Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Some models can be operated using a smartphone app and others require physically operated remotes. Some include 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 that can keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other debris that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed, making it able to complete its assigned room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
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 an outline map. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also spot changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it can make a huge difference in the performance and comfort of your new appliance.
Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. They are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and may be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have dogs or cats it is possible to block their path using a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use object detection to determine what is in front of them even in dim lighting. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can identify more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they need to be emptied far less often than the bin on the robot's own.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included in your robot.
Self-emptying bases will not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also keep your home cleaner. Based on the model the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they may require cleaning regularly. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. best vacuums is vital as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able, if you are using a mobile application to control the robot to look up the available settings. You can then arrange them by rooms, zones or floors. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot with a voice. A number of popular brands let you create customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and return to it at any point. If you don't finish the task, the robot will continue where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums last for hours on a single 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 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean an entire apartment in one move.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could save you from a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin and wash and dry its filter after each use so it is prepared for its next session of vacuuming.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with liquid spills.
You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and great value. Both robots come with a high degree of suction, and they come with a huge self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, and so they may not be able to complete your entire home in one charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The inexpensive model doesn't come with a built-in or removable water reservoir, however, it has an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. best vacuums that comes with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of times you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is particularly helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to mop or sweep.
In addition to basic features such as suction and rotating brushes, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is simple to attach and stays in position or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these advanced features.
There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else when you're looking for more features, it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects which allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums . Be sure to review our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.