Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify pets, toys, and other clutter which could block the path of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the sofa or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create an outline map. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, like the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it can make an important difference to the performance and convenience the new gadget.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to set up digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items like chair legs or large dog waste poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier using the application.
The more advanced robotic vacuums listed here make use of object detection, which works in low and optimal light conditions to see what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they should be emptied much less frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included with your robot.
A self-emptying base will not only save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out frequently. To ensure optimal performance you should make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies adhere to however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the device's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide can aid you in understanding the basics and solve issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able view a list of all available settings and then set them by rooms, zones or floors. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning plans. The top robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as the full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they reach their base without the need to take them back to their base. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean your entire house in one move.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.
You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a great value. Both are equipped with high levels of suction, and both come with a large, self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, and so they may not be able to take on your entire home on a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. robotic hoovers doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, select a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds often, or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
Many of our top picks include additional features that help reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that is simple to attach and stays in place, or a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay more for these features.
Robot vacuums are available at a range of prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ that can vacuum and mop hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things the more features you'd like the more expensive however, there are dependable choices at any price range.
Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's got wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. And don't miss our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.