The Best Robot Hoover
The best robot hoover can vacuum and mop without needing your attention, and will leave your floors spotless. Its low cost and high-end features (such as dirt detection) are pluses.
Be sure to regularly check your robot's brushes for tangled hair as well as large debris and wash them if needed. Some models can also automatically empty their onboard dustbin into a larger one at the base, which decreases the amount of fine dust released into the air.
1. Roomba Q5 pro
The Q5 Pro, and its more expensive counterpart, the Q7 Max Series are among the most powerful robotic vacuums that we have test. They have top-of-the-line motors that can generate up to 5,500 Pascals of suction force. And, like other top iRobot models (including the top pick) they employ smart mapping technology to design detailed floor plans and avoid household obstacles such as cords and furniture legs. The robots also feature a feature called Carpet Boost which boosts its power when it senses dirt on the carpet.
The Q5 and Q7 Max Series both scored very well in our tests on floors that were bare, and they are particularly adept in removing hair from dogs. There are some issues however, which prevent them from being our top option. One of the flaws of the Q5 is that its navigation system doesn't feature AI-powered obstacles avoidance. It's thus susceptible to get stuck on socks and shoes and couldn't navigate densely packed rooms very well in our tests. It doesn't also have a camera that can see around corners.
However, it's a good choice, especially if you want to save money on a Roomba from iRobot, and you have a mostly unfinished home or office. It's also very quiet and you can use it while you're at work, or school. It's not equipped with the edge-to-edge floor vacuuming feature that's offered by the more expensive iRobot Roomba X30. It's also less effective at mopping, relying on disposable wet wipes that don't hold on for long and don't handle dried-on debris. The Q5 does come with an auto-emptying dock, however. If you're required to clean the mopping pad, it can be changed for one that is wet in just a few minutes.
2. iRobot Roomba
The iRobot Roomba X30 packs impressive vacuuming and mopping capabilities into a sleek, compact package. Its nimble navigation and intelligent cleaning maps make it simple to clean and efficient in tackling larger particles like pet hair. It also has an impressive suction system and a self-emptying bin. It's the most efficient robotic hoover for carpets, but it isn't as effective as some of its competitors when it comes to deep cleaning.
This high-performance vacuum and mop uses sensors to avoid obstacles and pet waste. It also learns the layout of your home over time and offer better cleaning. The app allows you to modify zones and alter the cleaning schedule. Its battery life is average compared to similar models.
When the X30 Ultra is in a carpeted space, you can tell it to pull back and extend its mop. This will help prevent cross-contamination. The flex arm can be used to reach beneath furniture with low levels and along baseboards. It's not as efficient on the washboard as our other Editors' Choice Picks, the Ecovacs Ozmo N8Pro+ and the iRobot Combo j9+.
In tests during testing, the X30 Ultra was the fastest robot vacuum /mop to complete an entire house, finishing with 66 percent of its battery left. It also did an excellent job cleaning a range of floors and rooms that had different flooring types, including certain area carpets. Its obstacle detection was excellent and it stayed clear of fake dog turds, socks, shoes, and bundles of cables.
It's a little more expensive than iRobot Combo v9+ or iRobot Roomba j9+ but has superior suction and an onboard bin that automatically empty into the base. It also supports voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It can clean the floor even after it has vacuumed. This is a feature that we haven't seen on other robotic vacuum/mop combinations.
3. Roomba X40 from iRobot
This mop and vacuum combination features a sleek, circular design that looks much like a Roomba model than the bulky units of the competition. It's among our most attractive robot vacuums. The newest model from iRobot is among the most intelligent and has advanced features like Enhanced Dirt Detection Technology and future compatibility with Matter (another company's robot that can autonomously wash mop pads).
It's also the only robot vacuum/mop to score a perfect 10 out of 10 in our evaluations. This is thanks to the combination of modern sensors, including a restructured light system, camera and multiple lasers. The X40 Ultra was the only robot we tested that could fill and empty its basestation autonomously. It also boasted a suction of 12,000Pa and self-cleaning mop mops.
The X40, like other iRobot products, is simple to operate. It comes with an easy mobile app interface that integrates with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. The only drawback is that it's a noisy unit which could be an issue if you use it in the morning before work, or at night when you try to sleep.
It's also quite expensive but not as much as the Ecovacs S8 MaxV Ultra or the Roborock S8 Omni, which are equally capable and better looking. If you're willing to live with a bit more noise and some extra cost, this is a very powerful two-in-one that will satisfy most people.
4. iRobot Roomba L20 Ultra
The L20 Ultra is a top-of-the-range robot vacuum and mop, with many advanced features that will let you forget about your chores. The L20 Ultra is a hands-free cleaning machine like Ecovacs' top-of-the-range X2 Omni or Roborock's S8 Pro Ultra. It comes with a multi-function dock that will automatically emptys the bin of the vacuum and refills the water tank, as well as washes and dry the mop pads.
The smart robot employs the combination of LIDAR and structured light to create floor plans and spot obstacles, navigating more intelligently than its more expensive competitors. It also has a front mounted camera for real-time detection of hazards however this was not 100% reliable in our tests and was often confused with power cords or obstructions.
Its vacuum has a high suction capacity of 7,000 Pascals, which is more than enough to finish the job. It also comes with an option called "Intelligent Dirt Detection", which regulates the power of the vacuum and adjusts the frequency of cleaning for different areas in the house depending on how dirty these areas are.
For bigger homes, it's worth opting for models with zone or spot cleaning modes that allow you to tell the robot to clean one particular area of your home by using the app or via voice commands. If you have furniture, a stairway mode is also useful. Also, a recharge and resume feature that allows your robot vacuum to continue where it left off is ideal for busy families.
5. iRobot Roomba RX3
The RX3 is a more efficient cleaner than you might think from its price. It has a great vacuuming performance and was able to remove 55% of debris in our tests. (It was only second to the Roomba Q5 Pro). It also mops with only one pad and a reciprocating movement that cleans better that most of the robot mop cleaners that we've examined. It's self-sufficient too, with a full-featured application and an auto-emptying washable base.
The iRobot app is designed to help you navigate an exercise in mapping, which gathers information on your floorplan and any "no go" areas that you have marked on the map. You can use it to create cleaning schedules, arrange an area for cleaning or to prioritise your dirtiest rooms to improve performance. The app has a range of features, such as seasonal suggestions, custom mapping and advanced cleaning settings.
It also has the ability to reach corners and under furniture better because its shape is more rectangular. It also has strong suction of 8,000 Pascal suction and intelligent combs for pet hair. You can also organize a spot-cleaner that thoroughly cleans an area.
The Miele Scout RX3 Home Vision HD is a sleeker and cheaper alternative to the iRobot Roomba. It is more appealing in its design, similar to Dolce & Gabbana. The twin cameras are designed like adorable eyes. It is great at vacuuming, but it is more likely to be caught on low thresholds. It is also noisier than other top robot vacuums that we've tested. It also has a less intuitive app and a small base station that isn't able to double as an emptying bin.