Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others require physical remotes for operation. Some include advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to recognize pets, toys and other debris that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck under the sofa or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog waste poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their route by using a furniture or box. Some robots allow you to create a virtual barrier in the application.
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection in low and optimal light conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session a self-emptying base is an excellent feature to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they must be cleaned far less often than the bin on the robot's own.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as iRobot's 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, except if it's with the robot vacuum.
In addition to reducing the amount of 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 clean. Depending on the brand the base comes with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. To maintain optimal performance, you should always use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of the performance of the device. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual can assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out an instruction manual that contains guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able, if you are using an application on mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available options. You can set them up in rooms, zones or even individual floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot by voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The best robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. Then, if you forget to complete the task the robot will start where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for a long time with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one step.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially when you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will save you from a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for its next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums come with 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. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both high-quality and offer great value. Both robots have a high level of suction and come with a huge self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore, they may not be able tackle your entire house with a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have an internal or removable reservoir for water, but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you have to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you often forget to sweep and mop.
Many of our top picks have additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, so it reduces the time to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay more for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you'd like the more expensive however, there are dependable options at every price point.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can 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 excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.