Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.
Some models can be operated using a smartphone app and others require physically operated remotes. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other items that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck under the sofa or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also spot changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and convenience of your new gadget.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They can be useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items like chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly scratches on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list use object detection that works under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These devices can hold up to 60 days' worth of trash. They need to be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it is included with the robot.
A self-emptying base will not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. It is recommended to make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the robot's performance. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written user manual can assist you in learning the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is important as these machines aren't expensive. You should look for the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you'll be able to view the available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot using voice. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones as well as create custom cleaning plans. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any point. If you do not remember to finish the task the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they get to their base without having to drag them back. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes, and will provide enough time to thoroughly clean your entire apartment in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum could help you avoid a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can vacuum and mop, consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and great value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, though, so they may not be able to tackle your entire home on a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it has high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent option for keeping your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For example, choose one that has a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to mop and sweep.
In addition to regular features like a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, so it reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models let you create a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models come with advanced software which can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in different costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro, which only works on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. As with most things, if you want more features you will pay more but there are options for every budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require a basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting 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 vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.