Vacuuming With a Robot Hoover is the Best Hands-Off Model We've Tested

This high-end Eufy bot is the most hands-off model that we have test so far. It vacuums, mops and self-empties and dry mop pads without you having to do anything.

It doesn't come with advanced cleaning functions or a more powerful docking system, but it delivers outstanding performance for less than half the price of top-end robotic vacuums. It also has a compact design that can reach under furniture.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming with a robot hoover (how you can help) is a quick, easy method to keep your floors clean and tidy. A lot of the models we've selected are designed to operate without your involvement and you can set them up to clean while you're away or trigger a session from your smartphone. However, you'll want to choose a model that has superior navigation and obstacle detection so that it will not get stuck on the stairs or beneath furniture.

Some models are better at removing pet hair from carpets than others, which is why it's also important to choose an item that is able to efficiently and effectively vacuum all types of flooring. Find a model with a dust bins that is able to hold plenty of dirt in between emptying and a nozzle that doesn't lose suction as it rotates to remove debris.

Most robots require little to no maintenance, aside from taking out tangled fur from the rotating brush after each cleaning session (and wiping its sensors or camera as required) and then periodically emptying the bin, or using a robot's self-emptying base. If you follow these easy upkeep steps, your robot vacuum cleaner best vacuum should last as long as a full-size vacuum, and will help keep your home cleaner for longer.

While robot mops are generally less versatile than vacuums Some have the capability of absorbing spills and puddles while they're doing their thing. The iLife V3s Pro, a good example of this type of machine, is an excellent choice for those with carpets, rugs, or wood flooring. It is quiet and has excellent navigation capabilities, which helped it avoid obstacles when tested. The charging dock also doubles as trash bin.

For the best self cleaning vacuum results, pick the robot that is capable of mopping and vacuuming at the same time. Karcher's RCV 5 can do this, and it also comes with other features that are useful like live cameras, which transmits a blurry picture to your app, so that you can monitor your pet or kids, as well as remote controls that are easily programmed. The navigation isn't as robust as the other models we've reviewed however it is able to lift itself over low thresholds and comes with a large 500ml dustbin that doesn't have to be emptying often.

Mopping

Robots that mop and vacuum are a fairly new addition to the market. They're more expensive than standalone robots and require an additional water tank but the extra cost may be worth it for many people, particularly those with difficult-to-clean stains, or pets.

Some of the best robot vacuum under 200 robots that vacuum and mop also be very effective at cleaning bare floors and carpets. There are a number of brands that offer all-in-one robots that do both tasks extremely well. The Combo J9+ is among the most effective mopping robots that we have tested. It comes with a dock that can store up to 60 days' worth of debris. That's a big improvement on the Qrevo Pro, which ran out of water after mopping just 30 days' worth of dirt during our tests.

The Tapo RV30 plus from networking giant TP Link is a great two-in-one. It's small, quiet and has an attractive, clutter-free appearance. In our test rooms, it was able to clean the floors thoroughly and accurately and efficiently. It was particularly effective on rugs but it took several runs to completely remove soiled areas from wood. Its LIDAR navigation system functions well, avoiding bumps into furniture or running over power cords.

It's a bit sluggish on the stairs, but it's to be expected from a small robot that's designed to overcome obstacles. The only downside is that the mopping pads can be difficult to attach and didn't stay in place during our tests. Additionally, it lacks the ability to deal with dried-on dirt that makes it more of a vacuum cleaner than a full-fledged mop.

Despite these issues however, it's a great option for those looking for an effortless cleaning experience that can handle bare and low-pile carpets with equal competence. It offers a decent amount of suction, which allowed it to remove dust and pet hair from carpets. Automatic recognition of carpets is a great feature, because it boosts the vacuuming power to take on dirt that is embedded. It is simple to use and the charging dock automatically emptyes the bin when it's full. This is a fantastic feature for apartment dwellers.

Cleaning apps

Almost every robot automated vacuum cleaner mop, sweeper, or mop comes with an application that lets you modify cleaning routines, pick rooms to clean, schedule cleaning sessions, and adjust settings such as suction, water level, and scrub power. Some robots provide intelligent dirt detection that uses maps and cleaning data to prioritize dirty areas.

You can also use an app to create virtual barriers and no go zones to protect your robot from dangerous objects, like cords and pet water bowls. Certain models let you create these virtual barriers with laser navigation sensors, and others come with small physical barriers or boundary strips which you can put wherever you'd like to keep off your floor area.

There are still risks to be aware of, even though the most effective robot vacuums robot can detect and navigate around obstacles. For example, a robot's main brush can get stuck in long cords or curtains, which can stop the machine from moving. You can prevent this by clearing the area of any cords and tie up any curtains that are long prior to running your robot.

Certain robots automatically update their software that manages the algorithm for navigation and obstacle avoidance. This enhances performance and reduces wear and tear of the robot's internal parts. It is a good idea to periodically to check the manufacturer's site or your robot's app for firmware updates.

If you live in a big home, select a model that has different cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max can mop and vacuum on carpeted and hard floors with different suction settings. It can also automatically change to the highest power setting for carpets and increase its scrubbing capabilities with SmartScrub.

If you're looking to be hands-free, a robot that has a voice-activated assistant is an excellent choice. The iRobot Roomba 980 can be controlled by Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. It comes with a compact self-emptying docking station as well as a powerful cleaning engine that leaves your floors sparkling.