Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models are operated via a smartphone application however others require a physical remote. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect toys, pet foods and other items that could block the path of the machine or get sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming trapped 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+ utilize cameras and lasers to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience 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 a variety of 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 an obstacle that was missed and you may have to set up electronic keep-out zones around your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items like chair legs or large dog poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able lift large objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly scratches on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their path by using a furniture or box. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier using the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here make use of object detection, which works in low and optimal light conditions to determine what's right in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They must be emptying less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.
auto vacuum is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes included with the robot vacuum.
In addition to decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on new dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the brand. To maintain optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. Generally speaking the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written guide will help you learn about the basics and solve issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't inexpensive. Find a comprehensive guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to see a list of all available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot by voice. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones as well as create custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. Then, if you forget to complete the task the robot will start where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they get to their base without having to drag them back to their base. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households, and will allow you to clean an entire home in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied after every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially when you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will save you from a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next vacuuming session.
Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to remove liquid spills.
You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. They both have a decent amount of suction and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore, they may not be able to tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated 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 isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has a self-emptying bottom to reduce the number of times 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 often forget to mop or sweep.
In addition to regular features like suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleaning time even more. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it slows down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a timer or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay more for these advanced features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things, the more features you'd like, the higher the price, but there are reliable options at every price range.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to 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.