Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great in removing pet hair, dust and other particles from carpet and hard floors. However they leave a lot behind on baseboards and furniture.
budget robot vacuum are operated using a smartphone app 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 most effective robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect pets, toys and other items that could block the path of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck under the sofa or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. 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 could make a significant difference to the performance and comfort of the new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in most circumstances however, they can get hung up on items that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. They are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may have to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier using the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here utilize object detection in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
A self-emptying base can be a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days of dust. They must be emptying less often than the dustbin of 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 unless it comes included with the robot vacuum.
Aside from decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might require cleaning regularly. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of how the device performs. 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 an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you should be able to see the list of available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot by voice. Many popular brands let you design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and then return to it at any time. Then, if you forget to finish the task the robot will start where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning when they reach their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and will allow you to clean the entire house in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleanings. This is a tedious job, especially if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin, and even wash and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for its next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
Think about a robot 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 have excellent performance and offer an excellent value. Both are equipped with high levels of suction, and both have a large, self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, so they might not be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Pick a model that comes with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the number of times you'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed often or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.
Most of our top picks include additional features that help reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in the right place or a vacuum cleaner that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home so it can remove them completely.
Certain models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models 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 different prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ which can vacuum and mop both carpets and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you'd like, the higher the price however, there are dependable choices at any price point.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not become stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.