Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are excellent in removing dust, pet hair and other debris from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Some models are operated using a smartphone app and others require a physical remote. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to recognize pets, toys 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 getting stuck in the sofa or behind the bed, making it able to complete its room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, like the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make an important difference in the performance and convenience your new device.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. These can work well in many situations, but they can easily get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to set up digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog it is possible to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the application).
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 and the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot Vacuum bot after each cleaning session, self-emptying bases are a convenient feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They should be emptying less often than the dustbin on the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included with the robot.
Apart from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on replacement dust bags and help keep your home clean. Based on the model, some bases have separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot has. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the device performs. Generally speaking the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will assist you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems as they arise. This is vital because these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able, if you are using a mobile application to control the robot, to see a list of available options. You can then set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floors. Certain apps let you plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Some of the most popular brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning schedules. The best robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time you wish. If you fail to complete the task, then the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are 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. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to clean your whole apartment on one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied every few cleanings. This is a tedious job, especially if you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both top-quality and provide excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our top two robots, however, so they might not be able to take on your entire home on a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have an integrated or removable reservoir for water, however, it does come with an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. 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
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose an item that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed a lot or have an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
In addition to standard features like suction and rotating brushes, most of our top picks have extras that help reduce the time needed to clean. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in place or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots around your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay more for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features you will pay more however, there are options to suit every budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a an easy bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology which allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's got 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 for the top robotic vacuums. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.