Roborock Q5 Max+ - Best Overall Robot Vacuum

The Roborock Q5 Max+ stands out as the best overall robot vacuum due to its exceptional cleaning performance and advanced features. Its lidar navigation system creates accurate maps of multiple floor levels and remembers room layouts, allowing for efficient cleaning paths that take about half the time of many competitors. The vacuum picks up nearly 90% of debris in tests, handling rice, Cheerios, fur, and baking soda with ease. The self-emptying dock is a significant advantage, effectively sucking debris into a 2.5-liter disposable bag without leaving residue in the robot's bin.

At 240 minutes of runtime in quiet mode, it can clean large homes without frequent recharging. The companion app offers extensive customization, including room-specific cleaning schedules and no-go zones. While obstacle detection isn't perfect, it avoids hurdles better than most competitors. The main drawbacks include occasional difficulty with debris near thresholds and baseboards, plus some user reports of inconsistent customer service. Replacement parts are somewhat limited compared to some brands, though the one-year warranty provides basic coverage.