Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are excellent at picking up dust, pet hair and other messes from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using an app for smartphones, but others require a physical remote for operation. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that can detect food items, toys and other debris that could hinder the operation of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create a map. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it could make a significant difference to the performance and convenience your new device.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them through your home. They can be useful in many situations however they can become entangled with objects that are too close such as lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the best robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects, like large dog poop spills or chair legs. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it to the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog you may have to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use object detection to determine what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they should be emptied more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in your robot.
Apart from cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Based on the model, some bases have separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might require cleaning periodically. To maintain optimal performance you should use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the robot's performance. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use and an instruction manual that is simple to follow. A well-written user manual can assist you in learning the basics and resolve common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't expensive. You should look for an instruction manual that contains guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able, if you are using a mobile application to control the robot to view a list of the available settings. You can set them up in rooms, zones or floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even allow you to voice-command the robot. A few popular brands also let you set virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. Then, if you forget to complete the task the robot will start where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without the need to take them back. In our tests, a battery life of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean your entire apartment in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied after every few cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if 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 save you some major frustration. my latest blog post lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin, and even wash and dry its filter after every use to ensure it is prepared for its next cleaning session.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with spills of liquid.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer excellent value. They both 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, therefore they won't be able to take on your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have an internal or removable water reservoir, however, it does come with an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed a lot or have a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
In addition to regular features like suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks also have extras that help reduce the time needed to clean. Think about a multisurface cleaner which includes a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in the right place as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay for these advanced features.
Robot vacuums are available at various prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else the more features you require the more expensive but there are reliable options for every price range.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology that allows it to move 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 schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. And don't miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.