Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuum s excel in removing dust, pet hair and other debris from carpet and hard floors. However they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.
Some models are operated by a smartphone application however others require physically operated remotes. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in the couch or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create a map. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They also can detect any changes to your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it could make a significant difference to the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. These can work well in most circumstances, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to create digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger items like chair legs or large dog waste poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. In the case of dogs or cats, you might have to block its path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the app).
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they need to be emptied much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in the robot.
Self-emptying bases will not only save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. Generally speaking, the greater the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that's easy to understand. A well-written guide can assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital because these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able, if you are using a mobile application to control the robot, to view a list of the available options. You can set them up by rooms, zones, or individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any point. If you do not remember to finish the task the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they get to their base without the need to take them back to their base. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean an entire home in one move.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially when you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums could save you a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is prepared for its next vacuuming sessions.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is especially useful for tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can also vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both of high-quality and provide great value. Both come with a high degree of suction, and both come with a huge self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, so they may not be able to tackle your entire home in one 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 an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Pick a model that comes with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you have to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful when you have pets that shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to mop and sweep.
In addition to the regular features like a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down the time needed to clean. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in position or a vacuum cleaner that makes use of LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay for these advanced features.
Robot vacuums are available at various costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both carpets and hardwoods. Like everything else the more features you want the more expensive however, there are dependable options at every price level.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and 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 to the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates so that your delivery for the holidays is on time.