Robot vacuum cleaners make life a lot easier and save time. Today, even inexpensive models can go out on a cleaning schedule while no one is at home, so that the owner returns after work to a clean house. At the same time, manufacturers are mastering new technologies and releasing more and more autonomous devices that are perfectly oriented in space and independently get rid of the collected garbage. But what to choose from dozens of similar devices, and what to expect from them? Now we will try to answer both of these questions to help you choose the robot vacuum cleaner that is best for you, and also tell you about two unusual cleaning robots. Rating of
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner
"Smart" robot vacuum cleaner for adequate money
The debut Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner has been in production for over two years now, but it doesn't seem at all backward compared to the new models. On the contrary, Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner is more powerful than its closest competitors and better works out the movement plan thanks to its mapping system. The bonus is a convenient application with the ability to remotely control outside the home.
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the best choiceAnker Eufy RoboVac 11S
Best Low Cost Robot Vacuum Cleaner
“Smart” algorithms, applications and voice control are good, but above all, the robot vacuum cleaner must perform its main function efficiently. In this respect, the device of the Anker sub-brand is not inferior to more expensive analogs. The Eufy RoboVac 11S is effective on all surfaces and is quiet even at high power. A great option for a small apartment.
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affordable alternativeiRobot Roomba s9 +
Maximum convenience, minimum worries
One of the reasons for our interest in Roomba s9 + is its docking station, which iRobot engineers turned into a separate gadget. Returning to charge, the vacuum cleaner dumps debris into a large bag inside the base so that you no longer need to monitor the fullness of the container (just remember to sometimes take it out and check the condition of the filters). The robot remembers up to 10 floor maps and allows you to set up cleaning schedules for individual rooms. And thanks to the D-shape, the s9 + reaches all corners.
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will do everything himselfRoborock S6 MaxV
New generation 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner
Roborock S6 MaxV deservedly tops the top of the best wet cleaning robots. This is one of the first vacuum cleaners with a camera system in the front, which helps it to notice scattered socks and wires lying on its way in time. As a result, foreign objects will not wrap around the brush, and you will not have to run to save the little helper. While object recognition is not working perfectly, it will improve over time. In terms of cleaning (both dry and wet), this Roborock is one of the best in the class, and work on multiple floors is supported.
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the most big-eyedRoborock S5 Max
New generation 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner
In the new model, the manufacturer has improved the design of the water tank: the application can now control the water supply, and the increased volume allows you to cover the entire area without refueling. The quality of dry cleaning is at a consistently high level for Roborock, the application allows you to flexibly adjust the work schedule - the S5 Max fully justifies its cost. Not so long ago, the developers also added the ability to save maps up to 4 floors.
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universal assistantEcovacs Deebot OZMO 950
Powerful robot vacuum cleaner with options
In addition to the functions of top-end robotic vacuum cleaners, the Deebot OZMO 950 has several proprietary chips. Studying the space provided to it, the device itself maps carpets and without additional commands bends around them during wet cleaning. And if only hard coverings are used throughout the house, the kit includes a direct suction nozzle, which does not need to be regularly cleaned of wool and hair. The main competitor has only one major advantage - a more affordable price.
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good equipmentXiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1C
Affordable and agile
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1C is an attempt to reduce the cost of a robot vacuum cleaner in such a way that it does not greatly affect the user experience. The attempt was quite successful. Despite the rejection of the laser navigation system, the device is well oriented in space, supports the creation of virtual walls and allows you to control the water consumption during wet cleaning through the application. 1C will feel more confident in a small apartment, where he will not have to interrupt cleaning due to a discharged battery.
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short distance masterILIFE V7s Plus
Robot vacuum cleaner for the price of Redmi Note 9
One of the most popular models in the ILIFE line is not very smart, but it performs its main function well. Yes, sometimes it resembles a blind kitten, and the ILIFE V7s Plus's cravings are not that strong. But it works properly, and is not the most expensive smartphone. The robot cannot walk around carpets during wet cleaning, so this mode is suitable only for rooms with hard surfaces.
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inexpensiveiRobot Braava Jet m6
The smartest floor polishing robot
Most "washing" robots are designed for local cleaning. They need to be manually carried around the apartment, and at the end of the cycle, do not forget to hide them. Braava jet m6 turned out to be more independent: it has its own docking station, and the navigation system like the flagship Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners allows you to move freely throughout the apartment (if there are no high sills between rooms). The user only has to periodically change the napkin to a clean one and add water to the tank.
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with cartographyiRobot Braava Jet 240
Washes, cleans, rubs floors
The Braava Jet 240 cleans up in a completely different way than the manufacturer's vacuum cleaners - brushes and a powerful motor are useless. The robot wipes the floor with a cloth, spraying water in front of it and walking over the same area several times, while the vibration of the cleaning module helps to get rid of dried stains. The polisher works almost silently and due to its compact size it reaches the most secluded places. Due to the simple navigation system and the limited cleaning area (up to 20-25 m2 per cycle), the device will have to be manually moved from room to room.
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small but smartRobot vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning
Best Choice: Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner adapts to the arrangement of furniture
In its price range, the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner has the most advanced navigation system with a laser rangefinder. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner builds a map of the room and, adapting to the location of the furniture, automatically calculates the optimal cleaning route. The assistant is equipped with a powerful Nidec motor with 1800 Pa suction power. The height-adjustable main brush handles both normal debris and pet hair (which has little to no winding). A side brush sweeps away debris from the area along the walls, and large wheels help to overcome interior thresholds up to 1.5 centimeters high.
The remote control is not included in the package - the Mi Home mobile application is used to control the robot. In it, you can configure the operating schedule and power mode, view the built map and select the cleaning area. The forbidden zone function is not supported in the 1st generation model. You can use magnetic tape to restrict travel, but you have to buy it separately. The 5200 mAh battery provides up to two and a half hours of operation. If one charge is not enough to put things in order in the whole house, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner itself will return to the base, gain strength and continue where it left off.
The volume of the dust collector is relatively small - 400 ml; with daily cleaning, it is enough to clean it every few days. The container and replacement filters must not be washed. The unit does not fall off the steps, however, due to the peculiarities of the height difference sensors, the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner does not perceive black carpets (a common "sore" of robotic vacuum cleaners).
"Smart" vacuum cleaners from the Xiaomi ecosystem can be controlled using voice commands, setting up a link to the Mi Home account, and remembering the basic phrases (in Google Assistant so far only in English). Interestingly, enthusiasts have gotten used to downloading alternative voices for sound notifications that the robot issues during operation.
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner costs up to $ 300 from us and from $ 260 when ordering from China. In official retail, it is less and less common - either the company is not keeping up with demand, or the model will soon be removed from production.
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Affordable Alternative: Anker Eufy RoboVac 11S
Eufy RoboVac 11S - stylish and quiet
In 2016, Anker launched its own brand of smart home appliances, Eufy, and began to actively master the direction of robotic vacuum cleaners. The Eufy RoboVac 11S is the company's bestseller with a basic set of features. It does not map the premises, but even with a random cleaning route, the 11S does not forget to ride under walls and around furniture. The developers have clearly tried to optimize the algorithm as much as possible. In terms of power, the robot surpasses the models of most budget brands. The motor creates a thrust of 1300 Pa, a pair of side brushes scoop up debris to the suction port with the main V-shaped brush. There is no self-cleaning function, the care of consumables is simplified by the tool for removing coiled hair and wool from the kit.
Instead of easily scratching plastic, the top panel is covered with tempered glass. The button on the body starts or stops the Eufy RoboVac 11S, and there is a remote control to control the operating modes. A total of four programs are available: spot cleaning of the area, movement around the perimeter, automatic mode and cleaning one room when the cycle time is limited to 30 minutes. Of course, without an accurate navigation system, the robot vacuum cleaner can miss some area, but with regular use, it is quite capable of keeping the house clean. The remote control also configures the daily cleaning schedule (for example, you cannot skip the weekend). The volume of the dust collector is 600 ml, the manufacturer does not recommend washing the main filter.
The built-in battery provides up to 100 minutes of operation at standard power or about 50 minutes at maximum. The best option is to use BoostIQ mode with an automatic increase in suction power on carpets. This will not waste extra energy, and the device will definitely have time to cover the entire area. By the way, the Eufy RoboVac 11S overcomes obstacles up to 16 mm high.
A home assistant costs about $ 180, plus the Eufy RoboVac 11S is often seen on sale at a discount price. In some markets, an updated RoboVac R450 with slightly increased power and a different pattern on the body is also sold.
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Most independent: iRobot Roomba s9 +
iRobot Roomba s9 + can clean its own dust container
The flagship of the iRobot line requires minimal user intervention thanks to an auto-cleaning docking station. After each cleaning, Roomba s9 + drives onto the platform and dumps debris into a bag. If the container is full before the end of cleaning, the vacuum cleaner will return to the base, get rid of excess cargo and continue to work from the place where it stopped. The manufacturer uses a patented system of two rubber roller brushes. Due to the D-shape, they are 30% wider and closer to the edge, so the robot cleans even better in corners and along walls. The robot adjusts the suction power depending on the surface condition, detects the most dirty areas and walks over them several times. The suction power has also been improved. The company does not provide exact numbers, but it is about four times higher.
The manufacturer continues to promote vSLAM visual orientation technology using cameras. In the first passes, the vacuum cleaner examines the perimeter and the arrangement of furniture. At the end of the training, a room plan is created with a division into rooms, which can be selected separately for different cleaning scenarios. With software updates, the Keep Out Zones feature has been added. The schedule is set up in the iRobot Home app, which can store up to 10 cards - a useful thing if the Roomba s9 + will be cleaning on multiple floors. It is better to run the vacuum cleaner during the day - in absolute darkness it gets lost a little. But the s9 + has no problems with dark carpets and thresholds up to 20 millimeters high.
The disposable bag in the base is designed to empty 30 filled dustbins. When removed, the hole on it is automatically closed with a curtain so as not to scatter garbage around the house, and the application will remind you when it is time to change it. The package includes two bags (one is already installed) and an additional HEPA filter for the vacuum cleaner itself. The iRobot docking solution makes it much easier to care for the robot, although Roomba s9 + owners will still need to periodically remove the container and clean / change filters. One charge is enough for 50-120 minutes of operation, depending on the selected power mode. In any case, "smart" models are able to continue cleaning after recharging. Voice control via Google Assistant and Alexa is also supported.
The Roomba s9 + combines the best of iRobot's know-how, but the price is right - about $ 1,500. Alternatively, you can consider the Roomba i7 + i-series robot , which will cost almost $ 500 less (and in terms of cleaning carpets, it is almost as good as its counterpart). For wet cleaning, the company has a separate line of robots, and the top Braava Jet m6 can work in tandem with the Roomba s9 + and i7 +.
Read also: pair review of iRobot Roomba s9 + and Braava jet m6
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Wet cleaning robots
Top pick: Roborock S6 MaxV
Roborock S6 MaxV does not eat socks and wires
The main difference between the Roborock S6 MaxV and previous models is the two cameras in the front of the robot. ReactiveAI obstacle detection technology detects wires, shoes, socks and other objects, and they are automatically marked on the map. The system was trained on tens of thousands of images of things that are usually scattered around the house. According to the manufacturer, the robot vacuum cleaner will bend around previously unknown objects. Although there are still mistakes with thin cables and uncleared "surprises" of pets, it is not yet possible to fully trust artificial intelligence in this matter. It is possible that algorithms will become "smarter" over time. The Roborock app has the ability to monitor through the camera of the vacuum cleaner. The developers declare that this data is not saved anywhere or sent to the cloud.
The suction force has slightly increased and is 2500 Pa, the rest of the design has not changed: a proprietary V-shaped brush and one five-leaf silicone side brush are used. A tank with a volume of 297 ml is provided for cleaning floors, the application sets the water supply mode. Do not add detergents to the container. When building a map, a lidar with anti-jamming protection is used (when the protrusion from above rests against the bottom of the furniture, a mechanical button is triggered, and the vacuum cleaner leaves the tight space). On the floor plan, you can mark individual rooms and set up their own power and water consumption for each.
The software update brought support for up to 4 maps of different floors or parts of the house, and when moving to another level, you do not need to lug a docking station with you. The 5200 mAh battery provides up to 180 minutes of continuous operation. The volume of the dust container is 460 ml, the removable filter can be washed. Voice control functions are also available. The price is about $ 560, during the sales the Roborock S6 MaxV will cost a little less.
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Alternative: Roborock S5 Max
Roborock S5 Max is devoid of the shortcomings of its predecessors
Another Roborock model with a large 290 ml wet cleaning tank - you no longer need to worry about whether there is enough water for the entire apartment. Thanks to the new electronic pump, the amount of incoming water can be adjusted directly in the app. And even for each room separately, since the company's new robots support dividing the home into zones. Roborock S5 Max remembers the location of furniture and other obstacles, and also allows you to customize your no-go zones for dry and wet cleaning so that when cleaning the floors, the automatic cleaner is not interested in carpets. The container is removed with the push of a button; you cannot add detergents to the water.
The side brush of the Roborock S5 Max is made of silicone should last longer than usual, and the hair practically does not wrap around the main V-shaped brush. The manufacturer continues to use powerful motors (2000 Pa declared), as a result, the robot can handle even fine dust. The volume of the dust container with washable filter is 460 ml. A full battery charge lasts for 150 minutes in quiet mode or about an hour and a half at maximum power. Also available are several intermediate programs and an auto-increase function on carpets. When scheduling, the user can select a separate room, however, only one at a time. Vacuum in the bedroom, immediately go to the kitchen and then continue cleaning in the nursery - the robot does not understand such commands (although if you enter different zones with an interval of 20-30 minutes,
Initially, the assistant memorized the last three cards, but for some reason it was impossible to switch between them, when moving to another level, the floor plan was always rebuilt. Rebinding in the Roborock proprietary application instead of Mi Home helped: the robot updated the software and received the long-awaited support for four floor maps, as in the S6 MaxV. According to the latest data, now everything works through Mi Home, but in case of problems with the cards, you will know an alternative method. The Roborock S5 Max starts at $ 460.
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Cleaning for every taste: Ecovacs Deebot OZMO 950
Deebot OZMO 950 builds a map for multiple floors
The competitor from Ecovacs looks like a more sophisticated device, but you have to pay extra for it. Deebot OZMO 950 with laser navigation Smart Navi 3.0 perfectly orients itself in space and recognizes carpets - he himself puts them on a map and drives around when wet cleaning. The less you have to draw virtual obstacles in the application. In the back there is a water tank with a volume of about 240 ml, and the flow is controlled by an electronic pump. As with Roborock, it supports setting its own forbidden zones for vacuum cleaner and floor polisher modes. The set includes a microfiber cloth and five disposable napkins (there is no special need for them, but when there is absolutely no desire to wash the main nozzle - an option).
Below you can see two side and main turbo brushes. Everything is standard here, although not quite. The company has added a direct suction nozzle, with which wool and hair immediately fall into the container with debris, without wrap around anything. This option is useful, but only suitable for hard surfaces. Dust container for 430 ml of medium volume, the filter is not washable, there is another spare in the box. When scheduling cleaning, you can select individual rooms. Like most smart models, the Deebot OZMO 950 can automatically increase the suction power on carpets. The maximum 1500 Pa on paper does not look like something outstanding, but in practice the robot cleans out debris well even in the crevices of the floor, surpassing most of the competitors.
The robot vacuum cleaner will feel free in a big house: the battery life from a 5200 mAh battery reaches 200 minutes. Even at maximum power, it will last more than two hours. The memory can store maps of three floors (there are only two main floors with zone settings). Initially, the manufacturer recommended purchasing docking stations for each of them, but everything turned out to be much simpler. It is enough to take the base with you once to draw up a map of the new floor. In the future, he will navigate independently, simply returning to the starting point after cleaning. Voice control via Google Assistant and Alexa is also available. The price of Ecovacs Deebot OZMO 950 has already dropped below $ 600, and by Black Friday, the manufacturer has pleased with a good discount.
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"Smart" vacuum cleaner at minimum salaries: Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1C
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1C does almost everything that expensive models do
The next bestseller Xiaomi is equipped with a simpler navigation system based on a gyroscope and a camera on the top panel. This has its own plus - nothing sticks out above the body, and the robot has more chances to squeeze under the low sofa. The vacuum cleaner also builds a map of the room, albeit not the most detailed one. And if you download the current firmware version and activate the experimental function in Mi Home, then forbidden zones will appear. Not bad for a $ 230 device. The suction force is 2500 Pa, plus we will add a large 600 ml dust collector - it definitely does not have to be shaken out in the middle of cleaning. The filter is washable (there is no compatibility with Roborock consumables, you need to buy specifically for this model). The company did not skimp on an electronically controlled “smart” water tank, although it is not very large - only 200 ml.
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1C does not support zone cleaning and separate setting of virtual walls for wet cleaning. The disadvantages include autonomy - with a battery with a capacity of 2400 mAh, the robot vacuum cleaner will work up to 90 minutes only at the very minimum power. In the "Turbo" mode, it will go to charge in 40 minutes. Although if the assistant does not have time to clear the entire area, then after the "rest" he will simply continue cleaning from the place of stopping.
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Simple and inexpensive: ILIFE V7s Plus
ILIFE V7s Plus - robotic vacuum cleaner with chaotic movement
ILIFE V7s Plus works according to the simplest algorithm with chaotic movement. So cleaning takes more time, but with autonomy everything is in order here - 140 minutes is enough to go around the whole apartment at least once. The vacuum cleaner was equipped with a main brush and one side brush. It can be started by pressing a single button on the body. More controls fit on the remote control, which also allows you to set up a daily cleaning schedule. By default, the automatic mode is used (when the robot works until the battery is discharged), individual buttons enable spot cleaning of a small area and bypass the perimeter.
To refresh the floors, instead of a dust collector (300 ml), a container with water is loaded, and a moistened microfiber cloth clings from below. Proprietary i-Dropping technology automatically stops the flow of liquid when the vacuum cleaner stops, so that a puddle does not flow on the parking spot. During wet cleaning, both brushes continue to work, collecting debris. Without a room map, the robotic vacuum cleaner does not remember the location of the charging dock, and therefore can rush around in search of a long time. To speed up the process, it is enough to direct it to the right place with the remote control. There must be at least one and a half meters of free space in front of the base, otherwise it will be perceived as a virtual wall.
In the official store of the manufacturer on AliExpress, the price of ILIFE V7s Plus sometimes drops to $ 170 (it's not worth taking more, promotions are held regularly). In our stores the price level is slightly higher.
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Washing robots
Smart robot polisher: iRobot Braava Jet m6
iRobot Braava jet m6 complements the capabilities of the robot vacuum cleaner
Like the older Roomba robots in the company's lineup, the Braava jet m6 is equipped with a camera and memorizes a detailed floor plan. Including there is a function of restricted areas, so that the floor polisher does not pull out shoes in the hallway and does not meddle in unnecessary places. But it is not necessary to mark carpets on the map - the robot considers them an obstacle and bypasses them. Several types of napkins are fixed from below, the type of nozzle is determined by the shape of the holes on the plastic base by analogy with punched cards, and the robotic mop immediately starts the desired cleaning mode. The package includes two pairs of disposable wipes: two for dry cleaning / polishing floors and two more for wet cleaning. Rags will last much longer, but you will have to buy them separately (available from iRobot and not only). A water tank is installed under the top cover. Her Braava jet m6 sprays in front of her, not forgetting about a safe distance from the wall - the wallpaper will not be damaged. It is allowed to add cleaning agent to the liquid. The manufacturer recommends using a proprietary solution, a small bottle of which comes with the device.
The application configures the water flow and the number of passes over the same floor area (up to 5 times in deep cleaning mode). Due to its square shape, the device fits closely to the wall and reaches the corners. The Imprint Link technology allows it to work in conjunction with the company's flagship robot vacuum cleaners. We tested this feature in a twin review of the Braava jet m6 and Roomba s9 + and were quite pleased with the result. Just keep in mind that due to the practically absent ground clearance, the floor polisher is not able to overcome sharp drops of more than a few millimeters in height.
The price of the iRobot Braava jet m6 at $ 660 may scare off some potential buyers, but we have the most technologically advanced device in its class.
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Small robotic mop: iRobot Braava Jet 240
iRobot Braava Jet 240 sprays water and wipes the floor with a cloth
If there are high sills or differences between rooms, the already mentioned Braava Jet m6 will have to be carried by hand, but the younger model Braava Jet 240 will do fine cleaning in small rooms. It did not receive the flagship navigation system, but the compact robot easily makes its way to where other home assistants corny will not squeeze through. Each cycle always starts at the lower left corner of the zone, offset to the right. To prevent the floor polisher from running into other rooms through an open door, you can create an invisible barrier behind it before starting. The virtual wall function is activated in the iRobot Home app or by long pressing the Clean button. The installed barrier is indicated by luminous blue stripes on the top panel of the case.
When dry cleaning, the iRobot Braava Jet 240 moves like a snake, sweeping away dust and small particles of debris - an automatic broom. During wet cleaning, he repeatedly drives back, spraying water in front of him. In "wet" mode, the floor polisher passes through the same area three times, slightly deviating to the left and right (like drawing a Christmas tree) and uses more liquid. The wetted nozzle vibrates to more effectively remove stains from the surface. The starter kit includes six disposable wipes, two for each of the three modes. It also uses a system for recognizing nozzles by the slots on the mounting panel. Of course, it is more profitable to buy reusable attachments. IRobot has an option for wet cleaning, alternatives are suitable for different scenarios.
iRobot Braava Jet 240 is designed for rooms up to 25 m² (for wet cleaning - up to 20 m²). For carrying between rooms, a handle is built into the body of the robot. Under it there is a release latch for used napkins and a tank cap, into which warm water is poured with or without detergents. This robot does not have its own docking station; a removable battery is charged separately in a proprietary charger. The battery life reaches 100 minutes. In our latitudes, the price of a floor polisher ranges from $ 230 to $ 250.
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How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner?
When choosing, you need to focus not only and not so much on cost, but on your needs. Even budget options can do a good job of cleaning, and smart models have a very wide range of prices. We have already presented the rating of the best robotic vacuum cleaners, and now let's talk about what is important to consider and what to look for before buying.
Navigation systems
The simplest robotic vacuum cleaners arbitrarily choose the direction of movement and look a little awkward from the side, but this does not greatly affect the result. Cleaning will continue as long as there is enough battery power, only in this way the "messy" algorithm allows you to cover the entire area. If the device misses some area, it is enough to direct it to the desired point and collect the remaining debris. Or wait - next time he will probably walk in this place. Of course, you can run the robot separately in each room, with Eufy RoboVac 11Sthere is a short cycle mode for this case. Sometimes manufacturers offer beacons that create a virtual barrier using an infrared beam. The main thing is to change the batteries in them in time. The disadvantage of this type of device is a long search for the base, if it is not in the line of sight. In addition, they constantly touch the furniture with their bumper (carefully and without harming it, but the sound itself can be distracting).
Models with cartography cover the entire area evenly and do the same job faster. There are two main options for implementing this function. The most commonly used lidar is a laser rangefinder that continuously scans the space and recognizes obstacles. The rotating module rises above the rest of the body, this protrusion sometimes interferes with cleaning under low sofas and cabinets. There is an advantage here for the thinner models with an alternative system based on cameras looking at the ceiling.
The possibilities of working with the room map are constantly being improved. For example, you can mark on it places that are not intended for cleaning (pet bowls, fragile interior items, accumulations of wires, and so on). Similarly, carpets are applied to the map, which should not be driven into during wet cleaning. The exclusion zone function is almost always available on devices with lidar, in models with cameras - only if these are models of well-known brands (and even then not all). And for flexible scheduling, the division of the premises into separate rooms will be a pleasant bonus.
Budget brands have robots with a gyroscope, which also make up a floor plan. True, it is very approximate and does not allow implementing the functions described above. And the most promising is now the combination of different navigation systems. For example, Roborock recently launched the S6 MaxV with a rangefinder and front-facing cameras for object recognition. Until this technology becomes widespread, you yourself will have to collect excess things from the floor before cleaning.
Yes, the robot vacuum is a discipline, weaning away socks, toys and phone cables. At first, you will also be surprised how this little miracle collects so much debris even after cleaning with an ordinary vacuum cleaner. In order for the robot to serve for a long time and without interruptions, do not forget to periodically clean the brushes (both side and main, if any), as well as wipe the sensors in the front and at the bottom of the gadget. It will not be superfluous to look into the manufacturer's instructions and read the care section.
Area and types of coverage
These are the determining factors when choosing an assistant. For a one- or two-room apartment, a robot with a random route is enough - it will be difficult for him to get lost in a small room. We advise you to choose models with good autonomy (from about 1 hour at medium / high power), since the longer the cleaning takes, the more debris collects. For "smart" vacuum cleaners with a map, this parameter is not so critical, they can pause their work and, after recharging, resume from the last place.
Robot vacuum cleaners without a main brush are suitable for rooms with hard surfaces (parquet, tiles, linoleum), but high power is needed for high-quality cleaning. Usually, devices with a direct suction port have a minimum set of functions ( ILIFE V3s Pro ), or these are combined models with a special nozzle. On carpets, you can't do without a turbo brush, which combes out dirt and dust stuck between the fibers. The iRobot vacuum cleaners have two of them at once, such a system, even at minimum engine speeds, will be more efficient than one brush.
Since houses can have different coatings, robots with a central brush (at least one) are the most versatile, and the higher the suction power, the better. Also consider the maximum height of obstacles to be overcome - not every robotic vacuum cleaner is capable of jumping over a threshold or driving onto a high carpet. As for robots exclusively for wet cleaning, it all depends on the navigation system. So, the iRobot Braava jet m6 can drive throughout the apartment, and the Braava Jet 240 needs to be launched in separate rooms.
For houses with several floors, there are devices that store maps of different levels. This function is most successfully implemented by iRobot: the company's robotic vacuum cleaners can be moved between floors without a docking station, and up to 10 cards are stored in memory. Models with laser navigation must be launched from the base at least once.
Dimensions and shape of the robot vacuum cleaner
Round models, despite the rotating side brushes, do not reach the very corner and pass a small area of 3-4 cm.Square models do a little better, and D-shaped robots with a large brush along the straight edge are the most effective, since debris is not scattered and immediately goes to the dust collector. Samsung devices have a special scraper for cleaning under walls and in corners, but even with it it is not always possible to collect all the debris. These places will still have to be cleaned during general cleaning, which the presence of a robot vacuum cleaner in the house does not negate.
And about the dimensions. It will be easier for a compact gadget to maneuver between the legs of the chairs, but the horizontal dimensions are not as important as the height. It should be at least one centimeter smaller than the gap between the floor and furniture. The limit for ultra-thin models is 5-6 centimeters. By the way, manufacturers often do not take into account the protruding "washer" with a lidar in the characteristics. Before buying, you should clarify all the details.
The application is convenient
Inexpensive robotic vacuum cleaners are controlled by buttons on the body or a remote control that often does not work through walls. In this case, the possibilities for setting up the work schedule are limited: you cannot schedule several cleanings per day, and some models do not even support the selection of days of the week. The app (usually) solves this problem and allows you to start cleaning at any distance from your home.
Answers to popular questions:
Which is better - a robot vacuum cleaner or a regular vacuum cleaner?
The main advantage of the robot vacuum cleaner is that it can work in a fully automatic mode, which significantly saves both time and effort for cleaning. It will not completely eliminate the need to tidy up the house, but it will perfectly cope with the task of daily keeping the house clean. You yourself will not vacuum every day, but for a robotic vacuum cleaner it is a very simple and common task.
Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner for Dry Cleaning
The best robot vacuum cleaner for dry cleaning today can be considered the Xiaomi model , produced by Roborock under the MiJia brand. It is a well-proven model with an excellent price-performance ratio. There are models that surpass it in technology, equipped with a camera, better navigation and advanced technical capabilities (for example, iRobot), but they are more expensive and more efficient for really large spaces - apartments and houses with a large number of rooms (3 or more).
The best robot vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning
The most advanced wet cleaning robot is the iRobot Braava jet m6 . It is designed only for wet cleaning and perfectly copes even with dried mud thanks to the water spray installed in the direction of travel. It is very effective in large apartments and houses. But if you have an ordinary 2-3-room apartment, any model of a universal robot vacuum cleaner with a dry and wet cleaning function is perfect for you.
The best robot vacuum cleaner for carpets and / or wool
A key issue in wool and carpet cleaning is the type of brush used by the robot vacuum cleaner. The rubber brush perfectly picks up wool on hard floors (parquet, tiles). Whereas for effective cleaning of carpets, a brush with large bristles is suitable. If you need to clean both parquet floors and carpets, choose models that have both types of brushes. Or expensive technological models of robotic vacuum cleaners that can handle any type of cleaning.
Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner from Aliexpress
The best selling robot vacuum cleaner model on Aliexpress is the ILIFE V7s Plus (we have a review of a similar model, the ILIFE V7s Pro ). In the manufacturer's brand store, it has been sold in an amount of over 15,000 pieces. This is a model for dry and wet cleaning with a turbo brush and a battery life of up to 2 hours.
