Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other messes from carpet and hard floors. However, they leave a lot on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using apps for smartphones, however others rely on a physical remote for operation. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect food items, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine, or be sucked up into the suction. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot is equipped with, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and convenience of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to set up digital keep-out zones within your house for certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items, like large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's dogs or cats you may have to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ object detection to see what is in front of them even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bins are a convenient feature to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they need to be emptied more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not only save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home clean. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might require cleaning regularly. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user's manual that's easy to understand. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't expensive. You should seek out an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to see the list of available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot with a voice. A number of popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. Then, if you forget to finish the task the robot will start where it started.
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. This is why the top robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without you having to escort them back to their base. In floor vacuum robot , a battery life of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households, and will allow you to clean the entire house in one step.
Continued on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for the next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to get rid of liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both top-quality and provide excellent value. Both come with a high degree of suction and have a large self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able tackle your entire home on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The model isn't equipped with an internal or removable water reservoir, however, it does come with an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still an excellent option for keeping your floors looking fresh in between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For instance, select one with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is especially helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to mop or sweep.
Most of our top picks have additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that is simple to attach and stays in position, or a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn your home's layout and get around obstacles. However, you will have to pay a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are available at a range of prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ which can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. Like everything else the more features you want, the higher the price however, there are dependable options for every price point.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a a basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Don't forget to check our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.