Top Robot Vacuums and Mop Combos
While robots can't replace a conventional vacuum in picking up ground-in debris such as metal screws and pieces of orzo pasta, they're great at sweeping crumbs, dust and hair from pets. The best models have smart navigation technology and object avoidance features which allow them to navigate around cords, toys and other household obstacles.
1. robotic vacuums iRobot i3+ from iRobot EVO
The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO is a fantastic robot vacuum that has a variety of innovative features that make it more easy to maintain than most competing models. The automatic bin emptying feature is one of the most useful features we've seen in a robot and it's compatible with both hard floors and carpets. It's also easy to install and use, with the app guiding you step-by-step through the process. Another feature that is impressive is the ability to return to the spot where it was when we tested it. It did this for 77 mins on one cleaning, before running out of battery.
The i3+ EVO unlike the other robot vacuums we have tested, has a self-emptying bin that automatically dumps debris into an external dirt compartment located on its charging base once it is full. This makes it easier to maintain the unit and also helps prevent the i3+ EVO from overfilling, however it still requires manually emptied after every cleaning session. The i3+ EVO's internal dustbin holds 2.4L of debris, which is more than enough to get it through four or five cleaning sessions before you need to replace it.
Like the i7model, this model is equipped with state-of-the-art floor sensors to create maps and navigate in neat rows. However, the i3+ EVO only stores a single map while the i7 is able to store multiple maps. The i7's map can be used to create virtual barriers and no-go zones but not the i3+ EVO.
The i3+ EVO is more effective of removing surface debris when compared to other robovacs we've reviewed, but it is not the best in cleaning edges and corners. It's also more abrasive on furniture despite being relatively quiet. It pushed chairs away from walls and made some collisions with the sides of our test bed, and also was stuck to cords and toys during our testing.
2. Black & Decker Q5 Pro
The Q5 Pro is an excellent choice, whether you are expanding your collection of robot vacuums or just starting out. It packs a lot of power, a smart navigation system and easy automation into a slick design at a price that is affordable. It's the best model for the money available at the moment, and it even matches the Roborock models that are more expensive in a variety of ways.
This robot does a great job cleaning bare floors and its avoidance technology assists it in avoiding furniture legs and other obstacles. It also excels on carpets and gets a high score for our navigation tests. The only issue is that it's louder than other models, and doesn't perform as well in our satisfaction of the owner and predicted reliability assessments.
The Q5 Pro has a very large dust bin that is 770ml, which means you don't have to empty it as frequently as some other 2-in-1 robots. The Q5 Pro's 240-minute running time is also a lot when in comparison to other 2-in-1 robots we have tested. When the battery is running low, it will automatically return to its dock, where it recharges before resuming cleaning from where it left off. You can manage the Q5 Pro using the app or voice commands using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
This is among the first robots we've seen incorporate 3D mapping. This along with other advancements has helped it perform exceptionally well in our vacuuming tests and mopping tests. You can schedule cleanings, set no-go zones, and view the status of the battery, among other things. The app is easy to use, but it isn't compatible with Apple HomeKit. This feature is scheduled to be added in 2025. As of early November, Apple has updated a footnote on its website to note that the feature will be delayed until 2025. HomeKit is not compatible with several other robots, however Siri Shortcuts are.
3. TP-Link Tapo RV30 Plus
The Tapo RV30 Plus TP-Link robot vacuum cleaner is a great choice if you are looking for a robot that can also mop and is reasonably priced. It features a sleek design and impressive features for its price. You can control the device using different buttons on the machine or via the app and even make use of voice commands. The device has long battery life, and the vacuum container can be auto-emptied.
The TP-Link RV30 Plus does a great job at vacuuming standard messes and is suitable for light mopping on hard floors. It comes with a new sweeping brush and mopping cloth, as well as a HEPA-filter. It can be used in conjunction with a smart home hub, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to provide convenient voice control. The TP-Link RV30 Plus can be easily set up and can be connected to various floor surfaces with the automatic mode. This ensures the most effective cleaning results for each room and floor type.
Three cleaning modes are available to suit your requirements. The vacuuming mode makes use of the smart sensor to detect of obstacles like furniture, stairs, and edges. The mopping mode is utilized to clean the floor automatically or to remove staining and liquid spills. A third option allows you to combine the two modes to provide a more thorough and thorough cleaning.
With powerful suction and three settings for dry mopping, the TP Link RV30 Plus effortlessly removes pet hair, dust, crumbs and other debris from all flooring types. The device can even clean carpets without damaging them due to specially designed mops.
During its first mapping run, TP-Link RV30 Plus scans your home and saves it using its dual navigation system, which consists of LiDAR and Gyro. You can alter the map using the app and combine or split rooms based on your preference. You can also build virtual walls and no-go zones to prevent the RV30 Plus from wandering into areas you don't want.
4. Eufy iMop
The Eufy iMop is one of the best full-featured robot vacuum and mop combos for hard floors. It comes with a sophisticated navigation system that does a great job of mapping your home's floor even across multiple floor levels. And the well-designed base station almost fully automates the cleaning process. It also offers impressive navigation and obstacle avoidance.
This model makes use of a dToF internal LiDAR sensor to identify your home's location, and create efficient cleaning routes. The iMop awed us with its assessment of the effectiveness of navigation and coverage, and it was very adept at getting around obstacles, such as furniture. It's also able to locate its way back to the base station which is a great benefit in the event that it runs out of battery during a cleaning session.
The spot cleaning mode allows you to clean a specific space on your floor. It can also be manually programmed to follow a specific path, which is useful in narrow staircases or hallways. It was capable of cleaning carpets during our carpet cleaning test, but it struggled with thicker pile carpets and rugs. It is possible to set it up to lift the mop pad automatically whenever it comes into contact with carpet. This is an excellent feature for those who wish to not have to mop their carpets.
The iMop has an onboard dust container and a water tank that it fills and refills at the end of each cleaning session. The dust bin can hold up to 2.5 liters and only needs to be cleaned every two cleaning cycles. The water tank can withstand up to a dozen mopping cycles before it is dry. The iMop requires less maintenance and cleaning than the average robot vacuum, which could be a big selling point for busy families.
The iMop's smartphone app is simple to use and comes with a variety of configuration options. It offers various suction settings, mopping settings and scheduling. It lets you create virtual walls, no-go zones, and other limitations to ensure that the robot doesn't wander off into prohibited areas. The app also gives access to iMop status and error messages.