Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great in removing pet hair, dust and other debris from hard and carpet floors. However they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application and others require a physical remote. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect food items, toys and other items that could block the path of the machine or be caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it can make an important difference in the performance and comfort of the new gadget.
A majority 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 lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to create electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.
Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly skids on your floors. In the case of pets or cats you may have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the application).
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here use object detection to see what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
A self-emptying base can be a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they must be cleaned far less often than the onboard bin of the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as the iRobot 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 included with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not only save you time, but also money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. They may require to be cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some offer 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 good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's manual that's easy to understand. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough guide that explains setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you should be able to see the list of available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot with a voice. Several well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and create virtual no-go zones. The best robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time you wish. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will continue where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized 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 begin cleaning automatically once they reach their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to thoroughly clean your entire apartment in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next cleaning session.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.
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 high-quality and offer excellent value. Both robots come with a high degree of suction, and they come with a huge self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, and so they may not be able to take on your entire home on a single charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir but it does have an excellent 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 a great choice for keeping your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For instance, select a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to empty the trash can manually when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot, or if you often forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to regular features like suction and rotating brushes and suction, many of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, which is why it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models let you set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you get around obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else, if you want more features it will cost more however, there are options for every budget.
Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum 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 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Make robotic vacuum cleaner to look over our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.