Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other particles from hard floors and carpets. However, they leave a lot on the baseboards and furniture.
Some models are operated using a smartphone app and others require physical remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture, and cords. 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 will help you save time by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make a huge difference in the performance and convenience the new gadget.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations however they can get caught up in objects that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to create electronic keep-out zones around your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog Poop poop mess. If the object is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might need to block their route by using a furniture or box. Some robots even allow you to create a virtual barrier in the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ object detection to see what is in front of them even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if 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 bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they need to be emptied more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ 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 in the robot.
Apart from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base will also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Based on smart robot come with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out periodically. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able, in the event that you use an app on your mobile, to control the robot to view a list of the available options. You can set them up in rooms, zones or even individual floors. Certain apps let you plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Some of the most popular brands allow you to set 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 time. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning themselves when they get to their base without having to drag them back. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for most homes and gives you enough time to clean your entire home in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large house or pet hair on your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. 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.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines typically don't have the same level of suction that traditional vacuums have 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. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and great value. Both robots are equipped with high levels of suction and have a large self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and therefore they won't be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still an excellent option for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, select one with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number times you have to empty the trash can manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if your pets shed often or if it's a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
In addition to standard features like suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. Think about a multisurface cleaner which includes a mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in position, or a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home to 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 to control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay more for these features.
Robot vacuums are available at different costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can vacuum and mop hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else, if you want more features you will pay more, but there are options to suit every budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you need an easy bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
For robot vacuum cleaners on how to choose 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. Be sure to review our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.