Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are excellent at picking up dust, pet hair and other messes from hard floors and carpets. However, they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models include advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to recognize toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, like if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them through your home. They can be useful in many situations however, they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to set up digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects, like large pet poop or chair legs. If the object is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a cat or dog, you might have to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to determine what's right in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These devices can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. They need to be cleaned less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. vacuum deals 'll have purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included in the robot.
Self-emptying bases will not only save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home spotless. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the model. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to be considered. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide can assist you in understanding the basics and solve issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot to look up the available settings. You can then set them up by rooms, zones or even individual floors. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot by voice. Many popular brands let you design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any point. If you do not remember to finish the task the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may 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 last for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, we found that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to clean your whole apartment on one go.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be emptied every few cleans. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums could save you from a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after every 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 lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when you have tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not 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 vacuum and mop, consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. They both have a decent amount of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore, they may not be able tackle your entire home with a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't a vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors 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. Pick a model that comes with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you tend to forget to mop and sweep.
The majority of our top picks include additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, which is why it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you 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. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll have to pay more for these advanced features.
There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you require the more expensive, but there are reliable choices at any price level.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.