Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.
Some models can be operated by a smartphone application and others require a physical remote. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can detect pets, toys and other items that could hinder the operation of the machine, or be sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the couch or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes to your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and comfort of the new gadget.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. These can work well 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 an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to set up electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.
Even the best robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly scratches on your floors. If it's pets or cats, you might have to block its path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the app).
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here employ object detection to determine what is in front of them, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an option to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they need to be emptied much less frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
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 need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.
Apart from decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer, some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they may require cleaning periodically. Always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the robot performs. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't expensive. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view the list of available settings and then set them by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Several popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The
best robot cleaner robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you do not remember to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best
robot vacuum cleaner best vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without the need to take them back. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, especially if have a large house or pet hair on your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin and wash and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for the next session of vacuuming.
The majority of
robot floor cleaner vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is especially useful for tiled or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with spills of liquid.
If you want a robot that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both of high-quality and provide great value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, and so they might not be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it has a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is especially useful when your pet sheds often or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
The majority of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in position as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn your home's layout and navigate around obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these premium features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things the more features you want the more expensive however, there are dependable options for every price level.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
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 to the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.