Most Reliable Robots Built to Last Until 2030

Navigation and mapping capabilities are crucial for robot vacuums to efficiently cover your home. The Roborock S7 Max Ultra and Roborock Q5 Pro+ utilize PreciSense LiDAR Navigation, enabling systematic and adaptive route planning for thorough cleaning. LiDAR technology allows these vacuums to create detailed maps and store multiple floor plans, enhancing their efficiency across different levels of a home. In contrast, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ relies on gyro-based navigation, which can be less precise, resulting in occasional missed spots. Meanwhile, the Shark AI Ultra excels with its Matrix Clean Navigation, offering precision grid cleaning patterns that maximize coverage. The eufy RoboVac 11S MAX, however, employs a simple bounce-style navigation, which is less efficient but sufficient for smaller, less cluttered spaces.

Suction power is a key determinant of a robot vacuum's ability to pick up dirt and debris, especially on carpets. The Roborock S7 Max Ultra and Q5 Pro+ lead the pack with a powerful 5,500 Pa suction, ensuring effective cleaning on various surfaces. This high suction is complemented by features like Carpet Boost, which automatically increases power on carpets. The eufy RoboVac 11S MAX, while offering a lower 2000 Pa suction, is enhanced by BoostIQ technology for automatic suction increase on carpets. The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ does not publish its suction power in Pa, but it claims 10x the suction of the Roomba 600 series, making it a versatile mid-range option. The Shark AI Ultra, while not specifying its suction in Pa, includes an UltraClean Mode for intensive cleaning sessions.

Maintenance and convenience features significantly influence user experience with robot vacuums. The Roborock S7 Max Ultra stands out with its RockDock™ Ultra, which offers automatic emptying, washing, refilling, and drying, minimizing manual intervention. The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ features a Clean Base® for self-emptying, though it requires manual bin swaps for mopping. The Shark AI Ultra offers a bagless HEPA self-empty base, reducing ongoing costs. In contrast, the eufy RoboVac 11S MAX lacks auto-empty and mopping capabilities, requiring more frequent manual maintenance. The Roborock Q5 Pro+ combines a large onboard dustbin with a self-emptying dock, striking a balance between capacity and convenience.