TP-Link’s flagship robot vacuum cleaner, the Tapo RV30 Plus, is making waves in the smart home market. This advanced cleaner not only vacuums and mops, but it also features a self-emptying dustbin with an impressive 4L capacity. This means you won’t have to replace the dustbag as frequently, potentially saving you money in the long run.

With up to 4,200Pa of suction power, the Tapo RV30 Plus is highly effective at vacuuming. While the default Standard suction setting works well for relatively clean hard floors, Turbo mode offers the best performance. Even in Max mode, the vacuum doesn’t drain too much of its three-hour battery life.

However, it’s important to note that the rotating side brush can scatter hair and microscopic dust particles instead of directing them towards the bar brush.

Mopping capabilities, on the other hand, are more basic. While the Tapo RV30 Plus offers three different water levels with its mop plate attached, even the highest setting may not be sufficient for dried, caked-in dirt and stains. Other robot vacuum cleaners, such as the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni and Deebot X1 Turbo, provide superior agitation for more effective cleaning.

Where the Tapo RV30 Plus truly shines is in its companion app, which offers extensive control options. From creating customized cleaning routines to setting no-mop zones, the Tapo app allows for precise instructions. If your home has a mix of hard floors and carpets, you can set no-mop zones and the RV30 Plus will avoid those areas while vacuuming. Simply remove the mop plate and let the machine perform a spot clean. You can even vacuum a space up to three times for a thorough clean, as long as there are no caked-in stains.

In terms of size, the Tapo RV30 Plus is similar to other circular robot vacuums but appears larger in comparison to its auto-empty docking station. Despite its size, the docking station is relatively compact considering it houses a 4L dust bag. It’s important to have sufficient floor space to store the entire machine.

If you’re able to purchase the Tapo RV30 Plus during a major sale event, it offers excellent value for the price. While it may not be as affordable as some other brands, such as iRobot’s Roombas, it still provides competitive features and capabilities. The RV30 Plus is currently available in the UK and Australia, but not yet in the US. The full price is £599.99 / AU$999, but you may be able to find discounts on Amazon UK and Amazon AU.

As an alternative, TP-Link offers the Tapo RV10 Plus in the US for $399.99 on Amazon. However, it lacks the advanced lidar navigation technology and has less powerful suction compared to the RV30 Plus.

The Tapo RV30 Plus comes with a 4L dust bag, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Replacement bags can be purchased for £17.99 / AU$49 for a pack of three. Additionally, you can find replacement kits for the bar brush, side brush, and filters on Amazon.

In terms of design, the Tapo RV30 Plus features the familiar circular shape typical of robot vacuum cleaners. The lidar navigation system is located in the dome on top of the device. While the design may not be groundbreaking, the RV30 Plus stands out with its wider vacuum compared to the auto-empty docking station. The docking station, despite its compact size, accommodates the 4L dust bag.

The RV30 Plus includes a bar brush that requires regular maintenance to prevent tangles, especially if you have pets or people with long hair in your home. It also features a single side brush that effectively cleans edges but may miss corners.

The device’s 2-in-1 dustbin and water tank are accessible by picking up the robot from the bottom, unlike other brands that allow access from the top. The dustbin has a capacity of 350ml, while the water tank can hold up to 300ml, enough to mop an area of up to 200 square meters. Voice prompts provide helpful feedback during operation, and the device is compatible with Google Home and Alexa for voice commands.

With up to 4,200 pascals of suction power and a 5,000mAh battery, the Tapo RV30 Plus offers impressive performance. Its suction power is suitable for its price range, while the auto-empty dock’s 27,000Pa suction ensures minimal residue in the bin compartment.

Overall, the Tapo RV30 Plus stands out for its combination of vacuuming, mopping, and self-emptying capabilities, as well as its large dust bags. Its smart features and versatile app make it convenient and user-friendly. While it may not be the most affordable option, it offers good value for its price range.