Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great in removing pet hair, dust and other debris from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming trapped under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot comes with, but it could be a significant improvement in the performance and convenience of your new device.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. These robots are also less expensive and don't have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items like chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able lift large objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly skids on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They must be emptied less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own, in the event that it is not included with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not just save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the model. To maintain optimal performance you should make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is a different aspect to take into consideration. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and resolve common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive guide that explains setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able when using an application on mobile, to control the robot to view a list of the available settings. You can then set them up in rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. A number of well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they get to their base without having to drag them back. In our tests, we found that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one go.
The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will save you from a amount of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to remove liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can also vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and great value. robotvacuummops come with a high degree of suction and come with a large, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and so they might not be able tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds a lot or have the norm to not clean up and mop.
In addition to the regular features like suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and remains on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, and slows down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and get around obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available in different prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+, which can vacuum and mop hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, if you want more features it will cost more but there are options to suit every budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology that allows it to move between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.