Robot vacuums are incredible pieces of technology. Even a simple robot can keep your floors clean without much effort on your part, effectively handling pet hair and dust. High-end models are capable of mapping your home, scheduling cleanings, responding to voice commands, and even emptying themselves.
However, it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. These devices are great for regular cleaning during the week, but they cannot completely replace traditional plug-in vacuums, especially on rugs. Additionally, even the most advanced models can be frustrating at times, as they may get tangled or trapped, or miss piles of dirt.
In our recent testing, we evaluated 13 models, ranging from inexpensive, navigation-challenged units to sophisticated machines that navigate with ease most of the time. We consider the Roborock Q5 (and the Roborock Q5+ with its self-emptying dock) and the Eufy RoboVac 11S Max as the top choices. (If you’re curious about hybrid models that can vacuum and mop, we have some information on those, too.)
Our recommendation
This robot vacuum is an excellent cleaner and adept navigator that avoids (most) obstacles while effectively managing scattered debris.
This is the Roborock Q5 bundled with a charging dock that removes debris from its dustbin after cleaning.
The Roborock Q5 proved to be one of the most thorough cleaners we tested, picking up more debris than some pricier models. It boasts exceptional navigation capabilities, able to map multiple levels of your home and remember a room’s layout.
This model’s user-friendly app offers numerous customization options, such as scheduling cleaning cycles, vacuuming specific rooms, and directing the robot back to areas it may have missed. It also allows you to block off areas that you don’t want cleaned.
Although Roborock’s obstacle-detection system isn’t flawless, the Q5 is more effective than other robots at avoiding hurdles. It also stands out as one of the quietest robots we’ve tested, which is beneficial for households with skittish pets or easily distracted individuals.
The Q5+ performs identically to the Q5 but includes a charging station that can remove debris from the robot into a large, disposable bag.
Both the Q5 and the Q5+ come with a one-year warranty.
Budget option
This reliable, affordable robot vacuum has a large bin and excellent cleaning power. It can be scheduled to clean, but it does not offer app control.
In our cleaning tests, the basic Eufy RoboVac 11S Max outperformed even robots with advanced navigation, picking up more debris than most, including along baseboards and close to walls. Its low height enables it to effortlessly maneuver under furniture to capture dust and small items.
The 11S Max is remarkably quiet and agile, blending into the background unlike any other robot we’ve tested. It does not connect to an app, but it does include a remote control for scheduling cleanings and directing it to missed spots. However, its navigation system tends to be random, and its aimless movements may be irritating to some users.
It comes with a one-year warranty.
