Best Robot Vacuums and Mop Combos
A robot vacuum is the ideal tool for maintaining a clean home. It can remove dust, pet hair, and other particles from the floor before it becomes a larger problem.
Some robots are able to sync with smart assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant to provide a hands-free environment. Find models that are rechargeable and continue cleaning where they left off.
1. iRobot S8
This smart robot vacuum and mop combination is an excellent option for a wide range of homes. It vacuums and mops well, has excellent navigation with both GPS and laser sensors, and has a wide range of controls and features accessible via the app. It also comes with a helpful feature that lets you add Cleaning zones for certain areas that need extra attention and Keep Out zones where you do not want it to go. As with all Roomba devices, it is updated with new software updates that make it more efficient over time.
It's expensive, but it's also among the most advanced robot vacuums that ZDNet has evaluated. It has a high-powered battery that can clean a large area in less than two hours. It can switch between vacuuming and mopping at the touch of one button. It automatically emptys the trash bin that is above its charging station, unlike other self emptying robots which require you to empty the bin after every run.
It's got a range of other features that make it a great option for most homes with its intelligent obstacle avoidance that utilizes the camera as well as processor-powered intelligents to identify obstacles. It isn't often entangled or entrapped during a cleaning process and is the best at avoiding power cables and other objects in my tests. However, it's not as reliable at detecting pet waste and other dangers.
2. Eufy RoboVac Hybrid X8
Eufy owned by Anker is now a household name in the world of low-cost robot vacuums. However, it did not offer an option to mop. This is changing with the X8 Hybrid, which has an impressive set of modern features that can compete with more expensive models.
The most significant selling point for Eufy with the X8 is its laser navigation. cleaning robot mop and vacuum makes use of a laser mapping system that is more precise than the previous Eufy devices. It also takes a lot less time to construct an accurate map of your home and can store multiple maps, which is great for homes with multiple floors.
The X8 is still a decent vacuum on bare floors and can sling debris over its side brushes and into its 400ml dust bin with ease. Its tyres are also very adept at securing corners and edges even though they are circular. It's not a great kitty litter eater, however as our tests show it can only remove about 90% of the fur from hard floors.
There's a mopping mode that uses the same water tank as the vacuuming. This is great for spills that aren't too serious, but you can't control the amount of water that it uses. However, it does an admirable job of removing pet hair, and has 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 excellent cleaning power. But it has some operational issues that prevent it from being ranked as the best overall smart robot vacuum.
Like iRobot's latest models like the RX2 features dual-sensor mapping that uses the LIDAR sensor to map out an area and three 3D scanning cameras to detect and avoid obstacles (like furniture legs or pet waste) in real time. Once the room has been mapped it is possible to assign virtual no-go zones and preferred sections to the robot. You can also alter the cleaning options, begin a manual clean or see live feeds from the onboard cameras from the main screen.
The RX2 is equipped with excellent sensors that can detect furniture and other obstructions instantly. The suction and sweeping power are top-notch cleaning up surface debris from carpets with medium piles and dust in bare floors. However, it's not the most efficient robot available. It's not the most efficient climber and has issues with metal threshold transition strips.
Many people purchase a robot vacuum to enjoy the convenience of setting a schedule in an app and forgetting about it for weeks at an time. It's crucial that a robot can do the job, which is the reason why our ZDNet staff examined and reviewed a few of the most popular models to help you select the perfect one for your home.
4. Shark ION
This budget-friendly robovac looks just like your typical robot but it's upgraded in terms of performance and features. Its intelligent mapping system creates 2D and 3D maps of your home and uses those to avoid obstacles and navigate. It's even able to spot common obstacles such as furniture legs and power cords in real time. This combination of sensors with a bump detector, and an infrared sensor to keep the vacuum away from the stairs makes it one of our most agile vacuums.
It was able to walk over carpets with thick shags and didn't get stuck (unlike the RoboVac 11s, or Roomba 690-). Its navigation capabilities were impressive. Its composite score for carpet and bare flooring beats the competition and it was able to pick up 98.5 percent of dirt and embedded dog hair from our lab test samples.
The controls are simpler than those of the competition's. There's a clean button on the top and you can choose to start it using the app or by voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also create a schedule for weekly or daily cleans, set areas that are not allowed to be cleaned, and check the history of its cleaning. In a smart dark gray plastics, Ion feels sturdy and looks stylish in your home. The rear dust bin is accessible for emptying and removing the filter the same.
5. Eufy 11S
If you're looking to buy a basic robotic vacuum that is simple and has no frills at a low price, the Eufy 11S could be a good choice. It's not equipped with some advanced features such as Alexa integration and digital mapping, which are available in more expensive models. If you don't need these features, you could save money.
This robot is very easy to setup and use. It doesn't require smartphone application or Wi-Fi pairing. However it does come with the remote control that lets you select between different modes and adjust suction levels. You can also manually send the robotvac on an cleaning schedule.
During our tests, we discovered that the 11S was extremely efficient in removing dirt and fur from hard floors and low-pile carpets. Its slim profile helped it get under furniture and other items that more bulkier robots couldn't reach. It was able to get easily over thresholds of doors and move from one floor type to another.
The 11S, as with other robots, can also eat some objects, such as cords and cat toys. The manufacturer suggests that you keep these items off the ground and by using a cord organizer whenever possible. It also recommends cleaning the dustbin periodically, replacing the filters and changing or washing the brushes as needed.
Roomba 990 by iRobot
The Roomba 980 is iRobot's most popular robot vacuum. It's expensive but it's the most powerful robot vacuum you can purchase. Its self-navigating features and environmental mapping are something to behold. It also has more advanced automation features than most competitors, such as the ability to set virtual boundary lines with its mobile app. Although the app is a little sluggish and the 980 can spin a bit when moving over cables, it's still a very capable robot vacuum.
We love the 980 because it uses its iAdapt2.0 navigation sensors as well as visual simultaneity mapping and localisation (or vSLAM), to memorise the floor plan of your home. It uses this information to create a consistent and efficient cleaning path through each cycle. The result is cleaner floors, and a more efficient vacuum than other high-end robot vacuums.
Other features include dual multi-surface rubber brushes, which pick up dirt from carpet and hard floors and a spinning brush that sweeps debris into the robotic vacuum's bin. The sensors for floor tracking help it navigate between furniture and around edges, and Cliff Detect prevents the Roomba from falling down stairs. It will also return to the base station for simple recharging in between sessions. The battery life and bin capacity of the 980 aren't as great as some other robot vacuums. However, it's an extremely reliable and sturdy machine that will keep floors clean for many hours.