Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuum cleaner quiet vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck in the sofa or behind the bed, making it able to complete its room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create a map. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new device.
Many of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in many situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. These robots are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too large, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it to the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may have to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection to see what is in their path even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These devices can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They need to be cleaned less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included in your robot.
Self-emptying bases not only save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned periodically, depending on the model. To ensure that your base is operating at its best you should use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will help you learn about the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you should be able to see a list of all available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot using voice. A few popular brands also let you set virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning schedules. The best robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to thoroughly clean your entire apartment in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied every few cleans. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is prepared for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and tend to 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. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and great value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore, they may not be able tackle your entire house with a single charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't equipped with an integrated or removable water reservoir, however, it has a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose an item with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed often or if it's a habit to forget to clean up and mop.
In addition to regular features like a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it slows down to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay more for these advanced features.
Robot vacuums are available in a range of costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features you will pay more, but there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac or one that has smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around toys and furniture and not become stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.