We'd all love to be able to sit down and relax while an artificially intelligent device cleans the house, but can a robot vacuum do as good a job as your regular barrel vacuum? The answer largely depends on whether you have carpet or hard floors, and whether you want yours to mop, too.
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We've tested to find you the best.
Read robot vacuums reviewThe models in our latest robot vacuums test range in price from under $280 up to $, with a median price of around $. You'll find robot vacuums at different price points, with the more sophisticated models able to achieve tasks like self-cleaning, heavy-duty mopping, or detecting particularly dirty areas.
Our test results reveal a range of performance scores at different price points, and there are some robot vacuums worth considering if you're on a budget as some are excellent on hard floors. However, the cheapest robots may not have all the features you're after.
After conducting our rigorous lab testing of robot vacs, we wouldn't recommend any of them as a complete replacement for a regular stick, barrel or upright vacuum, especially in homes with carpeted floors. However, they're great for in-between cleans and can be used on a daily basis, especially if you'll be out of the house.
Despite their autonomous nature, filters, dust bins and brushes will still need regular cleaning and you'll still need to make sure your floor doesn't have stuff lying around which could get caught in the robot vacuum, even if it does claim to be able to detect the obstructions.
Our lab-based tests show a significant range in performance scores.
Cleaning test scores Average Range Hard floor performance 87% 33'99% Carpet performance 37% 8'60% Pet hair performance 51% 20'90% Corners and edges performance 58% 20'80%To get the most out of your robot vacuum, we recommend downloading its related app.
Most robot vacuums now require an app to make the most of its scheduling and mapping functionality.
All but the most basic models can connect to your home Wi-Fi network, so you can monitor and set up your cleaning regime using the app (for more on what they can do, see Features to look for below).
This also lets your robot vacuum accept firmware updates (this is the software built into the vacuums) which could iron out bugs or include new features.
Note that after downloading the app, set-up involves setting up an account using your address and a suitable password, then following the steps to connect your robot to the app.
It's not unexpected for technical problems to occur during initial set-up. For example, in some cases we had to revert to turning off our 's mobile data temporarily for it to detect the robot vacuum's Wi-Fi signal.
CHOICE tip: Many smart home accessories, including robot vacs, use the 2.4Ghz band of your router's Wi-Fi as opposed to 5Ghz. If this is the case, and if you usually use 5Ghz on your smartphone, you'll need to change to 2.4Ghz when using the robot vac's app.
Read the app's privacy policy to see what kind of information the robot vacuum collects and check the app's privacy settings.
For example, the robot may need location data to conduct tasks such as room mapping. But there may be a setting to make sure the map is kept on your robot vacuum and not sent back to the manufacturer.
For models with camera detection, you may want to keep them out of sensitive areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms by using the 'virtual wall' feature of the app, which lets you set no-go areas for the robot. Or, you may prefer not to buy a robot vac with a camera feature at all.
Read more: What your robot vacuum knows about you
Most of the robot vacuums we've tested are very good at cleaning hard floors ' albeit not always in the corners and edges.
For a house with mostly hard floors, most of the robot vacuum cleaners we've tested will do a reasonable job of keeping the floors clean when run on a daily basis, though a more thorough clean with a standard vacuum (or a broom) will still be needed occasionally.
Despite sophisticated technology ' navigation software, stairs detection, cameras to detect dirt ' robot vacuum cleaners are still comparatively poor at removing dirt from carpet.
Robot vacuums can't generate the suction of a standard vacuum and although they can leave the carpet looking clean, below the surface a lot of dirt is left behind. Over time, this can damage the pile.
In a home with carpeted floors, a robot vac is fine for a tidy-up, but the carpet will need a regular going-over with a standard vacuum to get most of the dirt out.
In our tests, we've found robot vacuums can pick up a reasonable amount of fluff (such as pet hair) along with some dirt, but on carpet they also seem to push the remaining dirt even deeper into the pile.
It depends. If you've got a mixture of rugs and hard floors, they might sometimes have a little trouble travelling from one surface type to the next.
Tassels or fringes on rugs, home entertainment cables and deep carpet pile could be problematic as these can get tangled in wheels or brushes. With a bit of preparation, you can avoid these incidents.
This feature, now standard across all models, helps the robot sense when it has reached a ledge or step so it can back off and avoid a damaging tumble.
This feature creates an invisible barrier to block off open doorways or other areas you don't want the robot to enter. Most robot vacuums will define the virtual wall using an app, but some use infrared towers to define barriers (these may cost extra). A few models that use older technology require a physical magnetic strip to prevent the robot vacuum from passing the barrier.
This handy function will allow you to set times of the day or week to run the robot ' for instance, you could set it to run only while you're out of the house.
Battery life is important, especially if you have a large area to be cleaned. You'll want a robot vacuum that cleans for long enough to cover your floor area before returning to the charging station.
Although we're seeing battery life improving, we've noticed some models that keep running well after the motor has actually stopped 'cleaning'. Essentially, these vacuums have a cleaning mode and a return to charging station mode. In these cases we measure the running time to be until the motor stops running (i.e. cleaning has stopped).
Robot vacuums that mop can leave a trail of water behind.
Many robot vacuums also have a mopping function. The mopping process involves moistening a microfibre pad (or pads) attached to the vacuum's base via a water tank.
Some models only come with a small water tank that you'll need to manually refill after every use, while others go back to their charging dock to draw upon clean water that's stored in a large tank located there. These high-end models will wash (or even dry) the soiled mop pads, and extract the dirty water into another tank.
For models with only on-board tanks, you may be able to adjust the level of water that wets the pad, and some do have a 'scrubbing' function to lightly agitate the area. The self-cleaning mopping robots tend to put more pressure onto the floor to try and tackle tough stains.
Our experts noticed that while the pads are visibly dirty after a mopping job, the pads are quite small and will need to be rewashed regularly, so the models which can do this automatically will make it easier to "set and forget".
Some models may leave more water behind than others, although this may depend on the water settings. Regardless of how sophisticated your mopping robot is, the function is a task best suited for "maintenance" cleans of light stains and scuff marks.
Some of the more high-tech models may be able to detect carpet or rugs and lift the mopping pad up so it doesn't touch the surface, while others can detect the carpet and avoid cleaning the area. However, our experts have noticed that some mopping pads may still touch a rug's edge, potentially spreading stains onto it.
So at first, you'll need to keep an eye on how it goes about its mopping, and manually specify any no-go areas (usually via the app) if they don't behave themselves!
High-end robots usually come with an automatic dirt disposal unit on the charging base. Once the robot goes back to charge, its dust bin gets emptied into a larger dust bag ' a self-emptying tower, which can measure around 30'55cm high!
This saves you from having to continually empty the tiny dust bin on the robot itself, and could also be useful if you have a dust allergy.
But be aware of ongoing costs with these models. iRobot claims its dust bags can hold up to 30 bins of dust and dirt before they need replacing, with a three-pack selling at an RRP of $59.
Note that accumulated dust in the base unit's bag or bin could become smelly or unhygienic after a while, so don't leave it too long to empty.
Some robot vacuum apps can map out the room while the robot cleans.
All but the most basic robot vacuums are smart-home enabled. They'll connect to your wireless router and work with a dedicated app to help you control your cleaning schedule.
While functionality varies depending on how sophisticated the robot is, they should all have the basic ability to turn the machines on and off or pause the cycle, and program your preferred cleaning time and frequency.
Other functions may include a map of where the robot has cleaned (and the ability to save it), cleaning log/history, manual cleaning, spot cleaning, battery status or notifications when the robot has done its job. Some may also be compatible with a smart home hub, like Google Home or Alexa.
The basic ability to manually turn your robot vacuum on and off and operate basic settings either at the unit or via a remote control is still handy.
However, more and more robot vacuums are lacking this basic functionality with full reliance on Wi-Fi connectivity and operating the vacuum via an associated app on your .
To get the most out of all the features and functionality you'll need to familiarise yourself with the app. Some apps are easier to navigate than others, and keep in mind that if you encounter internet connection issues, it can limit the vacuum's capabilities and make them harder to use.
Some models have webcams so you can monitor your home remotely.
We've seen some high-end robot vacuums even double as a security camera.
In conjunction with an app, you can log on and monitor your home remotely (or see if the cat has decided to hitch a ride on it).
Robot vacuums are generally quieter than standard vacuums, but some have an annoying high-pitched whistle and others make a mechanical grinding noise.
This may be less important if the robot mainly runs while you're out of the house, but these sounds may be loud enough to annoy neighbours or scare pets.
Some models still come with a physical remote control to change the settings or direct the vacuum around the room, but these days many will only use apps.
It may be tempting to buy a cheaper version of your robot vacuum from overseas, but buyer beware: it may mean you can't use the app in Australia.
For example, in January Dreame imposed a "mobile app region block restriction" on robot vacuums that aren't official Australian models. It says:
"If you purchase any Dreame robot vacuums that are either a) not an official Australian model, or b) not via an authorised retailer, you will not be able to sync your device with the 'Mi Home' mobile app, and therefore, cannot use features provided through the app."
Similarly, the FAQ on Ecovacs' American site says that if you buy a model from China, you have to use the version of the app that comes up in the Chinese App Store or Play Store. It says: "You must choose 'China' as your country and use a Chinese mobile number to register."
Read more: Robot vacuum cleaners to avoid buying
To prolong your robot vacuum's life, regular maintenance is important. Some robot vacuums come with a tool to cut hair out of the brush, and the side brushes/rollers may need replacing after a while. Keep the sensors and filters clean and check the wheels for hair, string and other potential obstructions.
A good robot vacuum will have replaceable spare parts such as a battery, brush bar, dust bin, side brushes and filters.
When the robot vacuum eventually decides to retire, it should be treated as e-waste so that the lithium-ion battery, among other electronic parts, can be recycled and diverted from landfill. Check with your local council about e-waste collection dates.
We've tested to find you the best.
The company is the world’s best Industrial Intelligent Sweeping Robot supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Read robot vacuums reviewRobot vacuums are designed to clean your home with minimal help. Powered by a rechargeable battery, these cordless machines can learn their way around your room using sensors and cameras.
They're generally able to dodge stairs and are small enough to vacuum under low furniture. After fully recharging your robot vacuum, you should be able to let it start cleaning straight away.
It may take a few goes before your robot vacuum can properly learn the layout of your room. They tend to 'feel' their way around by bumping into walls and furniture (some bump into things quite hard, while others slow on approach) so you should leave your room as uncluttered as possible ' and free of any fragile vases!
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
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Visit CHOICE CommunityPhoto: Connie Park
Most combos were able to vacuum well or mop somewhat decently'but not both (and certainly not at the same time).
The $1,300 Dreame X30 Ultra, for example, picked up the most dry debris, but its mopping performance was among the worst in its price range.
Inversely, the Roborock Qrevo and Qrevo MaxV models mopped okay, but their vacuuming was subpar.
Despite their mop-raising and edge-cleaning claims, almost all robot mops left carpet edges and corners wet, and their mops failed to emerge reliably.
Video: Sabine Heinlein
With the exception of one machine, none of the machines I tested were able to avoid brush-roll entanglement when confronted with 18-inch-long hair.
Photo: Sabine Heinlein
Vacuuming Cheerios and mopping up wet stains left a sticky mess in the dustbin.
Photo: Connie Park
Despite their mop-raising and edge-cleaning claims, almost all robot mops left carpet edges and corners wet, and their mops failed to emerge reliably.
Video: Sabine Heinlein
John Ord, a lead engineer at Dyson, explained that the need to pack in a water tank and fluid-delivery and mopping systems will necessarily compromise vacuuming performance'there's only so much tech you can cram into one tiny bot. That's why his company focused on its bot's vacuuming power, instead of adding a mopping function, Ord said.
Most machines claim they can vacuum and mop at the same time, but I learned the hard way that it's usually better to tackle wet spills in the mop-only mode (or, better yet, by hand).
I tried to mop up a tablespoon of milk and a few Cheerios using the $1,200 Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni. Instead of cleaning it, this machine first smeared the spill around and then started rattling and gurgling, unable to dock or cross thresholds.
After cleaning, drying, and retrying, I declared the bot broken. (The Deebot X2 Omni's manual states that the machine shouldn't be used on wet surfaces, and a spokesperson told us it's industry-wide practice to clean spills before running the robot. Other companies, like Eufy, Narwal, Dreametech, and iRobot, claimed their robots could handle small quantities of liquid.)
Though most machines claimed to have some sort of hair-detangling technology, only the Narwal Freo X Ultra succeeded in sucking in 18-inch-long strands and ferreting them to the bin (instead of wrapping them around the brush roll).
Photo: Sabine Heinlein
Even robots costing upwards of $1,500 didn't possess any magical stain-erasing powers. In fact, most of the bots would roll over dried milk or coffee stains once or twice and then give up, leaving the stain as a ghostly reminder of breakfast'or, worse, spreading it across the room.
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni ($800) is one of the least expensive models with rotating pads that I tested. It was able to remove lighter dry coffee stains by going over the same spots several times, but it didn't make a dent in heavier coffee or milk stains. (It did a surprisingly good job on caramel syrup, a category all other machines fumbled.)
We dribbled coffee and milk (mixed with green food dye, for visibility) on our test floor and let the stains dry for several hours. Even our best performers struggled to erase them.
Video: Sabine Heinlein
With our Bona Premium Microfiber Mop, I was able to erase dry stains in less than half a minute.
Video: Katie Quinn
We dribbled coffee and milk (mixed with green food dye, for visibility) on our test floor and let the stains dry for several hours. Even our best performers struggled to erase them.
Video: Sabine Heinlein
Only three models'the Roborock Qrevo MaxV, the Narwal Freo X Ultra, and the Yeedi M12 Pro+'managed to erase the dried coffee stains entirely. (The Roborock and Narwal machines have dirt-detection sensors, which impel the robot to go over the stain more than once.)
And only the Narwal robot could vanquish the milk stain. But it took the machine 40 minutes, with the robot running back and forth between the stain and the dock to clean its mops and refill its water reservoir. In comparison, it took us less than half a minute to wipe up the same stain with warm water and a Bona Premium Microfiber Mop.
Photo: Sabine Heinlein
The robots I tested were packed with navigation features.
You can program them to focus on or avoid specific areas of your home or to clean the bedroom last, and you can follow them along in real time on little interactive maps of your floor plans.
The bots claim to steer clear of obstacles and differentiate between hard flooring and carpets. But frustratingly often, they got lost, confused, or entangled, or they started mopping the wrong type of surface.
When I sent the Dreame L20 Ultra ($850) on its mop run, it initially avoided the dried-on stains we'd placed because it got confused by the blue painters' tape we'd used to mark the area. (Maybe it mistook the tape for a drop or an obstacle?) The robot approached the stains only after the tape had been removed.
On the other hand, only a handful of the machines I tested avoided our fake poop reliably, including the L20 Ultra and its cousin, the Dreame X30 Ultra ($1,300). These two even showed little poop icons on their map. (The pair came out among the best in our vacuuming tests, too.)
Even some of the most expensive machines, like the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni, bump into furniture and humans.Video: Sabine Heinlein
Meanwhile, the Ecovacs Deebot T30S got lost on a rug, spinning in circles and actually mopping the rug with its pads. Shortly after, it got stuck on the baby bouncer (it eventually managed to free itself but quickly returned and got hung up again).
I observed other combos spinning endlessly while searching for their docks or leaving areas they'd been instructed to clean untouched. Yet they also often had a magnetic attraction to obstacles I wanted them to avoid, like cords or poop.
And all of the models were prone to ignoring baseboards and thresholds, resulting in an accumulation of grime around the edges of a room.
The Roborock Qrevo and the Qrevo MaxV were relatively reliable navigators, cleaning in an orderly pattern and finding their way back to their docks, without quitting mid-job or getting stuck on the edge of a rug. But unlike the Eufy X10 Pro Omni, which, in my tests, detected obstacles down to the size of a rubber band, the Roborock machines drove over cables and poop without hesitation.
On the plus side, they are good climbers and don't give up easily. A bunched-up pet rug? No problem! A ¾-inch threshold? They'll just bulldoze their way over it.
The more-advanced bots had sensors that supposedly allow them to detect different types of flooring, so they won't start mopping your Persian rug. But I found that when they were on carpets, even those bots that successfully raised their mopping pads (usually about ¾ of an inch) still left the edges of the rug damp. This can be particularly problematic if the machine crosses a light-colored carpet after mopping up coffee, a brightly colored drink, or urine.
The only machine that didn't wet rugs at all was the iRobot Roomba Combo J9+, which elegantly lifted its mop pad above its body. (Unfortunately, it wasn't very good at mopping when it was actually supposed to.)
Some bots, like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S and the Yeedi M12 Pro+, raised their mopping pads only slightly. So you'd need to roll up your carpets altogether before mopping. And both bots started to actively mop the rug on occasion.
Photo: Connie Park
The bots with self-emptying docks weigh between 10 and 30 pounds, and they have about the same footprint as a large garbage can. Due to the size and heft of these bots, you can't easily use them on multiple floors or even in different areas of a home.
The bots are noisy when self-emptying, and it's hardly a hands-off experience. You can push off emptying the dust bag until it's about to explode, but you can't exactly ignore a bucket of fetid mop water sitting in your living space.
Some companies have started adding auto-refill and drainage systems, but this is still a relatively rare feature. (I wanted to try the SwitchBot S10, which is supposed to connect to your plumbing system, but wasn't able to get it going.)
Robot hybrids are not maintenance-free. Roborock's rubbery brush roll, for example, gets chewed up easily and needs to be replaced frequently.Photo: Sabine Heinlein
Either way, the area of the dock that washes the mop pads needs regular scrubbing, since it tends to collect muck and liquid. You also need to occasionally machine-wash and replace the pads.
New bags, brushes, and filters add to ongoing expenses. Roborock's brush roll, for instance, is particularly prone to damage'one tangled cable and it looks like a dog's chew toy.
Screenshots: Ecovacs
To their credit, most of the robot vacuum-mop combos I tested were a breeze to set up.
After installing your machine, you plug it in, download the app, and scan a code or pick your model from a list. The app then walks (and talks) you through connecting your machine to your Wi-Fi so you can control it with its app.
Of course, there were outliers. iRobot's app is prone to crashing, and I spent hours trying to initiate the SwitchBot S10. After it failed to connect to our Wi-Fi, I contacted customer service and was told that my Wi-Fi ID and password shouldn't have special characters. Despite a SwitchBot spokesperson later assuring me this requirement was removed and giving me troubleshooting tips, I still couldn't get the machine to work.
Some combos, like the Roborock Qrevo MaxS, are equipped with cameras, letting you monitor your home or chat with your pet (or partner). But when I tested it on the Roborock Qrevo MaxV, I found the sound unclear.Image: Roborock
The most feature-packed apps come from Roborock and Ecovacs. Once you've set up your bot and mapped your home, the apps' fairly accurate maps let you divide and label rooms and set up no-go zones.
They also let you choose between vacuuming and mopping (or both), adjust suction power, and fine-tune how much water and scrubbing power the mop uses. You can even create 'scenes,' a function that allows you to tell your Roborock Revo or your Ecovacs Deebot to mop the dining room first and vacuum the playroom second, or to vacuum on Sundays and mop on Mondays.
This doesn't mean the apps always work perfectly. In my tests, saved maps sometimes vanished into thin air, and newly named rooms reverted to their generic labels.
One of our older paid testers found managing the Roborock robots through the app a 'cognitive and visual effort,' while acknowledging, 'It keeps the brain sharp.' Others remarked that they wished the app had more explanations. All of our testers found the Roborock app's remote control (which allows you to take over and control the robots' direction) to be unintuitive.
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