The best robot vacuums in Australia I've tested in the past few years
I've done the research, tested the products and come up with this list of my favourite robot vacuums in Australia.
When I first wrote this guide, I did a bunch of research in spreadsheets to see what robot vacuum was most recommended by review websites.
Since then, I've reviewed 11 robot vacuums here on BTTR. In a competitive market, that's a small proportion of what's available across Australia.
But it's a pretty good sample size, and it's definitely more than a lot of people.
So rather than trying to come up with a list of products on the market that's not based on my own first-hand experience, I'm just going to tell you the best model I can recommend based on what I've used, and some of the other models that may be a better fit.
The best robot vacuum I've tested
Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni
It appears Ecovacs doesn't like traditional product numbering schemes. Jumping straight over the X3 and X4 models, the Deebot X5 Pro Omni is a powerhouse of a robot vacuum, offering exceptional suction and solid object avoidance.
Battery life is fantastic – after vacuuming my three bedroom house it still had 65% left – and the oscillating mop pad extends out to ensure it gets right into the corners as it works around the house cleaning.
It's still not perfect though. The mapping software still isn't great, and the base station, while comprehensive in its features, doesn't offer enough information for this to be a true set and forget appliance.
Still, it's comfortably the best robot vacuum I've tested here at BTTR, so it takes the top spot.
What's particularly notable about the X5 topping my list is that its successor, the Deebot X8 Pro Omni, didn't take that top position. Don't get me wrong, I felt the X8 was a pioneer with its mopping technology.
But its mapping was a step back from the X5, refusing to differentiate carpeted bedrooms from hard floors. It didn't clean one of my home's bedrooms – ever – so I couldn't recommend it.
Nick Broughall
