Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others require a physical remote for operation. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming trapped under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create an outline map. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and ease of your new device.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in most circumstances however they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to set up digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able lift large objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If you have dogs or cats, you might have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use objects detection to identify what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session a self-emptying base is an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. They need to be emptied less often than the dustbin on the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included with the robot.
Apart from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the brand. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to be considered. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies use however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the machine's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user manual that's easy to understand. A well-written guide can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems as they arise. This is vital because these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able view the list of available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot with a voice. A number of well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to run for several hours on a single charge of batteries. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without needing to be there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can save you a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next cleaning session.
Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a great value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, therefore they won't 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 have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort but they require daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For cleaning robots , choose a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds a lot or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.
In addition to the standard features like suction and rotating brushes, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set a schedule for cleaning and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available at a range of prices, 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 hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else the more features you require, the higher the price but there are reliable options at every price level.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move between furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.