Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other debris from hard and carpet floors. However they leave a lot on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by an app for smartphones, but others require a physical remote for operation. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other items that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping in the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its assigned room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature every robot comes with, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new device.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or shoes. They are also less expensive and don't have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the best robot vacuums could get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it to the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have dogs or cats you may have to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ object detection to see what is in their path even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or do not have the time 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 must be cleaned more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately in the event that it is not with the robot vacuum.
In addition to cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base can also save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. They might need to be cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. To ensure optimal performance, you should always make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of the performance of the device. Generally speaking the greater the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is easy to understand. A well-written guide can assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view a list of all available settings and then 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 number of popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you fail to finish the task the robot will start where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for a long time on a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they get to their base without the need to take them back there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean the entire home in one move.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both high-quality and offer excellent value. cleaning robots have a decent amount of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our top two robots, though, so they may not be able to complete your entire home in one charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have high suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed a lot or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.
In addition to regular features like a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, and can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll have to pay more for these advanced features.
Robot vacuums are available at different prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things that you purchase, if you require more features it will cost more, but there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects, allowing it to maneuver around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.