The Best Robot Hoover
The best robot hoover can clean and mop without requiring your attention, and will leave your floors spotless. Its price is surprisingly low and features that are high-end (such as dirt detection) are pluses.
Make sure to check your robot's brushes regularly for tangled debris as well as hair. Wash them if needed. Some models will also empty the onboard dust bin and place it in an additional bin located at the base. This reduces the amount fine dust that is released into the air.
1. Roomba Q5 Pro
The Q5 Pro, and its more expensive sibling, the Q7 Max Series are among the most powerful robotic vacuums we've examined. They are equipped with motors that are top-of-the class and can handle up to 5,500 Pascals. Like other premium iRobot models (including the top choice) they utilize intelligent mapping technology to create detailed floor plans and avoid home-based obstacles like cords and furniture legs. They also come with carpet boost that increases the robot's power when it detects an abundance of dirt on the carpet to get it clean quickly.
The Q5 and Q7 Max Series both scored extremely well in our tests on bare floors They are also adept in cleaning dog hair. There are some issues, however, that prevent them from being our first option. One of the Q5's shortcomings is that its navigation system does not have AI-powered obstacles avoidance. It's thus susceptible to get stuck on shoes and socks and could not navigate densely packed rooms very efficiently during our tests. Also, it doesn't have cameras that let it see the corners of an area.
It's still a great option, especially if you want to save money on a Roomba from iRobot, and you have a bare-floored home or office. It's also extremely quiet and works while you are at work or in school. It's not equipped with the edge-to-edge floor vacuuming that is offered in the more expensive iRobot Roomba X30. It's also less effective in mopping, as it relies on disposable wet wipes that don't hold on for long and don't handle dried-on debris. The Q5 has a self-emptying cradle, however. If you need to, the mopping pad can be swapped for one that is wet in just a few just a few seconds.
2. iRobot Roomba X30
The iRobot Roomba X30 packs impressive mopping and vacuuming into a compact, sleek package. Its intelligent cleaning maps as well as quick navigation make it easy to clean and effective in dealing with larger particles such as pet hair. It also has a powerful suction and self-emptying bin. It's the best robot hoover for carpets, though it lags behind some competitors in deep cleaning.
This high-performance vacuum and mop uses sensors that help it keep away from obstacles and pet waste. It also learns the layout of your home over time and offer more efficient cleaning. The app allows you to modify zones and alter the cleaning schedule. It has a battery life that is similar to other models.
You can tell the X30 Ultra to remove its mop and extend them when in a carpeted room which prevents cross-contamination. The flex arm can be used to reach under low-lying furnishings 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, the X30 Ultra was the fastest robot vacuum/mop in the market to clean an entire house, finishing with the battery at 66 percent left. It also did a good job of cleaning a mix of floors and rooms with mixed flooring types, including some area rugs. Its obstacle detection was top-of-the-line and it was nimbly avoiding fake dog socks, turds and cables.
It's more expensive than the iRobot Combo v9+ and iRobot Roomba j9+, however it offers superior suction, a dustbin on board that automatically fills up its base, and also supports voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It can also clean the floor even after it has vacuumed. This is something we haven't seen on other robotic vacuum/mop combos.
3. IRobot Roomba X40
This mop and vacuum combination has a sleek, circular design that looks much like a Roomba unit than the boxy models from the competition. It's one of our most attractive looking robot vacuums. 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 is able to wash mop pads autonomously).
It's also the only robot vacuum/mop that scored the perfect 10/10 out of 10 in our testing. This is due to the combination of modern sensors, including a restructured light system, a camera and multiple lasers. The X40 Ultra was the only robot we tested that could fill and empty its basestation in a self-contained manner. It also boasted an industry-leading suction of 12,000Pa as well as self-cleaning mop mops.
Like other iRobot models, the X40 is user-friendly, with an intuitive mobile app interface and integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit as well as Google Assistant. The only issue is that the X40 is still a loud unit. This could be a problem in mornings before work or during the night when you're trying to fall asleep.
It's also somewhat expensive, but it's not as expensive as Ecovacs X2 Omni or Roborock's S8 MaxV Ultra both of which are similarly capable and look better. If you're willing with a bit more noise and a little more cost this is a powerful two-in-one that will delight most.
iRobot L20 Ultra
The L20 Ultra is a top-of-the-range robot vacuum and mop with many advanced features that let you get rid of your chores. Like Ecovacs' range-topping X2 Omni and Roborock's S8 Pro Ultra, the L20 is designed to be a hands-off cleaning machine that takes charge of both mopping and vacuuming. It comes with a multi-function dock that automatically empties the vacuum's trash bin, refills its water tank and washes and dries its mop pads.
The smart robot uses LIDAR and structured lighting to draw out floor plans and spot obstacles. It navigates more intelligently than its top competitors. It also comes with a front-mounted camera for real-time detection of hazards but this wasn't completely foolproof in our tests, and could be confused with obstructions or power cords.
Its vacuum cleaner has a maximum suction of 7,000 Pascals which is more than enough to accomplish the task. robot vacuums uk features "Intelligent Dirt Detection", which regulates the intensity at which the vac works and alters the frequency of cleaning for different areas of the home in accordance with the amount of dirt they tend to be.
If you own a larger home, you should consider choosing a model that has zones or spot cleaning modes. This lets you instruct the robot on which part of your home must be cleaned using the app or voice control. If you have a lot of furniture, a stair mode is also a good option. Also, a recharge and resume feature that lets your robot vacuum pick up right where it left off is great for busy families.
5. iRobot Roomba RX3
The RX3 is more advanced than its price would suggest. It vacuums well 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 tested. It's also extremely self-sufficient, with a full-featured app and a self-emptying, washable base.
The well-designed iRobot app guides you through an initial mapping exercise that collects information about your floorplan as well as any "no-go" areas you have marked on the map. It can be used to design cleaning schedules or organize an automatic spot-clean. You can also use it to rank your most filthy areas to improve performance. The app also provides access to a host of features, such as seasonal suggestions, custom maps and advanced settings for your cleaning.
It can also reach corners and under furniture more easily because its shape is more rectangular. It also has strong 8000 Pascal suction and combs that are intelligent for pet hair. You can also set up a spot-clean that thoroughly cleans the area.
The Miele Scout RX3 Home Vision HD offers a sleeker more affordable alternative to iRobot Roomba. It's more appealing, Dolce & Gabbana-esque design and its twin cameras resemble cute eyes. It's good at vacuuming, but it is more susceptible to get caught on low thresholds and is noisier than the other top robotic vacuums we've tried. It also comes with an app that's not as intuitive and a small base station that doesn't double as a bin to empty.