Tapo is well-known for making some of the best security cameras out there, but its lineup of robot vacuum cleaners deserve some attention too, especially as of late. Its most recent model, the RV50 Pro Omni, arrived in my review pile before Christmas – and I've been rather impressed ever since unboxing it.
Boasting a nice 15,000Pa of suction and an interesting hair cutting feature that instantly had me intrigued, it's definitely up there with some of the strongest robot vacuum cleaners on the market today. However, if you're wondering whether it earns a spot in your home, you'll find the answer below.
Tapo RV50 Pro Omni review: price and availability
The Tapo RV50 Pro Omni has an RRP of £749.99 and is available from Tapo's online store and Amazon.
Right now, it’s discounted by a huge 40% on Amazon, which definitely makes it the smarter place to buy if this review sways you.
Tapo RV50 Pro Omni review: design and features
Initally, the RV50 Pro Omni feels very hands-off, especially when it comes to the all-in-one self-cleaning dock. Despite being fairly compact, it takes care of dust emptying, mop washing, drying and even detergent dispensing. It also houses a 3-litre dust bag that should last around two months, with replacements available directly from TP-Link when you eventually get through it.
The mop pads are washed using 60°C hot water and then dried with 50°C warm air, which is great for preventing smells and bacteria build-up. When mopping, the pads apply consistent pressure, whilst extendable mop arms help it reach edges and corners most robot vacuums miss.
The real highlight is the tangle-free cutting brush and anti-tangle side brushes, which are ideal if you have long hair or pets.
Believe it or not, this is a pretty unique feature on a lot of vacuum cleaners, whether they're cordless or robotic. I've seen a lot of the best cordless vacuum cleaners have a specially designed 'anti-tangle' brush roller, which helps suction hair instead of it getting caught. However, to find a vacuum that actually cuts it before entering the dust bag feels very revolutionary.
Smart features are handled through the Tapo app, where you can view maps, set no-go zones, label rooms and schedule cleans, but I'll explain more of this shortly.
Finally, the RV50 Pro Omni features dual lasers and a range of sensors, allowing it to plan efficient routes and adapt its cleaning approach based on which room it's in. Again, this is something becoming more common, but really helps the overall cleaning result.
Tapo RV50 Pro Omni review: app
Setup via the app was very easy, and a lot simpler than some of my other experiences. Normally, you’d just download the Tapo app, create an account and add the RV50 – but since I already have a couple of Tapo security cameras in my setup, it was simply a case of adding another device.
The robot mapped my downstairs very quickly and automatically created virtual rooms in the app. This is also where you find all the expected features, including room-specific cleaning, zone cleaning, vacuum-only or mop-only modes, schedules, no-go zones and floor-type customisation. There’s also a useful Point and Go feature that lets you send the robot directly to a specific spot for a quick clean.
You can also link the RV50 to Google Home or Alexa, which I did. However, thanks to its Matter-compatibility, it can integrate more broadly than you might initially think.
Tapo RV50 Pro Omni review: performance
It’s no secret that the RV50 Pro Omni is one of Tapo’s best robot vacuums to date, especially when it comes to maintenance-free features. I had a positive experience testing it, and it comfortably sits alongside some of the stronger models I’ve reviewed recently.
One thing I really appreciated was the base station’s size, and despite handling both vacuuming and mopping, it’s pleasantly compact. It fits neatly under a unit or alongside a sideboard, and stays mostly out of sight. The robot itself is a standard size and docks cleanly when charging or after finishing a clean.
In terms of design, it also looks and feels premium. The matte black finish paired with semi-translucent water tanks gives it an expensive look, and even though it's not available in other colourways, the black is still very nice.
When it comes to performance, it was very efficient, and handled both carpeted and hard-floor rooms well. Thanks to its moderate suction level, it performed best on hard floors, though that’s fairly typical. The main roller brush does most of the work, but the side brushes are great for corners and along skirting boards.
Its mopping performance is also excellent, and I particularly liked that the mop pads can extend beyond the robot’s body, letting it clean right up against kitchen cabinets and edges.
It’s worth mentioning that whilst 15,000Pa isn’t industry-leading, it’s still very respectable. That said, at this price I might have hoped for something closer to 20,000Pa, but it certainly didn't feel underpowered.
One of my absolute favourite features remains the tangle-free cutting brush. It completely stopped hair from wrapping around the roller, which I was initially worried about. After weeks of testing, the underside of the robot stayed impressively clean, which felt very satisfying indeed.
Unfortunately, there is one downside worth flagging. The detergent bottle is designed specifically for the dock and can’t be refilled, meaning you’re stuck with using Tapo’s own solution. At the time of writing, it’s not available as a standalone purchase either, which feels a bit odd.
I haven't gotten through the detergent yet, and I expect it should last a few more months, but given that replacement mop pads and brushes are available, the detergent situation feels slightly disorganised.
Tapo RV50 Pro Omni review: verdict
The Tapo RV50 Pro Omni is an impressive robot vacuum and mop that really leans into low-maintenance cleaning. Whilst it doesn’t quite top the charts on suction, its compact design, all-in-one dock and innovative tangle-free cutting brush make up for it. It's easily Tapo’s best robot vacuum to date, especially if you want a hands-off model that just gets on with the job.
Tapo RV50 Pro Omni review: alternatives to consider
The Tapo RV30 Plus remains our favourite maintenance-free option in our buying guide, and it’s a very strong alternative if you’re looking to spend a little less.
If you’re after more suction power, similar hands-off features and have the budget to stretch further, the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra is also an excellent choice. There’s many reasons why it earned five stars, and you can read all about that in my full review.
