Best Robot Vacuums and Mop Combos
A robot vacuum is a great tool to maintain an orderly home. It will nab dust, pet hair and other debris from the surface before it becomes a bigger problem.
Some robots can sync with smart assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant to provide a hands-free environment. Find models that recharge and then resume cleaning where they left off.
1. iRobot S8
This smart robot mop and vacuum combo is a fantastic option for a wide range of households. It is able to vacuum and mop well and is extremely navigable using both GPS and laser sensors and offers a broad range of features and controls that are available via the app. It has a handy feature which allows you to create cleaning zones in areas that require additional attention, as well as Keep Out zones in areas that you don't wish it to go. Like all Roomba devices, it gets new software updates that make it more efficient over time.
It's expensive however, it's also one of the most advanced robot vacuums that ZDNet has evaluated. It comes with a powerful battery that can vacuum all of your home in less than two hours. It can also switch between vacuuming and mopping at the push of a button. It automatically emptys the trash bin that is above its charging station, in contrast to other self-emptying robots that require you to empty the bin after each run.
It also comes with a variety of other features, including intelligent obstacle avoidance which uses cameras in conjunction with processor-powered smarts to recognize obstacles. It's not often tripped or stuck during a cleaning cycle. In my tests it was the best in avoiding objects such as power cables. It is not as accurate in detecting pet waste, or other hazards.
2. Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid
While the Anker-owned Eufy has made an impact in the field of low-cost robot vacuums, it hasn't previously offered an all-in-one model that could also mop. This is changing with the X8 Hybrid, which has an impressive array of modern features and is able to compete against much more expensive models.
The main selling point of Eufy's this machine is its laser navigation. Previous Eufy devices have built up an approximate map of your home by using infrared sensors and bumping into things but the X8's laser mapping system is far more precise. It also takes a lot less time to create an accurate picture of your space and stores multiple maps, which is great for multi-floor homes.
The X8 is still a decent vacuum on bare floors that can carry debris under its side brushes and into its 400ml dust bin with relative ease. Its tyres are adept at hugging edges and corners even though they are circular. 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. While this is a good option for spills that are not too large but you cannot regulate the amount of water it is using and this will reduce its effectiveness on more serious stains. However, it does an admirable job of picking up pet hair, with a better percentage of hair removal than the Roborock S7.
3. Miele RX2
Miele's RX2 robotic vacuum is known for its quiet, powerful appliances. It features a stunning design, a great navigation system and a powerful cleaning power. There are a few niggles in its operation that keep it from being named the best smart robot vacuum.
The RX2 is equipped with a dual-sensor mapping technique that uses a LIDAR to map an area, and a pair 3D scanning cameras to detect and staying clear of obstacles (such as furniture legs or pet waste). Once the room is mapped the app allows you to create virtual no-go zones as well as preferred areas that the robot will clean automatically. You can also start cleaning manually or change the cleaning mode, see live feeds from the onboard cameras, and more on the main screen.
The RX2 has superior sensors that can identify furniture and other obstructions instantly. And its sweeping and suction power are top of the line and cleans up surface debris from carpets with medium piles and dust on floors that are unfinished. It's not the fastest robotics available. Like many other robots it's not a very good climber and has trouble with things like thresholds made of metal transition strips.
Many people purchase robot vacuums for the convenience of setting up a schedule using an app, only to forget about them for weeks. It's crucial that a machine can accomplish the task and that's the reason our ZDNet staff tested and reviewed several of the most well-known models to help you find the perfect one for your home.
4. Shark ION
This budget robovac is a robot that is similar to other, but comes with some extra features and a better performance. Its smart mapping system generates 2D and 3-D maps of your home and uses them to navigate around and avoid obstacles. It's even able to spot common obstacles like furniture legs and power cords in real-time. This combination of sensors, along with a bump sensor, and an infrared sensor for dropping that keeps it off steps is what makes it one of the most flexible vacs we've tested.
It was able to climb over thick shag carpets and didn't get stuck (unlike the RoboVac 11s, or Roomba 690-). Its navigation skills were impressive. Its composite score for carpet and bare flooring beat the competition, and it was able to pick up 98.5% of pet hair from our laboratory test samples.
The controls are simpler than the competitors. There's a clean button on the top and you can start it by using the app or via voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also set up a schedule for weekly or daily cleans, create areas that are not allowed to be cleaned, and check the history of its cleaning. Ion is covered in a sophisticated dark gray plastic that is both attractive and beautiful in your home. Its rear dustbin is accessible for emptying, and removing the filters is also a breeze.
5. Eufy 11S
Eufy 11S is an excellent option if you're looking for a vacuum cleaner that is easy to use and simple at a cost that is low. It isn't equipped with some of the advanced features, like digital mapping and Alexa integration, which are found in higher-end models however, if you don't require those functions you can save some money with this model.
This robot is easy to use and set up. It doesn't require a smartphone app or Wi-Fi pairing, but it does come with the ability to control the remote with a remote that lets you choose between various modes and adjust the suction level. You can also set up a manual schedule to send the robotvac on a cleaning schedule.
During our tests, we discovered that the 11S was extremely effective at getting dirt and pet fur from carpets with low pile and hard floors. Its slim profile made it possible to get under low-hanging furniture and other objects that larger robots are unable to reach. It was also able to pass over doorway thresholds and change between floors and another.
The 11S, like other robots will also suckup some items, including cords and cat toys. The manufacturer suggests that you keep these objects off the ground and by using a cord organizer when you can. It also recommends cleaning the dustbin on a regular basis replacing the filters, and changing or washing the brushes as required.
6. IRobot Roomba 990
The Roomba is iRobot's flagship robot vacuum. It's expensive but it's an excellent performer and arguably the most advanced robot vacuum you can buy. Its self-navigation and environmental mapping are a joy to behold. It has more advanced automation than its rivals, for instance the ability to set up virtual boundary markers with its mobile app. While its app isn't the most responsive and the 980 can spin out a bit while crossing cables, it's a highly efficient robot vacuum.
We love the 980, because it makes use of its iAdapt2.0 navigation sensors as well as visual simultaneity localisation and mapping (or vSLAM), to memorise the floor plan of your home. It then uses that information to create a read more consistent and efficient cleaning path for every cycle. The result is cleaner floors and a more efficient robot vacuum cleaner than the majority of high-end robots.
Other features of the 980 include dual multi-surface brushes that grab dirt from floors and carpets and the spinning brush that sweeps debris into the robotic vacuum’s bin. Its floor tracking sensors aid it navigate between furniture and around edges, and Cliff Detect keeps the Roomba from falling down stairs. It can also return automatically to the base station for simple recharging in between sessions. While the 980's battery life and bin size aren't quite as good as those of some other robot vacuums, it's a sturdy and reliable machine that will keep your floors spotless for hours on end.