Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot on baseboards and furniture.
Some models can be operated using a smartphone app however others require a physical remote. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to recognize pets, toys and other items that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the more 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 precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes to your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new gadget.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations however they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. They are also less expensive and do not have the ability to learn when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up on larger items such as large pet poop or chairs legs. The robot vacuum will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly skids on your floors. If it's a cat or dog, you might have to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up within the application).
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are a convenient feature to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They must be cleaned less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included with the robot.
Self-emptying bases will not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. Always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of how the device performs. In general the greater the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential as these machines aren't expensive. You should seek out a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to view a list of all available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A few of the top brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any point. If you do not remember to finish the task the robot will start where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the 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 hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they reach their base without having to drag them back there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to tidy your whole apartment on one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied after every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum will help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. robot cleaner of these top choices offer excellent performance and an excellent value. Both models have a high level of suction, and both come with a large, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore they might not be able tackle the entire house with a single charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable reservoir for water, but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Select a model with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you need to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you often forget to mop or sweep.
The majority of our top picks include additional features that help reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in place, or a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt areas around your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Certain models let you set a schedule for cleaning and designate rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn your home's layout and get around obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available at different prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ that can vacuum and mop both carpets and hardwoods. As with most things, the more features you want, the higher the price, but there are reliable choices at any price range.
If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's got wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to 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.