best automatic vacuum; additional reading, Cleaner Robots

Robot vacuums make use of the navigational tools like lasers, sensors, and cameras to map out your space and effectively clean while avoiding obstacles. Some robot vacuums are able to mop and self cleaning vacuum-empty the dustbins!

Many are connected to digital voice assistants or apps that allow for hands-free cleaning. Certain models come with features such as automatic docks and boundary strips to simplify the amount of work you do.

1. Roborock S8 maxV Ultra

Roborock is well-known for its high-end robot vacuum cleaners, and the flagship model isn't a disappointment. It comes with more advanced features, but its main benefit is the fact that it will intelligently clean for you. It can detect floor types such as no-go zones, stubborn spills, pet bowls and much more. It does this using a camera and smart map to analyze its surroundings. This allows it to determine what it should do at any given moment which means you don't have to keep pressing buttons or adjusting multiple modes.

Like all Roborock vacuums, this one can also mop. This is a great addition to the Roborock collection because it makes the robovac superior. The mop head is also able to be turned into scrub mode to get rid of more difficult dirt. The robovac is also able to climb small thresholds with its rotating FlexiArm and front-mounted sensors.

The app is easy to use and allows you to modify settings. You can also set up rooms for the robot to clean. The voice assistant, Rocky, is very responsive and picks up commands with clarity. You can use it to recite a list of specific commands or ask it to end an ongoing task. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Matter-certified for Apple HomeKit integration.

The S8 MaxV Ultra comes with 5200mAh battery that can last for up to 180 minutes before returning to the dock to recharge. The battery is automatically emptied and washed at the end of each run and this reduces the time needed to recharge.

2. Dreame X40

The Dreame X40 Ultra is a powerful cleaning machine that works at the top of its class when it comes to mopping and vacuuming. The Dreame X40 Ultra robot vacuum features powerful suction, innovative features and is pet-friendly. It's an excellent choice for busy families. The advanced navigation, obstacle avoidance, and customizable options make this robot vacuum cleaner among the best on the market.

The robot vacuum utilizes an RGB camera to map its surroundings and recognize obstacles using artificial intelligence. This will prevent it from taking your cat's toy or a cable lying on the floor and damaging your flooring. This feature lets you mark areas that which the robot is not supposed to clean.

Dreame X40 also excels in mowing and sweeps, with an innovative dual brush system that gets rid of dirt in the corners of your room. It can also clean baseboards, making it a perfect option for families with children and pets. This robot vacuum is simple to use and set up with an app that gives various options for customization.

This robot vacuum also boasts an auto-cleaning base that automatically empties the trash bin and fills the tank for cleaning solutions and saves you time. The robot vacuum has an endurance of 198 minutes in vacuuming mode and covers 308 square meters on a single charge. It can also return to its dock automatically to charge which allows you to swiftly pick up where it was when it left. Moreover, this model is compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Home, allowing you to control it using voice. You can download the Dreame X40 app on iOS or Android devices to customize your cleaning routine.

3. Eufy X10

If you're looking for a high-quality all-rounder that is a good value, the Eufy X10 is hard to beat. It does everything you could expect a robot vacuum or mop to do, all at a fair price.

This model does an excellent job of tackling floor cleaning tasks with ease, from sweeping to mopping and even dusting. Its base station requires slightly more space than other models, with 50cm either side and a total of 150cm in front.

The smart navigation technology of the X10 is able detect the layout and style of your home. It stores the data in its internal memory, without ever sending it to the cloud. The X10 can remember the layout of rooms using iPath and AI See. It can also optimize cleaning routes so that they can be efficient and thorough.

The X10 smart object recognition system is very efficient, allowing it to recognize and avoid dangers such as power cords. It is also able to automatically clean and recharge its battery which is a nice feature. However, I found that the X10 could be stuck on thicker carpets, which can cause it to crash loudly over them and sometimes pushing its front brush into the rugs.

This is a fantastic robo-vacuum and mop however, it's hampered by the confusing application. Unlike the iRobot app which guides you through the process of setting up your robot and instructing you how to use it however, the Eufy Clean app leaves you to work things out on your own. It's still a great choice, though, and offers plenty of options for customization for those who want to get the most of its capabilities.

4. SwitchBot S10

The SwitchBot S10 vacuum cleaner robot is the ideal solution to home cleaning. It is a combination of an air cleaner and a mop. It is equipped with unique design and structure that allows it to collect dust and provide mopping water within the same machine.

It comes with all the sensors found on high-end robotic hoovers vacuums. This allows it to map your home in real time while staying clear of obstacles and recognizing different types of carpets and flooring. A front-facing AI camera is also included, making it easier for you to navigate around your home and locate areas that aren't accessible to the majority of robotic vacuums.

This robotic powerhouse is equipped with a powerful suction motor capable of taking pet hair dirt, dust and other particles both from hard flooring and carpets with low pile. It can also be adapted in the app to suit your needs with customized cleaning routines, adjustments for mopping and vacuuming power, and real-time notifications of its current status.

It has a superb mop, with the RevoRoll roller mop that creates 10N worth of pressure on any floor, and a RinseSync system that automatically cleans itself while it moves around your home. This ensures that the mop is clean while it removes dirt, and prevents it from spreading the mess throughout your home.

The battery in the S10 isn't as long lasting as some of its rivals and could need to be recharged every few months through the year if you live in a large house. Additionally, it is quite loud during operation and may not be suitable for use in areas where silence is desired. It is, however, an excellent value for the price. The SwitchBot S10 is sleek, contemporary look that makes it a standout model in its category.

5. K10 Plus

The K10 Plus is an upgrade from Switchbot's popular Mini robot vacuum. This latest version combines the latest Anti-Tangle Rubber brush with an Advanced Position Sensitive Detector sensor (PSD) and an increased suction power up to 3000Pa for better corner coverage.

The K10 Plus uses SLAM navigation an easy app, and an extensive cleaning process. The PSD sensor and rotary brush work in tandem to navigate furniture. Its four-stage cleaning method consolidates sweeps, lifts, and vacuums up debris from floors and carpets. The dust bin will empty itself, which means there's no need to empty it frequently.

The app also allows you to mark areas of your home that you want the device to avoid, such as pets toys or power cords. This is a feature typical of robotic vacuums. It's helpful when certain areas of your home need more attention.

You can configure the K10 Plus so that it returns to its base station after 60, 75 or even 90 minutes in order to empty its trash bin. This is a major improvement over other robots that have to be returned and manually empty. It will save you a lot of time.

In my tests I found that the K10 Plus had a very good battery life. It lasted for 110 minutes on one charge which is much more than the iRobot Roomba Combo Essential's 127 minutes.

The K10 Plus has a fairly compact design, which makes it easy to put under furniture or in tight spaces. It is connected via Wi-Fi and comes with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri shortcuts. It also integrates with IFTTT and Samsung SmartThings. The app monitors how often you use its accessories, like the side brushes, filter, and dust bag. This will notify you when it is time to replace them.