Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled using apps for smartphones, however others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to detect toys, pet food and other items that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect any changes to your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in many situations, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. If the object is too big 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 may have to block its path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use object detection to see what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can identify more than 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or just don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are an option to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of debris, so they must be cleaned much less frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included with your robot.
Aside from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning, a self-emptying base can also save money on replacement dust bags and help keep your home clean. Depending on top rated robot vacuum , some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out periodically. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. Generally speaking the greater the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should seek out the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot to view a list of the available options. You can then set them up by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot using voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The best robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it began.
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. The best robot vacuums can last for hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire home in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, especially if have a large house or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum will save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and excellent value. They all have a high suction level and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, and therefore they won't be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with a built-in or removable water reservoir, however, it does come with an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort but they require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For instance, select a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed a lot, or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
In addition to the standard features like a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in position as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available in various costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. Like most things, the more features you want the more expensive but there are reliable choices at any price level.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum 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 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.