Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app however others require physical remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or 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 are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can detect toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck in the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its assigned room cleaning more efficiently.
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 lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that 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 sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are useful in many situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. These robots are also less expensive and do not have the ability to recognize when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums can get caught up on larger items, like large pet poop or chair legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. robot vacuum cleaner best could leave ugly skids on your floors. If you have a cat or dog it is possible to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they should be emptied more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included with the robot.
Apart from reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base can also save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. They may require to be cleaned frequently, based on the manufacturer. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
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, however some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of the performance of the device. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also have features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and resolve common issues, which is important as these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides tips on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able when using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to see a list of available options. You can then set them up in rooms, zones or even individual flooring surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot by voice. Many popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you fail to finish the task, the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without having to drag them back. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to clean your whole apartment on one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied after every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use, so that it is 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 particularly useful for tiled or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a robot that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both high-quality and offer an excellent value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and so they might not be able to take on your entire home on a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and effort but they require daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For instance, select a model with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds a lot or have an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
Most of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and holds well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, so it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models let you set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things the more features you require, the higher the price however, there are dependable options at every price point.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a an easy bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.