Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others rely on a physical remote for operation. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting trapped under the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make an important difference to the performance and convenience your new device.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are useful in a variety of situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the best robot vacuums will 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 likely be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier within the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ 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 are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they should be emptied much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately except if it's included with the robot vacuum.
Aside from cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned frequently, based on the manufacturer. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to be considered. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In general, the more powerful 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 guide can aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital since these machines aren't inexpensive. It is recommended to look for 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'll be able to see the available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or floors. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot with a voice. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any point. Then, if you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it began.
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 run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning when they reach their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one move.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large home or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum will save you from a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dust bin and wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for the next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if 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 remove liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can both mop and vacuum, think about a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide great value. Both models are equipped with high levels of suction, and both come with a huge self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, so they may not be able to complete your entire home on a single charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. More isn't equipped with an integrated or removable reservoir for water, however, it does come with a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Certain 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 bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you tend to forget to mop or sweep.
Most of our top picks include additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. good robot vacuum include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which includes a mopping mat that is easy to attach and stays in position, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these premium features.
There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you'd like the more expensive however, there are dependable 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 have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work 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, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.