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6 Best Robot Vacuum Australia: Top Picks for Effortless Cleaning

Discover top robot vacuums in Australia for effortless cleaning. Find the perfect match for your home and simplify your routine. Read the article now!

Manage the chaos of daily life with these top robot vacuum cleaners. Picture: Roborock.
Manage the chaos of daily life with these top robot vacuum cleaners. Picture: Roborock.

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While we may not be driving hover cars (at least, for now), the Jetsons got it right with Rosie, their robotic maid. Robot vacuums have become a must-have, with many shoppers even naming their appliance to officially welcome it to the family.

Category Expert at Appliances Online, Colin Jones, says robot vacs bring a whole new level of hands-free convenience by working to a specific schedule and automatically returning to the charging dock before going back to clean. Some models can also empty the dirt into a bin that’s attached to its base station, helping reduce common allergy triggers like dust and pet hair.

“A robot vacuum is great for those that may be time poor as you can simply switch it on and it will do all the work for you,” he said.

Score big on the MyGenie Laser Smart Turbo Plus (left) and Roborock Q8 Max+ (right). Pictures: Myer, Roborock.
Score big on the MyGenie Laser Smart Turbo Plus (left) and Roborock Q8 Max+ (right). Pictures: Myer, Roborock.

EARLY BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

Black Friday (November 29) may be at the end of the month, but retailers are already offering huge savings like $1199.05 off the MyGenie Laser Smart Turbo Plus Robotic Vacuum — now just $599.95.

Roborock's Q8 Max+ is also $222 off, dropping from $1299 to $1077. It features stands out with 30 water flow options, double rubber brushes for fewer tangles and enough power for up to four hours of hands-free cleaning.

$298 off Roborock QRevo MaxV Robot Vacuum, $1901 (down from $2199) at Appliances Online 

OUR TOP PICKS


BEST BUDGET & AFFORDABLE ROBOT VACUUM

eufy Clean Robovac L60 Robot Vacuum with Self Emptying Station, $577 (down from $799) at The Good Guys

What You Need To Know

Eufy may have stolen the show in the budget and mid-range robot vacuum arena with the G30 Verge, but it looks like the brand’s newer Eufy Clean L60 is making waves for its hair detangling abilities, accurate room mapping and two-hour runtime.

Its standout feature is the hair detangling technology, which uses a cutter wheel to slice through through hair on the the roller brush without hurting the brush itself. You can expect many of the same features in its pricier competitors, including a two-in-one vacuum and mop design, voice control compatibility and a self-emptying station that can hold up to a month’s worth of debris. Plus, unlike most robot vacuum cleaners, this actually comes with a remote control which is a pretty rare godsend for those who hate fiddling with buggy (or simply confusing) apps.

“We have dogs and can never keep up, but this vacuum has turned maintenance cleaning into a breeze... And unlike other vacuums where you have to empty the chamber constantly with all this dog hair, this one is a dream with its self emptying station,” a fan raved.

“This guy has some serious suction... We get a lot of dirt brought in by our five dogs, and this helps keep the floors from feeling slick and sandy. It can’t get bigger items like little sticks or pieces of toy fluff that they’ve shredded, but it does get most of the hair tumbleweeds, dirt, and bits of grass and leaves they bring in. The floor always feels very clean after it’s run through a room.”

SHOP HERE


BEST PREMIUM ROBOT VACUUM

Ecovacs T20 Omni Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop, $1499 (down from $1799) at Amazon Australia

tried and tested

Ecovacs T20 Omni Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop

$300 OFF
Picture: news.com.au/Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito.

Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Shopping Writer

Finally, there’s a robot cleaner that can vacuum and mop equally well. The Ecovacs T20 Omni cleaned up dried-in dirt from the kitchen tiles and made my floors look cleaner than when I tackle them myself. It doesn’t feel like you’re trying to make do with a decent vacuum and a lacklustre mop for the sake of convenience. Honestly, this is probably one robot cleaner I could trust to handle the whole house without needing to go over everything again with a stick vac.

The fact I can specifically command this robot vac to avoid carpets and rugs is another bonus and saved me from having to stop what I’m doing to untuck a rug from its wheels.

Read our in-depth review of the Ecovacs robot vacuum and mop here.

*Product was loaned by Ecovacs for a 100 per cent independent, honest review.

SHOP HERE


BEST SELF-EMPTYING ROBOT VACUUM

Dreame L10s Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop, $2558 at Amazon Australia

What You Need To Know

The Dreame L10s Ultra packs a beastly 5300Pa suction power, making it handy for getting deep into the carpet fibres, plus an auto-lift mop and hefty 2.5L water tank that can cover up to 200 sqm of wood, tile, vinyl and other hard floors.

It offers self-refilling (water and cleaning solution) and an automatic washing and drying docking station. Best of all, it comes with a high-speed self-emptying function with minimal noise and virtually no clogging. This gives you 60 days of automatic hands-free cleaning. Then all you have to do is dump the bag.

"I love this little robot!" wrote one five-star reviewer. "Very easy to map and program. Does an excellent job both in vacuuming and in mopping; my floors have never been so clean! With 3 dogs in the house we run it every day at least once if not twice."

"The cleaning power of this robot is top-notch. Its advanced features, like intelligent mapping and navigation, allow it to efficiently manoeuvre around furniture and tricky spaces, ensuring that every nook and cranny is thoroughly cleaned. Plus the customisable cleaning schedules make it incredibly convenient – I can set it and forget it, knowing that it will maintain my floors and rugs without any hassle," agreed another, rating it five stars.

SHOP HERE


BEST ROBOT VACUUM FOR SMALL SPACES

Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum with Dock, $999 (down from $1099) at Amazon Australia

on sale

Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum with Dock

$100 OFF
Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum. Picture: Roborock.

Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, news.com.au Shopping Writer

I became a fan of Roborock Q5 series after testing the cheaper Q5 Pro*, which is essentially the Q5 Pro+ without the self-emptying station. Overall, the Roborock Q5 Pro Robot Vacuum itself is a solid unit that gives consistent results. (Just make sure to clear your floors of any cables and toys as best as you can, like with any other robot vac.)

Roborock's Q5 Pro series is a solid choice. Picture: Supplied/Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito.
Roborock's Q5 Pro series is a solid choice. Picture: Supplied/Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito.

While it's not the fanciest on the market, it isn't going to accidentally head into no-go zones or end up stuck on the same cable every run. The gadget isn't overly loud either and the design is fairly lightweight, so it's easy to carry between levels. The DuoRoller is also great at picking up pet and human hair, and never needed to be untangled mid-clean.

Roborock's app offers great customisation, and a remote for easy spot cleaning. Picture: Supplied/Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito.
Roborock's app offers great customisation, and a remote for easy spot cleaning. Picture: Supplied/Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito.

I've also personally found Roborock's app to be one of the better ones out there, after testing models like the Roborock Q5 Pro (which is essentially the Q5 Pro+ without the auto-emptying station) and the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. There are a few convenient ways to customise your cleans and there are rarely any glitches or lagging.

*Product has been provided by Roborock for a 100 per cent independent, honest review.

SHOP HERE


BEST ROBOT VACUUM FOR LARGE AREAS

Roborock Q8 Max Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop, $895 (down from $1299) at The Good Guys

What You Need To Know

The Roborock Q8 Max Plus is a total cleaning machine, placed as one of the more powerful robot vacuums on the market with 5500Pa suction power and enough stamina to last up to four hours before needing to recharge. You can also expect a sizable on-board 460ml dustbin 350ml water tank in addition to the 2.5L dustbag in the Auto Empty Dock Pure, which can hold seven weeks' worth of dirt.

"Absolutely love my new vacuum. I must admit I was a little skeptical but this little dynamo has made my life easier," a reviewer wrote, giving it five stars.

"It does a great job and gets to places that I don’t such as under beds. The ability to operate the device remotely is so helpful. The only negative is the hefty price tag."

SHOP HERE


BEST ROBOT VACUUM FOR MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING

Roborock Q Revo MaxV Robot Vacuum, $1597 (down from $2199) at The Good Guys

on sale

Roborock Q Revo MaxV Robot Vacuum

$602 OFF
Roborock Q Revo MaxV Robot Vacuum. Picture: Roborock.

What You Need To Know

This handy device is perfect for everyday vacuuming and mopping with powerful 7000Pa suction and duo roller brush – not to mention plenty of handy features such as smart mapping, automatic dust collection, LiDAR navigation, edge cleaning and self-emptying. The affordable vacuum works well on a wide range of surfaces and offers a deep clean that effectively picks up dust, debris and all that pesky pet hair. 

"I have a Corgi that sheds like crazy and this thing is the best investment I have ever made. I have it vacuum & mop every night, never have any issues with it and do minimal maintenance to it. Absolutely brilliant," praised a shopper.

SHOP HERE


On the edge of buying a robot vac? We've got the dirt on whether it's worth the money. Picture: iRobot.
On the edge of buying a robot vac? We've got the dirt on whether it's worth the money. Picture: iRobot.

OTHER ROBOT VACUUMS TO SHOP

The robot vacuum market is saturated, and it can be hard to know which brands to shop. Here are some of the best robot vacuum cleaner brands to consider for your cleaning solutions:

Other iRobot Vacuum Cleaners to Shop

iRobot Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum, $415 (down from $499) at Amazon Australia: If the iRobot Roomba Combo j7 Plus is out of your budget, the brand has budget options like this which offer the basics. The downside is its short maximum 90-minute runtime.

Other Roborock Robot Vacuums

Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum, $2731 (down from $2999) at Appliances Online: One of the best robot vacs we've seen get out of sticky situations, this Roborock unit packs a handy FlexiArm Design and Extra Edge Mopping System to reach into those pesky crevices. You can also expect separate clean and dirty water tanks, and hot mop washing and drying functions to minimise cross contamination. Read my hands-on review here.

Other eufy Robovacs

  • Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum, $259.99 (down from $349.99) at Amazon Australia: Another candidate for best budget robot vacuum, shoppers say it offers "great value" with easy to use features and quiet operation. "(I) wasn't looking to spend a fortune but wanted something that would still operate well and I have to say, I am thrilled to bits with the Eufy RoboVac 11S... The amount of dust and fluff this sucker picks up never fails to amaze me, considering the carpets were professionally cleaned," praised a reviewer.
  • eufy Clean RoboVac L60 with Self-Empty Station, $577 (down from $799) at The Good Guys: While most models have two or three side brushes, this top-seller stands out with just one. The unique design is said to help with wall-edge cleaning, efficiency and lower maintenance costs. The unit also features a slim build to easily slide under low furniture and a super strong suction power (5000Pa).

Other Ecovacs Deebot Robot Vacuums

Other Dreame Robot Vacuums

Other Xiaomi Robot Vacuums


WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A ROBOT VACUUM

How do you choose between the no-frills models and the ingenious mopping, auto-emptying and voice-activated robot vacuums? Here are the factors we took into consideration when choosing what vacuums to include on this list. 

Price

The cost of a robot vacuum can vary from the lower hundreds to the lower thousands. Keep in mind you don’t need to spend big to get a decent clean, according to Colin. “If your home has all tiles and timber flooring then dirt on your floor will be collected by even the most basic robotic vacuum cleaner,” he said.

Battery life

Remember, the stronger the setting, the faster the battery will run out. Having a long battery life is especially useful for larger homes or if you prefer more Max or Turbo modes over Quiet or Standard.

Brands often promote the maximum battery life, which is based on how long it takes to complete a cleaning cycle on the lowest setting (and typically on vacuum-only mode). This is why most robot vacuums tend to be recommended for small to medium homes, particularly if you want to deep clean without having to recharge mid-way. Although there are plenty of models available that are great for more than just a light upkeep for big homes.

Dustbin capacity

Debris can be emptied via the onboard dustbin or the dust bag in a self-emptying station, depending on which model you have.

Smart features

Most robot vacuums offer object avoidance technology and many customisable functions like scheduling, no-go zones, spot clean and more.

Obstacle detection

It’s a good idea to read online reviews on how well a robot vac identifies objects, such as rugs, tables, stairs, and even pet waste, so you can prevent any potential damage to your furniture and vacuum. Having a model that works well on low-pile or high-pile rugs and carpet will also ensure the unit cleans the surface well and won’t get snag.

“Some models have laser auto mapping capabilities that will allow the unit to scan and analyse your home and automatically adjust to any avoidances in the room, however you can also let the unit know of these avoidances beforehand through app-generated robotic vacuums,” Colin said.

Self-emptying station

These can be convenient since the dustbin can automatically collect the dirt from the clean store it in a dust bag for several weeks, before it needs to be emptied. The dust bag is also often sealed to minimise any contact with the debris. The downside is that models with a self-emptying station are often pricier. The downside is that self emptying robot vacuums are often pricier.

Size of area to be cleaned

“For medium to larger households, you may want to consider purchasing a robotic vacuum that has more features such as sweeping, vacuuming and mopping capabilities. These units with dual functionality are great for those families that have a larger space and perhaps young kids. There are always spills, so having the mopping functionality takes the pain away from having to bring out a large mop and bucket,” Colin recommended.

Expert says obstacle detection is one of the key features to look out for in a robot vacuum. Picture: Appliances Online.
Expert says obstacle detection is one of the key features to look out for in a robot vacuum. Picture: Appliances Online.

HOW WE TEST ROBOT VACUUMS

To help you find the best robot vacuum for your needs and budget, we asked Category Expert at Appliances Online, Colin Jones for his expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a robot vacuum. In addition, we tested the Ecovacs T20 Omni Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop and Roborock Q5 Pro. These were chosen because they are well-known brands at different price points. Our shopping team also read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best robot vacuum from premium to budget to help you find the right one for your home.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO ROBOT VACUUMS WORK?

Robot vacuums aren't necessarily meant to replace your stick vacuum – while they have great suction power, they are on the smaller side – but are great to keep on top of dust in between those more thorough cleans. They uses sensors to navigate around your home, avoiding your furniture to make sure your home gets a good clean.

Some models come with docking stations and a self-emptying bin, which transfers the dirt from the onboard dustbin to the dust bag after each cleaning cycle (or when needed), so you don't need to worry about having to manually empty the debris mid-clean.

ARE ROBOT VACUUMS WORTH BUYING?

The hype around robot vacuums is certainly justified, especially if you’re planning on using the unit for daily cleans or want to give your stick vacuum a sibling to help with small tasks. They’re handy for busy households and ageing parents, as well as anyone who wants to make cleaning a little more convenient in a novel way. And while many robot vacuums have similar features, each model has a different ‘specialty’ (e.g. strong suction power or mopping functionality) to suit a range of needs.

“The benefits of a robotic vacuum are that they require very minimal effort from the user. Simply switch on the unit and let the vacuum do the rest,” he said.

“However, it will not completely eliminate the need for a regular vacuum as it cannot reach areas such as behind appliances, vacuuming furniture or your curtains but for an everyday clean it is great.”

He also noted that robot vacuums take longer to clean an area compared to stick vacs and other types of vacuum cleaners.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU PAY FOR A ROBOT VACUUM?

The robot vacuum space can be pretty expensive. They can cost anywhere between $500 and $3000, but usually retail between the $1500 and $2300 mark. You can expect to fork out more for models with advanced features, including an auto-empty station and mopping functionality.

Robot vacuum cleaners typically work best for daily cleans. Picture: Appliances Online.
Robot vacuum cleaners typically work best for daily cleans. Picture: Appliances Online.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A ROBOT VACUUM?

The best part of having a robot vacuum is that they’re designed to be left unattended, which is why most models can be controlled remotely and scheduled to clean at your set times. But while robot vacuums are intended to be hands free, there are a few things you can do to extend its lifespan and ensure the unit continues to clean efficiently.

  • Check the brushes for hair and anything else lodged inside. You would be surprised by what (and how much) can actually be sucked up.
  • Regularly empty the robot vacuum to prevent any clogging – if you have an self-emptying model, the unit will automatically transfer the dust and debris into the dust bag.
  • Clean the main brush, side brushes and filters. Some of these are washable, while most can be dusted off with an old toothbrush.
  • Keep an eye on the wear and tear on your motor – some apps like the Ecovacs app display the health of different parts, so you can keep track of what needs to be replaced and when.
  • Carefully wipe the sensors with a dry cloth or cotton bud.
  • Make sure the software on your robot vac is updated. You can double check via the app settings.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU RUN A ROBOT VACUUM?

Colin says this is totally a matter of personal preference, especially since robotic vacuums work autonomously and most come with smart scheduling and auto clean functions.

“These vacuums use AI technology and are able to map out the floor plan of your home and clean without any interruptions and when they are finished, the units will automatically return back to their charging port," he said. 

However online reviews (and our team’s own experiences) suggest robot vacuums generally work better when they’re used daily or every couple of days, or occasionally for smaller sweeps. This prevents big chunks of hair or dust getting tangled inside the brushes, which will likely require you to scoop the dirt out manually more frequently – and no one likes getting their hands dirty, especially when robot vacuums are designed to make the chore (mostly) hands-free.

DO ROBOT VACUUMS CLEAN CORNERS?

Robot vacuums can target edges and corners surprisingly well, considering majority of the models have a round build. Some brands pay extra attention with specially designed bristles, like iRobot’s Edge-Sweeping Brush. Other manufacturers alter the shape of the unit itself.

CAN A ROBOT VACUUM REPLACE A STICK VACUUM?

Don't throw away your stick vacuum just yet. Robot vacuums typically don't clean as well as stick vacs and don't come with the interchangeable attachments needed for crevices.

In saying that, some robot vacuums can target edges and corners surprisingly well despite majority of the models having a round build. More brands also now pay extra attention with specially designed bristles, like iRobot’s Edge-Sweeping Brush. Other manufacturers alter the shape of the unit itself.

WHAT IS A ROBOT VACUUM AND MOP?

A robot vacuum and mop comes with mop pads and a built-in removable water tank in addition to the usual the dust bag and brushes. This lets you wash floors as well as sweep up dirt in one cleaning job. These are usually ideal for homes with mostly hardwood floors and tiles, although most models will have a mop pad that automatically lifts whenever it detects carpets or rugs.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DRY AND A WET/DRY ROBOTIC VACUUM?

Regular dry robot cleaners are only designed to pick up dry debris such as dirt, dust and hair from hard floors and carpet. Wet-dry models can do all of this plus mop up wet messes and spills. These come with a mop pads and water tank, with some all-in-one base stations also offering separate dirty and clean reservoirs to prevent cross contamination.


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Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Tahnee-Jae Lopez-VitoSenior Shopping Writer

Tahnee-Jae has years of reviewing experience, specialising in all the appliances and products that can help improve your home and life. From finding the best budget sheets to the mattresses that can help you get a better night’s sleep, she does all of the research to save you time and money.She previously worked as a content producer for one of Australia’s top comparison sites Canstar Blue, where she spent her days learning what Australian shoppers really think by translating detailed national survey data into hundreds of highly respected consumer ratings – helping shed light on how well brands offer value for money and more.Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology, she knows that detail matters and is dedicated to creating in-depth shopping guides to help you find the right product.

Read related topics:Best Of: Cleaning

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/checkout/home-and-garden/appliances/best-robot-vacuum/news-story/20250dff99e702cf51266a8ee90f2857