Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great at picking up pet hair, dust and other messes from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models are operated by a smartphone application, while others require a physical remote. Certain models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can detect pets, toys, and other clutter which could hinder the operation of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features will help you save time by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect any changes to your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot comes with, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new device.
Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate 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 shoes or lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats, you might have to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the app).
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be a useful feature, 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 hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they must be cleaned much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as 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 on your own, except if it's with the robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the model. To ensure that her explanation is operating at its best, you should always use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies follow, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is important because these machines aren't expensive. You should look for a manual that includes tips on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to see a list of all available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot with a voice. Many popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as fully-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they reach their base without the need to take them back. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean your entire house in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This is a tedious task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum can save you a amount of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin and 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 an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and excellent value. They all have a high suction level and come with a big self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, so they may not be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The model isn't equipped with a built-in or removable water reservoir, however, it has a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort but they require daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to mop or sweep.
In addition to standard features like suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, so it reduces the time to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these advanced features.
Robot vacuums are offered in various prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things when you're looking for more features it will cost more, but there are options for every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's got wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.