Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Some include advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other items that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not stuck under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This allows them to 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 can make an important distinction in the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations however, they can get hung up on items that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. They are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. If the object is too large, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and may be forced to push it to the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their route by using a furniture or box. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier using the application.
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works in low and optimal light conditions to determine what's right in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature, regardless of 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 devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they must be cleaned more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes 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 separately unless it's included with the robot.
Self-emptying bases will not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. They may require to be cleaned regularly, based on the model. 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 a robot has. 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. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common issues, which is important as these machines aren't expensive. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to see the list of available settings and set them according to rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot with a voice. Several popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as fully-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and gives you enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, especially if have a large home or pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.
Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a great value. Both have a high level of suction, and they come with a large, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able to tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and effort but they require constant maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, select one with a self-emptying bin to reduce the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful when your pet sheds often or if it's a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
The majority of our top picks come with additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in the right place or a vacuum cleaner that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you create a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay for these advanced features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else, if you want more features, it will cost more but there are options for everyone's budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum bot.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.