Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other particles from carpet and hard floors. However, they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require physical remotes. Some include advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords, and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect pets, toys and other items that could hinder the operation of the machine or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the sofa or behind a bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize 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 a feature every robot has, but it can significantly improve the performance and ease of your new gadget.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. These can work well in most circumstances however they can get hung up on items that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. They are also less expensive and don't have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly skids on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may have to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier in the app.
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection to determine what is in the front of them even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. self vacuum hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they must be cleaned much less frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's with the robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned regularly, based on the model. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for the manual that provides instructions on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able view the list of available settings and configure them by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Several well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time. If you do not remember to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning when they reach their destination, without needing to be there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean your entire house in one move.
The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, especially if have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can save you from a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a machine that can also vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide great value. Both robots have a high level of suction, and they come with a large, self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, and so they might not be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The inexpensive model doesn't come with a built-in or removable water reservoir however, it does come with an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't a vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose an item that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot, or if you often forget to mop or sweep.
In addition to the basic features such as suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks have extras that help reduce cleaning time even more. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that is simple to attach and stays in place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with 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 premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else, if you want more features it will cost more however, there are options to suit every budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates so that your delivery for the holidays is on time.