Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others require a physical remote for operation. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify pets, toys and other items that could get in the way of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its assigned room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect any changes to your living space, like if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot comes with, but it could significantly improve the performance and ease of your new appliance.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in many situations however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. They are cheaper and do not have the ability to recognize when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not 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 pet or cat, you may need to block their path by using a furniture or box. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier in the application.
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here employ 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 do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an option to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days of dust. They need to be emptied less often than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is offered on a variety of 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 separately unless it's included with the robot.
Aside from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on new dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. They might need to be cleaned frequently, based on the model. To maintain optimal performance, you should always make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of the performance of the device. Generally speaking the greater the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user manual that is simple to read. A well-written guide can aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view a list of all available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps let you plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A few popular brands also allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time. Then, if you forget to complete the task the robot will start where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they reach their base without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and will allow you to clean an entire home in one step.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This is a tedious task, particularly if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use to ensure it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can both vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer great value. Both are equipped with high levels of suction, and they come with a huge, self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, however, therefore they won't be able to take on your entire house on one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. robotic vacuum cleaner on sale doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir however, it has a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you often forget to mop and sweep.
Most of our top picks come with additional features that reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and holds well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, which is why it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can understand your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are available in a range of prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ which can vacuum and mop both hardwoods and carpets. Like everything else, the more features you'd like, the higher the price however, there are dependable options for every price point.
Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's got wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery arrives on time.