The Best Matter-Compatible Robot Vacuum Cleaners

If you're interested in expanding the possibilities of your smart home set-up, you've probably already considered a robot cleaner. Typically equipped with vacuum and mopping functionalities, these devices scoop up dust and hair around your home, conveniently cleaning along the most power-efficient routes.

Matter-certified robot vacuum cleaners are hitting the market in 2024. This means the introduction of interoperable and secure Robovacs into homes thanks to Matter's future-proofed connectivity standard.

Advantages of Matter-Compatible Robot Cleaners

Before we look at the robot cleaners, it's worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of Matter-compatible devices. Matter boasts a trio of benefits that will influence your choice of robot cleaners.

• Cross-platform: Matter brings an end to compatibility issues between different hubs and equipment. Devices certified by Matter will work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
• Secure: while smart home technology has become more secure in recent years, Matter brings a new degree of control over network security. Cryptographic verification ensures new devices are Matter-certified, and it is only then that they're permitted access to the network.
• Future-proof: Matter is the most interesting smart home technology around. The product of collaboration between some of the biggest names in tech, it is increasingly appearing in new products and looks likely to be a key standard in future smart homes.

How Matter 1.2 Adds Robot Cleaner Support

Released in October 2023, Matter 1.2 is the first iteration of the protocol to support Robovacs. This means a narrow set of features will be available, such as changing cleaning mode (mopping or cleaning or both), check charging status, and monitor errors.

As Matter integration is limited, some shortcomings may influence your buying decision. The protocol isn't yet able to handle complex tasks, so things like mapping, remote control, or automated self-cleaning and maintenance, will still need to be executed from the mobile app.

However, this isn't significantly different to previous integrations with smart assistants and other smart home hubs. Matter 1.3, coming Spring 2024, may add improved robot cleaner support.

What to Look for in Matter-Compatible Robot Vacuum Cleaners

Before looking at Matter-certified robot cleaners, it's worth considering the main factors before purchase. These probably include cleaning quality, water tank capacity, bin capacity, and whether the device supports mapping and zoned cleaning. But other factors should be considered.

Whatever smart home gear you're buying, you should always consider budget, features, and your preferred platform.

• Budget: low-priced robot vacuum cleaners boast limited features. At this time, no budget Robovacs support Matter. This article will be updated in the future when this changes.
• Features: you almost certainly want a Robovac that maps your home, and is able to work to specific rooms or zones. Things like pet detection and self-emptying bins are also nice.
• Platform: ensure the robot cleaner you're considering works with the platform you use. Keep things as seamless as possible to avoid frustration.

The Top Matter-Compatible Robot Vacuum Cleaners

Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra

A self-cleaning robot cleaner with heated water mop system and 10,000 Pa suction, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra will support Matter 1.2 robot vacuum commands.

Announced at CES 2024, the device also offers improved corner cleaning, something that has proved challenging to most disc-shaped robot vacuum cleaners. As with other recent Roborock models, the S8 MaxV Ultra is a self-cleaning and self-emptying robovac, which tracks back to its dock to recharge once your home is swept and mopped.

Aiming to be a key device in any Matter-based smart home, the S8 MaxV Ultra became the first robot vacuum cleaner to attain Matter certification from the CSA Alliance. This was awarded after extensive device testing at the UL Solutions IoT Lab in China.

Released in Spring 2024, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is available on Amazon.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo

A new iteration of the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robovac will be Matter-ready when it is released later in 2024. It is important to note that only the X2 Omni that ships alongside a handheld stick vacuum will have Matter 1.2 compatibility.

The original release of the square-edged Deebot X2 Omni introduced superior edge-to-edge cleaning, and claims a 99.8% improvement on cleaning coverage compared with competing devices.

The X2 Omni also has a self-emptying docking station, where the Robovac cleans itself and recharges. Think that the presence of a handheld vacuum cleaner is a bit unusual? Don't - it isn't uncommon for dirt and dust to accumulate around a robot cleaner's docking station. What better way to keep this cleaned up than by including a handheld vac?

At the time of writing, no price is available for the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo bundle, but it is likely to be over $1,200. Like the Robovac S8 MaxV Ultra, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo was confirmed as Matter-certified at CES 2024.

SwitchBot S1, S1 Plus, K10+, and S10

The release of the SwitchBot Hub 2 in April 2024 means that three robot vacuum cleaners are now Matter compatible. The basic SwitchBot S1, along with the self-emptying S1 Plus, K10+, and S10 models have all received upgrades via the SwitchBot Hub 2. Matter support for robovacs is currently limited, as noted above; for SwitchBot devices, the cleaners can be commanded to perform basic cleans (as opposed to specific rooms or zones).

SwitchBot robot cleaners can also be controlled using SwitchBot Hub 2 compatible smart switches, providing a scene is first created and linked to the switch.

Think About Integration With Your Smart Home

Older smart home setups without Matter certification may well be functional, but their days are numbered. As hardware is retired (or manufacturers drop support), newer Matter-ready devices are likely to be high on your list. Most smart home equipment manufacturers are moving to adopt Matter. After all, many of them are involved with its development.

If you already use a robot vacuum cleaner, you may have already considered the day when the device is no longer up to the task. Similarly, if you're buying one for the first time, choosing a device that is compatible with future-facing smart home protocols is a savvy move. After all, Robovacs are not cheap.

A Future for Matter-Compatible Robot Cleaners

Building a smart home, or upgrading an existing configuration, in 2024? You probably already know that Matter is capable of revolutionizing our interaction with smart home hardware.

As more devices become available and robot cleaners are new to Matter in 2024, every aspect of the smart home becomes Matter-compatible. That can only be a good thing.