Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other particles from hard and carpet floors. However they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect food items, toys and other debris that could hinder the operation of the machine, or be sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck under the couch or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its assigned room cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create an outline map. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, like if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and convenience your new device.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in many scenarios however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as shoes or lamp cords. These robots are cheaper and don't have the ability to learn when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items such as large pet poop or chairs legs. The robot cleaner won't be able lift massive 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 pet or cat, you might need to block their route by using a furniture or box. Some robots allow you to create a virtual barrier in the app.
floor vacuum robot mentioned below use object detection to determine what is in front of them even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of trash. They must be emptying less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.
This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately except if it's included with the robot vacuum.
Aside from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning, a self-emptying base can also help you save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out regularly. It is recommended to make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also have features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common issues, which is important because these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to view the available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot using voice. A number of well-known brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you don't finish the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean an entire house in one go.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum will help you avoid a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.
Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and often struggle with spills of liquid.
You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and an excellent value. Both models come with a high degree of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore, they may not be able to tackle your entire house with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort but they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For example, choose an item that has a self-emptying base to reduce the number of times you have to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds often or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
In addition to standard features like suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, so it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll have to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in different costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ that can vacuum and mop both carpets and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you require the more expensive but there are reliable options for every price level.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting 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.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.