I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Robot Vacuum With Obstacle Avoidance (2023)

I recently upgraded to the Imou Robot for my cleaning needs, and I have been thoroughly impressed with its performance. Unlike my previous robot vacuum cleaners, the Imou Robot is incredibly smart and efficient, making it a game-changer in the world of automated cleaning.

One of the standout features of the Imou Robot is its ability to navigate around obstacles with ease. Unlike my previous cleaners, which often got stuck or knocked over objects, the Imou Robot displays exceptional agility. It effortlessly maneuvers around cables and even avoids obstacles like balls, ensuring a seamless cleaning experience without any disruptions.

The Imou app that accompanies the robot is also a major plus. It provides a visual map of my home, allowing me to track the cleaning progress in real-time. The app's interface is user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing, making it a breeze to control the robot and monitor its movements. This level of control and understanding adds a whole new dimension to the cleaning process.

Setting up the Imou Robot was a breeze, thanks to the guidance provided by the app. The step-by-step instructions made it incredibly easy to get started, and I was up and running in no time. The app also allows me to choose specific areas for the robot to clean, giving me full control over its cleaning routine.

In terms of cleaning performance, the Imou Robot is exceptional. It leaves my floors spotless and frees up my valuable time. I no longer have to worry about manual labor or babysitting the robot. Instead, I can sit back and relax while the Imou Robot takes care of the cleaning chores.

I was initially disappointed with the Roborock S5 Max and gave it 2 stars. However, my opinion has changed after subsequent experiences.

At first glance, the vacuum cleaner impressed me with its sleek design and high-quality build. However, I encountered difficulties getting it to complete an initial cleaning and create a floor plan. I have a large, open floor plan home, and the only place to put the charging station was in my master bedroom walk-in closet. Despite meeting all the requirements, the vacuum never quite found its way back to the base when the battery ran low. I suspect this was due to the distance and the LIDAR navigation being confused by the abundance of light from the floor-ceiling windows. The partial floor plans it produced were inconsistent and sometimes inaccurate.

The Roborock app, as well as the MiHome app, had a poor and confusing user interface. The translations from Chinese were incomplete and not well done. Overall, I was frustrated that I couldn't even get the vacuum to clean my house or create a complete floor plan.

Update 1:

After returning another robot vacuum and giving the Roborock S5 Max another chance, my experience improved. Placing the base near the center of my house allowed the vacuum to complete a full cleaning for the first time. I also discovered that I could set no-go lines during the initial cleaning, which was incredibly helpful in preventing the robot from getting stuck or entering unwanted areas. Keeping doors open during the initial cleaning is necessary, as the robot won't revisit those rooms unless you delete the previous floor plan and start over.

Creating rooms in the floor plan was frustrating due to the software's limitations and lack of feedback. It was difficult to divide rooms accurately, and the UI design was subpar. However, once I learned to work around these issues, I was able to create the desired room areas.

Comparing the Roborock S5 Max to the Neato D7, I found the Roborock to be the superior vacuum. It not only looks better but also operates more quietly and smoothly. The omni-directional wheel allows for smoother turns, although the vacuum did get stuck on my slider tracks. Overall, I believe the Roborock S5 Max is the better choice.

Update 2:

I have changed my rating to 5 stars after a software update improved the performance of the Roborock S5 Max. The software is now less buggy, and the robot's cleaning path has become more efficient. It can now finish cleaning my entire house on maximum power with a single charge, whereas before it struggled on medium power.

Although I still wish I didn't have to place the robot in the middle of my house, I understand that this is a limitation shared by other robot vacuums. Considering the improvements and optimal cleaning performance, I can hardly fault the Roborock S5 Max for this inconvenience.

I am absolutely blown away by the performance of this vacuum cleaner. With four dogs, including two shepherds, and seven cats, our home was constantly covered in pet hair and dirt. Living in the country only added to the challenge, with mud and dirt being tracked in on a daily basis. Not to mention the additional mess from our wood stove. But this vacuum cleaner has been a game-changer for us.

I run it every day, and it never fails to impress. The dust bin is a bit small, but the auto-empty feature makes up for it. I can define specific sections of my house for the vacuum to clean, and it will automatically empty and charge after each section. The result is a beautifully clean floor, especially after the second cleaning.

I have a few tips for optimal performance. If you have laminate or hardwood flooring, make sure to set the vacuum to mop in the long direction of the boards. While you can't specify mop direction, dividing a large room into thinner sections will achieve the desired effect. Also, if you have a litter box, vacuum that area first before mopping to avoid smearing any scattered litter.

In the three months that I've owned this vacuum cleaner, it has only failed to make it back to the dock a couple of times. One instance was my fault for leaving a charging cord in its path, and the other was just a minor confusion. Overall, it has been very reliable.

However, if you have a large number of pets like we do, be prepared to replace the dust bags frequently. We only get about 2-3 weeks out of one bag. Thankfully, there are affordable aftermarket options available. I also recommend having multiple mop pads on hand, as I like to use a clean one each day.

The only issue I've encountered is with the charging contacts. Even a small amount of dirt or contamination can cause an error message. However, cleaning the contacts resolves the issue. It's worth noting that this vacuum cleaner is more sensitive in that regard compared to other brands I've used.

I've had minimal issues with the dock, although it did get jammed a couple of times when it picked up large wood chips from our wood stove. Another time, it backed up because I didn't notice the dust bag was full. These incidents were easily resolved.

One improvement I would suggest is a cyclonic dust bin to eliminate the need for bags. Additionally, the mapping program could be enhanced to allow for setting the direction for mopping on wood planks. It would also be convenient if the vacuum could sense when the dust bin is full or allow for setting a specific run time for it to return to the dock and empty itself. However, given the compact design of the vacuum, a larger dust bin may not be feasible.

On hard surfaces, this vacuum cleaner is nearly perfect. It performs well on most of our area rugs, although one rug tends to cling to pet hair. However, even our upright vacuum struggles with that particular rug, so it's not a major issue. I've found using a pet hair squeegee to manually remove the hair works best.

The battery life is impressive, lasting for at least two hours or more. However, the charging time is quite slow. To avoid running the battery down to 20%, I break up my cleaning schedule and allow for charging time between cycles. This may not be an issue for those with fewer pets or a smaller cleaning area.

In terms of build quality, this vacuum cleaner feels incredibly solid and heavy. Both the dock and the vacuum itself exude a sense of durability. I've previously owned Neatos and a Roborock E35, but this vacuum surpasses them in every aspect. The previous units often failed to return to the base, but with this model, that problem is a thing of the past. The mop function on the E35 was also lackluster, unlike the powered mop on the S7. While the price of this vacuum cleaner may be steep, I have no regrets. My only concern is its longevity, given our extreme use case, but I remain hopeful that it will last for several years.

Cleaning Performance — The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra has impressed us with its cleaning performance. It effectively picks up dirt, dust, and cat hair from both hard floors and carpets. The suction power is adjustable, allowing us to customize the cleaning intensity for different areas of our home. The mopping function is also a great addition, leaving our floors looking shiny and clean. It easily tackles the mess left behind by our cats, including dirt and leaves they bring in from the backyard.

Base Unit — The base unit of the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is a game-changer. It not only cleans the mop and empties the vacuum bin but also refills the water and stores the dirty water in a separate tank. This ensures that we don't have to display how dirty our floors were to anyone who visits our home. The base unit operates quietly, unlike our previous Roomba model, and it allows us to schedule when the vacuum should charge and control the suction power for cleaning out the dirt bin.

Obstacle Avoidance — The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra excels in obstacle avoidance. It effortlessly navigates around obstacles like small toys or stray objects, thanks to its advanced sensors. Even those pesky plastic milk rings that our cat loves to play with are detected and avoided by the vacuum. This is a significant improvement compared to our old Roomba j7, which often got stuck on such objects, requiring us to go on a search and rescue mission to free it. We are hopeful that the Roborock can also detect and avoid other challenging obstacles like cat puke or litter box mishaps.

Vacuum Control — The ability to set the suction and mopping power for each room is a feature we appreciate. It provides us with greater control and allows us to customize the cleaning process according to the specific needs of different areas in our home. The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra offers a wide range of options, which may initially feel overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a valuable tool. The live map feature, showing the vacuum's current location in our house, is surprisingly useful, and we find it convenient to track the cleaning progress and see which rooms have been cleaned.

I have had the pleasure of owning several robot vacuums, most of them from the Ecovacs brand, and have always been satisfied with my purchases. Previously, I owned the Ecovacs Deebot 900, which I have now retired to the upstairs area of my home. The main reason for choosing the Deebot 900 was its lidar-based technology, which allowed it to navigate around obstacles. However, it was never perfect, even after years of updates. Therefore, I was initially skeptical about the advancements made in the new models. But, I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised.

The unboxing and setup process for the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro+ was straightforward, especially for someone familiar with robot vacuums. I noticed that the auto empty unit came pre-loaded with a vacuum bag, which I assume is part of the quality testing done at the factory. Not a big issue. I placed the auto empty station next to my older 900 unit and docked the N8 Pro+ robot after attaching the side sweeping brushes and removing the protection sleeves. After powering on the toggle switch, the unit indicated that it was charging. I downloaded the Ecovacs Home app using the QR code found under the top cover. The newer app has a more intuitive user interface and better tools for managing maps compared to the older Ecovacs Deebot apps. This was a welcome improvement.

Setting up the app can be a bit annoying because it requires mapping the house before other options are available. So, setting up no go "walls," rooms, and renaming areas are not shown on the user interface until after the completion of the first cleaning run. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the auto empty station dock is placed flat against a wall that is perpendicular to the layout of your house. I made the mistake of not doing this, and it caused issues with the home map generation. The map was placed diagonally, making it difficult to set zones and mop areas accurately. This is a significant oversight that needs to be addressed by the company. Currently, there is no provision to rotate the map once it is generated, which forces users to reset the entire map and start over. It's quite frustrating if you're not aware of this issue. I hope this information helps others avoid the same problem.

Now, let's talk about the cleaning performance. The main reason I wanted the N8 Pro+ was its improved obstacle detection. I was tired of having to prepare my house before a cleaning run to prevent the vacuum from getting stuck. With a large home, two kids, and a dog, it was challenging to expect the vacuum to run continuously without encountering any issues. The previous unit had trouble with anything dangling within reach and often got stuck in low pass areas under furniture. However, the N8 Pro+ has significantly improved in these areas. The front sensors are more capable of detecting obstacles it can't fit under perfectly, and the map allows for easy prevention of future incidents in those areas. It's important to note that the initial mapping pass takes longer to complete and may require a recharge and resume. This is by design, as the unit takes extra time to map the area more accurately. Once a map is created, the unit operates more efficiently and takes less time to clean.

I did notice that the N8 Pro+ initially struggled slightly more than the 900 with tall rugs. However, it somehow "learned" a maneuver to get up on the rug in reverse by employing a turn around backup method. It then proceeded to clean the rest of the rug. This happened consistently over multiple cleanings. I also appreciate the new mapping feature that detects different floor surfaces such as carpet, hardwood, and tile. The vacuum increases suction over carpeted areas, which is a useful feature. My family has also noticed that this model is much quieter than the 900 and any other vacuum we have used. There is a slight increase in noise over carpeted areas, but it's not significant due to the sound being dampened by the carpet itself.

Regarding battery life, many people have mentioned that the N8 Pro+ has a lower battery capacity compared to the previous unit. While this is true, I believe it is a cost-cutting measure and not a significant issue. In my opinion, this unit is designed to be used differently. With the ability to run on a constant schedule and the auto empty feature, battery life is less of a concern. During the initial run, the vacuum needed an additional charge to finish cleaning my entire first floor. However, subsequent runs were completed on a single charge, as it took approximately 84 minutes to clean the whole floor with some battery life to spare. If you schedule the vacuum to clean rooms alternately, you should never encounter any battery issues. The "do not disturb" feature allows you to set specific times when you don't want the vacuum to run. Just remember to check the vacuum bag in the auto empty unit occasionally to ensure it's not full.

I want to highlight one significant improvement over the old unit – the N8 Pro+ is much better at finding its way back to the dock to charge. The previous unit often went in the opposite direction, sometimes running out of power while trying to find its way back. However, the N8 Pro+ consistently drives right back to the dock, which is a significant improvement.

1 Month Update: After using this robot vacuum (we named it "Rocky") for a month, I have a few observations to share. Firstly, the accompanying app is fantastic. It sends notifications when Rocky starts cleaning, allowing you to watch its progress around the house. While there have been a couple of minor issues, overall it has been a great experience.

One issue I encountered was when I tried to show Rocky to some relatives during dinner. I realized that the bedroom door had been closed that day, so Rocky didn't clean the bedroom. I attempted to set up a zone cleanup specifically for the bedroom, but Rocky refused to go there. It seemed that since the bedroom hadn't been accessible during its regular cleaning, it was considered "off the map." This was a minor inconvenience, but it only happened once.

Another challenge arose when I moved my couches and initiated a zone cleanup for that area. Rocky became confused and ended up cleaning a different part of the room instead. It seemed that moving the furniture had thrown off its navigation. However, on the second attempt, Rocky performed better and stayed within the designated zone.

In terms of maintenance, I still wish there was a roller brush with removable caps. Cleaning the brush can be tricky, especially when hair gets wound around the inside of the caps. Interestingly, the first time I cleaned the brush, it had many long hairs wound around it, similar to my previous generation Roomba. However, after neglecting cleaning for a couple of weeks, subsequent cleanings required less effort as there was significantly less hair wound around the brush. Apart from this, maintenance tasks are straightforward, thanks to the helpful reminders in the app. Additionally, the dust bin is easy to access and clean, even though it may be smaller compared to other robot vacuums.

Lastly, I want to highlight the impressive mapping capabilities of Rocky. With the map all set up, it has been able to navigate our home efficiently. The red ba

I had initially been disappointed with the unit as it did not meet my specific needs. However, I must commend the exceptional customer service provided by the staff. They went out of their way to ensure my satisfaction and promptly issued a full refund. Throughout the process, the staff remained professional and friendly, which I greatly appreciated. Thank you for the excellent service!

Unfortunately, my experience with the robot vacuum has not been as positive as I had hoped. I purchased the unit in November and have been using it between 1 to 2 times a week. However, after just a little over 3 months, the robot started experiencing multiple problems. It constantly prompts us to clean the storage bin, even when it has been cleaned, and it often stays in one spot without moving. Furthermore, it frequently switches between vacuuming and mopping while in the middle of cleaning, creating a messy situation. I am disappointed that the unit has broken down so quickly, especially considering its light usage.

On a brighter note, I have nothing negative to say about this particular robot vacuum. I am glad that I listened to the reviews and chose this model over others. It has been efficient in picking up dirt and debris, and I have been impressed with its performance. However, one downside is that I have been unable to find replacement filters and brushes thus far, and I am now past due for these parts. This has been a minor inconvenience, but it would be beneficial if the availability of replacement parts could be improved.

The sweeping robot has truly revolutionized my housework routine. I am not only able to control it remotely but also have the option to mop the floors with water. It has exceeded my expectations by offering more than just sweeping capabilities. I am thoroughly impressed with this feature and find it to be truly awesome.

Lastly, I absolutely love my robot vacuum. It has been a great investment and has exceeded my expectations. The amount of dirt and debris it picks up is remarkable. Assembling the unit was a breeze, and the buttons on the vacuum are intuitive and easy to understand. Additionally, the accompanying app is user-friendly and makes operating the vacuum a seamless experience. Overall, this has been a fantastic purchase for me.

I recently purchased the Dreamer Bot L10 Pro Robot Vacuum and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. As someone who owns multiple robot vacuum products and is always on the lookout for a smarter cleaning solution, this vacuum has truly impressed me.

First and foremost, the L10 Pro is incredibly quiet. Even in normal mode, it operates with minimal noise, allowing me to work from home or watch TV without any disturbances. In extreme mode, there is a slight increase in noise, but it is still considerably quieter compared to other products on the market. What surprised me the most was the impressive suction power of this vacuum. It effortlessly cleaned up a significant amount of dust from my room, leaving it spotless.

The L10 Pro boasts intelligent features that set it apart from other robot vacuums. It can easily recognize different floor surfaces, automatically adjusting its cleaning mode accordingly. This functionality can be activated through the Mi Home app, which also allows for convenient control through voice assistants like Alexa or Siri. Additionally, the vacuum's 3D laser technology enables it to accurately detect obstacles, even small items such as power cord cables. It is worth mentioning that it does not mistake dark floor carpet trim for a virtual wall.

One of the standout features of the L10 Pro is its ability to save virtual maps for multiple floors. It can recognize and navigate each room on different floors, making it incredibly convenient for targeted cleaning. If you only want to mop a specific room, this vacuum is the perfect choice. The battery life is also impressive, as it lasted through two cleaning sessions in my 700sqft apartment on extreme mode, with approximately 30% battery life remaining. This gives me peace of mind, knowing that I won't have to worry about the battery running out if I move to a larger house.

In terms of design, the L10 Pro has been thoughtfully crafted. The small side brush is conveniently located under the cover, next to the dust bin. This considerate placement ensures that every nook and cranny is effectively cleaned.

While the L10 Pro has truly impressed me, there is one minor drawback worth mentioning. The package only includes one mop cloth, and it appears that there is no compatible accessory available on the Dreametech official Amazon store. However, I believe this issue will be addressed soon, so it is not a major concern.

I am extremely satisfied with the vacuum cleaner. Our previous model, the Xiaomi Mi Original, has been running for five years and is still going strong. We decided to upgrade to this model specifically for its room mapping and obstacle avoidance features, which are part of the Xiaomi/Roborock subbrand. The dust bin is spacious, and we only need to empty it once a week, even though we run the vacuum every day before leaving for work. We have a dog that doesn't shed much, so we opted not to purchase the auto empty bin to avoid the smell of dog exhaust every time it empties. As a tip for those with a similar model, we add a small amount of laundry scent beads to the clean bin, which freshens the house during each vacuuming session. We use the ones that have odor-absorbing baking soda. I hope this tip helps others.

Compared to my previous S6 Max model, this vacuum cleaner is much quieter and better tuned. Unlike the S6, which tends to bump into furniture and baseboards, this model avoids contact with them, showcasing its advanced technology. The suction power is more than sufficient, and the tray is of a good size. The mopping function works perfectly. It operates on a 2.4Hz Wi-Fi connection, ensuring seamless connectivity.

I cannot stress enough the amount of time and effort this machine saves me. I can't help but wonder why I didn't purchase it sooner. I have been using it for five months now, keeping it clean, and it continues to clean my house to perfection. Additionally, it is possible to purchase affordable replacement parts for this model.

The vacuum works exceptionally well, surpassing the performance of the Shark ION, which struggled to leave its dock and often got lost under chairs. In contrast, this model can navigate to and from its dock with ease. The first thing I did was flash it with Valetudo for complete local control. It appears that some units are being shipped with firmware that complicates the flashing process, but fortunately, mine had an older firmware version. I would hesitate to recommend this model without the option to use Valetudo, as the cloud aspect raises concerns about privacy and sending home maps to China. However, if you plan on flashing Valetudo, this vacuum cleaner is an excellent purchase.

The K700 robot is an exceptional cleaning device that surpasses many other budget-friendly options on the market. Even though it came out after the recommendations from Consumer Reports, it would have undoubtedly been the top pick in its category. With a 1,700 sq ft main floor covered in hardwood and carpet, the K700 was able to effortlessly clean the entire area on a single charge, not just once or twice, but an impressive three times.

The vacuuming capability of the K700 is truly remarkable. Even after vacuuming and mopping just a few days prior, the bin was filled with dirt and debris. The results can be seen in the provided image, which includes a comparison with a previous vacuuming session. Additionally, the robot easily maneuvered under furniture with clearances under 4 inches, ensuring a thorough clean in hard-to-reach areas.

Switching to mop mode, the K700 performed adequately, although it may not be its strongest feature. Following the instructions to use water only, the robot laid down a light film of water, effectively mopping the floor. However, its ability to navigate around obstacles, such as chair legs, was still occasionally hindered.

Contrary to initial impressions from the video, the K700 is not excessively loud. It emits sound at a frequency similar to running water, and it certainly would not interrupt a phone call or cause any significant disturbance.

The remote control provided with the robot is highly functional, allowing users to have complete control over its operations. With various buttons, users can start the cleaning process in 'auto' mode, clean the edges of the house, initiate spot cleaning, and even direct it back to the docking station for charging. The remote control is versatile, providing all necessary functionalities, except for raising the vacuum suction to high, which can be done directly on the device itself.

While the K700 lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and an accompanying app, it doesn't necessarily need them. The remote control is sufficient in providing an exceptional user experience. This device offers incredible value for money, delivering outstanding performance without the need for additional technological features.

One minor weakness observed in the K700 is its difficulty in locating the home base to recharge. However, this is understandable considering the numerous pieces of furniture it needs to navigate around. With a little assistance from the remote control, the robot eventually finds its way back and docks perfectly.

In addition to the robot and remote control, the shipment includes two bins for vacuuming and mopping, two washable mop cloths, a cleaning tool, batteries for the remote, and a detailed owner's manual. This comprehensive package ensures that users have everything they need to operate and maintain the device.

The K700 robot is impressively built, demonstrating its solid construction and intelligent design. It is evident that a significant amount of thought went into its development, resulting in a high-quality cleaning machine that outperforms many others in the market. It is truly a remarkable device, and if it were possible to rate it higher than five stars, it would undoubtedly deserve seventeen stars.