Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others require physical remotes for operation. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles such as cords, walls and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect toys, pet foods and other debris that could block the path of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping in the sofa or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes to your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it could make a significant difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. These can work well in most circumstances however, they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. These robots are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. If the object is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's a cat or dog you may have to block its path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use objects detection to identify what is in their path 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 under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they need to be emptied far less often than the bin on the robot's own.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included in the robot.
Self-emptying bases not just save your time, but also money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the model. It is recommended to use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of how the device performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is important because these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for a thorough manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able when using an app on your mobile, to control the robot to look up the available settings. You can then arrange them in rooms, zones, or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. Many well-known brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you like. If you do not remember to finish the task the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums last for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they get to their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean the entire home in one move.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This is a tedious task, particularly if you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums could save you from a amount of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for the next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to get rid of liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. Both models have a high level of suction, and they come with a large self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able to take on your entire house with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The model isn't equipped with a built-in or removable reservoir for water, 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 can't vacuum stairs or furniture but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For example, choose a model with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning runs. budget robot vacuum is particularly helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to mop or sweep.
In addition to the regular features like a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleaning time even more. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that is easy to attach and stays in place or a vacuum cleaner that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots around your home to remove them completely.
Certain models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay more for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available at various costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you'd like the more expensive however, there are dependable choices at any price level.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require a basic bump and roll vac or one that has smart mapping that can clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.