Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other particles from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others require a physical remote for operation. Some models include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can detect toys, pet foods and other debris that could hinder the operation of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed, making it able to complete its assigned room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create a map. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience your new device.
robot vacuum cleaner of cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to set up electronic keep-out zones around your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog Poop poop mess. 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 could leave ugly skids on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier within the app.
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or just do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an option to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they need to be emptied more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately in the event that it is not with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not only save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to be considered. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of how the device performs. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user manual that's easy to understand. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for a thorough guide that explains setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able, in the event that you use an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to see a list of available options. You can then arrange them in rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Several well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will continue where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as fully-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without the need to take them back there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean the entire apartment in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied every few cleans. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use so it is prepared for its next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer excellent value. Both models come with a high degree of suction, and both come with a large self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, and so they may not be able to complete your entire home on a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's a great choice for keeping your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Choose a model that has self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you'll need to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to mop or sweep.
In addition to the standard features like suction and rotating brushes, the majority of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. 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 that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, so it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay more for these advanced features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things when you're looking for more features, it will cost more however, there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a an easy bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.