Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel at picking up pet hair, dust and other messes from carpet and hard floors. However, they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled by an app for smartphones, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to identify toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck in the couch or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the more 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 allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature every robot has, but it can significantly improve the performance and convenience of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in a variety of situations however they can get caught up in objects that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. They are also less expensive and don't have the ability to learn when an obstacle is missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up on larger items such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. The robot cleaner won't be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly skids on your floors. If you have pets or cats it is possible to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the app).
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection to determine what is in the front of them even in dim lighting. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an option to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days of debris. They should be emptying less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.
Aside from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and help keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. To maintain optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that's easy to understand. A well-written guide can help you learn about the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able, when using an app on your mobile, to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then arrange them by zones, rooms or even individual flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even allow you to voice-command the robot. A number of popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones. The best robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you do not remember to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to thoroughly clean your entire apartment in one move.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin and clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same level of suction that traditional vacuums have and often struggle with liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop at the same time, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide an excellent value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots so they might not be able to take on your entire home with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it has high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's a great choice for keeping your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For example, choose an item with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or you often forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to the basic features such as suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, so it reduces the time to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay for these advanced features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you want the more expensive however, there are dependable options at every price range.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you require a basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech which allows it to move between furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.