Robot Hoover: A Simple Definition

The Best Robot Hoover

The best robot hoover can clean and mop without requiring your attention, and it will leave your floors spotless. Its affordable price and high-end features (such as a dirt detectors) are a plus.

Check your robot's brushes regularly for tangled debris as well as hair. Wash them when necessary. Some models can also automatically empty their onboard dustbin into a larger one at the base, which reduces 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 we have test. They feature top-of-the-line motors that can generate up to 5,500 Pascals of suction force. Similar to other iRobots that are premium (including the top model), they use intelligent mapping to design precise floorplans that avoid obstacles like furniture legs. The robots also come with a feature called Carpet Boost that boosts its power when it senses dirt on the carpet.

The Q5 and Q7 Max Series both scored extremely well in our tests of floors with no carpet, and they are particularly adept at cleaning dog hair. However, they have several flaws that prevent them from being our top choice. For instance, the Q5's navigation doesn't include AI-powered obstacle avoidance, so it's prone to become entangled in shoes and socks and can't navigate tight spaces very efficiently in our tests. It also doesn't have a camera that can see around corners.

It's still a good value, especially if your office or home has a lot of unfinished flooring and you're looking to save money. It's also very quiet and can be used while you're at work or at school. It's not equipped with the edge-to-edge floor vacuuming feature that's available in the more expensive iRobot Roomba X30. It's also less effective when it comes to mopping. It relies on disposable wet wipes that don't adhere well and aren't able to deal with dried-on debris. The Q5 comes with a self-emptying cradle that can be emptied by itself. If you want to change the mopping pad to dry ones in just a few just a few seconds.

2. IRobot Roomba X30

The iRobot Roomba X30 packs impressive mopping and vacuuming into an elegant, compact package. Its smart cleaning maps and quick navigation make it easy to clean, and effective in dealing with larger particles, like pet hair. It also has strong suction and a self-emptying bin. It's the best robotic hoover for carpets, however it isn't as effective as some of its competitors when it comes to deep cleaning.

This highly efficient mop and vacuum combination makes use of advanced sensors to dodge obstacles and pet waste and it also learns the layout of your home over time for more efficient cleaning. The app allows you to modify zones and alter the cleaning schedule. Its battery life is average in comparison to similar models.

It is possible to instruct the X30 Ultra to remove its mops and extend them when it's in a room with carpet, which helps prevent cross-contamination. Its flex arm is great for getting under furniture that is low 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+.

During testing, X30 Ultra was the quickest robot vacuum/mop that could sweep the entire house and had 66 percent of its battery remaining. It did a decent cleaning job on different floors and rooms with different flooring types, including certain area rugs. Its obstacle detection was top-of-the-line and it swiftly eluded fake dog socks, turds and cables.

It's a little more expensive than the iRobot Combo v9+ and iRobot Roomba j9+, however, it comes with superior suction, an onboard dustbin that automatically emptys into its base, and it supports voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It can even clean the floor after it vacuums, a feature that hasn't been seen in other robot vacuum cleaner best vacuum/mop combinations.

3. iRobot Roomba X40

With an elegant circular design that appears more like a regular Roomba than the competition's boxy units this mop and robot vacuum is among the most appealing looking in our evaluations. iRobot’s latest flagship model is also its smartest. It comes with advanced features, like enhanced dirt detection and future compatibility (another company’s robot that can wash mop pads autonomously).

It's the only robotic vacuum/mop that scored 100% in our testing due to a mix of high-tech sensors that include a camera, structured light system and multiple lasers. The X40 Ultra was the only robot we tested that could refill and empty its basestation on its own. It also boasted an industry-leading suction of 12,000Pa and self-cleaning mops.

Like other iRobot models like the X40 is user-friendly, offering an easy mobile app interface, and integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant. The only drawback is that it's a noisy unit which could be a problem if you run it in the morning before work, or at night when you try to sleep.

It's also somewhat expensive, but it's not as pricey as the Ecovacs Omni or Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Both of which are equally capable and look better. It's a dual-purpose vacuum that is very efficient, but it will cost you more and produce more noise.

4. iRobot Roomba L20 Ultra

The L20 Ultra is the top-of-the high-end robot vacuum and mop. It has a number of features that are advanced and will help you forget your chores. The L20 Ultra is a hands-free cleaning device, similar to Ecovacs the top of the line X2 Omni or Roborock's S8 Pro Ultra. It features a multi-functional dock that can automatically empty the vacuum's bin, refills the water tank, as well as washes and dry the mop pads.

The smart robot makes use of LIDAR and Robot Mop structured lighting to create floorplans and identify obstacles. It can navigate more efficiently than its top competitors. It also has a front mounted camera for real-time detection of hazards, though this wasn't foolproof in our tests and was often confused with power cords or obstructions.

Its auto vacuum and mop has a maximum suction of 7,000 Pascals, which is more than enough to get the job done. It also has "Intelligent Dirt Detection", which regulates how hard the vacuum works and alters the frequency of cleaning for different areas of the home depending on the degree of dirt they tend to be.

If you have a larger home, you should consider choosing a model that has the option of cleaning zones or spots. This lets you tell the robot which area of your house needs to be cleaned with the help of an app or voice command. A stair mode can be useful if you have a lot furniture. For families with busy schedules, a recharge feature and resume feature that permits your robot vacuum to continue from where it left off can be extremely useful.

iRobot RX3

The RX3 is more sophisticated than its price suggests. It's a pro at vacuuming, removing 55% of the debris we found in our tests (it was second only to the Roomba Q5 Pro). It also mopses with a single pad that uses an oscillating motion that is cleaner than the other robot mop cleaners we've examined. It's also extremely self-sufficient, with a full-featured app and a self emptying, washable base.

The iRobot app is designed to guide you through an exercise in mapping that collects data on your floorplan, as well as any "no go" areas that you have marked on the map. It can be used to make cleaning schedules, set up the perfect spot for cleaning or prioritize your most filthy rooms to ensure better performance. The app has a range of features, such as seasonal suggestions, customized mapping, and advanced cleaning settings.

Its shape is more rectangular than most other robot vacuum that mops vacuums, meaning it can reach corners and underneath furniture better. It features an impressive 8,000 Pascal suction and sophisticated combs that remove pet hair. You can also set up a spot-clean that thoroughly cleans the area.

The Miele Scout RX3 Home Vision HD is a more sleek and cheaper alternative to the iRobot Roomba. It's got a more attractive, Dolce & Gabbana-esque design and its twin cameras resemble cute eyes. It is excellent at vacuuming, but it's more likely to get caught on low thresholds. It is also noisier than other top robot vacuums that we've tested. It also has an app that is less intuitive, and a smaller base station that can't double as a bin to empty.