Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others require a physical
remote vacuum cleaner for operation. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck in the couch or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it could make a significant distinction in the performance and comfort of your new appliance.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in many situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to set up digital keep-out zones within your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. If the object is too large, the robotic cleaner may not be able to lift it and will likely be forced to push it to the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have pets or cats, you might have to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the app).
The advanced robotic vacuums listed below use objects detection to identify what is in the front of them even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot
Vacuum Bot at the end of every cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. They should be emptied less often than the dustbin on the
robot vac.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's included with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not only save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also keep your home cleaner. Depending on the brand, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out periodically. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies use, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the
intelligent vacuum cleaner.
Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you should be able to view the available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning schedules. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as the full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean an entire apartment in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and clean and dry its filter after every use so it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to remove 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 options are both high-quality and offer great value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a large
self vacuum near me-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, so they may not be able to complete your entire home on 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 water reservoir however, it does come with a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While
robot vacuum price vacuums can help you save time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to regular features like a rotating brush and suction, the majority of our top picks also have extras that help reduce the time needed to clean. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that is easy to attach and stays in position or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots around your home so it can remove them completely.
Some models let you set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay more for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you'd like, the higher the price however, there are dependable options at every price point.
If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects which 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 smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.