Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others require physical remotes for operation. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords, and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect food items, toys and other items that could hinder the operation of the machine or be caught up in 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 most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to create 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 large, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier within the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days of dust. They need to be emptying less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.
A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also keep your home clean. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might require cleaning periodically. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that's easy to understand. A well-written guide can help you learn about the basics and solve issues as they arise. This is vital as these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able, if you are using an application on mobile, to control the robot to see a list of available settings. You can then set them up by zones, rooms or floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot with a voice. Several popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you like. Then, if you forget to finish 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 upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their destination, without needing to be there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households, and will allow you to clean the entire house in one move.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleans. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.
Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum at the same time, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and an excellent value. Both robots have a high level of suction, and they come with a huge self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, so they may not be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's a great choice for keeping your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to mop or sweep.
Most of our top picks include additional features that can cut down on the time needed to clean. cleaning robots include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which includes a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in position, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home so it can remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a timer or designate rooms that need to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and get around obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available in different 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+ that can vacuum and mop hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else when you're looking for more features you will pay more, but there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.