Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. However they leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application, while others require a physical remote. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can detect pets, toys, and other clutter which could hinder the operation of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed, making it able 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+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it can make a huge difference to the performance and convenience your new appliance.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in most circumstances however they can get hung up on items that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the ability to learn when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. If the object is too large, the robotic cleaner may not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use object detection to see what is in the front of them even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or just don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days worth of trash. They need to be cleaned less often than the robot's dustbin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including 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, except if it's with your robot vacuum.
Apart from reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Based on the manufacturer, some bases have separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out frequently. To ensure that your base is operating at its best you should use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of how the robot performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can assist you in learning the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to view a list of all available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even voice-command the machine. Many popular brands let you create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The top robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will resume 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. As such, the best robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they reach their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households, and will allow you to clean your entire home in one step.
The average dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can save you from a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. Both robots have a high level of suction, and they come with a huge, self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our top two robots, and so they might not be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and 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 or spot clean your floor. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Choose a model that has self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you need to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to mop and sweep.
In addition to the basic features such as a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, and reduces the time to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and also 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 for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like robotvacuummops when you're looking for more features you will pay more, but there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require a basic bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.