Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard floors and carpets. However, they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models are operated via a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food and other items that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the sofa or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. robot vacuum cleaner sale lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes to your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the efficiency and comfort of your new appliance.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations however they can get hung up on items that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones within your house for certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get caught up on larger items such as large pet poop or chair legs. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it to the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have dogs or cats, you might have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They must be emptying less often than the dustbin on the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in your robot.
Self-emptying bases will not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the model. To ensure optimal performance you should use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the machine's performance. In general the greater 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 manual will help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential as these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to see the available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The top robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they reach their base without having to drag them back to their base. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to thoroughly clean your entire home in one step.
The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer excellent value. Both are equipped with high levels of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able to tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable reservoir for water, however, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, select a model with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot, or if you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to the regular features like a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in the right place as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can understand your home's layout and get around obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things, the more features you want, the higher the price but there are reliable options for every price point.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not become 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.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.