Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled by an app for smartphones, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify food items, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features will save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed and making it able to complete its assigned room cleanup 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 precisely and precisely. They also can detect any changes to your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it could make a significant difference in the performance and comfort of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in many situations however they can become entangled with objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. They are also less expensive and don't have the ability to recognize when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and may be forced to push it to the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats, you might have to block their path using a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the app).
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here employ object detection to see what is in their path even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they should be emptied more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.
A self-emptying base will not just save your time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home clean. Based on the manufacturer certain bases come with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out periodically. To ensure that your base is operating at its best, you should always use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another aspect to take into consideration. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A quality robot should have features that are easy to use and a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out a manual that includes instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view the list of available settings and set them according to rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot by voice. A few popular brands also let you set virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning plans. The top robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you fail to complete the task the robot will start where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they get to their base without you having to escort them back. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to thoroughly clean your entire home in one move.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a challenging task, particularly if you have a large house or pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even wash and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.
Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a an excellent value. Both robots come with a high degree of suction and have a large, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore, they may not be able to tackle the entire house with a single charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. best robot cleaner isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, select one that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful if your pets shed a lot, or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
Most of our top picks include additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in the right place as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll have to pay more for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else the more features you want, the higher the price but there are reliable options for every price point.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
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 vacs. And don't miss our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.