Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others rely on a physical remote for operation. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect food items, toys, and other clutter which could block the path of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed and making it able to complete its assigned room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. 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 something that every robot comes with, but it could be a significant improvement in the efficiency and comfort of your new appliance.
Learn Even more of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in most circumstances however, they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects, like large pet poop or chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats you may have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the application).
The more advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection that works in low and optimal light conditions to detect what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They must be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not only save you time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out periodically. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of the performance of the device. In general, the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed guide that explains setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you'll be able to see the list of available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning schedules. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and then return to it at any time. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums last for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without having to drag them back to their base. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean the entire apartment in one go.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will save you from a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next vacuuming session.
The majority of robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with spills of liquid.
Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a excellent value. They both have a decent level of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our top two robots, though, therefore they won't 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 internal 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 isn't a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Choose a model that has self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is particularly useful when you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to the regular features like suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleaning time even more. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in position as well as a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Certain models let you create a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models come with advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you get around obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in different costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you require, the higher the price however, there are dependable options for every price level.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require a basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology which allows it to move between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's also equipped with 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, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.