Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled by an app for smartphones, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify pets, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed.
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 an image of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it can make a huge difference in the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in a variety of 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 create electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects, like large dog poop spills or chair legs. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it, and will likely 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 might have to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier in the app.
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection to determine what is in their path even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or just don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they need to be emptied far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuum s like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes with the robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not only save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also keep your home cleaner. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned regularly, based on the brand. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to consider. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also have features that are easy to use and a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't inexpensive. Find a comprehensive guide that explains setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able view the available settings and configure them by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning plans. The best robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will continue where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they reach their base without the need to take them back there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean your entire home in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied after every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra 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.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both high-quality and offer an excellent value. Both robots are equipped with high levels of suction, and they come with a large, self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, so they may not 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 does not come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you'll need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful when your pet sheds a lot or have a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
Many of our top picks include additional features that reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in place or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, 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 however, there are options for every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting 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 vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery is on time.