Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great in removing pet hair, dust and other debris from carpet and hard floors. However, they leave a lot behind on the baseboards and furniture.
Some models are operated via a smartphone application however others require physically operated remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can detect pets, toys, and other clutter which could hinder the operation of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can significantly improve the performance and ease of your new gadget.
review of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in a variety of situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the best robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large pet poop or chairs legs. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly scratches on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog, you might have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use objects detection to identify what is in the front of them even in dim lighting. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can identify more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they should be emptied more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, except if it's with your robot vacuum.
Aside from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the brand. To ensure that your base is operating at its best, you should always use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
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 provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of how the robot performs. In general, the greater the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user manual that is simple to read. A well-written guide will help you learn about the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital since these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able, in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot to see a list of available options. You can set them up in rooms, zones, or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot by voice. A few of the top brands let you set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any point. If you do not remember to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean the entire home in one step.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dustbin and wash and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for the next session of vacuuming.
Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a excellent value. Both robots are equipped with high levels of suction, and they have a large self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, so they might not be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying bin to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds often or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.
In addition to basic features such as a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, which is why it reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a schedule for cleaning and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay more for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things, the more features you require the more expensive, but there are reliable options at every price range.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting 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 vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.