Best Robot Vacuums: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Best Robot Vacuums and Mop Combos

A robot vacuum is the best device to keep the cleanliness of your home. It will remove dust, pet hair and other particles from the floor before it causes a bigger problem.

Some robots are able to sync with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant to provide a environment that is hands-free. Look for models that can recharge and pick up where they left off.

1. iRobot s8

This smart robot vacuum and mop combination is a great choice for many homes. It features a superb navigation system with GPS and laser sensors. It also comes with a lot of features and controls that are accessible through the app. It also comes with a useful feature that allows you to create Cleaning zones for specific areas that need extra attention, and also to keep Out zones where you do not want it to be. And, like all Roomba devices, it is updated with new software updates that make it even better over time.

It's costly, but it's also one of the most advanced robot vacuums ZDNet has evaluated. It has a high-powered battery that can clean a large area in less than two hours. It can switch between mopping and vacuuming by pressing one button. It automatically empties the trash bin that is above its charging station, in contrast to other self emptying robots which require you to empty it after each run.

It comes with a variety of other features that make it an excellent option for most homes, including intelligent obstacle avoidance that uses both a camera and processor-powered intelligents to identify obstacles. It's not often tripped or stuck during a cleaning process. In my tests it was the best in avoiding objects such as power cables. It is not as accurate in detecting pet waste or other dangers.

2. Eufy RoboVac Hybrid X8

Although Anker-owned Eufy has earned its name in budget robot vacuums, it's never offered an all-in-one model which can also mop. The X8 Hybrid is a new model that offers a range of modern features and can compete with much more expensive models.

Laser navigation is the primary selling point of this machine. The X8 utilizes a laser mapping system that is more accurate than the previous Eufy devices. It takes less time to build a comprehensive map of your home. It can also store multiple maps. This is ideal for multi-floored homes.

The X8 is still a good vacuum on floors with no dust and can sling debris over its side brushes and into its 400ml dust bin with relative ease. Its tyres are adept at securing edges and corners, despite being circular. Our tests showed that it was able to remove 90 percent of the fur on hard floors.

There's a basic mopping mode which uses the same water tank as the vacuuming one. While this is a good option for spills that are not too large but you cannot regulate the amount of water it is using, which will limit its effectiveness on more severe staining. It is effective at picking up pet hair. It has a higher pick-up rate than the Roborock S7.

3. Miele RX2

Miele's RX2 robotic vacuum is known for its quiet, effective appliances. It features a stunning design, a great navigation system and a powerful cleaning power. But it has a few operational oddities that keep it from ranking as the best overall smart robot vacuum.

Similar to the latest models of iRobot like the RX2 has dual-sensor mapping technology which uses the LIDAR sensor to map out the space and two 3D scanning cameras that can detect and avoid obstacles (like furniture legs or pet waste) in real time. Once the room is mapped it is possible to assign virtual no-go zones and preferred sections to the robot. You can also initiate an automatic clean or manually change the cleaning mode, see live feeds from the onboard cameras and more from the main screen.


The sensors of the RX2 work well by registering furniture and obstructions in real-time. The suction and sweeping power are top-notch, picking up surface litter from carpets with medium piles and dust on floors that are unfinished. However, it's not the most agile robot on the market. It's not the most efficient climber and has issues with transition strips made of metal.

Some people buy robot vacuums due to the ease of setting up a schedule using an app, only to forget about them for weeks. However, it's essential that a robot is able to accomplish the task that's the reason our ZDNet staff tested and reviewed several of the most popular models to help you find the right one for your home.

4. Shark ION

This round, budget robovac looks just like your typical robot but it's a step up in terms of performance and features. Its smart mapping system generates 3D and 2-D maps of your house and uses them to navigate and avoid obstacles. It's even able to spot common obstacles like furniture legs and power cords in real-time. The combination of sensors with a bump detector and an infrared sensor that keeps the vacuum from stepping on steps makes it one our most flexible vacuums.

In our tests, it effortlessly could climb over the thick shag rugs and didn't get stuck on them (like the RoboVac 11s or Roomba 690). Its navigation skills were also impressive; its composite score in carpet and bare floors topped the competition, and it took in 98.5 percent of surface pet hair and litter from our lab test samples.

The controls are more basic than those of the competition; there's an oblong cleaning button at the top, and you can launch it via the app or by voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also create a schedule for your daily or weekly cleans, set areas that are not allowed to be cleaned, and check the history of its cleaning. Covered in stylish dark gray plastics, Ion feels sturdy and is attractive in your home. Its rear dustbin is easily accessible to empty, and the removal of the filters is also easy.

5. Eufy 11S

If you're looking for a basic robotic vacuum that is simple and has no frills at a low cost, the Eufy 11S might be your best bet. The model isn't equipped with smart features like Alexa integration and digital mapping found in higher-end models. If you don't need these features, you can save money.

The robot is easy to set up and use. It does not require a smartphone application or Wi-Fi connection, however it does have a remote control that lets you choose between different modes and adjust the suction level. It also lets you manually take the robovac off on a scheduled cleaning.

During our tests, the 11S was extremely efficient in removing pet hair and dirt from hard floors as well as in low-pile carpets. Its slim profile allowed it to fit under furniture with low hanging and other items that heavier robots were unable to get at. It was also able to traverse door thresholds and transition between floors and another.

The 11S, just like other robots, can also eat some items, including cords and cat toys. The manufacturer suggests you keep these objects off the ground and using a cord organiser when you can. It also suggests that you regularly clean the dustbin, change the filters, and change or wash the brushes when needed.

iRobot Roomba 990

The Roomba is iRobot’s flagship robot vacuum. It's expensive however it's a top performer and, in some ways, the most advanced robot vacuum you can buy. Its self navigation and environmental mapping are truly a marvel to behold. It has more advanced automation than its competitors, such as the capability to set up virtual boundary markers using its mobile application. While its app is a little sluggish, and the 980 does spin out a bit when rolling over cables, it's an extremely efficient robot vacuum.

vacuum robot love about the 980 is the fact that it utilizes its iAdapt 2.0 navigation sensors as well as visual simultaneous localisation and mapping technology (or vSLAM) to memorise the floor plan of your home. It uses this information to create a consistent and efficient cleaning path in every cycle. The result is cleaner floors, and a cleaner vacuum than most competing high-end robot vacuums.

Other features include dual multi-surface rubber brushes, which grab dirt from hard floors and carpet as well as the spinning brush that sweeps debris into the bin of the robotic vacuum. The sensor for floor tracking assists in navigating around furniture as well as along edges and steps. Cliff Detect prevents the Roomba from falling. And it automatically returns to its base station for hassle-free recharging between sessions. Although the 980's battery life and bin size aren't quite as efficient as some other robot vacuums, it's a sturdy and reliable machine that will keep your floors spotless for hours and hours.