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. However they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application however others require a physical remote. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect toys, pet foods and other items that could hinder the operation of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck under the sofa 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+ use lasers and cameras to create an outline map. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new gadget.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or shoes. They are also less expensive and don't have the ability to learn when obstacles are missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the best robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly skids on your floors. If it's a cat or dog you may have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up within the app).
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here employ object detection to determine what is in their path even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example, have 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 just don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session a self-emptying base is an option to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they should be emptied far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it comes included with the robot vacuum.
Apart from reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and help keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the brand. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to consider. There isn't a 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 higher the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should have features that are easy to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written guide can assist you in understanding the basics and solve issues as they arise. This is vital because these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to view a list of all available settings and set them by zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot with a voice. A few of the top brands let you set virtual no-go zones as well as create custom cleaning plans. The best robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you do not remember to finish the task, the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to run for several hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean your entire house in one move.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to remove liquid spills.
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 choices have excellent performance and offer an excellent value. Both models are equipped with high levels of suction, and both come with a huge self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore, they may not be able to take on your entire house on a single battery charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have an integrated or removable reservoir for water, however, it does come with an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. cleaning robots require less effort than others. For example, choose a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful when your pet sheds a lot or have a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
Most of our top picks have additional features that can cut down on the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in the right place, or a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home to remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can understand your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else, if you want more features it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.