Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great at picking up pet hair, dust and other debris from hard and carpet floors. However they leave a lot on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using apps for smartphones, however others require physical remotes for operation. Certain models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping in the couch or behind the bed, making it able to complete its cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create the 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 a feature that every robot has but it could make a significant distinction in the performance and comfort of your new device.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. If the object is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting it and may be forced to push it to the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have dogs or cats you may have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the app).
vacuum robot advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days worth of trash. They need to be emptied less often than the dustbin on the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.
Apart from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning, a self-emptying base will also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Certain bases have separate filters to capture allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the robot's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use and a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for the manual that provides tips on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able when using a mobile application to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then arrange them by zones, rooms or floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A number of popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you do not remember to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one move.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a daunting task, particularly if you have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum can save you a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to remove 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 choices offer excellent performance and an excellent value. Both robots have a high level of suction and come with a large, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and so they might not be able to tackle your entire home on a single battery charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't equipped with an integrated or removable water reservoir but it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. Some models require less work 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 bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
Many of our top picks come with additional features that reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in position as well as a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to detect dirt areas around your home so it can remove them completely.
top robot vacuum allow you to set a schedule for cleaning and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are offered in different prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ that can vacuum and mop carpets and hardwoods. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more but there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the ideal 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 WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery arrives on time.