You’ve probably got a dishwasher. They’re amazing, aren’t they? You don’t have to stand at the sink for hours every week, as the machine does it for you. Dishwashers are perhaps the greatest labor-saving device of the 20th century.
In the same way, robot vacuum cleaners are the best thing in the 21st century. Cleaning and mopping their way around the home, it is incredible how much time and effort they save.
I first reviewed an app-controlled robot cleaner back in 2017, but since then they’ve become increasingly integrated with smart home platforms. Unsurprisingly, the key players in the robot cleaner world have embraced Matter, aiming to future-proof their hardware.
Advantages of Matter-compatible robot cleaners
Before researching which robot cleaners are available, 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 adds robot cleaner support
Matter has supported robot cleaners since Matter 1.2, issued in October 2023.
Robovacs and Matter 1.2
With Matter 1.2, a narrow set of features were available, such as changing cleaning mode (mopping or cleaning or both), check charging status, and monitor errors.
Robovacs and Matter 1.3
In Matter 1.3, enhanced Matter Casting notification was introduced for robot cleaners, among other devices. However, this was limited to users with Matter Casting-compatible devices like the Amazon Echo Show.
How Matter 1.4 will improve robot cleaners
While the specification was issued in October 2024, Matter 1.4 is only just being rolled out. The focus with this update was on energy management and networking. Improved sensor and radar support was added, although it is unclear if any existing robot cleaners have benefited from this.
Even with these improvements, the protocol isn’t yet able to handle complex tasks. As such, things like mapping, remote control, and automated self-cleaning and maintenance still need to be executed from the manufacturer’s mobile app.
However, advances in design (such as with the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and its extending arm) suggest future updates will accommodate unusual tidying options.
roborock S8 MaxV Ultra
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra features automatic dock cleaning, powerful suction, edge-to-edge mopping, intelligent dirt detection, obstacle navigation, voice control, and pet monitoring.
What to look for in Matter-compatible robot vacuums
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.
However, 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, most budget robovacs do not support Matter.
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, as are robotic arms.
Platform: Ensure the robot cleaner you’re considering works with the platform you use. Keep things as seamless as possible to avoid frustration.
Size: While the robot cleaner itself is likely to whizz around like the bottom half of R2-D2, the docking station is typically less compact. Some older devices have a dock simply for recharging, but increasingly bin emptying, cleaning, and water tank refilling are included in the docking station. This adds to the convenience of a robot cleaner, but also means you may need to reconsider where the device is housed.
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), so 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, and cost-effective, too.
When you're ready to buy, you'll find the best current devices in our list of the top Matter robot vacuum cleaners.
