organizer for cords if you can. It also suggests that you regularly clean the dustbin, replace the filters and clean or change 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 that you can buy. Its self navigation and environmental mapping are truly a marvel to behold. It also has more advanced automation features than most competitors, such as the ability to set virtual boundary markers with its mobile app. It's a capable robot vacuum, even if the app is a bit sluggish and the 980 spins when it is pushed over cables.
One thing we love about the 980 is that it makes use of its iAdapt 2.0 navigation sensors as well as visual simultaneous mapping and localisation technology (or vSLAM) to remember the floor plan of your home. It then uses that information to create a consistent and efficient 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 grab dirt from floors and carpets, as well as a spinning brush 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 also automatically returns to the base station for easy recharging in between sessions. Although the 980's battery life and bin size aren't quite as impressive as some other robot vacuums, it's a sturdy and reliable machine that will keep your floors spotless for hours at a time.