Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great in removing pet hair, dust and other debris from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by an app for smartphones, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming trapped under the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it can make a huge difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. These can work well in most circumstances however they can become entangled with objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. They are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. vacuum deals is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their path by using a furniture or box. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier in the application.
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days of debris. They should be emptied less often than the dustbin of the robot.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, 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.
In addition to reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home clean. Based on the manufacturer, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out frequently. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the device's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should have features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for an instruction manual that contains guidelines for maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able, if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to see a list of available settings. You can then arrange them by rooms, zones or even individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot using voice. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you like. If you do not remember to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal 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 after every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum will save you a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next cleaning session.
Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between your regular vacuuming sessions. Mopping auto vacuum do not typically have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can both 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 have excellent performance and offer great value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, so they might not be able to complete your entire home on a single charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and effort but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you have to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if your pets shed a lot or if it's a habit to forget to clean up and mop.
In addition to the standard features like a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that is easy to attach and stays in position or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt areas around your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and get around obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else the more features you'd like, the higher the price but there are reliable choices at any price point.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone 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, as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.