Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other particles from carpet and hard floors. However they leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using an app for smartphones, but others require physical remotes for operation. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to recognize pets, toys and other debris that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping in the sofa or behind the bed and making it able to complete its cleaning tasks 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 a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely 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 an important difference to the performance and convenience your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in many situations however, they can get hung up on items that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones within your house for certain objects.
Even the best robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. If good robot vacuum is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be able to lift it and may be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their route by using a furniture or box. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier within the app.
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to determine what's right in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days of dust. They need to be emptying less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.
In addition to decreasing 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. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they may require cleaning frequently. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital because these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able, if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot to look up the available options. You can set them up by zones, rooms, or individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot using voice. A number of popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you fail to complete the task the robot will start where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours with a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without having to drag them back there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean the entire home in one move.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can save you a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to get rid of liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and great value. Both models have a high level of suction, and they have a large self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, therefore they won't be able to take on 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 does come with a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, select a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds a lot, or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.
In addition to regular features like suction and rotating brushes, most of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, and can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you create a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay more for these advanced features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things the more features you want, the higher the price, but there are reliable choices at any price range.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery is on time.