The robotic mop is the latest automated house-cleaning robot to capture consumer attention. Thinking of getting one? Wondering what is the best robotic mop?
We will answer that question, as well as others, including:
- What’s on the inside of a robotic mop?
- How did it evolve?
- How did we determine the best robotic mop?
Plus, we’ll look at some of the features and capabilities of robotic mops.
Best Robotic Mop – Our Winning Pick:
The iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum with Wi-Fi Connectivity
A Short History of the Robotic Mop: How Did It Evolve?
The invention of the robot mop followed closely on the heels of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The first robot vacuum hit the market in 2002 and consumers went crazy.
Its manufacturer, iRobot, initially produced 15,000 vacuums. It was prepared to manufacture 10,000 more, depending on its success.
To its surprise, its vacuum, the Roomba, flew off store shelves. So did the next 10,000 units. So did the 50,000 more units iRobot produced in time for the next holiday season.
Since the robot vacuum was so successful, the robotic mop was the next logical product to create. The are similar in size and style to automated vacuum cleaner. (In fact, some are actually vacuums with a mopping system attachment.) They even employ many of the same technologies.
The big difference, naturally, lies within its inner workings.
Specifically, automated mops do a different job which requires water and cleaner to complete.
What’s On the Inside of a Robotic Mop?
These devices have two major systems. They are: a navigation system (how the device gets around your house) and a cleaning system (how it actually gets your floors clean).
First, the navigation system.
This is of huge curiosity to consumers, and it’s usually one of the first questions they ask about house-cleaning robots.
Both auto mops and auto vacuums have some type of computer system in compact form inside. The system may use one of a few different methods to navigate your home:
Ultrasound guided– Uses ultrasound sensors to judge distance, locate obstacles (furniture, etc.) and sense stairs.
Laser guided– Like ultrasound, but instead uses laser technology to navigate.
Infrared beam– Like the other two, but uses infrared (light energy) technology to navigate. Infrared is the most recent technology and considered the most sophisticated.
Whichever system it employs, robotic mops rely heavily on those tiny computers. They may keep the device from getting stuck in a corner, falling down a flight of stairs and bumping into furniture and stalling (depending on the type of system).
Secondly, the cleaning system.
Auto mops are a little more touchy and delicate than their predecessor, the auto vac. After all, if it malfunctions and the computer system gets wet, your mop will fail.
Therefore, the cleaning system is housed carefully and separately from the navigation system. It contains a chamber for water and some type of pad for the actual mopping.
Depending on type, some robotic mops come with more than one type of pad. There will be a traditional wet mop pad and may also have a “damp sweeping” pad (gets less water than a “wet” pad) and a dry pad.
The cleaning system relies on the computer (via its sensors, whatever the type) to tell it what to do. It will activate and control water dispensing. It will also detect what kind of pad has been applied (i.e. wet vs. dry pad) and act accordingly.
Most robotic mops also have a vacuuming/sweeping system of some type.
The best robotic mop devices will have other features. They may include:
- Smartphone connectivity: So you can program/activate your mop via your smartphone, even when not at home
- Internet home assistant support (i.e. Alexa, Google)
- Edge-cleaning mode: Better for getting up close to baseboards and reaching maximum surface area
- Spot-cleaning mode: Detects extra dirty spots and provide deeper cleaning
- Clean scheduling/timer: Schedules your cleaning session ahead of time
- Brush(es) on the side(s)
- HEPA filter (for capturing allergens and air pollutants)
- Remote control
- Return-to-charger: device will return to its charger automatically after cleaning
- Intelligent mapping: This is the very cool ability to take “snapshots” of your home. The more you use the device, the better it gets at navigating your home and thus, the better clean you get. It also helps the mop to “remember” where it has already cleaned and concentrate further efforts elsewhere in your home.
A Few Other Things to Consider
Pet hair issues: If you have furry pets, you know how hard it can be to get pet hair off your floor and furniture. It sticks!
You may also know that some floor cleaning devices are better than others at picking up pet hair. Certain devices are designed specifically for picking up pet hair. Others are not.
Do you have pets? If so, look for a robotic mop that is made for cleaning up pet hair.
Charge time woes: Remember that your device needs to be charged regularly. Charge times can vary widely from device to device.
Make sure you check charge time before you buy a device. If you hate waiting, look for models with shorter charge times.
Our Top Five Picks for Best Robotic Mop
Our top five best robotic mop picks are based on close to 24 hours researching 20 different robotic mops. We read hundreds of customer reviews, watched consumer videos and read advice from experts in the field.
From this, we narrowed our selections down to our top pick and 4 runners-up.
Our winner for best robotic mop: The iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum with Wi-Fi Connectivity
Dry sweeping: Yes
Wet mopping: No
Auto cleaning mode: Yes
Spot cleaning mode: Yes
Edge cleaning mode: Yes
Intensive cleaning mode: Yes
Return to charger mode: Yes
For hard surfaces floor: Yes
For carpet: Yes
Clean scheduling: Yes
Charging time: 2 hours
Cleaning time: 70 minutes of cleaning on a single charge
Hepa filter: Yes
Sides brush: Yes (1)
Brush roll: Yes
Intelligent mapping: Yes- smart sensors make decisions every sixty seconds regarding navigation
Remote control: No
Smart phone app: Yes
Amazon Alexa support: Yes; also compatible with Google Assistant
Pet hair care: Yes
Weight: 7.4 lbs
Optional accessories: Virtual wall barrier (“Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier”)
Pros:
Unique dustbin design supports longer cleaning sessions and prevents spills when you clean the dustbin; high-efficiency air filtration system traps mold and allergens; Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head self-adapts its height to both hard floors and carpet; Alexa or Google Assistant connectivity (WiFi) so you can simply tell it to “start, stop or dock” your mop; smartphone app available so you can program mop from anywhere; extended battery life
Cons:
Shorter battery life than other robotic mops; noisy (sounds like an upright vacuum)
Summary:
We weren’t surprised that it was an iRobot that came out at the top of our best robotic mop list. iRobot didn’t invent the robot vacuum. However, it was first to design one workable and practical enough to release to market.
There isn’t much about this device that didn’t impress us, starting with the price. At $324.99, it’s far from the most expensive robotic vacuum on the market. Yet, it has so many great features!
We really like the idea of the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier, even though it’s not included in the price. This device connects to your mop and puts up “virtual walls.” Your mop won’t be able to pass through those virtual walls. It’s a sure-fire way to keep your mop from going into rooms and spaces you don’t want it to.
Then there’s the fact that you can control this mop via your smartphone (who doesn’t want to come home to a clean house?). Or, you can tell Alexa or Google Assistant to start your mop.
Got pets? Then this robotic mop will clean up after them.
We could go on and on about the iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum. Do beware of the battery life, which is short compared to many other robot mops. It’s also not the quietest on our list.
However, if you can live with charging your device more frequently and the sound doesn’t bother you, this is an excellent choice for your cleaning needs.
1st runner up (and second place on our best robotic mop list): ILIFE V5s Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Water Tank Mop, Mopping Floor Scrubbing Robot
Dry sweeping: Yes
Wet mopping: Yes
Auto cleaning mode: Yes
Spot cleaning mode: Yes
Edge cleaning mode: Yes
Intensive cleaning mode: No
Return to charger mode: Yes
For hard surfaces floor: Yes; this device was designed specifically for wood floors
For carpet: Yes; best on low pile carpet (less than an inch loop); not effective on shag carpet
Clean scheduling: Yes
Charging time: 250 to 300 minutes
Cleaning time: 90 to 110 minutes
Hepa filter: Yes, available as an option
Sides brush: Yes, 2
Brush roll: No
Intelligent mapping: No
Remote control: Yes
Smart phone app: No
Amazon Alexa support: No
Virtual wall/barrier- keeping the rob mop/vacuum in the places you want to be cleaned: No
Pet hair care: No
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Pros:
Affordable; makes an ideal entry-level mop device; small and lightweight so easy to move and handle; performs well at removing debris and hair
Cons:
Cleaning pattern is random so spots may get missed and cleaning may be inefficient; cannot sense drop-offs (stairs); device hits objects hard; mop pad prone to getting stuck
Summary:
The ILIFE V5s Robotic Vacuum Cleaner doesn’t have all the “bells and whistles” that the iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum has. On the other hand, it is considerably less expensive. This fact makes this device within reach of more consumers who want a robotic mop.
Not only is it cheap, users love it. It has a high ranking (more than four out of five stars) on Amazon.
Just a couple of things to keep in mind. First, it doesn’t have an intelligent mapping system. All of its movements are random. Therefore, the bigger your room, the more likely it is that spots will be missed.
Secondly, it doesn’t have a virtual wall/barrier. If you have a room with drop-offs (like stairs) your mop will plummet to its demise.
For these two reasons, we believe the iLife V5S is better-suited for use in small homes and in spaces with descending stairs. Alternately, you could block off your stairs with some kind of physical barrier (i.e. a baby gate) before each use.
2nd runner up (third place on our best robotic mop list): iRobot Braava 380t Robot Mop
Dry sweeping: Yes, moves in straight lines back and forth, effective on dust, dirt and hair
Wet mopping: Yes,uses a special back-and-forth action to achieve a deeper clean
Auto cleaning mode: Yes
Spot cleaning mode: No
Edge cleaning mode: No
Intensive cleaning mode: No
Return to charger mode: No
For hard surfaces floor: Yes, designed to clean hard surface floors (wood, tile, vinyl, linoleum and laminate)
For carpet: No
Clean scheduling: No
Charging time: 250 to 300 minutes
Cleaning time: 150 to 210 minutes
Hepa filter: No
Sides brush: No
Brush roll: No
Intelligent mapping: Yes
Remote control: No
Smart phone app: No
Amazon Alexa support: No
Virtual wall/barrier- keeping the rob mop/vacuum in the places you want to be cleaned: No
Pet hair care: No
Weight: 4 lbs
Pros:
Defined clear cleaning patterns which make the cleaning more efficient; this model of the Braava costs less than the higher-end Roomba
Cons:
Dry sweeping is not as effective on this device (not designed to pick up dirt/debris clusters); not effective on tile floor or floors with rough, uneven or waxed surfaces
Summary:
iRobot cracks the best robotic mop top five list again with its Braava 380t. It’s kind of like the little sister to the Roomba 690. The Braava isn’t quite as flashy in terms of its technology (no smartphone app or virtual wall barrier) but features the same intelligent mapping system.
One of the things that stood out to us about this one is its weight. At pounds it is the lightest device on our best robotic mop list. Those who suffer from conditions like tendonitis or others that make lifting and handling difficult find the Braava one of the easiest models to work with.
The fact that it has an intelligent mapping system means you’ll get a more efficient cleaning than with a device without such a system. If attention to detail is important to you, this may be the model for you.
However, since it has no virtual wall/barrier, we think this device will work best in a home/space with no drop-offs (descending stairs).
3rd runner up (fourth place on our best robotic mop list): ECOVACS Deebot M80 Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Dry sweeping: Yes
Wet mopping: Yes (available as an optional/add-on system)
Auto cleaning mode: Yes (cleans in a straight line and then turns into the opposite direction when it encounters a barrier)
Spot cleaning mode: Yes (cleans in a spiral pattern and stops when spot is clean)
Edge cleaning mode: Yes
Intensive cleaning mode: Yes (follows same pattern as automatic mode but with stronger suction and faster main brush rotating speed
Return to charger mode: Yes (automatically switches to return to charger mode when power is low)
For hard surfaces floor: Yes
For carpet: Yes
Clean scheduling: Yes
Charging time: 250 to 300 minutes
Cleaning time: 110 minutes
Hepa filter: Yes (sponge filter and high-efficiency filter
Sides brush: Yes (2)
Brush roll: Yes
Intelligent mapping: Yes
Remote control: Yes
Smart phone app: Yes
Amazon Alexa support: Yes
Virtual wall/barrier- keeping the rob mop/vacuum in the places you want to be cleaned: No
Pet hair care: Yes
Weight: 9.7 pounds
Pros:
Intelligent mapping system has anti-drop and anti-collision sensors; can be controlled by remote control or smartphone app; dustbin is specially-designed to prevent accidental spillage when emptying; easy-carry handle; water resistant; sleek and water-resistant design; small and compact docking station; highly efficient cleaning and powerful enough to pick up larger pieces of debris like cereal and pet hair clumps; quieter than average compared to other models
Cons:
Heavy (heaviest on our list); prone to get stuck on small barriers such as transitions between rooms; no virtual barrier
Summary:
The ECOVACS Deebot M80 Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner offers many of the same features as the number one pick on our best robotic mop list. It provides a quality cleaning and it’s efficient to, thanks to the intelligent mapping system.
Not only is it efficient, it’s powerful too. Pet-lovers will appreciate coming home to a floor that’s free of pet hair. (The same is true if you have kids who spill cereal around the house!)
However, it doesn’t have a virtual wall/barrier system. Because of this, it may not be suitable for homes/spaces with descending stairs.
Also, this device is the heaviest on our list. If lifting or mobility is a problem for you, you may be better off with a lighter device.
Finally, be aware that the mopping system is an add-on system. Make sure when you order that you check whether the mop system comes with the vacuum or if you have to order it separately.
4th runner up (fifth place on our best robotic mop list) bObsweep PetHair Plus Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Mop
Dry sweeping: Yes
Wet mopping: Yes; mop system is an add-on system and must be purchased separately from the vacuum
Auto cleaning mode: Yes
Spot cleaning mode: Yes
Edge cleaning mode: Yes
Intensive cleaning mode: Yes
Return to charger mode: Yes
For hard surfaces floor: Yes
For carpet: Yes
Clean scheduling: Yes
Charging time: 250 to 300 minutes
Cleaning time: 45 to 90 minutes
Hepa filter: Yes
Sides brush: Yes (2)
Brush roll: Yes
Intelligent mapping: No, but has its own system called “BUMPERS” which causes robot to change directions when encountering an object; cleaning pattern is random
Remote control: Yes
Smart phone app: No
Amazon Alexa support: No
Virtual wall/barrier- keeping the rob mop/vacuum in the places you want to be cleaned: Yes
Pet hair care: Yes
Weight: 8 lbs
Pros:
Highly effective on most debris; well-suited for larger homes and households with pets; auto-resume feature allows device to get back to work as soon as charging is complete; large (one liter) dustbin is ideal for pet hair and large debris particles
Cons:
Harder to set up than other devices; heavy; dark colored patterns on rugs may appear to device as barriers causing an error message to display; mop tank dispenses water until empty (no shut-off); mopping is less efficient when floors are very dirty
Summary:
This device tops the list when it comes to pet hair removal. Households with multiple pets and/or large-breed dogs will be enthusiastic about the bObsweep.
At $349.99 (at time of this writing), it’s the most expensive device on our best robotic mop list, so it’s not for the timid. However, we think it’s a worthwhile investment for furry pet lovers.
While the vacuum system on the bObsweep is enviable, the mopping system is less efficient. Therefore, it won’t work well on heavily-soiled floors.
Though not as heavy as the previous machine, at eight pounds it still outweighs the average robotic mop. Those with mobility issues may find this device cumbersome.
It’s also a bit tricky to set up compared the the other models on our list. However, if you can get through this initial headache, we think consumers will be pleased overall with the bObsweep. By the way, it also has the highest consumer ranking on Amazon of all the devices on our best robotic mop list!
[su_note note_color=”#D4DFF8″ text_color=”#000000″ radius=”1″]Guide For Buying is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase through our links we get a commission.[/su_note]
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